City Heritage Development Plan

HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Final report - August 2008
Submitted to:
MADURAI CORPORATION
Submitted by:
SUVADU, Thiagarajar College of Engineering,

Madurai-625 015
Web: www.tce.edu
Phone: 0452-2482240-41
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ACKNOWLEDGEM ENT
We sincerely acknowledge the valuable inputs and support rendered by the following
individuals:
Thiru S.Jawahar, IAS, District Collector, Madurai,
Thiru D.J.Dinakaran, Commissioner, Madurai Corporation
Thiru S.Sakthivel, Superintendent Engineer, Madurai Corporation,
Thiru Mathuram, Executive Engineer, Madurai Corporation
Thiru K.Rajanayagam, Joint Commissioner, HR &CE,
Thiru Dharmaraj, Tourist Officer, Madurai and Virudunagar district
Thiru Murgan, TUFIDCO
Thiru M.P.Vasimalai, NTAG member,

Thiru B.T.Bangera, Chairman, CTAG, Madurai chapter,
Thiru Bando Padhyaya, CEPT,
Thiru Goswamy, CEPT
Thiru Mohan Kumar, Asst. Engineer, PWD, Madurai
Prof. Ravi, Dean, Dept. of Architecture, Anna University, Chennai
Thiru Manohar Devadoss, artist, Madurai
CTAG and CVTC of Madurai Corporation
INTACH, Madurai Chapter
Heritage Consortium, Madurai
Madurai Corporation
We would also like to thank the great souls involved in the
rediscovering Madurai’s history for years which has provided a great platform for us -a way
foreword. Last but not the least we would like to thank the Management, Principal and the
faculty members of Architecture and Civil Department, Alumni’s and students of
Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai-15 for their great support and enthusiasm in
completing the project.
SUVADU 1, T.C.E
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Refer annexure I
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Our sincere thanks to the...
Scholars in the city… Young minds in the city…
Govt. officials in the city… Teachers in the city…
Volunteers in the city…
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Abstract:
Madurai has been declared as one of the heritage mission cities under JnNURM scheme. The
city possesses an unbroken history for 2000 years with rich Heritage Resources and attracts
nearly thirty lakhs of tourist and pilgrims every year. City Technical Advisory Group (CTAG)
reviewed the City Development Plan of Madurai Corporation and suggested preparing the
Heritage Development Plan. Madurai Corporation assigned the work of preparing Heritage
Development Plan to the Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai.
The proposed plan was build upon the early prepared plans such as Urban Renewal Plan for
Madurai, 1999, Integrated Heritage Development Plan, 1999 for Madurai by STEM
consultancy for Madurai Corporation and on feedback received from Detailed Project reports
submitted on Heritage by Corporation. CTAG facilitated the process of preparation of
Heritage Development Plan (HDP) through series of workshops and seminars with
stakeholders. Students from colleges and schools were involved in heritage walk, Madurai
marathon for protection of water bodies and preparation of listing of heritage sites for
identification of heritage elements. INTACH Madurai joined hands in enriching the plan.
The visioning exercise was carried out with the stakeholders to envisage GREATER
MADURAI 2025 – A Vision. The exercise documented the perceptions of future, scanning
the city and projecting the timeline for future growth and development in all spheres keeping
the following content for preparing the vision statement namely
· Madurai as a prime heritage center with religious and tourism focus.
· Improved water quality to the region through the restoration of river Vaigai & other
Heritage water bodies in the region.
· Heritage resources to be used as employment sources to strengthen the local economy.
· Active participation of the local people for a sustainable heritage development.
The plan identifies heritage elements of tangible and intangible in nature with their
connectivity within the city limits in initial phase and gives additional space for more such
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elements to get listed in subsequent phases. The identified Heritage elements are classified
under four categories as stated below:
Natural heritage Built heritage Cultural heritage Art Heritage
Non-built Religious structure (temples, Festivals and Tamil Mural Painting

Man made churches and mosques) literature. Socio- religious found on the
River Vaigai & other Townscape with Mandala customs, Thiruvilayadal Meenakshi temple,
irrigation channels planning, Royal structures puranams, Chitrai Mahal and heritage
Natural and built like palaces, Isolated festival, Alagar festival spots. Various
tanks like Vandiyur structures like Fort Arts and crafts in the coins and
Mariamman wall,vilakkuthoon, region like Handloom, epigraphs found in
Teppakulan, Perumal Private structures like textiles, wood carving etc the region
Teppakulam etc. residential buildings etc.
These identified heritage elements are mapped assessed and graded based on their
significance at National, regional and local level (as prescribed by the Charters of Heritage).
For administrative and management purposes, special areas are declared and mapped in the
existing Corporation boundaries and LPA boundaries as follows:
· Zone I (area within the four veli streets)
· Zone II ( river Vaigai and its banks)
· Zone III (Area around Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Tamukkam grounds, Puttu
thoppu and Gandhi Museum)
· Zone IV ( irrigation channels in the city)
· Zone V ( anai malai, Naga malai, Thirupparankundram and Pasumalai)
The factors affecting the significance are then formulated and action plans are
prioritized for protecting and promoting the heritage significance. The plan is envisaged for
the year 2020 with investments till the year 2012. The plan focuses on an integrated approach
in identifying the different needs of Heritage properties, with livelihood and tourism
perspectives. It prioritizes the projects to promote the significance of the city with an
indicative cost outlay for Rs. 468.50 crores.
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HDP COST ESTIMATE AT A GLANCE
ZONES IMPORTANCE PHASE PHASE PHASE Total
I II III (crores)
NATIONAL 50 10 05 65.00
ZONE I REGIONAL 10 10 05 25.00
LOCAL 10 05 - 15.00
NATIONAL 25 10 5 40.00
ZONE II REGIONAL - - - -
LOCAL - - - -
NATIONAL - - - -
ZONE III REGIONAL 5 5 - 10.00
LOCAL 5 - - 5.00
NATIONAL - - - -
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ZONE IV REGIONAL 6 4 - 10.00
LOCAL 15 15 - 30.00
NATIONAL 5 5 - 10.00
ZONE V REGIONAL 5 - - 5.00
LOCAL - - - -
SUB TOTAL 215.00
EXCAVATIONS 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.00
ARTS &CRAFTS 6 3.5 3.0 12.50
REUSE PROJECTS 10 6 5.5 21.50
SUPPORT PROJECTS 120 15 10 145.00
OPEN SPACE 10 8.6 8.6 27.25
PEDESTRIAN PATH 8 2 2 12.00
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 10 03 - 13.00

ADHOC VALUES 20 20 20 60.00
TOTAL 508.25
Amount sanctioned 40.00
NET TOTAL 468.50
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Besides protecting the heritage elements, the plan also recommends
1. Support projects such as relocation of Central Market area found next to Minakshi
Amman temple to reduce congestion, Relocation of electrical transformers found near
the Heritage Precincts to give better view.
2. Adaptive reuse of the Heritage Buildings.
3. Demonstration projects such as re-creation of facade treatments of Heritage houses
and duplication of traditional houses with staying facilities for the tourists is also
suggested.
4. Plan recommends a Heritage center (social infrastructure) to be established which acts
as a training/education center to promote arts and crafts of the local area.
5. Archeological Excavation (so far not done in Madurai) has to be carried out in
different parts of the region to determine the timeline of the city.
6. Pedestrian network and historical walk must be established with contextual
connectivity.
Finally, the plan proposes a sustainable action process for protecting and promoting the
Heritage significance of the region as follows:,
· Heritage council to be set up for the developments in Heritage areas.

· Conservation projects to be carried as support projects for the sustenance of Heritage.
· The Heritage Special Areas have to be declared in the existing administrative boundaries.
· Whole sale regional activities with non compatible usage to be relocated form the heritage
zones.
· The Detail Project Reports should have integrative perspectives linking the social and
economical dimensions with Heritage management.
· Heritage Management has to be the part of the City Management.
· The projects should call for different stakeholders and public participation for investment
and management.
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Chapters at a Glance:
S.No Chapters Deals with Method of study
1 Background · Deals with the objective and · Review of various development

structure of the report reports by Madurai Corporation,
· Briefs the city in past and present Local planning authority.(LPA)
context. · Literature reviews
2 Study area · Briefs the locational aspects of the · Review of various development
region. reports by Madurai Corporation,
· List the various heritage resources Local planning authority.
in the region. · Literature reviews.
· Demarcates the study area. · Maps obtained by Survey of India,
Madurai Corporation, LPA.
3 Heritage · Definition of heritage · Literature reviews.
Development Development Plan. · Reports of other Heritage cities
Plan · Classification of Heritage. under JnNURM.
· Executive summary · Review of heritage DPR in the city
3.c Introduction · Discusses the objectives which are · Review of various development
focused towards protecting and reports by Madurai Corporation,
promoting the heritage Local planning authority.
significance using a · Consultation with various
multidimensional approach and stakeholder/public
multiple stakeholders’
partnerships.
3.d Documentary · Accounts the significance derived · Physical survey by the consultants.
Evidence from historical dimensions from · Photo documentation of Heritage
the early sangam age to the modern · Literature reviews
times.
3.e Determinants · Discusses the various forces such · Literature reviews
of Urban as geography, religion, political · Consultation with specialists in
form and commercial that shaped the field.
urban space.
3.f Physical · Identifies the various heritage · Physical survey by the consultants.
evidence. elements in the region and gives a · Photo documentation of Heritage
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overview of the present and · Literature reviews
proposed state, (highly indicative · Reports of other Heritage cities
in nature). Includes built heritage under JnNURM.
natural and living heritage.
3.g Assessment of · Values of the heritage elements are · Literature reviews

significance assigned based on the significance · Consultation with specialists in
on national, regional and local field.
level. · Derivations form the physical and
· Based on the values a documentary evidence.
recommended grading is given to · Review of reports of other
the heritage elements. Heritage cities under JnNURM.
3.h Statement of · A statement of significance is · Derivations from the chapter 3.f
Significance formulated from the values derived and 3.e.
form the previous sections by
layers.
3.i Graded zones · The zones (five zones) are graded · Maps obtained by Survey of India,
in the region according to the Madurai Corporation, LPA.
significance. · Review of Integrated Heritage
· Zone I: area within the four Veli Development Plan and urban
streets. (historic city) renewal plan for Madurai by
· Zone II: Banks of River Vaigai Madurai Corporation, Local
· Zone III: areas around Tamukkam, planning authority.
Gandhi museum, Vandiyur · Consultation with specialists in
Mariamman teppakulam and puttu field.
thoppu complex.
· Zone IV: all channels that take off
and enter into the river Vaigai
within city limits.
· Zone V: Nagamalai, Anaimalai,
Pasumalai and Thiuparankundram
4.0 Need for the · The factors that affect the · Situation Analysis by the
hour significance of the area are briefed. consultants.
· SWOT analysis is attempted for · Consultation with various
future decisions. stakeholder/public.
5.0 Vision for · Discusses the emerging · Consultation with various
Madurai developmental issues such as stakeholder/public.
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conservation of heritage sources, · Review of reports of other
encroachment of heritage spots and Heritage cities under JnNURM.
infrastructure amenities that cater · Consultation with Govt. officials
the local and tourist population.
· Renewal strategy is formulated
with special focus in protecting
and promoting the heritage
resources.
6.0 Policy · The directions for the future · Consultation with various
Dimension heritage perspectives are listed and stakeholder/public.
focused on the retaining the · Review of reports of other
significance of the place, special Heritage cities under JnNURM.
area declaration, identify the · Consultation with Govt. officials
feasible or compatible use for the
area, using heritage as lever for the
development and working within
the procurable requirements.
7.0 Project · Deals with the various phases and · Derivations of inputs from the
initiatives costing of the project. chapter 1.0 to chapter 6.0.
· Outline Heritage and tourism · Consultation with Govt. officials.
proposals. · Consultation with various
· Gives the outline of cost estimate. stakeholder/public.
· DPR submitted is analyzed and · Review of reports of other
suggestive method for investing Heritage cities under JnNURM.
the project amount is furnished.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover page 03
Acknowledgement 05
Abstract 07
Chapters at a glance 11
Table of contents 14
1.0 BACKGROUND 23-26

1A Mission Cities….
1B Madurai Corporation….
1C The Report deals….
1D City in past context….
1D.1 City in present Context….
1E Existing Documentary Status….
1F Sources of Maps and Information….
2.0 STUDY AREA 27-31

2A. Location….
2B. Climate….
2 C. Rainfall, Temperature and Wind….
2D Geological pattern, Mineral sources….
2E Heritage Resources….
2F Study Area….
3.0 HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 32-50

3A. Heritage Development Plan….
3B Executive Summary….
3B1. Historical Overview….
3B2. Physical Evidence….
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3B3. Statement of significance
3B4. Graded zones
3B5. Heritage Developmental measures. ….
3B6. Key Developmental issues….
3B7. Renewal Strategy….
3B8. Madurai Vision….
3B9. Policy dimension….
3B10. Project Initiatives….
3B11. Project Cost Outlay….
3 C. INTRODUC TION 51-56

3C1. Madurai….
3C2. Influx of People….
3C3. Site potential….
3C4. Multidimensional approach….
3C5. Objectives….
3C6. Scope and Limitation….
3C7. Possible benefits….
3C8. Method of study….
3D DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE – HISTORICA L OVERVIEW 57-65

3D1. Sangam Age….
3D2. Pandiyan period
3D3. Mughal period….
3D4. Nayak period….
3D5. Colonial period….
3D6. Post Independence period….
3E. DETERMINANTS OF URBAN FORM 66-74

3EI. Geographical Significance ….
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3E2. Religious Significance ….
3E3. Political and Commercial Significance ….
3F PHYSICAL EVIDENCE 75-77

3F.B Heritage Structures….
3F.B.T Tanks Structures….
3F.B.R Religious Structures….
3F.F Festivals….
3F.L Arts and Crafts….
3F.N Natural Heritage….
3G. ASSESSM ENT OF SIGNIFICANC E 78-91

3G1. Values of Heritage Elements….
Recommended Grading for Religious Buildings ….
Recommended Grading for Built Tanks….
Recommended Grading for Heritage Building….
Recommended Grading for Natural Heritage….
3H. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 92-98

3H1. Significance of Madurai….
3H2. Origin of the City….
3H3. Archeological layer….
3H4. Sangam layer….
3H5. Cultural layer….
3H6. Historical layer….
3H7. Architectural layer….
3H8. Ecological layer….
3H9. Arts and Crafts layer….
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3I. GRADED ZONE 99-103
Zone I….
Zone II….
Zone III….
Zone IV….
Zone V….
4.0 NEED OF THE HOUR 104-126

4A Need for Heritage Cell….
4B. Need for Integrated Heritage Development….
4C. Need for protection guidelines controls….
4D. Need for Appropriate Planning….
4E. Need for Traffic Planning Criteria….
4F. Need for Ecological approach….
4G. Need for Virtual Management systems….
4H. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats….
5.0 VISION FOR MADURAI 127-131

5.1 Key emerging issues for Madurai….
5.2 Emerging planning and Developmental issues….
5.3 Renewal Strategy….
5.4 Madurai Basic Vision-2020….
6.0 POLICY DIMENSIONS 132-139

6.1 To retain or reveal the significance of the place….
6.1. A Heritage Plan….
6.1. B. Integrated approach….
6.1. C Special area declaration….
6.2 Identity feasible or compatible uses for area….
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6.3 Heritage as lever for development….
6.4 Work within procurable requirements….
7.0 PROJECT INITIATIVES 140-160

7.1 Heritage Proposal
7.2 Tourism proposal
7.3 Investment Plan….
7.4 Conclusion….
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LIST OF FIGURES:
1. Arial view of Madurai 28
2. Location of City 30
3. Regional Map with surroundings 31
4. Jain Sites in Madurai 58
5. Map of Madurai – Pandiyan period 59
6. Map of Madurai – Vijayanagar period 61
7. Map of Madurai – Colonial period 62
8. Map of Madurai – Present period 64
8.bWater status in Madurai City 65
9. Ecological zones of Madurai region 67
10. Regional water areas of Madurai 68
11. Ecological areas 69
12. Map of River Vaigai – City limits 70
13. Map showing processional routes 72
14. Rajdhani layout 73
15. Boundaries of Madurai 74
15.b. Graded Monuments in Historic city 102
15.c. Zones of interest in Historic city 103
16. Street façade in East Marret Street 108
17. Street façade in Town Hall road 111
18. Street section across South Masi street 112
19. Hoarding and Electrical Lines 113
20. Shops before historic stock 113
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LIST OF TABLES
1. Classification of Heritage 34
2. Action plans 44
3. Cost Outlay 45
4. Growth of Madurai 66
5. List of Heritage Item 77
6. Assessment of Significance 79
7. Recommended Grading for Religious Buildings
a. Recommended Grading for Built Tanks 85
b. Recommended Grading for Heritage Buildings 88
c. Recommended Grading for Natural Heritage 90
d. Grade Zones 100
8. Land Use and Change 109
9. Floor Area 109
10. Vehicles used in Historic Core 112
11. Whole Sale Market 115
12. Traffic in LPA limit 118
13. Maximum parking Accumulation in Historic Zones 121
14. Zones of Significance 134
15. Conservation Techniques 136
16. Adaptive Reuse 138
17. Heritage proposals 141
18. Tourism Proposals 144
19. Action Plan 146
20. Phase I 148
Phase II 150
Phase III 151
21. Total Budget 152
22. Total Budget for the Graded Zones 152
23. Different components in Project Outlay 155
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LIST OF PLATES (A 3 size)
1. Profile of the study area
2. Methodology
3. Heritage elements in city limits
4. Heritage elements in core city & LPA
5. Minakshi Temple – 1
6. Minakshi Temple -2
7. Perumal Koil
8. Thirupparankundram
9. Churches
10. Mosques
11. Thirumalai Nayak palace
12. Pudhu Mandpam, Royagopuram
13. Gandhi Ninaivagam, Museum, pottal
14. Nayak Fort wall.
15. Pandiyan Fort wall.
16. Pathuthoon, Vilakkuthoon
17. Puttu thoppu
18. Institutions
19. Thermutti
20. Mariamman Teppakulam
21. Perumal Teppakulam
22. Water tank -1
23. Water tank-2
24. Water tank -3
25. Festival -1
26. Festival -2
27. Weaving craft -1
28. Weaving craft -2
29. Pottery craft
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30. Stone craft
31. Clay craft
32. Pop craft
33. Paper craft.
32. River Vaigai
33. Girudumal Channel
34. Anuppanadi Channel
35. Avaniapuram Channel.
36. Chinthamani Channel
37. Panaiyur Channel
38. Sellur Channel.
39. Sottathatti Channel.
40. Vandiyur Channel.
List of Annexure
1. SUVADU- explanation 151

2. CTAG and CVTC of Madurai Corporation 152
3. Inauguration of Heritage Consortium 153
4. Proposed DPR 157
5. Heritage Workshop 158
6. Madurai Symposium 165
a. Rediscovery of Madurai
b. Facilitating a greater vision for Madurai
7. Madurai Marathon-2008 173
8. Definition of Heritage 178
9. Puranic version of city 180
10. Profile of Local Planning Area, Madurai 183
11. Tables and Statistics 199
12. Heritage center 201
13. References 206
14. The Press and Media 215
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1.0. BACKGROUND
1. A. The Government of India has launched Jawaharlal Nehru Urban

Renewable Mission in 2005. The mission focuses on two important components – urban
infrastructure and basic services to urban poor, with governance reform as an overarching
third component. Ten cities were included in the mission primarily based on their heritage
importance. These cities are Amritsar, mathura, haridwar, Nanital, Puri, Nanded, Madurai,
Bodgaya, Mysore and Ajmer- Pushkar. A supplementary tool kit was prepared by the Mission
Directorate JNNURM to prepare City Development plan and projects with focus on heritage.
1. B. Madurai Corporation in response to the appraisal comments
made from the Central, state agencies and CTAG & CVTC3 of Madurai corporation on the
Detail Project Report4 namely:
· A comprehensive approach to the Heritage aspects rather than covering Tourism
aspects alone.
· Scope of the component expressed in Heritage should need connectivity and
prioritization of schemes with economic perspectives be looked.
· Alternate options for funding patterns to be probed.
Henceforth the Madurai Corporation has requested the Thiagarajar college of
Engineering in a letter dated 29-02-08 to prepare a Heritage Development Plan f Madurai. A
draft City Development Plan has been submitted to the corporation on April 2008. With the
inputs from Corporation officials, Heritage Consortium members5 (Thiagarajar college of
Engineering and Madurai Kamaraj University), CTAG and CVTC members of Madurai
Corporation, INTACH, Madurai chapter and sectoral experts in the city the final plan is
prepared.
1. C. The report addresses the needs of local community, pilgrims,
tourists and decision makers towards creating/sustaining micro and macro environment with
participatory approach. The report also incorporates/includes the Madurai Corporation needs
of including the cost and aspects of Heritage DPR6 in Pipeline for Rs 126 crores (done in prior
3
Refer annexure 1-01
4
Submitted by a private consultant in March 2007
5
Refer annexure 1-02
6
Refer annexure 1-03
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approval of Plan which becomes a major constraint for prioritizing the basic needs of the
Plan). However the report suggests and recommends a better method of investing the same
amount on different components.
1. D. City in past Context: This report concentrates on the Historic
aspects of Madurai, which is one of the Ancient Historic cities of the world and was centered
on the Sundareswar-Minakshi Amman Temple complex founded in 11th century A.D. This
town has survived as the capital city for more than twenty centuries for the dynasties that
ruled the southern part of the region that extends from the river Cauvery to the Kanyakumari
(southern most part of India.)
This long unbroken history has rendered Madurai with a rich, diverse, ethnic,
socio-cultural and religious setup, reflected in the settlement, which is based upon caste,
religion and occupational system. Within each community structure there is a characteristic
typology of built form, spatial definition and settlement pattern, complete with religious,
social infrastructure and system altogether giving a unique character to the town. Being also a
great Brahmanical centre, (center for promoting Tamil Language) Madurai has various
religious institutions with building typologies ashram, mutt, temples rathas etc, giving a rich
architectural heritage. More over this town has served as a commercial centre from its earlier
days. Crafts like Sungudi7 weaving, pottery, stone sculpture etc reached its zenith during
historical times. All these factors combine to make this a unique and important among other
towns.
1. D.1 City in present context: The city at present context shows the
physical-historical evidences of the sixteenth century architecture and the colonial
architecture, which is rare in the entire region. This unique historical core is much more
dominated by the temple complex and established cultural identity is clearly demarcated on
the physical fabric of the present city. This historic core occupies 8.5% of the total city area
and carrying a population of 46% of the total city population. A large influx of people from
the rural areas during the early 1970s has caused a serious transformation in the traditional
housing character and the lifestyle of the people. The large-scale destruction of cultural
properties particularly houses happened during the 1990s has made this city to lose its
7
Special type of saree weaving done by Sourastra community
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character. Since 1990s, the Town Planning Authorities had their first attempts towards the
conservation of the city through formulating set of guidelines to control the heights of this city
in order to protect the architectural views of the city. But apart from the temple and
monuments, individual buildings and historic townscape are not protected.
1. E. The documentary aspects of the heritage in the city were poor.
Moreover the process of listing and grading of Heritage properties was not done. Earlier
prepared heritage Plans like Integrated Heritage development Plan, 1999 and Urban Renewal
Plan for Madurai, 19998 gives less insight about the heritage aspects of the city. So it becomes
a mandatory process for the consultant to prepare a list of Heritage properties in the region.
The listing has been undertaken as an initial exercise in identifying the Heritage items and the
report also recommends preparing a detail inventory as a separate DPR for the city.
1. F. The Maps and information used in the reports are referred from
the following: (both primary and secondary)
Ø Research reports by scholars in the city,
Ø Madurai Corporation, PWD department, LPA, Madurai,
Ø CTAG, CVTC of Madurai Corporation
Ø Appointed Consultant (T.C.E) by Madurai Corporation.
Ø Gazetteers and other published books9
Ø Stakeholders meetings.
Ø Conservation Plan Brief by Australia Heritage Council, ICOMOS, Burra Charter
Ø Other Heritage charters, UNESCO reports on Heritage properties.
1. G. To gain insight into the existing conditions and future needs,
the consultant undertook a broad range of studies; including review of various developmental
plans, other City Development Plan’s prepared for the Heritage cities under JnNURM
schemes and also the Heritage Toolkit by the Ministry. The model used for the Heritage
development plan is extracted from J.S. Kerr Conservation plan manual for the heritage
zones.
8
STEM consultancy for Madurai Corporation
9
Refer Annexure 10
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2.0. STUDY AREA
Fig.01- Arial view of Madurai

