Which of the following city is situated on the banks of river Vaigai?

The correct answer is Madurai.

Key Points

•  Madurai is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai.
• Madurai is a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
• It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Madurai district.
• Located on the banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai has been a significant settlement for over two millennia.
• The city boasts a documented history spanning more than 2500 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally.
• Madurai is often referred to as "Thoongatha Nagaram," which translates to "the city that never sleeps."
• The city holds a strong association with the Tamil language, as it is believed to have hosted all three primary congregations of Tamil scholars, the Tamil Sangams.
• The recorded history of Madurai dates back to the 3rd century BCE, with mentions by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to India, and Kautilya, a minister of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
• Archaeological excavations have revealed signs of human settlements and Roman trade links dating back to 300 BCE in areas around Madurai.
• The city has been ruled by various dynasties throughout its history, including the Pandyan Kingdom, Chola Empire, Madurai Sultanate, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Carnatic kingdom, and theBritish East India Company.   
• Madurai is home to numerous historical monuments, with the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the Thirumalai Nayak Palace being the most prominent landmarks.
• The Vaigai River plays a crucial role in the geography and history of Madurai, providing a source of water and supporting the settlements along its banks.
• The river originates in the Varushanad Hills and flows through several districts of Tamil Nadu, with Madurai being the most significant city on its course.
• The Vaigai Dam, built across the river in the Theni district, serves as a vital source of irrigation and drinking water for Madurai and surrounding areas.
• The cultural and economic life of Madurai has been closely intertwined with the Vaigai River for centuries.
• The river's presence has supported agriculture, trade, and the daily needs of the city's inhabitants.
• Even though the Vaigai River often experiences fluctuations in its water flow, especially during the dry seasons, it remains an essential geographical feature of Madurai.
• The city's identity and historical development are deeply connected to its location on the banks of this significant river in Tamil Nadu.
• The ancient capital of the Pandya kingdom flourished on the banks of the Vaigai, highlighting the river's historical importance.
• Today, Madurai continues to be a major cultural and economic center in South Tamil Nadu, with the Vaigai River flowing through its heart.
• The river, though facing challenges of modern urbanization, remains a significant part of the city's landscape and heritage.