Madurai: The Ancient Heart of Tamil Nadu 
Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with recent archaeological discoveries in Keezhadi confirming its existence over 2,500 years ago. While Chennai (formerly known as Madras) is the capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is geographically the central hub of the state.
A Historic Trade Center 
Madurai has a rich history as a major trade center, facilitating the exchange of goods between north and south Tamil Nadu, including nearby states, as well as sea trade with neighboring countries. This legacy is still visible in the city’s street names, many of which are derived from traditional occupations and trades.
Streets with a Story to Tell 🚶♀
Some examples of streets in Madurai that reflect its trading past include:
| Google Street View | Description |
|---|---|
| Name: Chinna Kadai Street / சின்ன கடை தெரு Meaning: Streets of Small Businesses / Shops |
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| Name: Chitrakara Street / சித்திரக்கார தெரு Meaning: Streets of Artists |
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| Name: Vaḷaiyalkara Street / வளையல்கார தெரு Meaning: Streets of Bangles, Till date this streets have more than 100+ novelty shops |
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| Name: Kuyavarpaḷaiyam / குயவர்பாளையம் Meaning: Area where pottery are made. |
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| Name: Nelpettai / நெல்பேட்டை Meaning: Area of Paddy (Rice) Market |
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| Name: Sunnambu Karan Theru / சுண்ணாம்பு காரன் தெரு Meaning: Street of Lime Makers |
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| Name: Pacha Arisi Kara Street / பச்சரிசி கார தெரு Meaning: Street of Raw Rice Sellers |
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| Name: Eluthanikara Street / எழுத்தணிக்கார தெரு Meaning: Street of Scribes |
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| Name: Workshop Road / வொர்க்ஷாப் ரோடு Meaning: Street with Workshops |
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| Name: Manjanakara Theru / மஞ்சணக்கார தெரு Meaning: Street of Turmeric Sellers |
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| Name: Nagaikadai Asari Street / நகைக்கடை ஆசாரி தெரு Meaning: Street of Jewellery Goldsmith Shops |
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| Name: Pookadai Theru / பூக்கடை தெரு Meaning: Street of Flower Shops |
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| Name: Vakil Pudhu Theru / வக்கீல் புதுத்தெரு Meaning: New Street of Lawyers |
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| Name: Venkala Kadai Street / வெண்கல கடை தெரு Meaning: Street of Brass Shops |
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| Name: Kollan Pattrai / கொல்லன் பற்றை Meaning: Area of Blacksmiths’ Workshops |
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| Name: Vaikolkara Street / வைக்கோல்கார தெரு Meaning: Street of Hay Sellers |
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| Name: Kottukaran Street / கொட்டுக்காரன் தெரு Meaning: Street of Drummers/Percussionists |
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