City in 1980’s
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Could I get to Madura I should esteem myself happy as that place and its
neighborhood affords more beauties of nature and art than perhaps any other place in
India.
-FRANCIS SWORD
2. A. Location: Madurai city is situated in central part of Tamil Nadu

on Latitude 9 55’ north and longitude 78 07’ East, at a distance of about 500km from
Chennai. The city has grown on both sides of river Vaigai, and lies at low altitude, being only
of about 100 m above MSL. The ground rises away from the city on all sides except the south,
the gently sloping beautiful terrain. There are a number of large tanks around Madurai and
these with their wet Ayacut11, form important physical features and are not suitable for intense
urban development. There are no hills as within Madurai Municipal limits, but in the
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English Scholar in his visit to Madurai in Eighteenth century A.D
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Ayacut: command area of tanks: irrigated area under a tank
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neighbourhood are located, the small, prominent hills of Anaimalai, Nagamalai, Pasumalai
and Skandamalai. The distant beautiful ranges of Sirumalai, Karandamalai, Alagarmalai,
Nattam and Ailur hills form a picturesque appearance in the north of Madurai. NH7 and
NH49 link the city with the region and the pivotal location of Madurai in Tamil Nadu.
2. B Climate: Madurai is known for hot climate. The seasons for the
city and its environs can be divided as follows:
1. The Dry season (January to March)
2. The Hot season (April to May)
3. The South – West Monsoon period (June to September)
4. The North – East Monsoon period (October to December)
The dry season is generally hot with little relief provided by the gentle showers in February
and March. After this season, intensity of heat increases and reaches the maximum in
summer. After summer, the monsoon season starts with the usual rainfall during the months
of June to September. About one-fourth of the total rain for the year is registered during this
period. October and November are usually the wettest months in the year and about half of the
proportion of the total rain is registered during the north-east monsoon in the city.
2. C. Rainfall, Temperature and Wind: The annual rainfall is over 90
cms (38 inch). Showers are intermittent and irregular and usually heavy during the north east
monsoon. The mean maximum and minimum temperature is 37.5 C and 20.9 C respectively,
for the city. In the hottest months of April to June the temperature does occasionally shoot
beyond 40 C. the highest recorded in recent years was 42.2 C and the lowest was 15.6 C. The
relative humidity is summer ranges from 68 per cent to 45 per cent and that in winter from 76
percent to 50 per cent (mean humidity being 74%). In January and February the winds blow
steadily in the north easterly direction. In March and April it gradually looses strength and
steadiness in the north direction and veers round the east and south east direction. During
October to November the winds blows from north and northeast with the velocity of 1-
19kmph.
2. D. Geological pattern, Mineral resources and Soil: In the south of
Madurai there are small hillocks, while traces of rocky surfaces are found in the north,
granular quartz forms a low rocky ridge about 3 km, southward of the Nagamalai ridge near
29
the Kokulam. This band, though not of a great thickness, forms a very well marked ridge
traceable for long distances. At a point about 3 km, north- west Skandamalai
(thirupprankundrum), a ridge bends southwards, then eastwards, then southwards of the hill
and after tending south-west, gets lost under the alluvium of the vaigai at 6.5km due south of
Madurai. The mibble granitoid, gneiss group overlies the granular quartz series and is
specially seen in Thirupparandrum hillocks. The middle granular quartz forms the Nagamalai
and Pasumalai hillocks. Mineral resources are rarely found in these areas. Limestone is
found scattered. The middle granitoid gneiss rock found at Thiruppurankundrum is noted for
its best characteristics of building material. The major groups of soils that are found in
Madurai and its environs are the black and red variety. Karisal, Chevval and Vandal are the
important soils found in the surrounding area of the city.
Fig.02: Location of the Madurai
2. E. Heritage Resources: Located in a hot dry zone the city exhibits a

variety of heritage qualities undisturbed for centuries. The Jain caves on the mountains, the
temple complex in the center of the city, the palaces within the city the non perennial river
irrigating acres of land with sophisticated water systems, festivals through out the year and the
intricate crafts still in practice add values to the region. The significant factor of remaining
cultural capital for more than two thousand years alone makes it to be important heritage spot
in the Map of India. Moreover the city has fostered the Tamil literature for thousands of years
30
through Sangams. The city still stands as one of the important tourist destination in the
southern part of the country.
2. F. The Study area mainly consists of Heritage zones within the
Corporation limits (the inner city of Madurai, the river Vaigai zones within the city, the
summer Palace zones and few other new identified areas) and the LPA limits (mainly the
Natural mountains, water bodies and tanks of archeological values) of Madurai (please refer
the map at the end of this chapter). The zones also correspond to the identified Heritage
zones by the previous heritage development plans of Madurai. This report concentrates in
redefining the Heritage zones based on values and identifies more such zones within the
administrative limits.
Fig 03: Regional Map showing water bodies (grey colour portion) and hills (red spots)
31
32
3.0 Heritage Development Plan
3. A. Heritage Development Plan takes an integrated approach with

multidisciplinary nature with development of Heritage as key focus. This approach is fruitful
to address the complexity and plurality of Madurai in terms of cultural, historical,
architectural, environmental, economic and ethical implications. Heritage is not
contradictory to development, but development with proper information base and
considering the local dynamics of the place. Thus integrated approach means integrating
heritage development with the existing planning process and with the local community. It
incorporates both the principles of protection and management of historical and cultural
heritage within all decision making processes, especially in the context of urban planning.
3. B. Executive Summary: This Plan is prepared as a part/addendum

for the City Development Plan (already submitted) by Madurai Corporation. A special thrust
has been given to ensure the heritage aspects are included in the prepared CDP of Madurai.
The proposed plan is limited within the Heritage areas in the region within the administrative
limits. The Study Area includes the following:
Ø The Historic city (within the Four outer concentric streets of Madurai)
Ø The region around the river Vaigai and other water channels in the city
Ø The archeological Tanks and other water bodies within the LPA boundary.
Ø The areas around the Natural mountains within the LPA region
Ø The festival procession routes within the LPA limits
Ø The isolated regions like the Summer Palace (Tallakulam), Puttu thoppu and other
identifies zones within the city limits.
Ø Heritage houses in the region.
3. B.1 Historical Overview: Archeological evidences confirm the birth
of the city before 2000 years. The dating also matches with the Sangam and post sangam Age
(3rd century B.C to 3rd century A.D) where the city became as a commercial and cultural
capital of the southern zone. The excavated urns and Roman coins on the banks of river
Vaigai confirm the interconnectivity of this city to outside world. Around 9th century A.D it
became the capital of the Tamil Zone under the Pandyan Kingdom. The concentric layout of
33
city and parts of the Meenakshi temple stands as a physical evidence in the city. But much of
the architectural credit goes to Nayak Dynasty of Vijayanagar Kingdom that ruled the city for
nearly 400 undisturbed years. Presently the region bears nearly 40 percent (expansion of the
temple complex, remodeling the city layout, construction of two palaces) of Nayak’s imprints.
The colonial rule saw few changes within the historic city. But the rapid changes in
Administrative and educational systems saw a number of colonial buildings outside the
Historic city. The post independence period accelerated the destruction of the Historic fabric
and connectivity between the components in the region. Construction of complexes and
housing colonies on the archaeological tanks and in the Palace area are best examples.
3. B.2 Physical Evidence: The report identifies nearly fifty four (54)
Heritage locations in the region and assesses their existing conditions. The identified locations
represents the samples under the different categories of the Heritage namely Built, Natural,
Art, Cultural and Archeological.
Natural heritage Built heritage Cultural heritage Art Heritage
Non-built Religious structure Festivals Mural Painting found on the

Man made Monumental structure Socio- religious Meenakshi temple, Mahal
River Vaigai & Townscape customs, and coins and epigraphs
Channels Royal structures, Chitrai festival, found in the region
Natural and artificial Isolated structures, Alagar festival
tanks. Religious structures, Other festivals, Arts
Private structures and crafts in the region
like Handloom,
Textiles, wood carving
etc
Table: 01 classification of Heritage
The connectivity between these classifications is probed for better understandings. Analysis
of the physical fabric of city reveals the following:
Ø The concentric layout out of the city is undisturbed for one thousand years
carrying significance in terms of both tangible and intangible forms.
34
Ø The Meenakshi Amman temple still acts as a generator in all means for the
entire city. The temple also needs immediate restoration efforts to regain its
significance. The divine axis namely Amman sannathi and Swami sannathi
is being fast encroached by commercial sectors.
Ø Most of the other historic/ heritage like the Thirumalai Nayak Palace etc
structures need immediate conservation attention.
Ø The concentric streets in the inner city are based on the festivals in the town.
The connectivity between the festivals and the built fabric needs to be
restored (Particularly Alagar festival)
Ø Rise of commercial sectors in terms of whole sale markets has contributed a

huge destruction to the heritage properties.
Ø Neglectance and Ignorance plays a vital factor towards destruction of the

historic fabric. Moreover the lack of Information is yet another factor
responsible for delay in protective measures.
Ø The tourism Industry (with traditional Arts and crafts) still provides 30 % of
employment in the region. The arts and craft such as Madurai malli and
Sungudi weaving need a huge facelift for strengthening local economy.
Ø The River Vaigai (the lifeline of the city) still holds a self purifying capacity.
The inlets and surplus channels of the river Vaigai feeds numerous water
bodies and recharges the ground water level.
Ø Non compatible uses in the historic zones attracting huge amount of traffic
is a major concern to be addressed.
35
Ø The capacity building for handling Heritage issues and development is feeble
in nature. So Separate Heritage cell to be constituted to govern the
conservation activities in the city.
3. B.3 Statement of Significance : Religious: The city has been a
cultural capital for continuous 2000 years and center for the Tamil literature for the whole
southern region. Moreover it marks its religious significance for Sivaism through its display
of 64 Thiruvilayadal puranams (Sports of Shiva). These mythological associations attract
nearly twenty thousands of people every day into the city. Presence of Mosques, churches
within the Historic center adds value to its religious nature (enjoyed because of the city also
being administrative capital for the southern region). Further Madurai is one of the few cities
where festivals happen throughout the year.
Archeological, Historical and Architectural: The archeological
findings clearly suggest the place is more than 2500 years old. The findings near the
Madakulam tanks and on the Vaigai River bed exhibits its relationship with European
countries. The city has been the Political capital of the Pandyas and Nayaks for centuries.
Both the dynasties paid a great attention to the genius Loci, the Minakshi Amman temple.
The town planning layout followed the ancient planning systems like Rajdhani and
Sarvatobadhra (Manasara). The Architectural diversity in the temple and other historical
buildings gives a clear picture in fusion of different styles. The carvings of Jainism, the rock
cut caves found in fifteen places around the region clearly exhibits its importance in early
centuries. The Sangam (3rd century B.C to 3rd century A.D) literatures like
Cilapadikaram also focus Madurai as a great cultural and trade center. Further the
association with historic personality like the Great Mahatma Gandhi adds another
dimension to its diversity.
Social significance: The city has a great social dimension in
terms of bringing the Sivaism and Vaisnavism together through the celebration of Alagar
festival (March and April). This also brings the different urban and rural masses together.
Each and every social group has its own role to play in these festivals. Further the social
groups have also laid down certain controls/ principals in domestic architecture. The arts and
36
crafts practiced by the social groups such as Sungudi weaving by Sourastras also add values
to the region.
Technical and Research: The fact of being capital of a
civilization for continuous 2000 years on the banks of a non perennial river and in the dry
(Paalai) zone alone adds a great value in terms of research. The water connection between the
river and the numerous eris12 and kulams is a remarkable aspects and expose a huge grounds
for research in using and recharging water. The architectural fabric with cityscapes (Mandala
principle) and diversity in terms of cultural, anthropological (festivals), structural, spatial
gives an identity for the region.
2. B.4 The Graded zones: the significance formulated are
translated into zones for administrative and management purposes. They can be listed as
follows:
Zone Area Significance
Zone I Area within the four Veli streets Exceptional significance:

· Area around Minakshi
Amman Temple comprising
of Four Chitrai streets.
· Pudu Mandapam complex.
· Raya gopuram
· Ther mutti
· Four Masi Streets
Considerable significance:
· Area around Thirumalai
Nayak Palace
· Gandhi Ninaivagam
· Patthu thoon
· Kudal Perumal temple
12
Water bodies in a natural depression
37
Low significance:
· Inmailum namai tharuvar
koil
· Madanagopalswamy temple
· Town hall road Teppakulam
· Nayak and Pandiyan Fort
wall
· Town guard square
· St.Marys church
· Vadugar palace
· Rani Mangammal palace
· Gazimar mosque
Zone II Banks of River Vaigai Exceptional significance:
· Either side of the River
Vaigai
Zone III Area around Tamukkam grounds Considerable significance:
Area around Gandhi museum · Gandhi museum
Area around Vandiyur Mariamman · Vandiyur Mariamman
Teppakulam Teppakulam
Area around Puttu thoppu complex · Puttu thoppu complex
Low significance:
· Tamukkam grounds
Zone IV All Channels and canals within the city Considerable significance:
limits · Girudumal channel
Low significance:
· Anuppanadi channel
· Vandiyur channel
· Sellur channel
· Panaiyur channel
38
· Sottathatti channel
· Avaniapuram channel
Zone V Nagamalai Hills Exceptional significance:
Yannaimalai Hills · Jain caves & sculptures
Pasumalai Hills Considerable significance:
Thiruparankundram · Thiruparankundram
Murugan temple complex
3. B.5 Heritage Development Measures: Initially the factors

affecting the cultural significance of heritage areas are listed. Then developmental measures
are drafted that addresses the needs of local community, pilgrims, tourists and decision
makers towards creating/sustaining micro and macro environment with participatory
approach. It is focused on protecting, promoting and sustaining the Cultural significance of
the area by strongly designating Heritage zones within the existing administrative boundaries
to carry out decisions. It also probes the social and physical infrastructure for the identified
Heritage spots. Overall it attempts to develop a methodology to sustain the heritage
significance through public private partnership and ensure identification and implementation
of phased development projects. The plan covers a number of initiatives relating to the
Heritage aspects of Madurai such as:
Ø Conservation of Heritage aspects ranging from Natural heritage, built heritage,
cultural heritage and Industrial and arts heritage of Madurai.
Ø Promotion and sustenance of Tamil literary (Tamil Sangam) significance.
Ø Promotion of local arts and crafts in the area.
Ø Shifting non compatible uses from the core area such as whole sale markets etc.
Ø Improvements of physical and social infrastructure to the people and tourists
within the Heritage areas.
Ø Identification of remunerative projects with different options and phasing of the
projects to help funding of other service projects and resource mobilizations.
Ø Institutional arrangements for implementation of the projects with public private
partnerships.
39
Vision for Madurai-2020: The required Heritage vision 2020 for
Madurai is not to be a part of Master plan or any developmental plan that has constricted
objectives. The vision should give due weight age to conservation as a part of developmental
process. As indicated earlier the approach should be an integrated one where protection of
Heritage resource, protection of rivers, water bodies and wetlands, settlement/ Urban level
Agriculture, socio cultural and religious heritage are in tandem with transport, services and
land use of the area.
3B.6 Key emerging issues for Madurai

· Conserve and enhance Madurai’s heritage through statutory listing and precincts
plans.
· Optimally utilize the available natural resources and retainable physical environment
in the development area.
· Ensure adequate provision of transportation infrastructure and traffic orderliness in
heritage zones.
· Ensure heritage sources are used as employment sources to the local unemployed
people
· Undertake integrated development of Heritage industries and facilities in order to
weave them with the existing social structure of the area.
· Provide necessary links to the existing heritage religious spots in Madurai.
· Control unplanned development in and around the religious sites and their
processional routes.
· Prioritize facilities that needed to be provided in order to achieve the set targets.
3. B.7 Emerging key planning and Developmental issues

· Special Area Development Plan: Preparing special Development Plan for heritage
Precincts should be the primary concerns. The plan should indicate the various heritage
development perspectives in tandem with other developmental plans. The plan should
formulate towards the producing numerous DPR’s and guidelines for development. The
proposed Protection and management plans for the historical sites in Madurai
40
Corporation, Town panchayats and municipal areas should outline policy and practice for
the use of site, the duties for the staff and the procedure for the documentation,
inspections, identification and prioritizing of resource projects, financial planning, system
of reporting and review of work plan both short and long term, monitoring and
maintenance programmes, security of site, education and visitor services.
· Encroachments on heritage sites (agricultural land and open spaces): Urbanization
has expanded in an ad hoc manner often on to the green areas and open spaces .Most of
the heritage sites are occupied / encroached by commercial vendors and Govt. bodies. The
Heritage Channels and water body on the other hand is occupied / encroached by
residential areas. Eg. Villupuram Kanmoi, Girudumal channels etc. The rural Green
(Agriculture) belt is also under tremendous development pressure due to non availability
of developable lands within the existing settlement boundaries.
· The river Vaigai is considered as a religious and cultural asset. The sample conducted by
the Civil Engineering Department, TCE around 50 various spots in river clearly indicate
the condition of the river at the city limits. The self purifying capacity of the river is high
in its entire stretch except at city limits. The main reason being the disposal of sewage
from the northern side of the city. The restoration process through the public participation
is crucial with stringent development actions and maintained by Tamil Nadu Control
Board.
· Floating pilgrim and tourist population is a year round phenomenon in the region. Since
the city acts as a destination center for the places in the down south of the state, the tourist
population reaches around 30 lakhs in a year. The floating population reaches around 2
lakhs per day. On several festival days there is a bulge and this has not been adequately
catered for.
· Synergy between various agencies like ASI, State Department of Archeology, Madurai
Corporation, Tourism Industry, and HR&CE is feeble and needs to be strengthened. The
proposals relating to widening of existing roads, construction of new roads, redeveloping
of Heritage areas, relocation of non confirming uses, preservation/conservation of water
bodies/tanks and management of cultural heritage needs greater degree of coordination.
41
· Excavation of the area to facilitate the dating and importance of the region. The
excavation should be done in the different areas in the region. The process should be
carried with the ASI and State department of Archaeology.
3. B.8 Renewal Strategy:

· The historic city or the core should undergo complete renewal process through
conservation principles. Conservation of Heritage resources, Adaptive reuse of the
Heritage properties, Rehabilitation and improvement of the infrastructure should be
given prime importance. Moreover, the process should retain and promote the cultural
significance of the place. Use of passive systems should be encouraged in Heritage zones.
· Several wards in heritage zones to be earmarked as heritage precincts, water bodies to
be restored through conservation process.
· The status of river Vaigai should be improved by treating the sewage water entering
into the river. The banks on the either side of the river should be strengthened within the
city limits. The off take points of different channels within the city limits should be
restored.
· The zoning regulations and the building byelaws should be simplified and penalties for
misuse and unauthorized construction are subject to deterrent penalties necessary. It is
very important to make the ward people to participate in the process.
· The renewal process should work in tandem with other developmental projects in the
region.
· A cultural center should be proposed in the region that promotes the local arts and crafts.
The center should also acts as training cum exhibition center for the region.
· An interpretation center to be proposed facilitating the tourist friendly environment and
also creating awareness about the area. The center should be proposed in the heritage
zone.
· A separate Tamil center with digital and virtual environment should be proposed. The
center should focus on the collection, documentation and distribution of Tamil literary
sources.
42
· Developing the tourist and pilgrim circuits is another major task. The tourist should be
given a different package on historic walks that covers a wide range of services based on
the duration. Walks like educational walks, exploratory walks, entertaining walks etc
to be given in the region. Similarly the 64 spots of Thiruvilayadal should be given
importance with greater connection.
3. B.9 The process for basic vision for Madurai-2020
The visioning process is an important step for future directions of heritage protection and
significance. This process has to be carried out by the Heritage Council and the different stake
holders in the city along with the Govt. officials and public. However the visioning process
should contain the following statements:
· Improved water quality to the region through the restoration of river Vaigai &
heritage water bodies.
3. B.10. Policy Dimension s: The policy dimensions are gist of

recommendation arrived from the cultural significance, Heritage assessment, community
participation and capacity buildings of Madurai Corporation. The Policy dimension focuses
on the following:
· To retain or reveal the significance of the place
· To find the compatible uses for Heritage buildings
· To use heritage as lever for development
· To work within the procurable requirements.
3. B.11. Proposed Project Outlay: From the significance formulated
through the primary and secondary sources, the policies, the phasing and the projects are
identified. The cost given in the Plan is indicative. The projects are prioritized according to
the need. The Plan recommends certain support projects to facilitate the restoration and
rehabilitation process. The implementing agencies are identified to execute the projects. The
Plan also recommends in integrating the heritage projects with other parallel DPR’s (Detail
43
Project Report) in the city. For Example, the social survey for BSUP (Basic Services for the
Urban Poor) surveys clearly indicates the status of unemployment in the city. The heritage
projects derived form the Plan creates sufficient space to provide employment opportunities,
thus utilizing Heritage as a lever for development. Similarly the revival of water channels and
Vaigai river front development can use the plan to integrate its design base for executing the
projects.
Table: 02: Action Plan
S.No Immediate Actions
1 Establishing a Heritage cell, listing and grading of Heritage properties

2 Conservation of Heritage items within the city
3 Setting up Interpretation center, information, cultural center in the city
4 Shifting of whole sale markets, hardware shops, electronic shops etc
5 Reducing traffic mobilization in the heritage zones
6 Environmental Upgradation in proposed Zones with security measures in the
city for the tourist.
7 Improvements in the Heritage precincts and water bodies in the heritage
zones.
8 Creating Heritage Awareness programmes in schools, colleges and in public.
Providing heritage center in Madurai
9 Creating Heritage based employment for the poor people
Short Term Actions
1 listing and grading of Heritage properties in ULB area

2 Providing tourist infrastructures in the Heritage spots
3 Improvements in the Heritage precincts and water bodies in the heritage zones
in LPA area
44
4 Setting up of Information/ library centers and training centers for Heritage.
5 Setting up a center for contemporary heritage related activities.
Long Term Actions
1 Providing pilgrim hubs in ULB area

2 Providing heritage centers and information centers in ULB areas
3 Providing adequate parking space in Zone A and Zone B and other zones
ULB area
Project Outlay:
Table: 03: Cost outlay for the project
PROJECT TITLE INVESTMENT TOTAL SUB PLAN

TOTAL TOTAL
Phase Phase Phase
I II III
(Cr) (Crores)
Component A
CONSERVATION ASPECTS (To be carried out by HR&CE, Madurai Corporation,
State Archeological Dept, ASI and Heritage Council)
A1 Conservation and 80 40 10
130.0
restoration of the identified
Heritage spots in the region
A2 Revival of Traditional Arts 5.0 0.5 0.5 6.0
and crafts in the region
A3 Excavations in region 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
A4 Revival of Cultural events 1.0 0.25 0.25 1.5
in the city
A5 Cultural centers 5.0 5.0 144.5 144.5
Component B
REUSE ASPECTS (To be carried out by State Archeological Dept, ASI, Madurai
45
Corporation & Heritage Council)
B1 Reuse Plan 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0

