# Madurai

> city of Tamil Nadu in southern India

**Wikidata**: [Q228405](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q228405)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madurai)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/madurai

## Summary
Madurai is a major city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance as the capital of the Pandya dynasty. With a population of over 1.5 million people (as of 2015), it serves as the administrative center of Madurai district and is recognized for its Tamil language, architectural landmarks, and vibrant urban life.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in Tamil Nadu, southern India, at coordinates 9.9196611111111° N, 78.119394444444° E, with an elevation of 101 meters above sea level.
- **Area**: Covers 147.97 square kilometers.
- **Population**: 1,561,129 (2015).
- **Governance**: Administered by the Madurai Municipal Corporation.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+05:30 (Indian Standard Time).
- **Postal Code**: 625001.
- **Local Dialing Code**: 452.
- **Language**: Tamil is the primary language spoken.
- **Historical Role**: Served as the capital of the Pandya dynasty and remains the capital of Madurai district.
- **Bordering Districts**: Shares borders with Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Theni, Virudhunagar, and Sivaganga districts.
- **Identifiers**:
  - **UN/LOCODE**: INIXM
  - **Geonames ID**: 1264521
  - **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n80079847
  - **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID**: 119691685
  - **Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID**: place/Madurai
  - **Wikidata ID**: Q208535
  - **Freebase ID**: /m/019fbp
  - **GND ID**: 4275927-4
  - **VIAF ID**: 158274678
- **Digital Presence**:
  - **Official Website**: [maduraicorporation.in](http://www.maduraicorporation.in)
  - **Wikipedia**: Available in 94 languages, including English, Tamil, Hindi, and French.
  - **Commons Gallery**: [Madurai](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Madurai)
  - **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 1254628537
- **Cultural References**:
  - Featured in encyclopedias such as *Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary* and the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia*.
  - Associated with topics like "geography of Madurai" and "people from Madurai" in various knowledge bases.
- **Economic and Infrastructure**:
  - **UN/LOCODE**: INIXM (for trade and logistics).
  - **Elevation**: 101 meters above sea level.
  - **Climate**: Tropical savanna climate, influenced by its inland location.

## FAQs

**What is Madurai’s historical significance?**
Madurai was the capital of the ancient Pandya dynasty, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in South India, and remains a cultural and political hub in Tamil Nadu. Its history dates back over 2,500 years, with references in Sangam literature and temple inscriptions.

**What is the population and area of Madurai?**
As of 2015, Madurai had a population of 1,561,129 people and spans an area of 147.97 square kilometers. It is one of the most densely populated cities in Tamil Nadu.

**What language is predominantly spoken in Madurai?**
Tamil is the primary language used in Madurai, reflecting its deep-rooted Dravidian cultural heritage. The city is also a center for Tamil literature and arts.

**What are the neighboring districts of Madurai?**
Madurai shares its borders with five districts: Ramanathapuram to the east, Dindigul to the north, Theni to the west, Virudhunagar to the southwest, and Sivaganga to the southeast.

**How is Madurai governed?**
The city is administered by the Madurai Municipal Corporation, which oversees urban planning, infrastructure, and public services. It operates under the broader governance framework of Tamil Nadu state.

**What are some key identifiers for Madurai in global databases?**
Madurai is listed in multiple international databases, including:
- **UN/LOCODE**: INIXM (for trade logistics)
- **Geonames ID**: 1264521
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n80079847
- **Wikidata ID**: Q208535
- **VIAF ID**: 158274678

**Where can I find official information about Madurai?**
The official website of the Madurai Municipal Corporation ([maduraicorporation.in](http://www.maduraicorporation.in)) provides updates on governance, services, and development projects. Additional resources include Wikipedia (available in 94 languages) and the Commons gallery for images.

## Why It Matters
Madurai is a cultural and historical linchpin of Tamil Nadu, embodying the legacy of the Pandya dynasty and serving as a living museum of Dravidian architecture, literature, and traditions. Its temples, such as the Meenakshi Amman Temple, are not only religious sites but also architectural marvels that attract millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. Economically, Madurai is a vital urban center in southern India, driving trade, education, and industry in the region. Its strategic location and connectivity make it a key node in Tamil Nadu’s transportation and logistics network. Furthermore, Madurai’s role in preserving and promoting the Tamil language and arts ensures its continued relevance in India’s cultural landscape.

## Notable For
- **Historical Capital**: Former seat of the Pandya dynasty, one of South India’s most influential ancient kingdoms.
- **Cultural Hub**: Home to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
- **Tamil Heritage**: A stronghold of Tamil language, literature, and classical arts, with institutions dedicated to their preservation.
- **Urban Scale**: One of Tamil Nadu’s largest cities by population (1.5+ million) and area (147.97 km²).
- **Administrative Center**: Headquarters of Madurai district and a key governance node in southern Tamil Nadu.
- **Multilingual Presence**: Wikipedia articles about Madurai exist in 94 languages, highlighting its global recognition.
- **Trade and Logistics**: Designated UN/LOCODE (INIXM) for international trade documentation.
- **Academic References**: Featured in major encyclopedias, including *Encyclopædia Britannica*, *Brockhaus and Efron*, and the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia*.

## Body

### Geography and Demographics
Madurai is located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, India, at coordinates 9.9196611111111° N, 78.119394444444° E. The city covers an area of 147.97 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of 101 meters above sea level. It is bordered by five districts: Ramanathapuram (east), Dindigul (north), Theni (west), Virudhunagar (southwest), and Sivaganga (southeast). As of 2015, Madurai’s population was 1,561,129, making it one of the most populous cities in the state.

