| Introduction Conjeevaram is the English name of the ancient Kancheepuram. It is
in the Chingleput District of Madras State, 45 miles southwest of Madras, situated on the
Chingleput-Arkonam Railway line. Like all ancient cities, Kancheepuram is also situated on
the banks of a river, Vegavati. The city stands foremost among the seven
ancient sacred cities of India. Kalidasa has described, it to be the best among the cities
(Nagareshu Kanchi) just as Jati (jasmine) is the sweetest amongst the flowers, Rambha the
most beautiful amongst women and Grihasthasrama the most ideal amongst the four asramas of
human life. As regards learning, Kanchi stood second in glory only to Banaras.
The history of Kanchi can be traced back to several
centuries before the advent of the Christian era. The place finds its name in Patanjali's
Mahabhashya written in the
second century B.C. Manimekalai, the famous Tamil classic, and Perumpanattu Padai, a great
Tamil poetical work, vividly describe the city as it was at the beginning of the Christian
era.
Author :
R.K.Das
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