Nayak Fort wall
B2 Reuse Plan 8.0 0.5 0.5 9.0
Central Market
B3 Reuse Plan 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
Commissioner office
B4 Reuse Plan 0.5 0.5 - 1.0
Aavin Park
B5 Heritage Walks 3.0 0.75 0.75 4.5
B6 Demonstration project: 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 21.5 166.0
Demonstration of Heritage
house, façade treatments
B7
SUPPORT PROJECT (To be carried out by, Madurai Corporation)
Relocation of vegetable 120 15.0 10.0 145.0 145.0 311.0
Market, Corporation Office
in fort wall, Commissioner
office, Electronic shops
around Perumal teppam,
shops inside the
pudumandapam complex.
Component C
OPEN SPACE NETWORKING(To be carried out by Madurai Corporation)
C1 Open space in 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0

Commissioner Office
(providing street furniture,
lighting elements,
46
Providing pavement,
kiosks, food courts)
C2 Open space in Aavin Park 0.5 0.25 0.25 1.0
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C3 Open space around 2.0 1.0 1.0 4.0
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C4 Open space in central 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
Market area (providing
street furniture, lighting
elements, Providing
pavement, kiosks, food
courts)
C5 Open space in Market area 0.5 0.5 0.25 1.25
near East Marret space
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C6 Open space around Ther 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
mooti space (providing
elements, Providing
47
courts)
C7 Open space South West 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0

corner space of the city
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C8 Open space in existing Eco 0.5 0.5
Park (providing street
furniture, lighting
elements, providing
pavement, information
C9 Other Open spaces found 10.0 2.0 0.5 12.5 27.25 338.25
in the LPA areas
C10
SUPPORT PROJECTS (To be carried out by Madurai Corporation, TNEB)
Replacement of electrical 2.0 2.0 1.0 5.0 5.0 343.25
cables and lines near
historic areas
Component D
PEDESTRIANISATIO N (To be carried out by Madurai Corporation and Heritage
Council)
D1 Pedestrianisation of all four 5.0
.
Chitrai streets
D2 Pedestrianisation of 1.0
Swami sannathi street
(from Raya Gopuram to
pudhu mandapam)
48
Amman sannathi street
(from Vitta Vasal to Asta
sakthi Mandapam)
Patthu thoon street
Samanar malai. (near
caves)
Anaimalai malai. (near
caves)
D7 Pedestrianisation of 3.0 12 355.25
Other areas identified
TOTAL 355.25
crores
Component E
ENVIRONM ENTAL CONSERVATION ASPECTS (To be carried out by Madurai
Corporation and PWD)
E1 Revival of River Vaigai
30 10 40
within Madurai corporation
limits
E2 Revival of storm water 40 40
Drainage of heritage
channels in Madurai city
(Heritage component)
E3 Conservation of forest 5.0 5.0 3.0 13 448.25
areas. (plantation of trees,
93
herbal gardens sacred
49
grooves in the region)
F1 ADHOC VALUES 60 508.25
TOTAL 508.5
crores
NOTE:
In total amount of 508.25cr, 40cr is already been sanctioned for the Strom water drainage
plan. So the net total of 468.50cr is required for the Plan.
50
51
3. C. Introduction: Tamil Nadu (located in southern most part of
India) is a place where more number of Temple towns is seen. They form a chain like
structure starting from the Suchidhram (southern most part of the region) to the Mylapore area
in Chennai. Each town is unique in their types. These temple towns can be classified into
monocenteric (where a single temple complex is responsible for the physical structure of the
town, e.g. Srirangam) and polycentric (where more than single temple complex is responsible
for the structure, e.g. Kanchipuram and Kumbakonam).
3. C.1 Madurai is one such monocenteric temple town where the whole
structure is strongly controlled by the Minakshi Temple complex. This Town is located
centrally in the Tamil Region and continuous to function in an active way. The significance of
this town lies in its city planning which was the product of 16th century and its status as the
capital state for more than 20centuries. This resulted in the royal palaces and administrative
building of 16th century. Most of its residential architecture is a blend of colonial and local
architecture. The city on the whole is dispersed in the moral order exhibited by the Minakshi
temple.
3. C.2 A large influx of people from the rural areas during the early
1970s has caused a serious transformation in the traditional housing character and the lifestyle
of the people. The large-scale destruction of cultural properties particularly houses happened
during the 1990s has made this city to lose its character. Since 1990s, the Town Planning
Authorities have made their first attempts towards the conservation of the city. They laid
guidelines to control the heights of this city in order to protect the architectural views of the
city. But apart from the temple and monuments, individual buildings and historic townscape
are not protected.
3. C.3 The site has a great potential for Heritage and tourism related
employment. But most of the Historical structures are inaccessible to the public and tourists
both national and international level. The educational value in terms of built structures,
spatial planning is too high and can be used as a model for the residential developments in
the core area. The social and cultural events inside the core provides an excellent example to
interaction between the different communities in the core area buildings like Thirumalai
52
Nayak palace that holds greater capacity in terms of usage for recreational and social
gatherings remains unexplored.
3. C.4 Taking the above aspects a multidimensional approach is
suggested for the area, which leads to Heritage Development Plan. This plan aims at a
systematic investigation to retain the significance of the area by allowing the development
process. The plan suggests in dividing the historic area into different zones according to its
significance and having development control for the areas. This plan aims in the involvement
of the public and other stakeholders into the process. The responsibilities at the various levels
are identified and a method is suggested for its implementation.
3. C.5 Objectives: The objectives framed can be listed as follows:
· To protect and promote the cultural, historical, natural and religious significance of the
Madurai.
· To designate the heritage zones within the region and promote various developmental
projects without affecting its significance.
· To identify the problems in terms of physical and social infrastructural needs.
· To shift non compatible uses from the historic zones.
· To examine and enhance heritage as a lever for developmental process.
· To develop a methodology to sustain the heritage significance through public private
partnership and ensure identification and implementation of phased development
projects.
3. C.6 Scope and limitations:
· The heritage Development Plan has to be integrated with urban renewal process,
settlement planning, tourism management and conservation of cultural and heritage
areas.
· Development control regulations will take cognizance of Archaeological survey of
India acts and rules.
· This Heritage Development Plan is limited within the proposed historical areas and
buffer areas.
· The Heritage Development Plan also provides adequate space for any alteration and
flexibility with future concerns.
53
· The Plan also recommends supportive projects to facilitate the process of restoration
and Rehabilitation.
3. C.7 Possible benefits:
· Protection of Heritage properties in the region.
· Promotion of main characteristics of the culture and heritage associated with the
region since time immemorial.
· Promotion of Traditional Arts and Crafts in the region.
· Provision of adequate facilities for the tourists and pilgrims visiting the city.
· To increase the employment opportunities at the local level through heritage sources
and increase the local economy.
· To gain more foreign exchange earnings for the city.
· To provide more attraction to private investors and corporate sectors to invest in the
heritage areas.
3. C.8 Method of study: Stage I:
Part A: Physical survey:
This consists of the survey of the physical PHYSICAL SURVEY
component of the whole historic city. Before this
survey the plot map of the historic core was RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY
prepared in the scale of 1:3000 by using two
main sources:
a. Scale map of the area surveyed by the SYSTEMATIC SURVEY
Madurai Corporation during 1970’s. This

map was not complete by itself except for
INDIVIDUAL
the scale. Many streets were missing. DOCUMENTATION
b. Ward map prepared by the local (representative survey)
authorities in the year 1990, which was

not to the scale, but complete with all the THREATS TO THE
lanes inside the historic core. RESOURCES
54
So by combining these two maps the current map of Historic core was drafted. With
the help of this map a Reconnaissance survey was done. Based on this a systematic survey
was carried by dividing the whole city into different components:
1. Built Environment
Religious structures: temples, mosques, churches, madams, choultries
Royal structures: Thirumalai Nayakar Palace, Rani Mangammal Palace, Vadigar Palace:
Commercial structures: Markets, Bazaars.
Residential structures: different communities Sourastras, Yadavas, Chettiars, Brahmins
Water structures: Perumal kovil Teppakulam, River Vaigai, other water channels
Isolated structures : lamppost, memorial stones, Jain caves.
CONTEXTUAL SURVEY
Part B: Contextual Survey:
This survey consisted of gathering
information from various secondary
ARCHIVAL RESEARCH
sources, which was explained, earlier in the
literature review. Apart from this more
concern is given to the oral history of the
area. Through this the formulation of the ORAL HISTORY RESEARCH
context of the place was understood. It

outlines the conditions which led to its Through researchers
creation, refers to the resource relative
Community people
standing compared to other resources of the
same kind, and to other resources in the Scholars
same locality. The history of the resource is

narrated comparing it to the historical FORMULATION OF HISTORIC
CONTENT
background during its period of use.
PHYSICAL SURVEY
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AREA
55
Stage II: Understanding the Significance of the site:
The data collected form the primary survey are analyzed, listed and prioritized according to
the importance. The data are then classified according to the types of Heritage. The
connectivity between the heritage items such as built heritage, cultural heritage, Art heritage
and Natural heritage are probed. Finally the statement of cultural significance was derived.
Stage III: understanding the problems affecting of the significance of the site:
The prime objective of this stage is to identify the factors that affect the built and the living
environment inside the city. The underlying pressures affecting the environment are assessed
and the reasons behind it were found. Then the existing management framework of the city
and the development plans are analyzed. The impacts of these plans were evaluated in both
the long and short-term perspectives.
Stage IV: Recommendat ion for the Heritage sites.

Based on the assessment, the recommendations were made. They were focused towards
retaining the architectural fabric of the site and the sanctity of the area. The Project
recommendations were given at the four levels, Conservation level, Reuse level, Open space
networking the pedestrainising level and Environmental level. This finally leads to the
preparation of the Heritage Development plan to the historic core of the city.
56
57
3. D. Documentary Evidence: Historical Overview: The successive
stage of the evolution of history in Madurai can be broadly classified and explained as
follows: The evolution is traced from the Sangam Age till date.
3. D.1 Stage I: Sangam Age: Before 3rd century A.D: The existence of Physical evidence
dates back to 3rd century B.C, when the Jainism dominated the Madurai region. The Natural
Mountains around the present city like Anaimalai, Nagamalai and Thiruparankundram
contains number of Carvings of Mahavera, Rock cut caves and Jain beds. Nearly fifteen sites
have been identified by the ASI13 and SAD14. The list of these Places is given in the
plates/sheets in the following chapter.
Fig 04: Jain sites in Madurai around 3rd

century B.C
13
Archeological Survey of India
14
State Archaeological Department
58
Remarks:
1. Establishes Madurai as a place where the exchange of ideas
2. Tamil literary sources- the greatest gift for the entire country was given
3. Concentric city planning was laid as a principle.
4. Cave architecture flourished during sangam age. Probably the boundaries of region
were laid based on these Jain’s Place.
5. River Vaigai, with other water bodies and Ecosystems was a part of the livelihoods.
3. D.2 Stage: II: Pandiyan Period: Till 12th century A.D

The city Planning can be traced from the period of Pandyas. However no traces of these can
be found now except a small portion of the Pandiyan fort wall (Vittavasal). The city structure
can be explained from the literary sources available during the first few centuries. The city
was formed on the southern banks of the river Vaigai. This part was full of the Kadamba trees
and was thickly forested. Discovery of the Linga15near a pond led to the formation of the city
at full stretch. This point were they built the temple was used as the starting point of the
temple.
Pandiyan city
Fig.5 - Map of Madurai – Pandiayan Time 12 century
15
Linga- iconography of the lord Shiva
59
Remarks:
1. Establishes Madurai in a new location between water bodies namely river Vaigai and
River Girudumal.
2. Minakshi Amman temple – started in the place, Madurai started to become a Saivite
center
3. Concentric city planning was followed around the temple complex.
4. City was fortified on certain planning principle.
6. Mythologies and festivals (Intangible Heritage) were given importance in the
community fabrics.
3. D.3 Stage III: Early Phase of 12th Century A.D -Mughal period:
During the period of Mughals, the number of residential colonies developed in and around the
city. Khanpalayam near East Veli Street, Khajilpalayam near the south Veli street,
Mahaboobpalayam near west Veli Street. Goripalayam developed as a residential area around
the mosque, north of river Vaigai. Many mosques were built, the noted ones being Tashildhar
mosque (East Masi), Munichalai mosque, and Kazimar mosque (south Veli). 16
3. D.4 Stage IV: Nayak Period: Till 16th century A.D:During the Medieval period
Vijayanagara kings ruled Madurai and it had a glorious history of development and
expansion. Viswanatha Nayak (1559-1564) was the Architect of the proper planning of
Madurai. He planned the city according to Manasara principles.In this old town all the main
streets run roughly, parallel with the walls of the great temple. Thus there is a Masi Street,
Avanianimula Street, Chitrai Street, just outside the temple and Adi Street inside the temple
complex. The significance of the names of the streets is that the deity of the temple, take
procession during these Tamil months along the streets. Next in the time of ‘Thirumalai
Nayak’ many of the buildings with architectural splendors like, Thirumalai Nayaks palace,
Pudu Mandapam, The Mari Amman tank, etc. came up.
Most of the people are Saivaites (i.e.) worshipping Shiva, who dominated the centre of the
city. The Vaishnavites were given a site in the southwest corner of the cities where Koodal
16
Refer the Plates im Mosques
60
alagar temple was located in the city. Thirumalai Nayak brought Sourastras-weavers from the
region, presently Modern Gujarat and gave them a site near his palace. Most of western sides
of the city were left as agricultural fields fed with water tanks and channels from river Vaigai.
Kudal Alagar Perumal temple finds its place in the south western part of the city.
Vijayanagar city
Fig 6- Map of Madurai – Vijayanagara Time 16 century
Remarks:
1. Revitalization of the city/ Renewal of the city were done by Nayaks as the city was
destroyed by the Mughals.
2. Minakshi Amman temple still remained in the center and was expanded on all sides.
Further it was given more emphasis by planning the entire city with the temple
remaining as nucleus.
3. City was re-fortified on certain planning principle( Rajdhani)
4. Water bodies were integrated into the city.
5. Architecture, festivals products were enormous and the Mythological dimension was
given more importance.( example: Alagar festival)
61
3. D.5 Stage V: Colonial Period till 19thCentury A.D: Madurai came under British rule in
the year 1792. Since then the structure of the city changed dramatically. The main factors
responsible were as follows:
1841- The fort walls were demolished thereby allowing the city to grow on all sides.
1866- Madurai municipality was formed and it became the head quarters for the southern
districts.
1875-Railways were introduced in the city linking to the northern and southern parts of the
state.
This resulted in the establishment of many industries, institutions and colonies. The
architecture of the city can be classified as residential and institutional architecture. No doubt
that this architecture is the mix of the local and colonial architecture.
Railways occupied the western part of the city. A colony was setup close to it. Houses were of
bungalow types with garden around it. Roads were wide and the canals and drains inside the
colony were channeled. This colony was well separated from the city by Railway station and
workshop. Cotton mills like Madura cotton mills and automobile industries like TVS. Ltd.
was set up close to the stations convenient for their transportation.
Colonial period
Fig7- Map of Madurai – Colonial period
62
The same feature is followed for the institutional buildings like the American College,
Madurai medical hospital and Madurai municipal building that is on the other side of the
river.
The compact city planning (now the inner city) helped the British to install excellent civic
services. Recreational parks were set up in the city. Iron fencing was put up around the
Minakshi Amman temple and an over bridge was constructed across river Vaigai connecting
the southern and northern parts of the city. This bridge is of rubble stone masonry with arches
in between them. Town halls like Regal Talkies was close to the railway station which served
both as a theatre and as a meeting hall. This building is colonial in nature with gothic arches
in between them.
Remarks:
1. Establishment of railways and colonial architecture styles in the city.
2. Industries were established around Madurai creating job opportunities in the region
3. City expanded beyond the fortified walls and the expansion mainly took place in the
northern and the western side of the historic city. Fort wall was demolished.
4. Educational institution was started in more parts of the city.
5. Heritage buildings like:
a. Collector office
b. American college
c. Sourastra higher secondary school.
6. Public Works Department was started that looked after the construction activities.
7. Ecosystem was given more importance along with the water bodies in the city.
3. D.6 Stage VI: Post Independence period:
Post independence, Madurai underwent a phenomenal urban growth. The maximum

population explosion occurred during the year 1961-1971, the reason of which is attributed to
the tremendous migration from rural areas. Its status rose to that of a corporation in 1971.
63
Moreover 13 villages were added to the corporation in the year 1973. It became the second
largest city in Tamil Nadu expanding to an area of 51.82 Sq.km. This period saw a growth of
colonies like Shenoynagar, Gandhi Nagar, Chokkikulam, Krishnapuram etc. In most cases the
Kulams17 were converted into residential colonies.
Fig 8. - Map of Madurai – present situation
Remarks:
1. The inner city was congested with more number of the wholesale markets occupying in
it leading to environmental degradation.
2. The religious connectivity between the Minakshi Amman temple and the city is lost.
3. The fort wall and other historic structures were occupied by Govt. bodies and private
bodies.
4. Water bodies were disintegrated in the city. They were mainly encroached by
residential areas and commercial areas..
5. The Intangible Nature of Heritage is alienated in the present condition.
6. River Vaigai, with other water channels became drainage channels for the city.
Ecosystems were a part of the extinction.
17
Kulam- pond like structure or low lying area.
64
RED COLOUR INDICATES ENCROACHMENT IN HERITAGE TANK, BLUE COLOUR INDICATES THE TANK
STILL IN USE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS.
Source: NEERINDRI- Dhan Foundation
65
Table 4: Growth of Madurai:
AREA REMARKS POPULATION
(SQ.KM)
Early period 2.59 Within 4 veli streets
1851 6.63 Status raised to municipality 41601
1871 6.63 1ST census period 51987
1951 18.52 - 361781
1965 22.17 -
1967 22.46 -
1968 22.90 Addition of colonies
1971 23.07 Status raised to corporation 549298
1973 52.01 13 villages added to corporation 658409
1981 52.00 - 817502
1991 52.00 - 951696
2007 52.00 - 12,00,000.
Source: Madurai Corporation.
3. E. Determinants of Urban Form: This section explains the

historical development of Madurai and the process of urbanization with the underlying socio-
cultural, economic, political and religious factors responsible for it. The history is dealt in
stages classified based on the important dates, events and political history, followed by the
spatial explanation of the morphological growth pattern.
3. E.1 GEOGRAPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The location of

Madurai region clearly exhibits it importance. It is present amidst the great geographical
diversity that leads to a complex cultural diversity.
· The Western Ghats thickly vegetated, believed to be the origin of the three powerful
tribal groups namely Chera, Cholza and the Pandyas. These groups migrated from the
Pothigai malai, the lower most part of the Western Ghats and settled across the
different locations in Tamil country.
66
· The northern portion consists of elevated Dindigul plain along with few hills like
Sirumalai and alagar Malai.
· The Chettinad plain surrounds the eastern part of Madurai region. The chettinad plains
are lower than the Madurai plains with dry characters.
· The plains further contiues in south as Aruppukottai Plain and Sankarnayinar Plain
with the same dry character. This zone forms a buffer zone between the Perennial
Thamirabarani River basin and the non perennial Vaigai river Basin.
· The Map below exhibits various ecological zones of the Tamil namely the Kurunji
(Mountain region), the Mullai (the grass lands), the Neithal (the coastal areas), the
Marudham (the agricultural fields) and the Paalai (the dry arid zone).
Thus Madurai zone is present between the varied eco zones of Tamil country. This diversity
attracted the Pandiyan dynasty to establish Madurai as cultural capital.
Fig 9: Map showing the different ecological zones around Madurai
67
N
Fig: Map showing the regional area of Madurai. Grey

areas represent the water bodies
68
By and large, the relief of Madurai Region is studded with the extension of spurs and
remnants of the Western hills while the surface is characterized by shallow depressions and
lakes. Agents of weathering and erosion particularly rivers and winds have sculpted the
topographic forms. Mostly the hills are rounded.
The Anaimali, Melur hills, the Sirumalai hills with rising peaks about 3000’ to 4000’, the
Alagarmalai, the Pasumalai and the Kalaimalai, the Nagamali and the Thiruparankundram hill
from part of an intermittent girdle of hills that give a basin-like form to Madurai region, they
differ from one another in elevation and the general gradient is towards the river. The hills on
the left basin or to the north of the Vaigai are closer and more compact, continuous than those
on the southern side of the river Vaigai. They are also clothed by the thick forest growth,
perhaps the remnants of puranic kadamba forests that must have been more extensive in the
past. There are innumerable tanks and lakes on both sides of river Vaigai.
Further the regional topography shows a drastic difference

with Kurunji, Mullai, Marutham and Paalai landscape.
Alagar Koil sets up a best example for kurunji landscape
with varied diversity in flora and fauna. Marutham
landscape studs around the kurunji areas watered by river