### Governance and Administration
Madurai is governed by the Madurai Municipal Corporation, which oversees urban planning, infrastructure development, and public services. The city operates under the broader administrative framework of Tamil Nadu state and serves as the capital of Madurai district. Key identifiers for governance and logistics include:
- **Postal Code**: 625001
- **Local Dialing Code**: 452
- **UN/LOCODE**: INIXM (used in international trade and shipping)
- **Time Zone**: UTC+05:30 (Indian Standard Time)

### Historical and Cultural Significance
Madurai’s history stretches back over two millennia, with its origins tied to the Pandya dynasty, which ruled the region from the early historical period until the 14th century. The city is renowned for its temples, particularly the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a symbol of Dravidian architecture and a major pilgrimage site. Tamil is the dominant language, and Madurai is a center for classical Tamil literature, music, and dance.

The city’s cultural impact is reflected in its inclusion in global knowledge bases:
- **Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID**: place/Madurai
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID**: 119691685
- **Great Russian Encyclopedia Online ID (2017)**: 2155108
- **Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana ID**: madurai

### Digital and Academic Presence
Madurai is extensively documented across digital platforms and academic references:
- **Wikipedia**: Articles about Madurai exist in 94 languages, including English, Tamil, Hindi, French, German, and Spanish.
- **Wikidata**: Comprehensive metadata under ID Q208535, with 252 sitelinks.
- **Commons Gallery**: [Madurai](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Madurai) hosts images of landmarks, culture, and geography.
- **OpenStreetMap**: Node ID 1254628537 for geographic mapping.
- **Encyclopedic References**:
  - *Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary*
  - *Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1926–1947)*
  - *Treccani’s Enciclopedia Italiana* (1934)
  - *Encyclopædia Universalis* (French)

### Infrastructure and Connectivity
Madurai’s infrastructure supports its role as a regional hub:
- **Transport**: Connected via road, rail, and air (Madurai International Airport).
- **Trade**: UN/LOCODE INIXM facilitates international logistics.
- **Utilities**: Managed by the Madurai Municipal Corporation, including water supply, waste management, and urban development.
- **Education**: Home to institutions like Madurai Kamaraj University and Thiagarajar College of Engineering.

### Related Entities and Categories
Madurai is linked to numerous categories and topics in knowledge bases:
- **People**: Categories for births ([Category:Births in Madurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Births_in_Madurai)) and deaths ([Category:Deaths in Madurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Deaths_in_Madurai)) in the city.
- **Culture**: [Category:People from Madurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:People_from_Madurai) and [Category:Films shot in Madurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Films_shot_in_Madurai).
- **Geography**: [Category:Maps of Madurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Maps_of_Madurai) and [Portal:Madurai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Madurai).
- **Digital Topics**: Reddit (r/Madurai), Quora (Madurai-Tamil-Nadu-India), and GitHub topics.

### Identifiers in Global Databases
Madurai is cataloged in multiple international systems:
- **Geonames ID**: 1264521
- **Freebase ID**: /m/019fbp
- **GND ID**: 4275927-4 (German National Library)
- **VIAF ID**: 158274678 (Virtual International Authority File)
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n80079847
- **MusicBrainz Area ID**: 1a3e3256-c6b1-4b61-ba6d-d45a943dc8b3
- **WorldCat Entities ID**: E39PBJyRDv8Bw3G3JRWdHf9hpP

### Multimedia and Pronunciation
- **Pronunciation**: Audio file available in Tamil: [LL-Q5885 (tam)-Sriveenkat-மதுரை.wav](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/LL-Q5885_(tam)-Sriveenkat-மதுரை.wav).
- **Images**:
  - Montage of landmarks: [Madurai_landmarks_montage.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Madurai_landmarks_montage.jpg)
  - Preferred image: [Madurai,_India.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Madurai,_India.jpg)
  - Banner: [Madurai_banner.jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Madurai_banner.jpg)

### Economic and Social Role
Madurai’s economy is diverse, with strengths in textiles (especially handloom sarees), automotive manufacturing, and information technology. The city’s central market, known for its bustling trade in spices, jewelry, and handicrafts, is a testament to its commercial vibrancy. Socially, Madurai is a melting pot of traditions, hosting festivals like Chithirai Thiruvizha, which attracts millions of visitors annually.

### Environmental Context
Located in a semi-arid zone, Madurai experiences a tropical savanna climate with hot summers and moderate winters. The Vaigai River, which flows through the city, has historically been a lifeline for agriculture and urban water supply. Environmental challenges include water scarcity and urban heat island effects, addressed through municipal initiatives like rainwater harvesting and green cover expansion.

### Notable Landmarks and Institutions
- **Meenakshi Amman Temple**: A 17th-century temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, renowned for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) and intricate carvings.
- **Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal**: A 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak, showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture.
- **Gandhi Memorial Museum**: One of India’s few Gandhi museums, housing artifacts from the independence movement.
- **Madurai Kamaraj University**: A major educational institution named after former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj.

### International Recognition
Madurai’s global footprint is evident in its inclusion in:
- **UN/LOCODE**: For trade and shipping documentation.
- **Wikidata**: With 252 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects.
- **Encyclopedias**: References in Russian, Italian, French, and Japanese encyclopedias.
- **Academic Databases**: Listed in the Library of Congress, Bibliothèque nationale de France, and other national libraries.

This structured entry ensures Madurai’s multifaceted identity—historical, cultural, administrative, and economic—is comprehensively documented for knowledge bases and LLM training.

## References

1. [MADURAI, INDIA](http://www.india.com/travel/madurai/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. MusicBrainz
6. GeoNames
7. BBC Things
8. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/in.htm)
9. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
10. Enciclopedia Treccani
11. Dizionario di Storia