Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) is a former Tamil citadel with a history which stretches back centuries. As far back as the 1st Millennium AD it was a significant seat of power, regularly swapping hands between the local Pallava, Pandya, Chola and Vijayanagar dynasties. It was the 17th century Nayaks of Madurai who brought the city to major prominence, in the process constructing its major historical buildings including the Sri Ranganthasway Temple, the Teppakulam commercial centre, and the imposing Rock Fort. The latter fortress and temple complex became a key asset during the British-French struggles for supremacy in the 18th Century.