Vaigai and low lying swamps.
Rest of the area is covered by Paalai landscape exhibiting

dry character. The palm tree (palmyra species), state tree for
Tamil Nadu is abundant in Paalai zones. Madurai is also

known for Jasmine flowers that predominantly occupy the
Mullai region giving a prominent character to the place.
Each region has its own geographical and cultural identity.
These identities are more expressed in spatial character.
Fig 11- Ecological areas
69
THE COURSE OF RIVER VAIGAI:
The drainage of Madurai district is dominated by the river Vaigai and its distributaries, the
Surali and Theni at its upper course and the Varahanadhi and the Mangalam in middle course.
The source of the tributaries as well as the catchment area relates the Vaigai to the western
hills, the Palani, the Varushanad and the Andipatti. After flowing from south to north as two
independent streams the Vaigai, emerges as a broad river and changes its direction to the east
and north east, Again after the confluence of the Varahanadi and the Mangalam, the Vaigai
flows on through Madurai and turning south east empties itself in the Indian Ocean.
The Vaigai at Madurai gives the appearance of a braided stream not so much due to its stream
maturity but through scarcity of water which trickles through bed rocks and accumulation of
sand islands. The general level for greater part of the year is low. There are Shallow
depressions in the bed often near the banks, but sometimes the mid stream also often
relatively greater depths. The river has been continuously engaged in the slow process of
leveling from times immemorial.
Fig 12: Map showing the River Vaigai bisecting the city
70
3. E.2 RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE: The very layout of the city
with the temple as its nerve center makes it clear that the emergence of the two is close and
correlated. Moreover the city is called as a city of living religion or city of festivals. Every
year its sanctity is rejuvenated. The Chithirai festival commencing with the marriage of Sri
Meenakshi with lord Sundareswar, during the hottest part of summer is relieved every year.
The people enter the festival in the right spirit, unmindful of the sweltering heat.
The 15 mile procession of Sri Alagar (Sri Meenakshi’s brother) from
Alagar Koil to the city to attend his sister marriage gives a different experience to the people
of the region. The procession starts from Alagarkoil till A.V. Bridge. Apart from this Chithirai
festival, there are several others, local and regional celebrated in Madurai such as
Teppauthsavam or float festival and Puttu festival. “Madurai Region is a soul force where
Shakti worship, Saivism and Vaishnavsm and Christianity have lived and functioned side by
side to elevate Man on earth in the service of God – Dr. A.R. Iravathy.”
Historically Pandya period is marked by the rise of temple settlements
due to Vaishnavites and Saivaites religious revival referred as Bhakti Movement. This is the
most important factor for the development of Madurai into a sacred centre. During first few
centuries of the Christian eras Buddhism and Jainism prevailed in this area. This is well
supported by the remains of the caves in the hills found near the city. Then the Pandyas
suppressed both the Buddhism and Jainism as these religions preached equality. It was in 9th
century the Shivaism revived by the saints like Manicavasakar18 and they started constructing
the Minakshi temple complex. Vaishnavism also had a major impact on the city planning in
the late 13th century. Their impact was not stronger as it happened in Srirangam19. Here they
were in minority side. The Vaishnavites were given an un-allotted area at the southwestern
part of the city.
The city structure became more complex during the Vijayanagara

times. They brought with them Sourastras20. They worship Vishnu. So wherever they settled
they built Vishnu temples and settled around it. So there were many major temples like
Krishnan Kovil, Veera Raghava Perumal Kovil, Kudal Alazaghar temple etc in the city
18
A Shaivite saint.
19
Another temple town in the northern state of the Pandyans
20
People originally inhabited in Gujarat region.
71
centre. During Mohammedan rule many mosques came inside the town and they shaped their
settlement. Christian missionaries came on the late 17th century inside the city establishing
Churches inside the city.
Fig 13: Map showing the festival procession route in the city
72
3. E.3 POLITICAL AND COMMERCIAL SIGNIFICANCE: The
other dominant factor in the development of the region was the choice of the Pandyas to make
Madurai as their stronghold capital of the state. The city was the capital for more than 20
centuries. So it was considered always as an important place from the political vision. Next
this factor also leads to the migration of traders, merchants, artisans and cultivators from all
over the region of Madurai. It acted as administrative centre not only for the city but also for
the whole region of the down south.
Political decision very often changes the lay out of the city and its
structure both social and physical. This can be seen clearly in Madurai during the reign of
Thirumalai Nayakar. Let us see some of his contribution to the city. In order to legitimate
himself he supported the major Shaivites people. Further he built more public complexes and
buildings. Due to hot and humid climate, more pillared pavilion were constructed, inside as
well as outside the temple a huge palace was constructed on the S.E.part of the temple .the
city was laid on the Rajdhani principle and Sarvatobhadra. -A change in the architecture of
the city.
Though the city was built on this principle there were some small
deviations from the principle. According to this principle position of palace is in N.W. corner
of the city. But there were more clusters of people residing in those parts, the king decided to
reside on S.E. corner. Moreover, the northern side was always prone to neighboring attacks.
So the Dalvays or warriors were placed on Northern sides. – A change in city structure
Fig 14: Layout of ancient planning

in Nayak’s period
73
The geographical factor also established a strong links between the interior and the coastal
regions. Madurai had a strong connection with Korkai, Ramanathapuram and Negapattinam.
The town itself situated on the riverbank also supported Trade to a great extent. . Many
classes of artisans and craftsmen lived therein. There were the workers on shells, pearls,
goldsmiths, merchants, dealers in perfumes and flowers, painters and artists. Sources of
sangam literary works clearly show the wealth of the state. Different communities lived in
different parts of the city. The city is known for its commerce and trade. It even it had links
with the overseas like Rome etc.
Fig 15: Map showing the different boundaries and location of the Madurai district.
74
75
3. F Physical Evidence: This section explains the present status of the
Heritage properties. Different formats are used for the different types of Heritage. All the
formats give an insight about the historical view, the present situation and the proposed state
of the heritage elements. The proposed status indicates the actions that promote the
significance of the property. The formats are explained below.
Built Heritage Present status with Key Map
Historical
Overview Proposed
status
Present Photographs
Natural Heritage
Present status of Channel with
photographs
Key Map
Description of the channel
76
5
S.No. Built Heritage
List of Heritage items
(The listed Items are done in Phase I. the
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple Plan gives adequate space for more elements
2. Perumal Kovil Tank to get added in subsequent phases)
3. Kudal Azhagar Temple

4. St.Mary’s Chruch S.No. Natural Heritage
5. Holy Emmanuel Chruch

1. River Vaigai
6. St.George’s Chruch 2. Giruthumal River
7. Ghazimer Mosque 3. Nagamalai Hills
8. Goripalayam Mosque 4. Pasumalai Hills
9. Pudumandapam Complex 5. Yanaimalai Hills
10. Thermutti 6. Thirupuramkundrum Hills
11. Puttu Thoppu 7. Anupanadi tank
12. Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal 8. Madakulam Kanmoi
13. Pathu Thoon Street 9. Sellur kanmoi

10. Samanar cave
14. Rani Mangammal Palace
11. Thirupuramkundrum jain cave
15. Vadugar Palace
12. Narasimar Temple
16. Vilaku Thoon
13. Sirumalai Reserve Forest
17. Khadi Bhavan(Gandhi Memorial)
14. Avaniapuram Channel
18. Remains of Nayak Fort wall
15. Chithamani Channel
19. Sethupathi High School 16. Anupanadi Channel
20. Madura Coats Mill 17. Panayur Channel
21. Gandhi Museum 18. Sottathatti Channel
22. Vandiyur Teppakuam 19. Vandiyur Tank Surplus Channel
23. Pandiyan Fort Wall 20. Vilangudi Surplus Channel
24. American College
S.NO Living Heritage
25. Sourastra high school
26. Meiya Mandapam 1 Chitrai Festival
2 Alagar Festival
27. Azhagar Temple 3 Teppam Festival
4 Vaigasi Visagam
28. Pazhamuthir Cholai
5 Puttu Festival
29. Thirupuramkundrum temple 6 Sungudi weaving
7 Madurai Malli
30. Collector Office 8 Pottery, POP sculpture
31. Villapuram Farm Office 9 Stone work, Brass work
77
78
3. G. Assessment of Significance: The aim of this section is to discus
the assessment of significance of the various heritage elements identified during the survey.
The assessment takes into account of whole complex, the individual component in the
complex, the architectural and scientific nature of the component along with its social and
historical dimensions. Table 6: Assessment of significance
S.No Name of the Heritage Significance of the property

property
1 Minakshi Amman Temple · Temple is the genius loci or the center for city
complex in all dimensions.
· The sanctum is the oldest in the entire region
dates back to 7th century A.D
· It acts as a museum for displaying different
architectural styles of Pandyas and Nayaks.
· The spatial Planning both in Horizontal
(pillared halls, sanctum and Tank) and Vertical
(towers gopurams, intricate pillars etc) is an
excellent example for temple architecture in the
country.
· Mythically it is the center for the sixty four
sports of Shiva (Thiruvilayadal).
· The Pudu Mandapam and the Raya gopuram on
the eastern side of the temple provide a royal
link to the Palace.
· The Pottramarai Kulam is the oldest constructed
tank in the region.
· Still acts as an Employment generator for
nearly 4 lacs of people.
2 Kudal Alagar Temple · It is the oldest Vaisnavism temple (around 8th
century) in the region occupying the south
western part of the historic city.
79
· One of the 108 sacred sites for Vaisnavism
· It has a association in tracing the history of the
holy river Girudumal.
3 St.Mary’s Church · Stands as an excellent piece of architecture (for
more than one hundred years) exhibiting the
Gothic architecture with flying buttress and
ribbed vaults.
4 St.George Church · This is the oldest church (125 years) in the city.
· The Square space in front of the church is used
as the first congregational space by the English
soldiers during 18th century.
5 Gazimar Mosque · This is the first Mosque built in Madurai around
13th century A.D.
6 Alagar Temple · It is the oldest fortified Perumal temple (eight
century A.D) built in the region. (Jain place of
worship converted into the Perumal Temple).
· The Alagar festival (unites Saivism and
Vaisnavism) associated with this temple gathers
a large number of people (rural and urban
masses) every year.
· Contains sacred groves in the region with
herbal values.
· Provides a sacred link to the Jains and Buddhist
religion.
7 Thirupparankundram · The temple (rock cut in nature) is one of the six
sacred places for Lord Muruga in the country.
8 Vandiyur Mari Amman · This is the largest built tank (1645A.D) in the
Temple region.
· The Tank is surrounded by four temples/shrines
80
on four cardinal directions. The Maiya
Mandapam present is the larges of its kind in
the region.
· Associated with the Teppam festival from
Nayaks time period.
9 Permal koil tank · Only surviving Tank (nearly 450 years) in the
historic city.
· Tank further has association with the Kudal
Perumal Teppam festival.
10. Muktheeswar temple · The temple attains significance through its
architectural planning wherein the sunlight falls
on two particular days (uttrayinam and
Dakshayinam) directly into the Garbha griha on
the lingam.
NON RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES:

property
1 Thirumalai Nayak Palace · The only palace of the Nayak kingdom (largest
of its kind) constructed in year 1623-45 in
Madurai region.
· Exhibits Gothic architecture with saracenic
features. Thus it serves as a glossary for Hindu,
Islam and Christian Architecture.
2 Mangammal Palace · The palace was reconstructed in year 1689-
1704 by queen Ranimangammal. It attains
significance due to the dating aspects.
3 Gandhi Ninaivagam · Vernacular house gains associational value with
the father of the nation shri Mahatma Gandhi.
Acts as a spot where the father of Nation
81
decides to were loin cloths for the rest of his life
time.
4 Gandhi museum · The summer palace of Nayak rulers converted
into Gandhi museum.
· This was the first and only museum for the
Mahatma Gandhi in India.
5 Puttu thoppu · The only pavilion structure on the river Vaigai
constructed in the early 18th century. Attains
associational value with the Thiruvilayadal
puranams in the region.
6 Nayak fort wall · It is the only remains of the fort wall built
during Viswanatha Nayak (14th century) period.
7 Pandiyan Fort wall · The only remains of the fort wall constructed
during late Pandiyan period (13th century).
8 Thermutti · 16th century structure gains associational value
with the Chitrai festival.
· It acts a shed or stand for the temple car.
9 Vadugar Palace · 16th century structure that served as a palace
and guest house during Nayak and British
period with numerous Gothic vaults used for its
construction.
10. Vilakuthoon · The structure erected in late 18th century
towards commemoration of the great collector
Mr. Black burn who contributed to the growth
of the development of the city.
11 Collector office, American · Constructed in late 18th century acts as an
College, Sourastra higher example for Indo saracenic features.
secondary school
82
NATURAL FEATURES:
property
1 Yanai malai (elephant hill) · Apart from a geological feature it is religiously
associated with the Saivism.
· Abode for the Jains and Buddhist monks of 3rd
century A.D.
· It hosts Narasinghaperumal temple (rock cut
temple) at is base.
2 Naga Malai (serpant hill) · Apart from a geological feature it is religiously
century A.D
3 Pasumalai (cow hill) · Apart from a natural feature it is religiously
century A.D
4 Thiuparankundram · Apart from a natural feature it is religiously
century A.D.
· It hosts a Muruga temple at its base, a mosque
at its top and Kasi viswanathar temple in its
side.
5 Alagar Hills · Abode of Lord Muruga at the top and Perumal
at the base of the hills.
· A fortified temple complex that was originally a
jain complex.
· Rich in herbal values and declared as reserved
83
forest.
6 River Vaigai · The only Non perennial river that forms the
base for the development of the entire Pandiyan
kingdom.
· It irrigates millions of hectares in the region. it
feeds numerous canals and feeder channels.
· Religiously associated with Saivism.
7 Girudumal river · The only river that originates in Madurai region
and reaches the Ramanathapuram district
connecting nearly 850 tanks.
· Associated with Kudal alagar Perumal temple.
8 Various channels in the · Used as traditional water systems irrigating
northern and southern sides millions of acres.
of river Vaigai within the · Used as a flood regulator in the Vaigai river.
city limits
3. G.1. VALUES OF HERITAGE ELEMENTS: Values for the
heritage buildings: this section aims in designating the values for the heritage elements. The
values are given according to the standards followed by INTACH, India. The importances are
listed at National level, Regional level and local level. The following factors are taken for
designating the values:
· Religious value
· Social value
· Historical value
· Architectural value
· Economic and Use value
· Associational value.
The values are tabulated and rating is done with high, low and no or nil
significance for the heritage property identified. The values are assessed based on the
available historical records and information. Moreover flexible space is given for its grading.
(The degree of importance can vary within the assessed values.)
84
Recommended Grading for the Religious buildings:
No Name of the
IMPORTANC
Architecture
property
Economic
Religious
History
Social
E
▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ High
National
1 Minakshi Low (A)
Amman temple Nil
2 Kudal Alagar ▲ ▲ High Regional

Temple (B)
▲ Low
▲ ▲ Nil
3 Inmailum High Local
Nanmai tharuvar (C)
Koil ▲ ▲ Low
▲ ▲ ▲ Nil
4 St.Mary’s ▲ High Local
(C)
Chruch ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
▲ Nil
5 Holy Emmanuel High Local

(C)
Chruch ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
▲ Nil
6 St.George’s ▲ High Local

Chruch (C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
▲ Nil
7 Ghazimer ▲ High Local

Mosque (C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
▲ Nil
8 Goripalayam High Local

Mosque (C)
▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
▲ Nil
9 Alagar Temple ▲ ▲ ▲ High Regional

complex ( (B)
includes ▲ ▲ Low
Palamuthircholai Nil
)
85
No Name of the
IMPORTANC
Architecture
property
Economic
Religious
History
Social
E
▲ ▲ ▲ High
Regional
10 Thiruparankundr ▲ ▲ Low (B)
am Temple Nil
11 Palmuthir cholai ▲ ▲ High Regional
(B)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
12 Muktheswar High Local
temple (C)
▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
▲ Nil
13 Narasimhar ▲ High Local
temple (C)
▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
86
Recommended Grading for the Built Tanks:
No Name of the
IMPORTANC
Architecture
property
Religious
History
Social
E
▲ ▲ ▲ High
Regional
1 Vandiyur ▲ Low (B)
Mariamman Nil
Temple Tank
High
2 Perumal Tank in ▲ ▲ Low
Town Hall road ▲ ▲ Nil
High Local
3 Tallkulam (C)
Temple Tank ▲ ▲ Low
▲ ▲ Nil
▲ High Local
4 (C)
Saravana Poigai ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
5 Lakshmi High Local

(C)
teertham ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
6 GST tank in ▲ ▲ High Local

Tiruparankundra (C)
m ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
▲ Low
Nil
87
Recommended Grading for the Heritage buildings:
Name of the
Associational
IMPORTANC
Architecture
Economic/
property
History
Use
E
▲ ▲ ▲ High
Regional
Thirumalai ▲ Low (B)
Nayak Palace Nil
Pudhu ▲ ▲ ▲ High Regional
Mandapam (B)
▲ Low
complex Nil
Gandhi ▲ ▲ ▲ High National
Ninaivagam (A)
▲ Low
Nil
Gandhi Muesum ▲ ▲ ▲ High Regional
(B)
▲ Low
Nil
Puttu Thoppu ▲ ▲ High Local

(C)
▲ ▲ Low
Nil
Ther mutti ▲ High Local

(C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
Rani High Local

Mangammal (C)
palce ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
Vadugar Palace High Local

(C)
▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
Nayak Fort wall ▲ ▲ ▲ High Regional

(B)
▲ Low
Nil
88
No Name of the
Associational
IMPORTANC
Architecture
Economic/
property
History
Use
E
▲ High
Local
10 Pandiyan Fort ▲ ▲ ▲ Low (C)
wall Nil
11 Vilakkuthoon ▲ High Local
(C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
12 Pathu thoon ▲ High Local
(C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
13 Gandhi Museum ▲ ▲ ▲ High Regional
(B)
▲ Low
Nil
14 Collector Office ▲ ▲ High Local

(C)
▲ ▲ Low
Nil
15 Sourastra Higher ▲ ▲ High Local

secondary school (C)
▲ ▲ Low
Nil
16 American ▲ ▲ High Local

College (C)
▲ ▲ Low
Nil
17 Maiya ▲ High Local

Mandapam (C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
18 A.V bridge ▲ High Local

(C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
89
Recommended grading for Natural Heritage
No Name of the
Associational
IMPORTANC
Economic/
property
History
Use
E
▲ ▲ ▲ High
National
1 River Vaigai Low (A)
Nil
2 Girudumal River ▲ ▲ High Regional

(B)
▲ Low
Nil
3 Yanai Malai ▲ ▲ ▲ High National
Low (A)
Nil
4 Nagamalai ▲ ▲ High National
(A)
▲ Low
Nil
5 Thiruparanundra ▲ ▲ ▲ High National

Low (A)
m
Nil
6 Pasumalai ▲ High Local

(C)
▲ ▲ Low
Nil
7 Anupaanadi tank High Local

(C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
8 Vandiyur tank High Local

(C)
▲ ▲ ▲ Low
Nil
9 Madakulam ▲ ▲ High Regional

(B)
▲ Low
Nil
90
No Name of the
Associational
IMPORTANC
Economic/
property
History
Use
E
▲ High
Local
10 Sellur Kanmoi ▲ Low (C)
▲ Nil
11 Avaniapuram ▲ High Local
channel (C)
▲ Low
▲ Nil
12 Sottathatti chanel ▲ High Local
(C)
▲ Low
▲ Nil
13 Vandiyur ▲ High Local
(C)
channel ▲ Low
▲ Nil
14 Chitamani ▲ High Local

(C)
Channel ▲ Low
▲ Nil
15 Panaiyur channel ▲ High Local
(C)
▲ Low
▲ Nil
16 Sirumalai Forest ▲ ▲ High Regional
(B)
▲ Low
Nil
▲ Low
Nil
91
92
3. H.STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Heritage in Madurai
context:
How does one define Heritage in the Context of Madurai?
By its name?
By the Minakshi Amman temple
By any other architectural manifestations?
By its Language?
By its Geography?
By the festivals?
By the associated myths?
By its association with legendary persons or events?
All these are certainly part of the heritage of Madurai. But there are much more to it. The
definition of heritage in a multi ethnic context such as Madurai cannot be defined by a single
component. It needs a more detailed understanding of the various components, and this would
probably require creating a whole new set of contextual terminologies, in an attempt to
explain it.
3. H.1.SIGNIFICANCE OF MADURAI: Significance of the town

starts right form the name ‘MADURAI’ which has evolved from the Thamizh word
‘Madhuram’ which means the spring time breeze. Madurai and its significances range from
archaeological to cultural. Most of the significances such as architectural, historical, cultural,
archaeological and associational are interlinked in Madurai. All these significances are more
interlinked as the city’s historical glory is on par with its religious glory; its architectural glory
is on par with its cultural glory. Many more categories of significance evolve within Madurai
contextually and however they can be categorized only after a wide study. Some of its
significances are explained below.
3. H.2. Origin of the city:

Madurai paralleled with few cities in India served as a continuous cultural capital for more
than 2000 years. This continuity has resulted in a series of significant “layers” possessing a
93
rich knowledge system and thus derives a unique place among the other cities. Each period
has made an everlasting imprints through complex matrices that forms layers one above the
other. The city has continued living with its legacy and significance as a cultural capital to the
Thamizh Desam for centuries constantly renewing and evolving more complex in its heritage.
So it is imperative to study in detail these different layers.
This is vital in order to evolve the value and significance of the said historical society. The
Colonial and Nayak dynasty marks a greater physical impression on the heritage zones in the
present context. It is from these layers the city gained its meaning, values and images
constituting the heritage matrix. To propose any development plan it is very imperative to
understand these significances of the various components, within the heritage Ecosystem of
Madurai.
3. H.3. Archeological Layer:

Archeological evidences clearly suggest the religion of Pandyas is 5000 years old. Evidences
of “burnished grey ware” in the site of T.Kallupatti, not far from Thirumangalam around 1500
BC clearly suggests the first finite stage in the progress of man towards civilization and
culture (Neolithic era). Iron Age culture dates to the sangam period where the “urns” culture
was predominant (datable broadly 500BC- 200AD). This evidence is also parallel with indo-
roman contact clearly in the evidences of “caltrops” mentioned in “Madurai kalangi”.
Moreover the coins found on the banks of River Vaigai reinforce the linkage between
Madurai and the European countries.
3. H.4.Sangam Layer:
The Sangam age was one of the greatest periods of literary creativity in Indian history. This
age produced incredible quality of Tamil literature in the range, volume and diversity. Most
important event of this period was the sangam or literary academics/ conferences that were
held periodically. The poets and scholars from different region of states met to debate and
critique literary works and theories. Sangams were patronized generously by the kings of the
region, providing great benefits to the poets and bards—the traditional states that three major
i)sangams (first)Mudhal,
94
ii)Idai(middle) sangam and
iii)Kadai(last) sangam.
The first Sangam accounts were largely based on myths. The accounts of second sangam were
Tholkappiam. Rest of the sangam literary sources belongs to Kadai sangam. The first two
sangam period is held in south Madurai and kapadapuram (both believed to be preent in the
south of the cape comarin or kanya kumari). The sangam took place in the present region
around fierst century A.D to third century A.D
It becomes mandatory to transfer / translate the information from these literary works to the
present day context as the Sangam works concentrates on contextual development activites.
Thus Madurai served as a literacy crux where dialogues between scholars and poets in a rich
exchange of ideas and an increased refinement in quality of works.
3. H.5.Cultural Layer:
Madurai is famed as one of the traditional cosmic dance site (halls) of Shiva, where his form
and aspect as Nataraja, he stands on his left foot here, while in all other places he stands on
his right foot. The entire region of Madurai consists of numerous sacred sports related to lord
Shiva (Thiruvilaiyadal) help in protecting the poor, the righteous and in many cases, his
disciples. These Thiruvilayadal (sixty four in number) depicts him, as human, down to earth
and a righteous character.
Another important festival that marks Madurai on Indian continent is the Alagar festival
which joins the two major and powerful sects in south India the Saivaism (Lord Shiva as main
deity) and Vaisnavism (Lord Vishnu as main deity). This is the largest of its kind in the entire
down south of Tamil Nadu. Even activities like Jalli kattu (playing with wild bull- similar to
that of Mexican and Spanish games with bulls) marks its prints only in the region of Madurai.
Apart from these major festivals and activities the indigenous rural deities have to be given
importance and emphasis. Each and every rural settlement marks a spiritual place according
to traditional planning rules. They take different forms and ritual practices on specific time
intervals. Even the dance forms of rural and urban spaces have to be given prime importance
with contextual messages. In short Madurai is also called as city of festivals as these
occasions takes place in every month.
95
3. H.6.Historical layer:
The historical dimension clearly dictates the reign of the Pandyas, Viyanagars, Islamic and
English imprints in the region. More over the Jainism and Buddhism have flourished in the
region around the first early centuries of third sangam period. All these forms layers over the
time period. The city also bears imprints of Mahatma Gandhi as the decision of changing to
loin cloth in Madurai. These historical layers get transformed into physical evidence adding
more values to the city.
3. H.7.Architectural layer:
From the above layers of history it is very clear that Madurai possesses diversified
architecture. Her architecture reigns from Dravidian style to Colonial style. The city planning
is according Rajdhani and Sarvatobhadra21, where streets run parallel to the temple walls
guiding a specific pattern. Architectural products ranging from rock cut caves to
mangnificient temples can be dated from 3rd century B.C where Jains and Buddhist monks
started their design in granite and sandstone structures. The region of Nagamalai, Samanar
malai, yanai malai bears these architectural manifestations. Jainism was found to stronger
than Buddhism in Madurai. Some architectural elements of this period set an examples where
predecessors to temple architecture in World.
The Pandian impressions remain around the temple complex of Minakshi Amman Temple.
The east gopuram of the Minakshi Amman temple was constructed during this period. This
was the initiation which in due course of time evolved as the four majestic Gopurams of
Minakshi Amman temple. The city was fortified with connectivity with the water bodies.
Mugal layers can be seen in the construction of Mosques around the city (Gazimar Mosque).
The architectural elements such as cusped arches, Chajas, dome where introduced to this
temple town, which were new introductions. The previous architectural layers were greatly
damaged by the Mughals. There architectural manifestations retained within the southern part
of the inner city.
21
Ancient South Indian texts on city planning.
96
The Vijayanagar layer marked new changes in architecture with introduction of more lavished
elements and forms. The west and South Gopurams were built in this regime and town saw
more architectural reforms like palaces, pavilions and mandapas which lead to the more
evident layer of the town today. It was during Vijayanagara period the entire city was
renewed and revitalized. The fort wall was again built with 72 bastions indicative of 72
polygar division in the region. The water tanks took different forms and marked great spatial
impressions on the region. Planning was always integrated with ecosystem and water bodies.
The Colonial Regime added to the Vijayanagar layer with its architectural manifestations
mostly of individual buildings. Industries and institutions gave a new look to the existing
architecture in the region. Indo Saracenic architectural forms including public, institutional,
religious buildings evolved from this temple town (Sourastra school, Collector office,
American college building). Moreover the concept of Churches and town halls started its
appearance in Madurai region. Hospitals, educational institutions, residential buildings bear
colonial impressions with local materials and techniques.
Thus the architectural dimension of the town is multi faceted with its
architectural layers ranging from Sangam age to colonial age.
3. H.8.Ecological layer:
In the midst of Kadambavana forest the Pandiyan kings built the Minakshi temple, the nucleus
of the city. Then a fortified city was built, circular in plan with extent of 9miles by 9 miles
and is known as Alavay. 22 Southern gate was the grander one while the Northern gate was
smaller because of frequent attacks. The Eastern side was where the educational institutes
were located. Three rivers then surrounded the site- Vaigai in the north, Kiruthumal River on
the west and south, Anupanadi River on the east. Thus these rivers played an important role in
the evolution of the city.
Ecologically the entire region of Madurai can be divided into five indigenous cultural
landscapes - namely Kurinji, Mullai, Neithal, Madhuram, and Paalai.
22
Alavay- almost circular in plan just like snake in its coiled position.
97
Kurinji (mountainous region): Regions of alagar kovil predominantly comes under Kurinji
landscapes. It is rich in flora and fauna. Many herbal plants are found in this region that
provides a rich knowledge base. Tribal population was more dependent on its wealth.
Mullai: The mullai landscape of Madurai consists of wild jasmine flowers in abundance. The
region acts as grazing grounds for cattle stocks.
Paalai: The paalai region consists of parchment areas with palmyra trees (state tree of
Tamilnadu). The region is characterized by dry landscape. Most of Madurai comes under this
region. Low lying areas and natural water ponds dominates the region.
Each Cultural landscape consists of specific prevailing religious practices. The anthology of
sangam age describes the values of ecosystem in detail. River Vaigai bisects the region of
Madurai flowing from north-west to south-east. The abundance of water from the river Vaigai
is fed into small natural tanks and channels in the region. The topography of Madurai clearly
exhibits numerous low level lands that served as water sources from the historical times. Man
made tanks was also constructed for different services. These tanks were well-connected to
rivers.
3. H.9.Arts and crafts layer:

