The Ancient and Modern History of Mamadurai through Literature

Abstract

The ancient city of Tamil Nadu, Mamadurai, is known for its pride in the development of Tamil through the Sangam and for its distinction as the capital of the Pandya kingdom. It is known through history that the Madurai, which was formerly known as old Madurai, disappeared into the sea, and that the Madurai that exists today is called Pudumadurai. This article compiles the evidence from literary quotes, mythological records, foreigners’ references on Madurai, notable Sangam poets who associated Madurai with their names, the period of Old Madurai, the reason for its disappearance in the deluge of time, its connection with the Lemurian continent, the origin of later Madurai, the location of the temple, and its present status.