Kumbakonam

India

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: May 19, 2025 • Article History

News •

Kalaignar University will function temporarily on govt. college campus in Kumbakonam: Minister • May 18, 2025, 12:01 PM ET (The Hindu)

Four arrested for gang rape of a colleague near Kumbakonam • May 17, 2025, 9:51 AM ET (The Hindu)

Two killed in road accident near Kumbakonam • May 13, 2025, 9:30 AM ET (The Hindu)

Move to acquire fertile land for university at Kumbakonam opposed • May 5, 2025, 2:43 AM ET (The Hindu)

Minister inspects sites for proposed varsity in Kumbakonam • May 1, 2025, 11:03 AM ET (The Hindu)

Kumbakonam, city, east-central Tamil Nadu state, southeastern India. It is located in the Kaveri (Cauvery) River delta, about 30 miles (48 km) west of Karaikal (Puducherry union territory).

Kumbakonam was a Chola capital in the 7th century ce and has numerous Vaishnava and Shaiva temples and a rare Brahma temple. Also an ancient commercial centre, it is renowned for its trade in foods, particularly rice and betel leaves, and for its hand-spun silks and bell-metal pots. Kumbakonam is situated on road and rail routes from Tranquebar (east) to Tiruchchirappalli (west). Long a Brahman seat of learning, the city has several colleges affiliated with Bharathidasan University in Tiruchchirappalli. Pop. (2001) 139,954; (2011) 140,156.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Maren Goldberg.