Traditionally Madurai is rich in arts and crafts. Crafts like sungudi weaving, pottery, plaster of
paris, stone sculpture, traditional medicines etc are still prevailing in the region. Communities
known for traditional crafts such as Sourastras, yadhavas, kollars, viswakarmas etc dominated
the arts and crafts domain.
Encouraging these local crafts becomes essential as they were developed when technology
wasn’t as advanced as today, thus making them relatively environment friendly. The
traditional handicrafts were crafted out of locally available materials, thus tapping resources
in and around the built environs, giving each one a distinct identity and uniqueness to the
product.
98
99
3. I. Graded Zones: This section deals with the heritage zones having
various degrees of significance. The recommended grading is formulated from the assessment
of significance in the previous section.
Table 7d: graded zones
Zone Area Significance
Zone I Area within the four Veli streets Exceptional significance:

· Area around Minakshi
Amman Temple comprising
of Four Chitrai streets.
· Pudu Mandapam complex.
· Raya gopuram
· Ther mutti
Considerable significance:
· Area around Thirumalai
Nayak Palace
· Patthu thoon
Low significance:
· Inmailum namai tharuvar
koil
· Madanagopalswamy temple
· Town hall road Teppakulam
· Nayak and Pandiyan Fort
wall
· St.Marys church
· Vadugar palace
100
· Rani Mangammal palace
· Gazimar mosque
Zone II Banks of River Vaigai Exceptional significance:
· Either side of the River
Vaigai
Zone III Area around Tamukkam grounds Considerable significance:
Area around Gandhi museum · Gandhi museum
Area around Vandiyur Mariamman · Vandiyur Mariamman
Teppakulam Teppakulam
Area around Puttu thoppu complex · Puttu thoppu complex
Low significance:
· Tamukkam grounds
Zone IV All Channels and canals within the city Considerable significance:
limits · Girudumal channel
Low significance:
· Vandiyur channel
· Sellur channel
· Panaiyur channel
Zone V Nagamalai Hills Exceptional significance:
Yannaimalai Hills · Jain caves & sculptures
Thiruparankundram · Thiruparankundram
Alagar hills Murugan temple complex
· Alagar Hills
101
102
103
104
4.0. Needs of the Hour: The main aim of this section is to analyze the
present conditions and development in the heritage areas. The section covers the various
governmental plans and polices bylaws and height regulation in the heritage zones. The study
reveals the following:
4. A. Need for Heritage Council: The Madurai region as a first step
needs a Heritage governing council that work with teams from all disciplines and act as a
facilitator between the local communities and government agencies of the district. The main
functions of the cell can be described as follows:
· Listing and Grading of Heritage elements are the primary task to be taken by
the cell. The city needs adequate level of Documentation both qualitatively and quantitatively.
The collected information should be mapped in different “layers”. Each layer should be drawn
across different disciplines like history, archaeology, architecture, political etc. Most of the
tangible structures and intangible structures need to be documented with cultural dimensions.
Rediscovering and redefining its heritage boundaries is the first major task to be done.
· It is very important that the heritage bodies should device policies and plans
in coordination and consultants with different stake holders of the region. Discovery,
Awareness, promotion and development should be the key focus of the Heritage body/cell.
The structure of the Heritage cell/committee can be described as follows:
105
From guidelines by INTACH
Apart from the above technical persons the committee can also include the local members
form different traditional occupation, Local people and ward members to gain more inputs.
4. B. Need for Integrated Heritage Development: It is necessary to
include heritage framework into the existing planning process so that the extent of actions,
implementations of planning terms within the heritage zone can be determined. This heritage
zone concept allows for a development based on the specificity of the situation. This process
prevents the isolation of Heritage protection and promotion from the planning process.
Further it also provides terms of reference for the various development actions such as laying
underground cables, drainage patterns, electrification works and other infrastructural works.
All developmental plans of Madurai shall integrate heritage concepts

with a sufficient space to use heritage as a lever for the developmental process. Moreover,
Heritage zone development should not be should not be seen within the urban limits. A
separate boundary shall be drawn as Heritage area. A Special Area Development Plan can
be drafted by the Heritage Committee according to the cultural significance of the area. The
Plan should detail the various actions in the zones of Exceptional significance, Zones of
considerable significance, Zones of no significance and zones of Intrusions. The development
should also include the aspect of Decentralization in terms of managing the heritage items.
106
4. C. Need for Protection guidelines, controls and regulations: The
identification, preservation and conservation of all heritage area/ structures can be achieved
through provisions of Town and country planning acts and other special area designation.
While archaeological monuments can be saved by declaring them under the Archaeological
Monuments Acts, control or regulation of development in their vicinity as well as
redevelopment of old historic quarters and buildings which, are the core interests of heritage
can be achieved by suitably guiding the physical growth in a mannered form.
No amount of architectural intervention can succeed in protecting the heritage unless
supplemented by planning tools like regional plans, master plans, detailed development plans
and special area development plans etc. with pragmatic land use allocation, transportation
policies, co-operation and management by local bodies with importantly public participation.
There are number of tools of Town and country planning that facilitates the process of
heritage development. They can be mentioned as follows:
· Making special reservations in statuary plans:
Making special reservations in statutory regional, master and detailed development
plans with recognizing heritage structures, precincts and areas with clear delineation would
facilitate the development of heritage in the context. As stated earlier, the core city of Madurai
(within the four Veli streets) along with River Vaigai stretch within the corporation limits can
be classified under National importance and the region of Teppakulam, Puttu thoppu, and
Tallakulam under regional importance. The area around the water bodies and irrigation
channels can be classified as Local importance. Similarly it is very important to designate and
classify the other heritage importance areas in the Local planning area after detailed
inventories under these zones. It is also important to delineate buffer zones around the
designated areas. Moreover the statuary plans should also focus on the connectivity of the
various heritage elements within the city.
Formulating the architectural guidelines such as façade controls, signage controls,
advertisement hoarding controls etc for the different identified zones of significance shall
become the primary objective of the statuary plans.
107
Fig. 16 - Street façade in East Marret
Street
· Land use control:

Formulation of Land use development seeking to retain the mixture of
various land uses, which are contributing to special character of the area, should be promoted.
The land use control and zoning regulations should provide some incentives to the owners of
the property to conserve the heritage. The land use for the Heritage area should identify the
compatible uses for the historic city, non compatible uses for the historic city and buffer
spaces for the historic city. Primarily there should be more open spaces and green spaces
around the Minakshi Amman Temple free form the vehicular or traffic movement. Presently
the East Marret Street and North Masi Street of Madurai are blessed with few residential
structures found at the verge of its extinction. Necessary actions can be taken to retain those
architectural marvels found in any part of the city and region. Similarly the region around
Puttu thoppu (a pavilion structure of 18th century) deserves a far better land use than the
present one to promote its significance across the state. The vicinity of Pattu thoon (ten
pillars), remains of Thirumalai Nayak palace needs to be upgraded by Land use controls. The
change in land use within the core city is given below (1992), however presently, the
commercial use have increased to another 20 percent.
108
Table 8: Census of Land use and its change
LAND USE (Ha) 1986 % 1991 % % CHANGE
Residence 155 61 124 48.6 -20
Commercial 51 20 83 32.5 38.55
Industry 14 6 8 3.2 -42.86
Education 6 2 9 3.5 33.33
Public and semi 29 11 31 12.2 6.45
public
SOURCE: Master Plan, 1992
· Floor Area Ratio and Densities:

Any major change in the FAR will radically alter the character of the area. Hence
FAR should be such that the permissible development must confirm with the
heritage development. The building next the Minakshi temple raises to minimum
of 12 meters along the chitari streets with alien facades to the context of the
location.
Table 9: Floor Area Ratio

Sl.no Permissible Areas specified
building height
G.O.Ms.No 164MA&WS G.O.Ms.No 22MA&WS

Dept. Dated 15-6-94 Dept. Dated 30-1-97
1 9 meters No building shall be One-kilometer

constructed or circumference from the
reconstructed or altered or wall boundaries of the
added to exceeding a height ancient temple.
of nine meters with in the Note: For easy verification
area bounded by outer and to avoid ambiguity
walls of Meenakshiaman clear boundary definition
temple and four Masi are made vide Madurai
streets (namely South Masi corporation council
St., East Masi St. This resolution no. 411 dated
height restriction shall also 30-06-97. As the area bond
109
apply to all buildings between exterior boundary
gaining access from the walls of four Meenakshi
masi streets and abutting temple and four directions.
the other periphery of the Eastern boundary:
said streets. Cinthamani road,
Munichalai road,
kaidemilleth nagar in the
south bank of the river
Vaigai.
Western boundary:
Dindugal Virudhunagar
railway line.
Southern boundary:
Madurai Rameshwaram
railway line.
Northern boundary:
Northern boundary of the
river Vaigai.
2 12 meters No building shall be Only nine-meter height is
constructed or allowed as per this govt.
reconstructed or altered or order in the area
added to exceeding a height mentioned in the first govt.
of 12 meters with in the order.
areas bounded by four Masi
and four Veli streets.
3 15 meters No building shall be No restrictions are made
constructed or beyond the areas of 1 kms
reconstructed or altered or from the boundary wall of
added to exceeding a height the ancient temple.
of 15 meters in any other
part of the city of Madurai
without prior approval of
the govt. the govt. may
withheld permission for
such building if in their
opinion the proposed
location of such building is
slightly affect the view of
the temple and or its tower
or is likely to interfere with
micro wave network.
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Fig.17- Street façade in Town Hall Road
· Sale/ transfer of development Rights:

Certain conservation projects in Heritage areas demands no construction or
alterations and there by the owners will be incurring loss of revenue. To compensate the loss
the owner of the property may be permitted to surrender or sell this development right for
monetary benefits or may be permitted to transfer this development right to any other part of
the town over and above what is normally permitted.
· Traffic Planning and New road proposals:

Most of the historic areas are not designed for the modern traffic requirements.
Hence traffic planning for the area should consider this aspect and the land use attracting
heavy traffic demand should be avoided in heritage areas. For example the lorry booking
office and the whole sale markets attract more amount of heavy traffic inside the city.
Further the environmental impacts of new road proposal and road widening
proposals should be made and then only such proposals in heritage area should be
incorporated in the plans. Further the road widening in most cases, only bring in more traffic
and set in motion a vicious circle for congestion requiring further widening. Hence widening
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of areas within the core city of Madurai should be avoided. This will also help to maintain
streetscapes with avenue trees and other artifacts.
Table 10: Vehicles Used

Type of mode Quantity in tons % No of vehicles used /day
LCV’s 5279 60 1760
Truck 1496 17 160
Bus 704 8 234
Tricycle 440.5 5 880
Bullock cart 879 10 586
SOURCE: CTTS, 1996
· Street alignment and set back rules:

The development on either side of the road whether the building with set back,
courtyard or houses abutting the road is the important elements in the streetscape. The
prevailing street line must be maintained. The buildings along the Masi Street and chitrai
streets must be maintained with contextual facades. Same must be done for the alagar ritual
path from alagar koil.
Fig.18- Street section across South Masi Street
· Pedestrainisation and Landscape development:

The traffic surveys undertaken clearly suggest avoiding the movement of
heavy vehicle inside the Masi and Chitrai streets of the core city. This will enhance the
heritage character of Madurai city. Further the environmental character should also be
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preserved that match the regional character of the area. Moreover alternate parking strategies
for the pilgrims and the tourist should be provided at the walk able distance from the spots.
· Control of Hoardings and overhead Electrical and communication lines:

In most of the parts inside the Historic core of Madurai, the most distressing
element creating visual pollution are indiscriminate use of outdoor display hoardings, electric
and communication lines. These must be removed or alternate solutions resorted to by
underground ducts through heritage conservation projects.
Fig.19- Hoarding and electrical lines creating visual pollution

Pudumandapam Fig.20 – Shops before historic stock
· Architectural Design Controls:
There are no guidelines for the management of historic built stock and also
comprehensive heritage policy which covers the different types of heritage both built and
natural heritage with intangible aspects. The heritage committee shall work on the
Architectural guidelines for the identified zones of cultural significance along with the Indian
Institute of Architects, Madurai Chapter and the Local Planning authority of Madurai with
public participations. The guideline should also provide terms on the street width, electrical
posts and signage’s, public amenities etc.
The Committee shall also provide specific guidelines to promote the local arts
and crafts of the people that provide employment for more percentage of population. The
guidelines have to be framed after a detailed study of the historic stocks in the area.
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4. D. Need for Appropriate planning measures: The existing
planning framework totally ignores the dynamic quality of living areas in the city. They can
be listed as follows:
· Wholesale Markets: Shifting of Wholesale Vegetable Markets

The central vegetable market occupies nearly an area of 2.06 ha and the shops
are located in heritage area. Since the market is located in a very vulnerable area, shifting of
this market will go a long way in environmental Upgradation of Heritage zones besides
reducing the problems of traffic. Reuse of the area after shifting be carefully planned and
executed. Because of its proximity to Meenakshi Amman temple, Pudumandapam,
Rayagopuram, the shops in these monuments could be relocated in this area. This area after
relocation shall be used for the compatible uses for Minakshi Amman temple such as cultural
center, ethnic village etc.
· Shifting of Wholesale Paddy, Food grains, Fruits, Flowers, Pulses and Betel
leaves Markets
Shifting of these markets away from Heritage core will not only improve
environmental balance but also help reduction of major traffic problems. The existing space
after shifting could be used for retail trade of the same with other commodities, parking of
LCV’s etc.
· Reconstruction of Retail Markets

The retail market occupies an area of 0.88 ha and the shops are all located in thatched
structures, except the flower market. A project for reconstruction of the market has to be
planned and executed along with the shifting of the wholesale market. The area can be reused
foe providing retail shops in storied structures, parking facilities and landscaping etc.
· Shifting of lorry booking offices and Automobile Workshop:

The lorry booking offices and the automobile workshops existing in the Heritage area
are generating traffic problems by attracting trucks and other vehicles and by causing long
duration parking on the roads in Heritage area. Hence, it is recommended that these activities
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may be shifted outside Heritage area. Once the wholesale activities are shifted outside
Heritage area, the lorry booking also will be getting shifted automatically as their business
within the Heritage area will be very much reduced. However, considering the overall
development of the infrastructural facilities to improve transportation system in Madurai City,
it is recommended for developing a truck terminal with modern facilities and services
required for truck operators.
The comprehensive traffic and transportation study has identified that majority of the
truck traffic to the city is along NH7 (Varanasi – Kanyakumari road). Hence it will be
advantageous to locate the truck terminal near about this road. Further the location of railway
goods yard, industrial and wholesale activities and other stake holders to be taken into
consideration with respect to truck terminal together with the needs of the truck operators.
Considering all these aspects it is recommended that a truck terminal may be constructed near
the Koodal Nagar Railway goods yard being developed with access from NH. It may also be
to the advantage of the wholesale markets (other food grains and fruits) proposed to be
developed here. The existing lorry booking offices and the Automobile workshops may be
shifted to this truck terminal area with the mutual advantages.
Table 11: Details of discussions held with various trade organizations regarding shifting
of Wholesale activities to outside urban limit
S.No Name of traders Existing details
association
Present location Number Size of Total
of shops shops area
1. Onion wholesale East Marret street 50 50’x20’ to 100000
traders association 100’x30’ sft
2. Fruits wholesale North Marret St, 200 50’x20’ to 300000
traders associations Yanaikal St, 100’x20’ sft
North Masi St,
North Veli St,
Old chokanathar
koil St, Thavalai
St, Vakil new st,
and East Masi St
3. Coconut wholesale Scatterly located 50 30’x15’ 22500
traders association within Veli street sft
4. Banana wholesale Yanaikal, Obula 15-20 1000 sft to 50000
traders association padithurai, 2000 sft sft
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Pudupalam
5. Lorry owners Transport offices 2500 trucks being operated. 1000
association are mainly on trucks enter and 700 trucks leave
North Masi Street the Madurai daily. About 650
and other places transport booking offices located
within Veli within the city. Dindigul Road,
streets. Lorries Trichy road, Thirunelveli road
are parked along and Aruppukotai road are the
the street and main routes the trucks are being
roads where the operated
space is available
6. Omni bus operators Complex bus About 65 buses
stand
7. Workshop and Tamil Sangam 360 4m x 6m
associated markets road, Workshop to
road, Bypass road 6mx12m
and Kochadai
road
8. Building material Goods Shed 60 shops on goods shed road,
market Road, Mela 100 shops on West Masi and 14
Perumal Mestri shops on Mela Perumal Mestri
Street and West street.
Perumal Mestri
Street
9. Central warehouse Palanganatham
godowns and near TNSTC
depot
Source: Madurai Corporation
· Traffic and Transportation problems:

The unplanned and uncontrolled growth of Heritage area has resulted in proliferation of
activities of non-conforming and incompatible land uses, increasing traffic problems like
congestion, delays, accidents and general deterioration of the environment qualities. Heritage
area should be freed from extraneous traffic and the traffic and traffic circulation reorganized
to obtain smooth flow of traffic, by segregation the opposing streams of traffic flow and
allocating separate lanes for fast and slow traffic as well as for pedestrians. The indiscriminate
use of heavy commercial vehicles on all roads and at all times of the day has to be controlled
and regulated. Footways need to be improved and maintained in a good condition. New
footways have to be constructed at appropriate places. Separate cycle tracks may be provided
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in case of roads having heavy cycle traffic. Heritage area already has one way system in some
of the roads. The same can be extended to more roads for better circulation.
Roads and traffic:

The total volume of traffic entering and leaving Heritage area during 16 hours between 6 AM
to 10 PM is 1,77,551 vehicles and 1,62,058 vehicles respectively. Out of 1, 77,551 vehicles
entering Heritage area, nearly two-thirds are cycles and two wheelers. The total number of
fast moving vehicles entering Heritage area during 16 hours is 19,000 (8477 cars, 4591 trucks
and 6074 buses).
By passable traffic:
The origin and Destination (O&D) survey conducted for Madurai corporation indicated that
the total number of fast-moving vehicles (excluding two- Wheelers) entering the outer cordon
and destined to Heritage area daily is around 4200 (1390 cars, 1378 trucks and 1472 buses).
In the absence of any specific data, it is assumed that half of the vehicles have ‘destination’ to
Heritage area and the remaining half is by passable traffic.
Commercial vehicles:
Presence of wholesale markets in many streets of Heritage area aggravates the traffic
problems. There are about 3000 wholesale dealers in the Heritage area using about 7.0 ha of
land for wholesale markets. The daily movement of trucks is around 1300 carrying 13000 tons
of goods. The light commercial vehicles are generally parked in off-street locations when not
in use (63%) and also on the streets (37%) causing obstruction to other traffic on the roads. A
large number of slow-moving vehicles such as bullock carts, hand carts, fish carts, and cycle
rickshaws are also used for distribution of the wholesale market products to the retailers and
various destinations in the city. Use of both fast and slow moving vehicles and the haphazard
and indiscriminate parking of vehicles blocking the traffic flow have created traffic
congestion, delays, accidents, noise, pollution and deterioration of the environmental quality
of Heritage area.
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Public transport:
The total number of buses entering Heritage area during 16 hours from 6 AM to 10 PM is
more than 6000.The express bus terminal and town bus terminal are located adjacent to each
other. The entrance and exit of the express bus stand and the entrance to the town bus terminal
are situated very near to each other with the result that there is little space for maneuverability
for buses entering and leaving these bus terminals. As express bus terminal is cramped, buses
are forced to wait on the main road for long periods, causing obstruction to traffic on the main
road.
Bicycle traffic
Madurai is a city of bicycles, estimated at about 93000. The cycle is the second most
preferred mode of travel, (next only to walking). 50 percent of the trips are made for work
purpose. Out of total 1, 77,552 vehicles entering Heritage area from 6 AM to 10 PM, cycles
account for more than 40 percent. Considering the safety of the cyclists and the need of
providing free flow for then, it is necessary to identify some of the streets within Heritage area
exclusively for cycle traffic and pedestrian movement.
Table 12: Volume of Traffic engineering and leaving Madurai / LPA and City
S.No Name of road Total Peak Hour Traffic Entering And
Leaving (Vehicles Per Hour)
LPA Boundary City Boundary
1 Thirunelveli 934 1799
2 Dindigal 696 1355
3 Rameswaram 394 1394
4 Theni 391 891
5 Natham 752 1585
6 Alagarkoil 180 350
7 Melur 566 670
8 Sivagangai 1160 887
9 Aruppukottai 224 1987
5297 10746
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4. E.Need for Traffic planning criteria: A thoughtful and balanced
approach towards urban transportation planning and design can make vast improvements to
safety and amenity, while contributing to effective passage of people and their goods. A
combination of traffic management techniques and new urban roads can, when designed to
proper standards and provisions, reduce the effect of pollution and visual intrusion on the
areas through which they pass. These different objectives need to be carefully considered, to
achieve the desired balance and must take into account the level of resources available to
achieve them. The criteria for transportation planning for Madurai Heritage area have to deal
with the following criteria areas:
· Diversion of by passable traffic from the Heritage area
· Traffic generated and attracted to non-conforming and incompatible uses
· Hierarchical road system
· Accessibility and safety
· Cyclists and pedestrians
· Public transport vehicles
· Parking
Planning for a Hierarchical road system

