Madurai, also Mathurai, formerly Madura, city, India, in Tamil Nadu State, on the Vaigai River, south of Chennai (formerly Madras). It is an important center for the production of silk and cotton textiles. Several colleges, including an American college, are located in the city; they are all affiliated with the University of Madras. Madurai has figured prominently in the history of southern India since the 5th century BC. It is still a famous place of pilgrimage and contains many fine examples of Dravidian architecture, including the Meenakshi temple complex that was built between the 14th and 18th centuries AD. Population (1991) 940,989.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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