KANCHIPURAM

also called Conjeeveram town, northern Tamil Nadu state, southeastern India, on the Palar River and the Madras-Bangalore road and rail systems. One of the most ancient towns of southern India, it traces its history to the 2nd century BC as an early Cola capital. From the 3rd to the 9th century AD it was the Pallava capital, and from the 10th to the 13th century it served as the late Cola government headquarters. An important Vijayanagar town from the 15th to the 17th century, it was conquered by Muslim and Maratha armies in the 17th century and by the British in the 18th century, after which it was twice sacked by the French. Throughout its history, Kanchipuram remained an important pilgrimage centre. In its early years it was a Jaina and Buddhist centre of learning, and the great Hindu philosopher Ramanuja (traditionally dated 10171137) was educated there. Now considered one of the seven great sacred Hindu cities in India, it contains 108 Saiva and 18 Vaishnava temples. Also a modern centre of learning, it has several colleges affiliated with the University of Madras. Pop. (1981) 130,926; metropolitan area, 145,254.