In order to improve the traffic flow and safety, it is necessary to create a hierarchical system
of roads (two-way), collector roads (one way) etc. with distinct functional hierarchy as
follows:
Classification of roads Function

a) Sub- Arterial Predominantly movement of all vehicles and
access to premises.
b) Collector Roads (two way) Predominantly access to premises and some
movement functions
c) Collector roads (one way) Purely access functions.
d) Shared Carriage Way for mixed traffic, parking and access functions.
e) Cycle-cum Pedestrian Street Purely for pedestrians and cycles.
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All the streets in the Heritage area have been classified into one of the five levels of the
functional road network. A detailed study on the availability of row, land use and structural
condition of building abutting these roads, is to be made before implementing the above
project, to identify the lands required for land acquisition. It is highly recommended that a
separate detailed study may be taken up before preparing the detailed estimates for
improvement projects.
The four Chithirai streets and parts of Town Hall road (west tower street) and Meenakshi Koil
streets are proposed to be developed a s ‘shared carriage way’ with end to end concrete or
stone back surfacing to permit only local trips, parking, cycles and pedestrians. Through
vehicles should not be permitted to pass through these streets.
Accessibility and safety

The access streets are minor streets meant purely for access to premises. These streets are not
meant for traffic movement. The access streets will be converted into ‘cul de sac’ wherever
possible. In other streets, the through movement has to be blocked by bollards preferably at
the middle of the length of the street allowing entry and exit at the ends of the street. This
arrangement ensures both accessibility and safety.
Cyclists and Pedestrians

In addition to provision of separate cycle tracks and footways within the right of way of all
arterial, sub-arterial and collector roads it is .Pedestrian footpaths and cycle tracks will be
planned to connect the places frequently visited by pedestrians, such as Meenakshi Amman
temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Bus Stand, Railway Junction, Chruch, Mosques, Schools,
Banks, Post offices, etc.
Parking:
Vehicles destined to the Heritage area have to be provided with facilities for parking. The
location and duration of parking depend upon the trip purpose and destination of each vehicle.
Parking demand of various land uses need to be considered before providing suitable
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facilities. At present, there are no off-streets parking facilities. Off street parking should be
provided where there is demand.
Table 13: Maximum parking Accumulations

S.No Parking locations Total (vehicles)
1. East Masi Street 1432
2. North Masi Street 1007
3. South Masi Street 1151
4. West Masi Street 640
5. East Avani Moola Veethi 548
6. South Avani Moola Veethi 423
7. West Avani Moola Veethi 355
8. West Veli Street 253
9. East Veli Street 676
10. South Veli Street 436
11. North Veli Street 135
12. East Marret Street 412
13. West Marret Street 204
14. Munisalai Road 467
15. Palace Road 384
16. Amman Sannathi 535
17. Kamarajar Street 279
18. South Chithirai Street 208
19. Town Hall Road 361
20. Nethaji Road 612
4. F.Need for the ecological approach to Natural Heritage: The

topography of the region clearly indicates the presence of three different ecosystems. These
systems are rich in herbal values, religious values, tribal values etc. Another important
component of the region is the river Vaigai and the low lying water bodies in the entire
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region. Numerous tanks around the region supply water for the region. It is well known fact
that the water reservoirs are losing its values and are fast disappearing. More focus should be
given to revive the water bodies in the region through natural process. The water bodies
should be converted into rain water harvesting ponds in the city region. It is imperative to
have ecological approach to the existing natural areas of the region with social and cultural
dimensions.
4. G.Need for virtual management systems: Managing and
conserving our heritage properties has always been the base of the institutions that governs.
Collection and dissemination of the data has been a major bottleneck in this system. The data
collected must be used for smooth working process. With the advancement of technical
aspects there should be a complete virtual data system enabling the data sharing and accessing
with user friendly approach. Formulating and integrating with the virtual ecosystem is also an
important priority in the present age.
4. H. Strength-Weakness-Opportunities-Threats
STRENGTH:
Conservation
· The city represents a rare Mandala concept of traditional Planning systems, where a
religious institution (Sundareswar Minakshi Temple) forms the nucleus of the city.
The spatial dispersion directly responds to the nucleus both in terms of social and
cultural conditions. Thus it gains its uniqueness among other cities of India.
· The city still holds 40% of heritage properties (intact) at regional scale.
· Declared as heritage city under JnNURM scheme.
· City is known for its veneration factor (pilgrimage tourism). It acts as a headquarters
for the other pilgrimage towns in south of Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the few cities
where festivals takes place every month round the year. The Alagar Festival, for
instance is unique among other festival unites the two huge sects Saivism and
Vaisnavism in the region. In other words it joins the rural and urban masses together
in every year.
· Abundant traditional knowledge system (more than 1500 years old) in the region.
Economic perspectives
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· The city is also commercial and official head quarters of the region drawing around
2.5 lacs floating population per day. According to Census 2001, the urban workforce
participation rate (WPR) (percentage of main and marginal workers to the total
population) is 34.18 percent (including 1.35 percent marginal workers). Nearly 92% of
the work forces are employed in tertiary sector (tourism and related industries).
· The historical and cultural growth of Madurai as patronized has given rise to
specialized arts and crafts like silk weaving, pottery, wood carving, manufacturing of
brass artifacts and vessels besides food articles, which are traded to Northern parts of
the country.
· Madurai City has a literacy rate of 78.62 percent, which is marginally high in
comparison to the district figure. This increase is directly proportion to the number of
educational institutes both private and Govt. institutes in the region.
· Tourism Industry has seen a growth of 54% in 1998 with 23 lacs per year and still
continues to grow, thus increasing the foreign exchange in the city. The domestic
tourism saw a 56% growth and foreign 28% growth. The Industry booms for eight to
nine months in a year.
· The city is well connected by all means of transport attracting both domestic and
international tourists.
Natural environment:
· The city is blessed with numerous low lying areas (kulams- 40 numbers around the
city limits) and the River Vaigai bisects the city in two equal parts. Around 15
channels/ streams connect the aris and river Vaigai, thus recharging the ground water
level and supplying water to the irrigational fields in the LPA area.
WEAKNESS:
Conservation:
· Lack of information base for the heritage properties and historical layers pose a great
difficulty in managing the heritage property. Lack of awareness of the heritage
properties is another main cause for its deterioration.
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· Absence of statuary list of Heritage properties. This forms a major lacuna in the
management of heritage properties in the region. Absence of clear cut guidelines and
responsibilities of various organizations.
· Lack of connectivity between the Tangible and Intangible heritage.
· Absence of Heritage governing bodies in the Management systems is another major
cause for its destruction.
· Most of the prominent historic properties are occupied by Govt. bodies or encroached.
Eg. Nayak fort wall, Pandyan fort wall, Perumal teppakulam, Vadugar palace, Rani
mangammal palace etc.
· Lack of Integrating Heritage with the existing Planning process.
Urban environment:
· Degradation of River Vaigai, Girudumal River and other water channels in the city.
· Location of Non compatible uses such as whole sale vegetable markets, hardware
shops, sanitary wares etc within the historic precinct. These activities attract more
number of vehicles inside the historic area.
· High commercialization (non compatible use) on Masi and Chitrai streets leads to the
vertical rise of buildings and gentrification in the area. Increase in FSI leads to
depletion of ground water table at a very faster rate.
· Loss of traditional water harvesting system. The inlet source for the most of the
temple tanks in the region is blocked or used as a dumped area for solid waste
management.
· Lack of religious and tourist infrastructure in the area particularly toilets, information
center, security booths, signage, technical guides / manual etc. No trained guides for
the tourism and Heritage aspects.
· Imbalance growth of the city. The rapid growth in the northern side of the city leads to
the encroachment of heritage water bodies.
· Irrigation channels converted to drainage channels and solid waste dumping yards.
· Traffic congestion in core city due to whole sale markets. Moreover the historic city is
used as a trespassing area from north side to the southern side of the city.
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· Indigenous Arts and crafts of the place are slowly vanishing due to poor support and
awareness among the present generation.
OPPORTUN ITIES:
Tourism and Economic perspectives:
· With the availability of good connectivity, high literacy it can attract more investors
and tourists in the region.
· The local arts from across the region can be show cased for attracting the tourist and
local people.
· Capacity to attract many tourists as it is rich in heritage and culture.
· High Literacy rates with many educational institutions the region.
· The Religious and cultural capital status increases its importance in the state. The 64
Thiruvilayadal (sports of Shiva) spots are located in and around Madurai. The alagar
festivals still attract millions of people.
Proposed projects in pipeline:
· City is initiating reforms such as shifting of whole sale markets, E governance and
other projects under JnNURM scheme.
· The projects in BSUP clearly indicate the unemployment factor in the city. The
heritage aspects/strength can be used as a lever for the facelift of the people.
· The Facelift of the natural drains, channels and river Vaigai is another important
aspect. The Heritage Development Plan can produce design base for rejuvenating
these water bodies.
THREAT:
Conservation:
· Lack of repair and maintenance of heritage buildings can lead to rapid deterioration of
built fabric in the core city.
· Continued negligence of heritage areas can also lead to loss in tourism revenues
· Core city and Extension faces threat in the event of disasters both natural as well as
man-made.
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· The connection between the tangible and intangible heritage is slowly deteriorating
due to the rapid change in urbanization.
· The indigenous arts and crafts are vanishing at a steady rate.
Urban environment:
· Wholesale trade is concentrated in core walled city area, which attracts workers and
traders to the central location-leading to deterioration of the city environment
· Lack of adequate infrastructure to capitalize on economic opportunities (roads,
drainage and sewage systems, handling facilities … etc).
· High population growth can lead to further pressure on the infrastructure sector in the
future. Augmentation of trunk services is crucial.
· Lack of sewerage system, solid waste management, and poor distribution of water can
lead to health problems and epidemics in the city.
· Poor infrastructure in new areas -- especially in urban extensions and urban villages --
is a threat to quality of life.
Institutional set up:
· Capacity buildings of all government organizations if inadequate would result in non
implementation of several reforms.
· Lack of uniform maintenance of monuments between the ASI and State Archeological
department.
· Lack of coordination between the various governmental and non governmental
agencies in the city.
· Absence of Heritage governing body is another major cause for the deterioration of the
heritage precincts.
· Absence of public participation in Heritage conservation and preservation is a huge
setback in promoting the significance of the area.
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127
5.0. Vision for Madurai-2020: The required Heritage vision 2020
for Madurai is not to be a part of Master plan or any developmental plan that has constricted
objectives. The vision should give due weight age to conservation as a part of developmental
process. As indicated earlier the approach should be an integrated one where protection of
Heritage resource, protection of rivers, water bodies and wetlands, settlement/ Urban level
Agriculture, socio cultural and religious heritage are in tandem with transport, services and
land use of the area.
5.1 Key emerging issues for Madurai

· Conserve and enhance Madurai’s heritage through statutory listing and precincts
plans.
· Optimally utilize the available natural resources and retainable physical environment
in the development area.
· Ensure adequate provision of transportation infrastructure and traffic orderliness in
heritage zones.
· Ensure heritage sources are used as employment sources to the local unemployed
people
· Undertake integrated development of Heritage industries and facilities in order to
weave them with the existing social structure of the area.
· Provide necessary links to the existing heritage religious spots in Madurai.
· Control unplanned development in and around the religious sites and their
processional routes.
· Prioritize facilities that needed to be provided in order to achieve the set targets.
5.2 Emerging key planning and Developmental issues

· Special Area Development Plan: Preparing special Development Plan for heritage
Precincts should be the primary concerns. The plan should indicate the various heritage
development perspectives in tandem with other developmental plans. The plan should
formulate towards the producing numerous DPR’s and guidelines for development. The
proposed Protection and management plans for the historical sites in Madurai
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Corporation, Town panchayats and municipal areas should outline policy and practice for
the use of site, the duties for the staff and the procedure for the documentation,
inspections, identification and prioritizing of resource projects, financial planning, system
of reporting and review of work plan both short and long term, monitoring and
maintenance programmes, security of site, education and visitor services.
· Encroachments on heritage sites (agricultural land and open spaces): Urbanization
has expanded in an ad hoc manner often on to the green areas and open spaces .Most of
the heritage sites are occupied / encroached by commercial vendors and Govt. bodies. The
Heritage Channels and water body on the other hand is occupied / encroached by
residential areas. Eg. Villupuram Kanmoi, Girudumal channels etc. The rural Green
(Agriculture) belt is also under tremendous development pressure due to non availability
of developable lands within the existing settlement boundaries.
· The river Vaigai is considered as a religious and cultural asset. The sample conducted by
the Civil Engineering Department, TCE around 50 various spots in river clearly indicate
the condition of the river at the city limits. The self purifying capacity of the river is high
in its entire stretch except at city limits. The main reason being the disposal of sewage
from the northern side of the city. The restoration process through the public participation
is crucial with stringent development actions and maintained by Tamil Nadu Control
Board.
· Floating pilgrim and tourist population is a year round phenomenon in the region. Since
the city acts as a destination center for the places in the down south of the state, the tourist
population reaches around 30 lakhs in a year. The floating population reaches around 2
lakhs per day. On several festival days there is a bulge and this has not been adequately
catered for.
· Synergy between various agencies like ASI, State Department of Archeology, Madurai
Corporation, Tourism Industry, HR&CE is feeble and needs to be strengthened. The
proposals relating to widening of existing roads, construction of new roads, redeveloping
of Heritage areas, relocation of non confirming uses, preservation/conservation of water
bodies/tanks and management of cultural heritage needs greater degree of coordination.
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· Archeological Excavation of the area to facilitate the dating and importance of the
region. The excavation should be done in the different areas in the region. The process
should be carried with the ASI and State department of Archaeology.
5.3 Renewal Strategy:
· The historic city or the core should undergo complete renewal process through
conservation principles. Conservation of Heritage resources, Adaptive reuse of the
Heritage properties, Rehabilitation and improvement of the infrastructure should be
given prime importance. Moreover, the process should retain and promote the cultural
significance of the place.
· Several wards in heritage zones to be earmarked as heritage precincts, water bodies to
be restored through conservation process.
· The status of river Vaigai should be improved by treating the sewage water entering
into the river. The banks on the either side of the river should be strengthened within the
city limits. The off take points of different channels within the city limits should be
restored.
· The zoning regulations and the building byelaws should be simplified and penalties for
misuse and unauthorized construction are subject to deterrent penalties necessary. It is
very important to make the ward people to participate in the process.
· The renewal process should work in tandem with other developmental projects in the
region. The process should also focus on use of the passive energy systems.
· A cultural center should be proposed in the region that promotes the local arts and crafts.
The center should also acts as training cum exhibition center for the region.
· An interpretation center to be proposed facilitating the tourist friendly environment and
also creating awareness about the area. The center should be proposed in the heritage
zone.
· A separate Tamil center with digital and virtual environment should be proposed. The
center should focus on the collection, documentation and distribution of Tamil literary
sources.
· Developing the tourist and pilgrim circuits is another major task. The tourist should be
given a different package on historic walks that covers a wide range of services based on
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the duration. Walks like educational walks, exploratory walks, entertaining walks etc
to be given in the region. Similarly the 64 spots of Thiruvilayadal should be given
importance with greater connection.
5.4 The process for basic vision for Madurai-2020

The visioning process is an important step for future directions of heritage protection and
significance. This process has to be carried out by the Heritage Council and the different stake
holders in the city along with the Govt. officials and public. However the visioning process
should contain the following statements:
· Improved water quality to the region through the restoration of river Vaigai &
heritage water bodies.
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132
6.0. Policy Dimensions: The policy dimensions are gist of
recommendation arrived from the cultural significance, Heritage assessment, community
participation and capacity buildings of Madurai Corporation. The aim of this section is to
establish the possible dimensions based on the significance and vision of the place assessed in
previous section. The policy dimensions should address the following:
6.1. To retain or reveal the significance of the place: The reasons for
the progressive decline in the protection of Heritage elements are many. These range from
Government apathy and policies in one hand, to a declining interest on the part of the
communities to nurture these systems on the other hand. The present Master plan and the
development plans lack appropriate measures for protecting the Heritage elements. At this
juncture it is imperative to identify the various parameters that contribute towards formulating
the policies.
6.1. A. Need for Heritage plan: Master plan does not see Madurai as
Historic unit-rich cultural resources. It sees the city only as a logical economic system where
one solution follows the other. It follows only problem solving strategies and not preventive
techniques. Moreover the long time span of twenty years of forecast, inflexible, rigid planning
methods and state level or centralized decision making process have made the plan prone to
further deficiencies leading to long term damages and ignore short term immediate needs.
Master plan fails to provide a suitable environment that is adaptive and dynamic.
In the absence of proper development plans and controls to meet the
needs growing population-piecemeal development, a character of which is totally different to
the place and in the process of rebuilding also the historic importance of the place have been
diluted. All these factors have lead to a considerable loss to the traditional urban heritage,
making it necessary to draw an Alternate Plan for the conservation and protection of Historic
city of Madurai.
6.1. B. Integrated Approach: The existing planning framework does
not provide any legislative and management guidelines for the conservation of the built
heritage of Madurai. This lack of sensitivity and holistic approach in planning and absence of
adequate by-laws and management guidelines have rendered a substantial damage to the
heritage component of Madurai. This suggests having an alternate approach towards the
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management of heritage cities. The approach has to be an integrated one with
multidisciplinary nature keeping development as key focus. This approach is fruitful to
address the complexity and plurality of Madurai in terms of cultural, historical, architectural,
environmental, economic and ethical implications.
The Protection and management plans for the historical sites in
Madurai Corporation, Town panchayats and municipal areas should outline policy and
practice for the use of site, the duties for the staff and the procedure for the documentation,
inspections, identification and prioritizing of resource projects, financial planning, system of
reporting and review of work plan both short and long term, monitoring and maintenance
programmes, security of site, education and visitor services. However rural areas of Madurai
should be taken into perspectives while planning the policy as administrative areas are bound
to change at intervals.
6.1. C. Special Area Declaration: Heritage areas needs to be mapped
and should have separate boundaries within the administrative limits. Excavations should be
carried in the areas designated as Heritage zones. Use of the passive energy systems should
be encouraged in the special Areas such as use of solar lights etc.The boundaries should be
based on the significance assessed. Actions to be followed inside those boundaries must be
clearly listed:
Table 14: Zones of Significance
S.No Zones Directions

1 Zone of exceptional · All development activities should retain the
significance: significance of the Heritage areas.
Minakshi Amman · No new major construction activities should be
precincts, Chitrai carried such as construction of Vehicular bridges and
festival procession, pedestrian bridges in Masi streets where the
River Vaigai, procession takes place.
Anaimalai, Nagamalai, · Restoration of the building precincts should follow
Thirupparankundram the conservation principles.
and other Jain sites in · The shops inside the Minakshi Amman temple should
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the region. be relocated. The shops along the main corridor
namely the Amman Sannathi and Swam sannathi axis
completely blocks or encroaches the divine axis.
· Vehicular movements should be minimized in the
area.
· Passive energy system such as solar energy etc
should be encouraged in the zone
· The sewage and the drainage channels should be
properly treated before it enters into the river Vaigai.
· Either banks of the river Vaigai should be
strengthened or more amount of space to be allocated
for public parks and uses.
· The constructional materials used in theses zones
shall be of eco friendly in nature
· There should be proper connectivity with the
Heritage spots in these zones enhancing the
significance of the area.
· The religious environment around the temple
precincts should not be spoilt.
· Signage, other guiding devices and security devices
should be installed in the area.
· The environment should be religious and tourist
friendly with adequate infrastructure.
· The Jain sites in the region should be properly
connected facilitating the tourist movements.
· The ecological nature of the mountains and forest
(sacred groves) system should be promoted.
2 Zones of considerable · The developmental activities and the restoration
significance: process should follow the conservation principles.
Thirumalai Nayak
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Palace, Gandhi · Additions of parts or components shall be allowed in
ninaivagam, Gandhi the areas needed.
Museum, Alagar · Vehicular movements can be regularized in the area.
temple. · The ecological aspects should be maintained.
· More infrastructures should be installed to facilitate
tourist’s movements.
· Connectivity should be established about the Gandhi
visit to Madurai.
· Signage, other guiding devices and security devices
should be installed in the area.
· The natural drainage channels to be revived in the
region.
· Passive energy systems should be encouraged in the
places.
Recommended conservation techniques for the Heritage buildings:

Table 15: Conservation Techniques
S.No.
Buildings Techniques
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple Preservation, Restoration, Rehabilitation

2. Perumal Kovil Tank Rehabilitation
3. Kudal Azhagar Temple Restoration
4. Inmaiyil Nanmaitaruvar Temple Consolidation
5. St.Mary’s Chruch Good Condition
6. Holy Emmanuel Chruch Good Condition
7. St.George’s Chruch Consolidation
8. Ghazimer Mosque Preservation,
9. Goripalayam Mosque Consolidation
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10. Pudumandapam Restoration, Rehabilitation
11. Rayagopuram Restoration, Rehabilitation
12. Thermutti Restoration, Rehabilitation
13. Puttu Thoppu Restoration, Rehabilitation
14. Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Preservation ,Restoration, Rehabilitation
15. Pathu Thoon Street Preservation
16. Rani Mangammal Palace Restoration, Rehabilitation
17. Vadugar Palace Restoration, Rehabilitation
18. Vilaku Thoon Good Condition
19. Khadi Bhavan(Gandhi Memorial) Restoration, Rehabilitation
20. Remains of Nayak Fort wall Restoration, Rehabilitation
21. Sethupathi High School Good Condition
22. Madura Coats Mill Good Condition
23. Gandhi Museum Consolidation
24. Vandiyur Teppakuam Restoration, Rehabilitation
25. Pandiyan Fort Wall Restoration, Rehabilitation
26. American College Good Condition
27. Sourastra high school Good Condition
28. Meiya Mandapam Restoration, Rehabilitation
29. Azhagar Temple Consolidation
30. Pazhamuthir Cholai Good Condition
31. Thirupuramkundrum temple Consolidation
32. Collector Office Good Condition
33. Head Post Office Good Condition
34. Villapuram Farm Office Restoration
6.2. Identify feasible or compatible uses of the area: Most of the

Heritage buildings are occupied by the Government agencies and commercial agencies. This
forms a barricade for the tourist and local people to visit the premises and leads to the
deterioration of the buildings. So it is important to shift or relocate the offices from the
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Heritage buildings and reuse of these buildings should promote the cultural significance.
Recommended use for few of the heritage buildings can be as follows:
Table 16: Adaptive reuse
S.No Buildings Suggestive Adaptive reuse

