Early Cholas (3rd Century BC)
Uraiyur, now a neighbourhood in present-day Tiruchirappalli, served as the capital of the Early Cholas for 600 years. The world's oldest surviving dam, the Kallanai, was built across the Kaveri River by Karikala Chola.
Pallavas to Pandyas (6th - 13th Century AD)
The city's medieval history begins with the Pallava king Mahendravarman I, who constructed the rock-cut cave-temples within the Rockfort. It was later conquered by the Medieval Cholas and then the Pandyas.
Vijayanagar & Madurai Nayaks (14th - 18th Century)
The city flourished during the reign of Vishwanatha Nayak, protecting the area by constructing the Teppakulam and building walls around the Srirangam temple. It served as the capital of the Madurai Nayak kingdom.
British Rule & Independence
Trichinopoly was an epicentre of the anti-Hindi agitations in 1938 and played a crucial role in the freedom struggle, hosting the base for the Vedaranyam salt march in 1930.