# Nagapattinam

> town in Tamil Nadu, India

**Wikidata**: [Q695585](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q695585)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagapattinam)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nagapattinam

## Summary
Nagapattinam is a town in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. It is located along the Coromandel Coast and has a population of approximately 102,905. The town is part of a larger historical and administrative region with deep connections to ancient trade and colonial history.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India
- **Population**: 102,905
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 10.766666666667, Longitude 79.833333333333
- **Aliases**: Nagai, Nagappattinam
- **Image Source**: "Negapatnam van Choromandel.jpg" by Unknown engraver after Johannes Kip (1653–1722)
- **Image License**: Public domain
- **Wikipedia Title**: Nagapattinam
- **Historical Context**: Associated with ancient port town of Puhar (Kaveripattinam)
- **Related Entities**: Puhar (historical predecessor), Nagapattinam district (administrative region), India (country)
- **Cultural Significance**: Part of Tamil Nadu's rich historical and maritime legacy

## FAQs

**What is Nagapattinam?**  
Nagapattinam is a town in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is historically significant as a coastal town with ties to ancient ports and colonial influences, including its connection to the ancient port city of Puhar.

**Where is Nagapattinam located?**  
Nagapattinam is located in the Nagapattinam district on the Coromandel Coast in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its coordinates are approximately latitude 10.7667 and longitude 79.8333.

**What is the population of Nagapattinam?**  
The population of Nagapattinam is approximately 102,905.

**What is the historical significance of Nagapattinam?**  
Nagapattinam is historically significant due to its association with the ancient port city of Puhar (also known as Kaveripattinam), which was a major trading hub in ancient Tamilakam. The town also has colonial-era connections, as seen in historical engravings and documents.

**What are the names used for Nagapattinam?**  
Nagapattinam is also known by the aliases Nagai and Nagappattinam.

**What is the image associated with Nagapattinam?**  
An image titled "Negapatnam van Choromandel.jpg" is associated with Nagapattinam. It was created by an unknown engraver after Johannes Kip (1653–1722) and is in the public domain.

**What is the relationship between Nagapattinam and Puhar?**  
Puhar, also known as Kaveripattinam, is an ancient port city that is historically linked to the region where Nagapattinam now stands. Puhar is considered a predecessor or historical counterpart to Nagapattinam.

**What administrative region does Nagapattinam belong to?**  
Nagapattinam is part of the Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu, India.

**What is the cultural or regional importance of Nagapattinam?**  
Nagapattinam holds cultural importance as part of Tamil Nadu’s historical and maritime legacy. It reflects influences from ancient trade routes, colonial history, and Tamil literature and traditions.

## Why It Matters
Nagapattinam matters as a historical and cultural node in Tamil Nadu, linking ancient maritime trade, colonial history, and local traditions. As part of the Coromandel Coast, it represents a key point in South India’s historical engagement with the sea, trade, and cultural exchange. Its connection to Puhar, an ancient port city mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature, underscores its role in early South Indian civilization. The town also serves as a modern administrative and cultural center within Nagapattinam district, contributing to the region’s identity and heritage.

## Notable For
- **Historical Maritime Legacy**: Connected to the ancient port city of Puhar, a major trading hub in early Tamil literature and history.
- **Colonial-Era Documentation**: Featured in historical engravings such as “Negapatnam van Choromandel.jpg,” reflecting European colonial interest in the region.
- **Cultural and Geographic Identity**: Represents Tamil Nadu’s coastal heritage and its historical role in Indian Ocean trade.
- **Administrative Relevance**: Central to Nagapattinam district, contributing to local governance and regional identity.
- **Public Domain Imagery**: Associated with a notable public domain engraving by Johannes Kip, reflecting historical European perspectives of the region.

## Body

### History and Etymology
Nagapattinam, historically linked to the ancient port city of Puhar (also known as Kaveripattinam), is located in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. Puhar is mentioned in ancient Tamil literature, particularly in Sangam texts, as a flourishing port and center of trade. The town’s name is derived from "Nagai" and "Pattinam," translating to "port city" or "town of Nagai." The region has been a focal point of maritime activity since antiquity, with references in texts such as the *Silappatikaram* and *Manimekalai*.

### Geography and Demographics
Nagapattinam is situated on the Coromandel Coast, with coordinates at approximately latitude 10.7667 and longitude 79.8333. It lies within the Nagapattinam district, which is part of the larger Tamil Nadu state. The town has a population of approximately 102,905. The region is characterized by its coastal geography, which has historically supported fishing and maritime trade.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
Nagapattinam holds a significant place in Tamil cultural and historical narratives. Its association with Puhar links it to ancient Tamil literature and maritime traditions. The town is also part of the broader South Indian historical context, with influences from various dynasties including the Cholas, who were known for their naval dominance and trade expansion.

### Colonial and Artistic Representation
Nagapattinam is depicted in a public domain engraving titled "Negapatnam van Choromandel.jpg," created by an unknown engraver after Johannes Kip (1653–1722). This artwork reflects European colonial perspectives of the region and its ports during the 17th and 18th centuries. The image is part of historical documentation that captures the town's colonial-era significance.

### Administrative and Regional Context
Nagapattinam is a town within the Nagapattinam district, which is one of the administrative divisions of Tamil Nadu. The district itself is part of the broader Indian state structure and contributes to the regional identity of South India. The town is a key settlement in the Coromandel region, historically known for its ports and maritime activity.

### Related Entities and Contexts
- **Puhar (Kaveripattinam)**: An ancient port city that is historically linked to Nagapattinam, mentioned in Tamil literature and associated with early South Indian trade.
- **Nagapattinam District**: The administrative region in which Nagapattinam is located, contributing to its local governance and identity.
- **Tamil Nadu**: A state in South India with a rich cultural and historical legacy, of which Nagapattinam is a part.
- **India**: The country in which Nagapattinam is located, known for its diverse population, historical depth, and cultural richness.

### Legacy and Modern Relevance
Nagapattinam continues to be a symbol of South India’s historical engagement with the sea and trade. Its legacy is preserved through historical texts, colonial-era imagery, and its role in regional identity. The town represents a bridge between ancient and modern Tamil Nadu, reflecting both historical significance and contemporary relevance.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GeoNames
3. BBC Things
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File