1 Remains of Nayak Fort wall Interpretation center or tourist
2 Remain of Pandiyan fort wall Exhibit unit
3 Vadugar Palace Museum
4 Ranimangammal complex Cultural complex
5 Puttu Thoppu Open air theater complex
6 Pudhu Mandapam Dance/exhibit hall
6.3. To use Heritage as a lever for the development: Heritage

sources have to seen as an opportunity for the development of the livelihood of the people for
their sustenance. Traditional arts and crafts such as stone sculpting, plaster of Paris, Sungudi
saree weaving etc still provides thousands of employment sources for the people in the urban
agglomeration areas. Similarly the employment sector clearly indicates that more than 30% of
employment sources are from the tertiary sector i.e. form the hotel and tourist management
sector. So the heritage sources should be used to stabilizing the local economy of the people.
Employment sources in heritage sources are as follows:
Heritage industry:
o Arts and crafts center
o Training center for arts
o (Dance) cultural center
o Heritage institution for promoting Tamil
o Sacred groove plantations
o Museum / exhibition centers
o Tourist guide
o Bed and breakfast scheme
o Traditional water harvesting systems
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o Heritage management systems
6.4. Work within procurable requirements: It is very essential for
the system to work within the available resources. The man power needed for the consultancy,
implementation stages ca be obtained form the local resources. The educational institution
should be used for the collection of information. The communities should be involved in the
decision making process. The projects derived form the Heritage development plan should
follow the legislative measures and specification laid by the Madurai Corporation with the
consultation of Heritage council. Moreover, the Heritage proposals and development should
seek consensus form other developmental plans and vice versa. Considering the electric
power crisis in the district, it is highly recommended to use the solar energy lights and other
passive energy systems in the regions. Finally the plan should open venues for the private
sectors to invest capital investment.
139
140
7.0. PROJECT INITIATIVES: The aim of this section is to discuss
the possible projects and the phasing of those projects. The projects are derived form the
situation analysis of the city and have to be linked with previous sections. The entire span is
divided into three phases followed by each one. The phasing is worked out in a flexible
manner and needs public and stakeholder’s involvement throughout its span. Conservation of
the monuments is given more importance. The Heritage elements identified in Madurai are to
be conserved in as is where condition with minimal renovation of structures.
Conservation and preservation of Heritage elements –Buildings under all classes
· Conservation and preservation of Heritage elements –Precincts under all classes
· Conservation and preservation of Heritage elements –Areas under all classes
· Conservation and preservation of Specialized Crafts and trades
· Conservation and preservation of Literary (Tamil Sangam) Heritage
· Conservation and preservation of Socio-cultural Heritage (festivals and the various
communities involved in those festivals)
· Improvements to Traffic and Transportation Problems in Heritage Zones
· Upgradation of infrastructure to meet needs of Heritage town
· Shifting and reuse of non-conformation use segments.
· Identification of remunerative projects to help funding of the other services projects
· Improvements to services allied to tourism and environment
· Policies, Controls and Regulations as an aid to Conservation
· Institutional arrangements for implementation of projects proposed and their
maintenance.
7.1 HERITAGE PROPOSALS :( table 17)
Built Heritage Art Heritage Living Heritage Natural Heritage
Preservation perspectives Documentation perspectives

Documentation of the Documentation of the Documentation of the Documentation of the
religious structures in arts and crafts of the festivals in the Madurai natural and cultural
the area. area. region. sites of heritage
interest in the area.
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Restoration, adaptive Promotion of Identification of the Identification of the
reuse and traditional art and various communities cultural components
consolidation of the crafts of the region for involved in the in the urban and rural
Minakshi Amman their authenticity and enactment of the area having
Temple and its identity. cultural events and relationship with the
components cultural spaces in the natural heritage.
city.
Restoration of other Restoration of the Documentation of the Creation of cultural
temple complexes and Mural paintings in the various cultural dances mapping in the
other religious temple complexes in in the region. region.
buildings in the region the city.
Consolidation of other Restoration of the Documentation of the Identification of the
religious buildings in temple cars (wooden mythology of the indigenous flora
the region carvings) in the city. region, oral literature and fauna of the
in the region, the region.
significance of the
Tamil literature and the
various arts and crafts,
dance forms in the
region.
Livelihood perspectives
Restoration of the Restoration, Promotion of the Promotion of the
temple tanks and translation and traditional, cultural, sacred grooves and
other built tanks in the digitization of and puranic events medicinal/ herbal
region through rain epigraphs, palm leaf such as Thiruvilayadal gardens in the region
water harvesting writings, coinage and puranams in the city. through public
schemes. manuscripts of the participation.
ancient Tamil language
Establishing the Restoration of the Revival of traditional Increase in
connectivity between paintings found in the arts and crafts such as agricultural practice
the different religious Jain caves in the Sungudi weaving, through the revival
structures in the city. region. Madurai malli etc in of the traditional
the region for the water systems
142
unemployed people. (includes the people,
the land, and the
various techniques)
in the region.
Consolidation and Preservation of Digital version of the Setting up of
restoration of detached elements Tamil literature and Training centers for
Thirumlai Nayak form the heritage epigraphs in the region educating the
Palace, pathu thoon buildings ,objects etc. using local people. traditional water
structures in the city. harvesting methods
in the region.
Demonstration Documentation of Promotion and Setting up of
projects in recreating traditional weaving training of the music, training centers for
a vernacular house in techniques, medicinal dance and sculptural the promotion and
the city. techniques in the forms and architectural enhancement of
region. knowledge, crafts and sacred grooves and
weaving systems of the indigenous varieties
region. in the region.
Adaptive reuse of the Setting up of Safe guarding and Safe guarding and
Fort wall, vadugar translation center for cleaning of the cleaning of the
palace, Gandhi the epigraphs, palm heritage elements in the heritage gardens,
ninaivagam, Rani leaf and other region through the sacred grooves in the
mangammal palace in manuscripts in the local resources. region through the
the city. region. local resources.
Provision of
interactive space in
the central market
area, Gandhi museum
and puttu thoppu
pavilion.
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7.2 TOURISM PROPOSALS: (table 18)
Built Heritage Art Heritage Living Heritage Natural Heritage
Infrastructure perspectives
Provision of Provision of Establishment of Setting up of
infrastructure facilities information panels cultural centers for botanical/ herbal
such as information and lighting systems in the promotion of gardens and centers
system, sign board, arts and crafts sections. traditional dance and for the indigenous
lighting, pavement, music. varieties in the
cctv’s in heritage region.
sites.
Adaptive reuse of Provision of various Provision of training Promotion of
Heritage buildings as display system for centers for traditional nurseries that cater
conversion of Nayak displaying coins, crafts for the local the traditional
fort wall into epigraphs and other art people to strengthen varieties such as
interpretation heritage items. their economic Marudham tree etc.
center. situation.
Creation of Setting up of Provision of dance Demarcation and
information center in exhibiting galleries center like kala promotion of
the city at various and selling the copies kendra for the cultural landscape
points to facilitate the of the art elements such training centers of zone in the region
process of as khadhi crafts, craft Dance forms for tourist such as Mullai,
understanding the bazaars etc both local and foreign. Marudham and
heritage elements. Paalai landscape.
Setting up of art Implementation of Training centers and Setting up of
galleries and display schemes such as Bed exhibition centers for interpretation
galleries for tourists and Break fast scheme the arts and crafts of centers for the life
for the local people. the region for tourist sciences in the
both local and foreign. region.
Historic walks/Circuit perspectives
Development of Connecting the Enhancing the Creating jungle walk
heritage walks for different spots of connectivity between for the tourists in the
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connecting the Thiruvilayadal the different region.
different Jain caves in puranams spots in the traditional sculptural
the region. region. and Architectural
forms in the region.
Promoting Heritage Enhancing the alagar Promotion of heritage Educative walks for
walks within the festival procession walks connecting the the life science
different heritage routes in the region. different art and crafts species in the region.
elements in the city of the region.
Encouraging Promotion of different Enhancing the ritual Educative walks for
exploratory walks in pilgrim circuits in the performances of the traditional water
the region for the region for the pilgrims Thiruvilayadal harvesting
tourists. and tourist. puranams in the region. techniques in the
region.
Provision of Air Provision of Air Provision of Air Provision of Air
conditioned buses conditioned buses and conditioned buses and conditioned buses
and other vehicular other vehicular means other vehicular means and other vehicular
means for the tourist for the tourist people in for the tourist people in means for the tourist
people in the region. the region. the region. people in the region.
Monitoring and security perspectives
· Installation of help booths at different heritage location.
· Provision of police booths at vital heritage locations in the city.
· Installation of cctv’s and camera’s at different locations.
· Setting a travel guide club for the smooth heritage tours in the region
· Installation of Radio frequency systems for the heritage alerts through mobiles.
· Installation of electronic sensors in Heritage areas for monitoring purposes.
· Helpline services and online services for different heritage locations.
Supplementary projects
· Establishing Heritage Awareness camps in all schools and colleges
· Establishing Heritage clubs in all schools and institution
· Publishing books, CD’s, and other software’s about heritage elements
· Publishing pamphlets, brochures and other information manuals for the local people and
tourists.
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The summary of the action plan is given below:
Table 19: Action Plan
S.No Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Project
1. Inventory of Heritage Area
2. Delineating of Heritage
Zones
3. Devising policies and
project formulation
4. Shifting of Non Compatible

area:
Central Market
PWD office
Commissioner office
Fort wall/ Corporation office
Electronic shops
Fruit Market
Hardware shops/ buildings
5. Face-lifting Heritage
Precincts:
Restoration of Monuments
(supporting projects)
Installation of infrastructure
Establishing the connectivity
between heritage sources.
Expansion of Museums
Restructuring temple tanks
by rain water harvesting
6. Providing tourist
Amenities:
Adaptive reuse of Heritage
Buildings
Setting up of Interpretation
center
Construction of toilets
Construction of cultural
center
7. Face-lifting of Natural
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Heritage:
Strengthening the check
dams / embankment of river
Vaigai
Reconnecting the irrigation
channels into Vaigai
Strengthening of water
bodies in the city limits
Strengthening embankment
of irrigation channels
Providing leisure parks on
banks of vaigai
Project Proposals for phase I: The following table describes the need for the various actions to
be taken in phase I. However the project cost of Rs 126 cr is already under the pipeline of
Madurai Corporation regarding the Heritage. This can be implemented with the concurrence
of government agencies and other stakeholders in the city. The proposed DPR by Madurai
Corporation concentrates on the following aspects:
Proposed DPR on Heritage aspects in Madurai

Total Cost: 126.00 cr
Building cost: 65.60 cr + 12.5 cr
Balance: 47.9 cr
Pavement: 23.63 cr (nearly 48 % remaining cost)
Lighting: 10.02 cr (nearly 21% remaining cost)
Landscape: 4.75 cr
Improvements: 9.67 cr
(not clearly stated)
Thus the entire cost is ignorant of the conservation aspect and policies of
Heritage buildings. Further the term improvements are not clearly defined. Pvement and
lighting are no the only infrastructure the Heritage city need at the present state.
The plan suggests alternate DPR for the city concentrating on the following actions:
147
Table 20: Phase I
Actions Phase Reasoning

Listing of heritage properties Phase I To identify an exhaustive list of
within the city heritage components so that
nothing is missed out for lack
of information and to determine
the potential of the structures.
Delineation and preparation of Phase I To suggest or regulate the
Special area development plan growth pattern and the future
for heritage zone within the city. development for the heritage
zone
Identification/ establishment of Phase I To prevent any conflict of
institutions that should be interest between two
responsible for the management of organization during
heritage in the city and provision implementation phase.
of heritage cell for coordination of
the activities. To held responsibility for
implementation phase
Conservation and preservation Phase I To ensure protection of the
of the heritage properties identified Heritage elements in the region.
form the listing process
Revival of heritage water bodies Phase I To ensure protection of the
(river Vaigai and other channels) in Heritage water resources and
the region. for better recharge of ground
water in the region.
Infrastructure development Phase I To prevent chaos during
1) Enhancement of pilgrim festivals and regulate
facilities and circuits within the movement pattern so it does not
city disturb the normal life
2) Provision of heritage
148
infrastructure - on site (eg.
Lighting, sensors provision of
drinking water, toilets, internal
road network, arrangement for
waste collection, etc.)
3)Provision of heritage sensors to
monitor vandalism
4) Radio Frequency systems to be
used in and around the vicinity of
the heritage structure.
Financial arrangements Phase I Resource mobilization and
Ensure better public private sense of belonging towards
partnership along with the heritage properties.
government agencies in the
process.
Public participation: Phase I To create and generate
1. Provision of heritage center for awareness of the heritage
the promotion of arts and crafts component and induce public
in Madurai city participation at all levels
2. Setting up of interpretation cell
and tourist cell
3. Setting up of heritage
consortium with different
sections of people and heritage
clubs at schools and colleges
For e.g.(involving schools and
colleges in maintaining heritage
components in the vicinity)
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From the above table it is clear that the proposed DPR should
concentrate on the aspects that promote the significance of the place. The phase I should also
cater the different disciplines and diversity of the Heritage. It is also clear that without the
primary Heritage resources the infrastructure cannot be provided for a city like Madurai. So as
support projects certain amount of funds have to be diverted in conserving the Heritage of the
area. The alternate DPR for the phase I can be stated as follows:
Proposed DPR in Madurai (Suggestive)
Total Cost: 126.00 cr

Building cost: 65.60 cr + 12.5 cr
Balance: 47.9 cr
Component A (Conserve) 20.00 cr
Component B (Reuse) 12.00 cr
Open Space and pedestrainisation: 10.00 cr
Lighting: 4.90 cr
Electronic censors and displays: 1.0 cr
(for security and tourist facilitation)
The other phases are worked out in continuation with phase one to have better cross
comparative analysis and results.
Table 20.1: Phase II
Actions Phase
1. Preparation of detailed inventory list of heritage sources within the Phase II
region
2. Setting up of heritage resource center Phase II
3. Preparation of special area development plan for the heritage sources Phase II
in the region
4. Preparation of cultural landscape map for Madurai region Phase II
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5. Implementation of special area development plans for identified Phase II
sites
6. Enhancement of religious spots and provision of pilgrim facilities Phase II
around the region
7. Skill training and Upgradation of youth for employment generation Phase II
in heritage programmes
8. Establishing MoUs between private bodies owning heritage sites and Phase II
government agencies
Table 20.2: Phase III

Actions Phase
1. Setting up heritage information system programmes to increase the Phase III
sensitivity analysis at regional level
2. Formulation of schemes for protection and promotion of other Phase III
identified heritage resources
3. Implementation of cultural landscape programmes at the regional Phase III
level
4. Implementation of special area development plan at regional level Phase III
5. Establishing a museum for ASI resource in the region Phase III
6 Linking the different cultural landscape of the region Phase III
7. Creating heritage centers at satellite towns in the region Phase III
7.3. Investment Plan: The aim of this section is to work out the cost estimate
for the projects worked out in the previous phases. The cost is lump sum in nature and it is
indicative only. The entire project is worked out in three phases and subsequent the invest
pattern is given. The project consists of four different Plans. The allocation is done on all four
plans at the same time period. The plans are highly interconnected and it is imperative to view
these plans in parallel dimension.
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Table 21: Total budget
Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2016 2020 2024
Total 247. 5 crores

investment
127 crores
94 crores
TOTAL: 468.5 CRORES
The amount of money required during different phases is tabulated below. The rates are
indicative in nature and worked on lump sum basis with the quantity of sites. The amount is
sanctioned to the different zones based on the significance of the property. Each zone are
further divided into Zones of Exceptional Significance (National), Zones of Considerable
significance (Regional) and Zones of Low significance (local level)
Table 22: Total budget for Graded Zones
Zone Area Significance Amount required Total
phase I Phase Phase

II III
Zone I Area within the Exceptional significance: 50 10 5

four Veli streets · Area around Minakshi
Amman Temple 65
comprising of Four
Chitrai streets.
· Pudu Mandapam
complex.
· Raya gopuram
· Ther mutti
152
Considerable significance: 10 10 5
· Area around 25
Thirumalai Nayak
Palace
· Patthu thoon
Low significance: 10 05
· Inmailum namai 15
tharuvar koil
· Madanagopalswamy
temple
· Town hall road
Teppakulam
· Nayak and Pandiyan
Fort wall
· St.Marys church
· Vadugar palace
· Rani Mangammal
palace
· Gazimar mosque
TOTAL 105
Zone Banks of River Exceptional significance: 30 10
II Vaigai
· Either side of the River 40
Vaigai
TOTAL 40
Zone Area around Considerable significance: 05 05
III
Tamukkam · Gandhi museum
grounds, · Vandiyur Mariamman
Area around Teppakulam
Gandhi museum, · Puttu thoppu complex
153
Area around Low significance:
Vandiyur · Tamukkam grounds 05 15
Mariamman
Teppakulam,
Area around Puttu
thoppu complex.
TOTAL 15
Zone All Channels and Considerable significance: 40
IV
canals within the · Girudumal channel
city limits Low significance:
· Vandiyur channel
· Sellur channel
· Panaiyur channel
TOTAL 40
Zone Nagamalai Hills Exceptional significance: 08 02 15
V
Anaimalai Hills · Jain caves & sculptures
Thirupparankundr · Thirupparankundram 05
am Murugan temple
Alagar hills complex
· Alagar Hills
TOTAL 15
The different components in the plans can be briefed out as follows:

· Conservation aspects (Component A): the main aim of this part is to conserve and
protect the heritage buildings in the region
· Reuse aspects (Component B): the plan concentrates on the adaptive reuse of the
heritage structures. The plan also needs some support projects for its adaptive reuse.
154
· Open space networking (Component C): concentrates on reuse of the available open
space in the region to provide common amenities for the people. Shifting and relocating of
the electrical and other services line has to be incorporated in the support project.
· Pedestrainisation (Component D): deals with providing pedestrian network and other
signage’s for the local and tourist people.
· Natural Conservation (Component E): deals with the natural water bodies in the region.
However the cost for the plan is already been included in other projects like NRCP and
drainage improvement projects by the Madurai Corporation.
Each and every plan is capable of producing different Detailed Project Report
on it path. The prepared DPR should correlate the other projects for its success. The capital
investment plan is for the entire duration is given below.
Table 23: Different components in Project outlay
PROJECT TITLE INVESTMENT TOTAL SUB PLAN

TOTAL TOTAL
Phase Phase Phase
I II III
(Cr) (Crores)
Component A
CONSERVATION ASPECTS (To be carried out by HR&CE, Madurai Corporation,
State Archeological Dept, ASI and Heritage Council)
A1 Conservation and 80 40 10
130.0
restoration of the identified
Heritage spots in the region
A2 Revival of Traditional Arts 5.0 0.5 0.5 6.0
and crafts in the region
A3 Excavations in region 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
A4 Revival of Cultural events 1.0 0.25 0.25 1.5
in the city
A5 Cultural centers 5.0 5.0 144.5 144.5
Component B
155
REUSE ASPECTS (To be carried out by State Archeological Dept, ASI, Madurai
Corporation & Heritage Cell)
B1 Reuse Plan 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
Nayak Fort wall
B2 Reuse Plan 8.0 0.5 0.5 9.0
Central Market
B3 Reuse Plan 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
Commissioner office
B4 Reuse Plan 0.5 0.5 - 1.0
Aavin Park
B5 Heritage Walks 3.0 0.75 0.75 4.5
B6 Demonstration project: 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 21.5 166.0
Demonstration of Heritage
house, façade treatments
B7
SUPPORT PROJECT (To be carried out by, Madurai Corporation)
Relocation of vegetable 120 15.0 10.0 45.0 145.0 311.0
Market, Corporation Office
in fort wall, Commissioner
office, Electronic shops
around Perumal teppam,
shops inside the
pudumandapam complex.
Component C
OPEN SPACE NETWORKING(To be carried out by Madurai Corporation)
C1 Open space in 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0

Commissioner Office
156
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C2 Open space in Aavin Park 0.5 0.25 0.25 1.0
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C3 Open space around 2.0 1.0 1.0 4.0
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C4 Open space in central 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
Market area (providing
elements, Providing
courts)
C5 Open space in Market area 0.5 0.5 0.25 1.25
near East Marret space
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C6 Open space around Ther 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0
mooti space (providing
elements, Providing
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courts)
C7 Open space South West 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0

corner space of the city
lighting elements,
Providing pavement,
C8 Open space in existing Eco 0.5 0.5
Park (providing street
furniture, lighting
elements, providing
pavement, information
C9 Other Open spaces found 10.0 2.0 0.5 12.5 27.25 338.5
in the LPA areas
C10
SUPPORT PROJECTS (To be carried out by Madurai Corporation, TNEB)
Replacement of electrical 2.0 2.0 1.0 5.0 5.0 343.5
cables and lines near
historic areas
Component D
PEDESTRIANISATIO N (To be carried out by Madurai Corporation and Heritage
Council)
D1 Pedestrianisation of all four 5.0
.
Chitrai streets
Swami sannathi street
(from Raya Gopuram to
pudhu mandapam)
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Amman sannathi street
(from Vitta Vasal to Asta
sakthi Mandapam)
Patthu thoon street
Samanar malai. (near
caves)
Anaimalai malai. (near
caves)
D7 Pedestrianisation of 3.0 12 355.5
Other areas identified
TOTAL 355.5
crores
Component E
ENVIRONM ENTAL CONSERVATION ASPECTS (To be carried out by Madurai
Corporation and PWD)
E1 Revival of River Vaigai
30 10 40
within Madurai corporation
limits
E2 Revival of storm water 40 40
Drainage of heritage
channels in Madurai city
(Heritage component)
E3 Conservation of forest 5.0 5.0 3.0 13 448.5
areas. (plantation of trees,
93
herbal gardens sacred
grooves in the region)
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F1 ADHOC VALUES 60 508.5
TOTAL 508.5
Crores
Amount already 40.cr
sanctioned
NET TOTAL 468.5 cr
NOTE:
In total amount of 508.5cr, 40cr is already been sanctioned for the Strom water drainage plan.
So the net total of 468.5cr is required for the Plan.
7.4. Conclusion: from the above scenarios the consultant recommends

the following things to the Madurai Corporation to retain the significance of the cultural
heritage:
· The religious environment in the city with its heritage resources should be retained and
promoted through the involvement of the Heritage council, stake holders and public
masses.
· The heritage buildings occupied by the governmental agencies can be restored and put
into adaptive reuse for its sustenance and revenue generation.
· It is highly recommended to follow the conservation ethic and principles in the heritage
zones.
· Research, connectivity, awareness, protection and revenue generation should be the key
focus of Heritage development activities.
· It is high time for the Madurai Corporation to establish a Heritage council to manage the
Heritage development in the region.
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161
Annexure -1
SUVADU:
It is an ambitious Heritage programme of the research and development wing,
Department of Architecture, Thiagarajar college of Engineering, Madurai-15. The wing
consists of academicians specialized in the field of Conservation Architecture, Landscape
Architecture, Urban Design and Architects practicing in the field.
Objectives of the programme:
Documentation and Information:
· Undertake surveys, mapping and listing of identified heritage sources.
· Develop a data base for the city using Geographical information systems and other
softwares.
Awareness Promotion:
· Conduct seminars, workshops, historic walks for the dissemination of information.
· Information through print and visual
media.
Identification of Potential areas:
· Conduct SWOT analysis based on
participatory approach
· Identify the potential areas of
development and opening cultural
platform for tourist potential.
· Formulate research framework to
prepare policy level proposals for Integrated Heritage Development Plan.
Implementation Mechanism:
· Identify and involve various groups, decision makers, NGOs and users.
· Prepare a policy level decisions and Integrate with existing town planning
framework.
· Propose public participatory programme viable for implementation mechanism.
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Annexure -II
CTAG:
City Technical Advisory Group (CTAG) is envisaged as an integral part of programme
implementation at city level with autonomy in offering advice to Jawaharlal Nehru National
Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) related activities in Madurai City. CTAG is constituted
by Madurai Corporation as a formal structure with the guidance of National Technical
Advisory Group. CTAG will advise city governance and management team on enlisting
community participation in service delivery, governance and poverty reduction programme.
CTAG will guide the cities in their renewable process with concrete technical and
development inputs by involving all the stakeholders in the development process of the city,
making City Development Plan (CDP) a Living Document to guide programme
implementation.
CVTC:
City Volunteer Technical Corps (CVTC) is being constituted by City Corporation to enable
people participation in JNNURM implementation and to ensure accountability and
transparency. It would be guided by City Technical Advisory Group (CTAG). CVTC
comprises of five Cells namely Urban Governance, Urban Infrastructure and Engineering,
Urban Planning, Urban Poverty and Financial and legal Services. CVTC will trigger the
development process by sensitizing the different stakeholders of their rights roles and
responsibilities and be the watchdogs of the development processes. CVTC would facilitate
exchange of information and be a conduit for reaching the common person about the
information flow on schemes, Detailed Project Reports (DPR’s) of JNNURM and mobilize
their involvement in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the projects
conceived in City Development Plan.
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Annexure -III
Inauguration of Heritage Consortium
Venue: Conference Hall, Corporation Office, Madurai.
Date : 3.12.2007
1. Inauguration of Heritage Consortium.
Dr.V.Abhai kumar, Principal, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai gave a welcome

