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Madurai

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2008 | Copyright

Madurai , city (1991 pop. 1,085,914), Tamil Nadu state, S India, on the Vaigai River. It is known as the "city of festivals and temples" and is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. The Meenakshi temple (rebuilt 16th-17th cent.), which has 1,000 carved pillars, is especially famous. Madurai is also an educational and cultural center and a market for tea, coffee, and cardamom. Important industries are the weaving and dyeing of silk and muslin cloth. As Mathurai, the city was the capital of the Pandya kingdom (5th cent. BC-11th cent. AD). In the 14th cent. it was captured by Muslim invaders, who held it until 1378, when it became part of the Hindu Vijayanagar kingdom. From c.1550 until 1736 the city was the capital of the Nayak kingdom. The Carnatic Nawabs then gained control and in 1801 ceded it to the British (see India ). The Nayak palace (17th cent.) is a notable building in Madurai.

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Madurai

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

Madurai City on the River Vaigai, Tamil Nadu, s India. Madurai was the capital of the Pandya dynasty (5th century bc–11th century ad) and the Nayaka kingdom (c.1550–1736) before passing to the British in 1801. Industries: crafts, brassware, coffee, tea, tourism. Pop. (2001) 2,562,279.

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"Madurai." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Madurai." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Madurai.html

"Madurai." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Madurai.html

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Madurai

Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names | 2005 | | Copyright

Madurai, Tamil Nādu/India Madura See Madura. The final i was added in 1949. It has been suggested, however, that it comes from the ancient city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, modified by Tamil pronunciation.

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JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Madurai." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Madurai." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-Madurai.html

JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Madurai." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-Madurai.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	CII seeks upgrade of Madurai airport. News Wire article from: PTI - The Press Trust of India Ltd.; 3/21/2006
	Paramount to operate two daily Chennai-Madurai flights. News Wire article from: PTI - The Press Trust of India Ltd.; 3/19/2006
	Floral designers promoting Madurai jasmine. News Wire article from: PTI - The Press Trust of India Ltd.; 7/26/2010