Madurai
History & Culture
Madurai, a prominent historical site and a chief pilgrimage centre, lies in
the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The sacred city relishes on the
glory of the grandiose Meenakshi Temple that magnetises vacationers and
pilgrims alike. The history of this city dates back to the Sangam Period of
the pre Christian Era. The Samgam Age or the Golden Period of the Tamil
Literature has the credit of creating masterpieces in the pre Christian Era.
The entire city of Madurai has developed around the imposing temple of
Goddess Meenakshi.
After the armies of Delhi ravaged the city, Madurai fell into the hands of the
Vijayanagar rulers. Later during the 16th and 18th centuries, it came under
the rulership of the Nayaks who were great patronages of art and sculpture.
And it was during their rule, that Madurai saw the construction of as huge and
magnanimous edifice as the Meenakshi Temple . Megathanes undertook a journey
to Madurai during 3rd Century BC. Later, people from Rome and Greece paid a
visit to this city to establish trade with the Pandya kings here. Madurai prospered
alot during the reign of the Pandya kings who ruled the city till 10th Century
AD. The Cholas were the second to take hold of the city. They ruled the city
from 920 AD till the beginning of the 13th century. In 1223 AD, the Pandyas
recaptured Madurai and became prosperous once again. Tamil language flourished
much during their reign. It was during their rulership that Silapathikaram,
a great epic in Tamil, was created.
In 1371, the Vijaynagar dynasty of Hampi lay hands on Madurai, captured it
and thus extended the empire. The Vijaynagar Rulers used Governors (Nayaks)
to administer the matters of the captured lands. When Krishna Dev Raya died,
the Nayaks declared themselves independent rulers. Among all the Nayak
Rulers, King Thirumalai Nayak is the most popular. And it was this
Thirumalai Nayak who has the credit of giving rise to many a magnificent
structure in and around Madurai. In the year 1781, the East India Company
took hold of Madurai and appointed their own collectors here.
Madurai teems with celebrations for local deities, weddings, cultural
practises and other significant events. In fact, they are a scene that can
be beheld every day of the year. There are so many unfamiliar sights that
would take you by storm. The city is truly a treasure trove of culture and
history. Both religious and secular festivals are celebrated all over the
city. And people take part with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. From dawn to
dusk, the Meenakshi Temple pulsates with activities and ablutions.
Processions, temple elephants and musicians can all be observed here.
The food here too is a part of the experience that ropes in tourists from
across the globe. The delicacies are spicy but are completely different from
other Indian foods. Women can be seen wearing sarees and traditional
costumes. However, the young and the school going children are welcoming the
western dresses and styles.
Overall, the city of Madurai captures the essence of the Tamil culture and
a visit to the city gets you closer to the spiritual and cultural India.
There are so many sights, smells and sounds to capture your imagination in
so many new and exciting ways.
