TIRUCHCHIRAPPALLI

also called Trichinopoly, city, central Tamil Nadu state, southeastern India. It is on the main road and rail routes between Madras and Trivandrum and lies at the head of the Kaveri (Cauvery) River delta. It was an important regional capital of the Pallava, Cola, and Vijayanagar dynasties from the 7th to the 17th century. Its rock fortress, dominating the city, was the scene of bitter fighting between Muslim, Maratha, British, and French troops from the 17th to the 19th century. The city is now an industrial centre that has modern heavy electrical, thermal boiler, and locomotive construction workshops, alongside traditional cotton hand-weaving and cigar-rolling cottage industries. Synthetic diamonds are manufactured as well. The city is also the site of Bharathidasan University (1982). The surrounding Kaveri River valley is the best rice-growing region in the state and also produces sugarcane and betel. Pop. (1981) town, 362,045; metropolitan area, 609,548; (1991 prelim.) city, 386,628; metropolitan area, 771,120.