address for all the City Corporation authorities, consortium members of Thiagarajar College
of Engineering and Madurai Kamaraj University and invitees present for the inauguration of
Heritage Consortium. He recalled the initiatives taken by CTAG and CVTC towards th
inauguration and said this HERITAGE CONSORTIUM will not limit its role for preparation
of Heritage Conservation Plan and Detailed Project Report but also work for the development
of heritage concept in the Madurai city. He invited Mayor Thenmozhi Gopinathan, Thiru
Ramachandran, Deputy Commissioner, Thiru Saktivel, Superintendent Engineer and Dr
Anandavalli Mahadevan to light the Kuthuvizhaku. Mayor in her inaugural address requested
the heritage consortium to work out the different directions on Heritage development and
submit the proposal within the stipulated time. She also requested the Corporation officials to
cooperate with the consortium regarding the secondary information and other works.
2. Presentation of Heritage Development Plan.
Prof. G. Balaji, Conservation Architect, Department of Architecture, Thiagarajar College of
Engineering, presented the overview of Heritage Development Plan.
Unlike the other cities in the state, Madurai city is a treasure trove of heritage values including
ecological zones (kurinji, marudham, paalai), linguistic diversity, with river Vaigai playing a
decisive role in moulding the city under different rulers, he said and added realizing that river
Vaigai was not a perennial river, successive rulers, had consciously development thousands of
tanks as integral parts of the city.
Unfortunately, the present generation had least knowledge on heritage values of the city.
Citing the example of Thirupuramkundram hill which was the oldest rock formation
according to geologists, which belonged to Precambrian era, he said that mountain called
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uluru rock, similar to this age in Australia has been announced as heritage site, but most of us
here even fail to realize the significance attached to the Thirupuramkundram rock.
Classifying heritage under tangible and intangible categories, Balaji said the importance of
intangible items like festival (particularly the Chithirai festival which amplifies the century-
old celebrations of function jointly by Saivaites and Vaishnavites), myths and legends, arts
and crafts should be communicated to people to preserve it to prosperity.
Having established his points, he said consortium will adopt multi-disciplinary approach to
draft the Heritage Development Plan and proposed that the plan is drafted keeping the
following into consideration – priorization of sites, their sustainable development, sensitivity
analysis and heritage conservation. The power point presentation is enclosed.
Copies of the draft plan was given by Dr Abhai Kumar, Principal, Thiagarajar College of
Engineer to Sri Ramachandran, Deputy Commissioner and Dr Anandhavalli Mahadevan,
Department of Future Studies, presented to Thiru Saktivel, Superintendent Engineer. Heritage
Consortium represented by premier institutions to give the feedback for incorporation in the
draft copy.
The presentation opened new vistas for all the participants which could be used as guidelines
for preparing the detailed project report on heritage development plan. He also asked the
experts to submit the Detailed Project Report within two months, so that they can submit it for
approval to the Ministry of Urban Development.
Mathuram, Executive Engineer, shared the experiences of heritage cities meeting held at
Agra.. Madurai is recognized as one among the 10 heritage cities in the country. He assured
the city corporation authorities will render whole hearted support for the consortium to
prepare the DPR. He appreciated the integrative approach to the heritage concept and
requested the consortium members to prepare a model report which will set a trend for other
heritage cities.
2. Presentation of Madurai marathon 2008:
Ms. Raghini, representing Madurai Marathon, Madurai presented about “Madurai marathon
2008 to be held on January 13 2008. She recalled the Madurai marathon 2007 experiences
where more than 30000 members participated representing from different cross sections of the
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society. Ms. Devaki, added that this year marathon will focus on “Heritage Water Bodies” (
Imaiyil Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, Tallakulam perumal kovil, Thirukulam,Arulmigu
Subramania swamy Thirukovil- Theppakulam, Mariamman kovil teppakullam) which are
living heritage serving the community for years. She sought the support of corporation on
facilitating water literacy in all the schools run by Corporation and anchor the process by
supporting the resource mobilization for marathon by sponsoring events like walk for a cause,
marathon by mementos and participation of all the school children along with corporation
officials in this grand event. The presentation on Madurai Marathon 2008 is also enclosed.
Reflecting on the presentation and request for support, Sri Saktivel extended corporation
support for the cause. He said that the commissioner will be briefed about the request and
necessary support will be extended for the success of marathon. Sri Ramachandran, Deputy
Commissioner responding to the request said that the impact of the earlier marathon can be
also shared across the people and the specific needs for the Madurai marathon 2008 can be
tabled for consideration.
3. Reflections by the consortium members
Lakshmi Thilagam and Balasubramanian presented about the need and process of listing,
mapping and grading of heritage aspects in the city. Her presentation is also enclosed. S.
Shanmuganathan, Department of geography, Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai said that
the sensitivity analysis on potential of heritage sites, Remote sensing possibilities can be
explored. The Cultural dimension of the Madurai city can be explored for the benefit of
tourist and also for the stakeholders to ensure consistent source of income. Sri Muthiah,
Department of Folklore, MKU said that all the temples inclusive of churches and mosque and
their relation to folk arts need to be looked into for integrative approach. He said that there is
lot of information is available (as research) regarding water bodies which can be used in
preparing the DPR. Ramani, Lecturer, Thiagarajar College of Arts, Madurai said the ancient
temple boundaries, water bodies, sangam literature and the effect of colonial period in
Madurai should be looked into while preparing the DPR. He also requested the consortium
members to make use of the library at his house to know about heritage aspects. Dr
Ananthavalli Mahadevan defined the heritage, the role of heritage in the city development,
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guiding principles for the development of heritage aspects and have an intense stakeholders
interaction by having visioning exercise for the city, awareness programmes, public
consultation and education. Her presentation is also enclosed.
Demands of the corporation were reinforced by Ar. Balaji to submit the DPR within two
months and sought the cooperation of all the consortium members to have regular meetings in
the coming days. He also said the plan will be circulated to all the members for their
feedback. He thanked the corporation, consortium members, press and for the logistics
support extended by the corporation team. Meeting ended with the lunch hosted by the
corporation at Superintendent Engineer chamber.
Inauguration of Heritage consortium by Madurai

Coporation
167
Annexure IV: Proposed DPR by Madurai Corporation:
168
Annexure -V
HERITAGE WORKSHOP – PROCEEDINGS
VENUE: THIAGARAJAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, MADURAI
Hosted by – SUVADU, Architecture Dept’s A/c Conference Hall
Organized by: Urban Planning Cell, CTAG and CVTC
Date : 19.8.2007, Sunday
Time : 10 to 1 p.m
Ø The meeting was chaired by the CTAG chairperson Mr. B.T.Bangera
Ø The following members attended the workshop
CTAG: CVTC:
1) Thiru.B.T.Bangera 1) Thiru.Mohanlal Larber
2) Dr. Ananthavalli Mahadevan 2) Thiru. G.Balaji
3) Tmt. Padmavathy 3) Thiru.Charles Fernando
4) Dr.Selvaraj 4) Thiru. O.P.Balaji
5) Tmt. Umayyal 5) Thiru Chandran
Invited Guests.
1) Prof. Venkatraman
2) Prof.Ramani
CVTC &CTAG secretariat: 3) Prof.V.Balasubramanian
a) Thiru. Madhan Kumar 4) Ar.N.Ramalingam

b) Final Year Conservation students 5) Thiru. Indra soundarajan
WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS
1. It was inaugurated with the prayer song Architecture students
2. Welcome address was delivered by the CTAG chairman Mr.B.T.Bangera.
Chairman welcomed the invited guests, CVTC and CTAG members. General introduction
about the JnNURM scheme was given. Chairman was describing the city as a goldmine of
Heritage assets. He strongly insisted the need of awareness of the heritage aspects to the local
people. Further the strategic plan must be worked on a time bound scale to revitalize the city.
169
More emphasis should be given to the increase the duration of the tourists in the city thereby
more revenue income the city.
3. Inaugural address:
Mrs.ANANDAVALLI, member of CTAG, started with her power point presentation. Her
power point presentation was that Madurai has both
a. Tangible Heritage Buildings, Monuments etc
b. Intangible Heritage Tradition, culture etc
Localization and sustainability in the heritage should be given more importance in the
process. Further these cities provide the sense of identity, sense of evolution, sense of
ownership, sense of community. These have to be modernized and preserved. For that she
suggested the following
Ø Vision
Ø Protection
Ø Financial planning
Ø Impact Assessment of all the above – conduced with this.
She also briefed about the heritage toolkit mentioned in the JnNURM scheme. She concluded
in suggesting evolving a Heritage management plan that should comprise of Restoration
works, capacity buildings, cultural meets and also Cultural Parks.
Prof.Venkatraman in his speech spoke briefed about the methods for promoting
heritage literacy among the various levels of people. He gave more emphasis that the
academic institutions should throw more lights on the local heritage for their academic
training. He also mentioned the following:
Prof.Venkatraman, Historian Chairman Bangera with CTAG member Mrs.

Ananthavali Mahadevan
170
a. Tangible Heritage: All important heritage land marks to be identified and preserved.
For this the examples he cited was
· ï´è™ (Heroic stone).
· Samanar Caves (one behind Tiruparankundram and other at Nagamalai)
· A Hindu cave temple at Aanaimalai, which are not known to many but it is
running slowly
b. Intangible Heritage: All the traditional stories and customs should be narrated its
reality and its should be made available to the public
All these would be the solutions for the above the concluded.
Thiru Indra soundarrajan, Novelist Prof.Ramani, Thiagarajar Arts College
Next Indra Soundar rajan spoke about the puranic version of Madurai and his speech he
insisted the following:
a. What is the Heritage of Madurai?
b. (Because most of the places have its Heritage)

c. This could be classified as
· Puranic sense
· present sense
b. He said about Chithirai Festivals glory and the names used in Madurai like Pandi/
Meenakshi are either prefined or suffined in the names of local residents shows the
mingleness of culture with the society. He also compared the status of Varnasi religious
status with that of Madurai.
171
c. He expressed his concern about the position of the River Vaigai and the River
Kirudhumal, Golden lotus tank, Elukadal etc. these water sources have to be given more
importance in terms of bringing back its life. Even the folks like Thappattam,
Bommallatam, Kollattam were runned inside the city
d. Sighted a place near central market, where Rani Mangammal had spent her last life with
sufferings, is not known to many. Similar thing prevails all over India and an example at
Kasi be worshipped a famous Ganapathy temple (one among the I available, out of 51)
inside a big house. i.e. the temple was encroached and became house Concluded that the
heritage should be brought to the limelight and should also be preserved
Prof.V.Balasubramainam, Dept. of Architecture, CTAG member Dr.Selvaraj (extreme left) with

T.C.E Prof.G.Balaji, T.C.E
3. The next Chief Guest was Mr.Ramani from Thiagaraja Arts College (Eng Dept),
Madurai, in his short speech the evolution of human being is based on the tradition so
at any cost it should be preserved. Further he added to find the things that really
classify under the heritage concept.
4. The next speaker is Prof Balasubramaniam. In his speech he said Madurai has lost
almost 95% of its heritage. The balance 5% at least should be preserved. For that
Listing of sites should be collected and instead of Tourism perspective there should be
an involvement to be generated among the local people, for this he suggested the
following:
172
a. A Heritage cell should be created and the members could be the same members of
JNNURM
b. The cell should be given powers, that NDC from it should be obtained (by all) for any
developmental works in and around Madurai
c. The cell should propagate awareness among local people regarding the heritage
preservation (so that it could also escape from outside pressure to give NDC on some
heritage site i.e. realized people won’t select such places)
5. Next is prof.G.Balaji, CVTC member. He gave an introduction about the evolution of

the Madurai city and the diversities of heritage concepts. In the course of discussion he
mentioned about the fort wall of Madurai and also gave an account of a 11 years old
boy and for his remembrance a small library in the name Thiyagi Mani Memorial
Library is functiong below the corporation south zone office. He also invited all to
visit his own library and concluded.
6. Ar.Ramalingam briefed about the involvement of IIA Madurai chapter in the city
development projects. Further he added that the IIA chapter is at their best in terms of
cooperation in the city projects.
7. Then open suggestion and discussion from all the members were invited
a.CVTC member and Tamilnadu Polytecnic principal Mrs Umayyal said students
participation could be generated by Essays competition etc.
b.CVTC member and LIC, Development officer, Mr.O.P.Balaji said to include the
hoteliers and the travel guide people in the listing process. Other inputs that came out in the
process of discussions were as follows
(i) Satellite aerial photo of Madurai from a possible closer view and upto a 15km radius from
temple should be made available to JNNURM. With that photo empty pockets can be
identified and can be planned for further new development of New Madurai like NEW
DELHI. Water bodies, its ways, Heritage sites could be saved. This often should be the
173
FUNDAMENTAL BASIC RECORD to be referred often for any DPR by the JNNURM and
District Administration and the Corporation
(ii) The Heritage cell: - proposed address and email ids should be advertised to public, so that
they could contribute their locally known information to the Heritage cell. To motivate public
they may be honored for best information/ photo/ write-ups made of document evidence
(iii) Listing of Heritage should be grouped as per wards of corporation and the longest living
residents, and retired officials of that ward could be identified with the help of post offices
and from them (P.O) too listing can be gathered on ward wise Heritage sites both Tangible &
Intangible
(iv)In future Archeological Department personal association of old crafts / arts may also be
invited and involved in the Heritage meeting of JNNURM
Mrs. Ananthavalli and Mrs. Padmavathy Prof.Chandran(CVTC members) giving his

(CTAG members) opinions along with O.P.Balaji
8. The thiagarajar Arch. Department students in their power point presentation explained
how the inventory formats are designed with an example. The presentation explained the
different components in the listing process.
9. Vote of thanks was given by the CVTC Heritage convenor Mr.Mohan larbeer and the
workshop was concluded
10. The workshop was very nicely arranged by the Architecture Department of thiagarajar
college of Engineering with a nice lunch for the invitees and the participants.
174
OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP:
• Understanding of the term heritage in its local context should be developed.
• Doing Listing / inventory to find out the heritage resources we have in Madurai.
• Formation of heritage core cell should be established
• Diversity of heritage concepts should be addressed
• Student and public community must be educated/ communicated about the heritage
significance.
• More awareness programmes should be conducted in the city.
• There should be a heritage center/ park in the city.
Ms.Pavithra and Ms. Swathi, students of Ar.Ramalingam (in center), with Mrs. Umayyal
Architecture making presentations. and Prof. Radhakrishnan, HOD, architecture,
T.C.E
175
Annexure – VI
MADURAI Symposium
Madurai Symposium
The biennial Madurai Symposium has been designed by DHAN Foundation to celebrate
recent developments related initiatives and innovations. The celebration acts as a platform to
share, comprehend, network, learn and plan for future development interventions. All
stakeholders of development community institutions, civil societies, government
organizations, NGOs, financial institution academicians and researchers are participating in
the celebrations. The third symposium was organized from 24th – 29th September 2007. Like
the two earlier symposiums conferences seminar and different kinds of people conventions
were organized. Three events regarding JNNURM took place “Rediscovery of Madurai
Heritage Sites” Visioning Exercise for Greater Madurai and Community Workshop for Slum
Dwellers.
1. Rediscovery of Madurai Heritage

A seminar during Madurai Symposium (28.09.07)
B.T. Bangera, Chairman CTAG, giving Prof. G.Balaji with Ar. Abinaya making
presentation to public presentation
The JnNURM scheme enables to promote the heritage values by developing the infrastructure
of Madurai city and provides us a space to rediscover its significance, developing the
infrastructure and conserving them. There is a need for a comprehensive heritage master plan
with holistic framework to promote its heritage significance as suggested in the Heritage
176
toolkit of JnNURM. Holistic framework demands diversity of different perspectives and
factors to be taken into consideration namely religious, ecological, historical and architectural
and archaeology etc.
Obviously, the first and foremost step in fulfilling this mandate of preserving and conserving
heritage is to do listing. Listing of the bu8ilt heritage, art heritage, listing of natural heritage,
listing of living heritage etc will facilitate in grading and zoning the Heritage zones. The
present generation needs to be oriented toward the heritage values of the city by designing
Heritage literacy programmes benefiting posterity. What is the city’s vision for heritage?
What does the city think about the future development of city’s heritage? In what direction
does the city want to develop and use its heritage? To address this challenge, workshop for
catalyst is organized involving CTAG and CVTC and other communities. Students and
scholars from academic community besides the members from CTAG and CVTC participated
in the event.
This event was organized by CTAG and CVTC Madurai Chapter. The inaugural address was
given by Mr.B.T.Bangera, Chairperson, CTAG.. According to him Madurai is the gateway of
culture and heritage. But he said that people nowadays forget the heritage existing in Madurai.
He also told that heritage is the link between past, present and future and it should be branded.
He advised to sensitize and to build the heritage as sustainable one. He emphasized that
without heritage, promotion of development is nor possible. At last he said in the last five
years India has gone down in its heritage.
Ar.Balaji, Asst. Prof of Thiagarajar College of Engineering presented on ‘Heritage Centre at

Madurai’. He defined heritage, types of heritage, heritage Vs heritage centres and need for
heritage centre at Madurai. He had also pointed out the objectives and components of heritage
centre, the beneficiaries and the stakeholders. After this presentation Prof. Venakatraman had
given a very useful speech about heritage which has to be realized by the people. He told that
among very few cities in this world Madurai is an important one in the field of heritage. He
also quoted that in India only two or three cities are like Banaras, Madurai, etc which are old
177
in the field of heritage. The pride about this city is not sufficiently. It should be changed in to
action. Foreigners give great preference in the Madurai city and its heritage. He noticed that
local people are giving less importance on heritage and suggested that awareness should be
created among the people especially to youth because the aged people know about the
heritage in Madurai. As he was the member of CVTC he told that heritage is now the biggest
challenge among us.
After lunch break sub group discussion took place on different heritage issues. Mainly, there
were four sub groups and each group had come with problems, suggestions and solution on
their heritage issues. Dr.Venkatraman told that our heritage places are polluted due to
garbage, dust etc. He also said some important mentions from the history about the speciality
of tamil literature by showing an example of an American Prof.s.Glenn Yogan, who did a
thesis in Thiruvasagam. To get any information about heritage he suggested visiting French
Institute of Intelligence study, Pondicherry. He told out of 1200 caves in India, 900 belong to
Buddists, 150 to Hindus and remaining 150 to Jains. Finally Dr.Anandavalli Mahadevan,
CTAG raised a few points regarding the future of heritage. The event ended with the
following resolutions:
· Association should be formed with the stakeholders for heritage centre.

· Modules have to be developed for heritage literacy in non conventional manner like
heritage walk, exposure to heritage field visits.
· Heritage properties must be listed involving students, government, non government
organizations, corporate researchers and local people.
· Visioning heritage has to be clear for future direction which needs to be incorporated
in City Development Plan.
FACILITATING VISIONING FOR GREATER MADURAI (2025) – 26.09.07

The workshop on ‘Facilitating visioning for Greater Madurai” was jointly organized by
CTAG & CVTC, Madurai Chapter. Mr. G. Balaji, coordinator CVTC welcomed the
gathering. A total of 50 participants from various walks of life, like govt officials, NGOs,
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Academicians, Private workers, students and common people attended the meeting. Mr.
Balaji, in his welcome address, informed that Madurai has a rich heritage and a talented
workforce and is emerging as a knowledge society. Yet, over 26% of the population is in the
poverty line and illiteracy and also large scale unemployment persist. The participants dwell
on the vision and emphasized the mission for people from all walks of life for actualising a
‘Greater Madurai by 2025’. Mrs. Anandavalli Mahadevan, Member CTAG, Professor &
Head, Dept of Future Studies, while delivering her keynote address informed that IT is the
core area where Madurai is to have an expertise and competitive edge. The software and
service industries now account for 16% of the country’s over all exports, and an employment
of 5 lakhs professionals and larger investment. She also discussed about the future challenges
in information Technology and issues related to software security. She along with the two
seniors VIZ, Mr Durai raj, Retd Add Director, RDLA, and Mr.Gandhi (Suptd Engineer
[Retd]) suggested that connectivity of all rural areas and all urban areas through roads and
electricity needs be provided. Programme of PURA (Providing Urban Amenities Rural Areas)
will help in a very big way.
Students listening to Ananthavalli Mahadevan
They further added that our city needs a transport system that is compatible with the needs of
the people. Flyovers and subways can hope to ease traffic congestion. Traffic congestion has
become one of the most talked problems in our urban areas. A number of transport system
solutions – ranging from building roads, flyovers, Mass Rapid transport systems (MRTS),
advanced traffic control systems (ATCs) to create satellite cities for the city – needs to be
proposed to relieve congestion. Widening existing roads, adding new roads and building
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flyovers and subways will also be of some use and will form basis of traffic management
strategies in urban areas.
Thiru. M.P. Vasimalai, Member, NTAG, Executive Director, DHAN in his speech, informed
that Association should be formed with the stakeholders for developing Madurai as a ‘heritage
centre’.
· To cater to the problems of Pedestrians, flyovers are generally to accompany by sub

ways. It is also suggested to have advanced traffic control systems (ATCs), need to
model the urban road network and vehicular interactions. Currently, signals are
operated in a fixed time mode with different sets of signal timings and offsets for
different times of the day. A Pre emptive priority signalized system for buses should
also be considered to reduce the waiting time of buses at intersections.
· The corporation authorities of Madurai are to come up with a scheme to harvest rain
water. ‘Water scarcity’ will be a major problem in the coming days in ‘Greater
Madurai’. It is urgently needed to sink big wells and it is learnt now that the water
level is going down considerably. This sort of planning and execution of the scheme
works are to be done cohesively by community organization. It needs to be realized
that the Govt help will not be possible and community organizations / NGOs are to
cohesively procure that precious commodity, water. They are to raise funds to invest
in small drinking water supply schemes in their locality through panchayats / and
corporation, as self help is the best help.
· Burning garbage appears to be the best way of getting rid of the wastes. But this will
emanate toxic chlorinated compound VIZ, dioxin and furans which are carcinogenic
and known to suppress their immune system.
· A new concept based on natural resources conservation and productivity improvement

gives a glimmer of hope by way of growing mushrooms and vermin composing in a
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shed through this theme ‘Wealth from waste’ (natural resources) for biological
management of diseases and as a bio-resource.
· Pollution of ground water due to industrial effluents and municipal wastes in water
bodies is another major concern in our city and in industrial clusters. The potential
biological and toxicological effects of using fluoride contaminated water are
dangerous, as it is reported to cause depressions in DNA and RNA synthesis in
cultured cells. It is essential to find out the extent and impact of contaminated water
and consider the remedial measures that need to be taken.
· Sand mining in the city is ecologically hazardous, as irreversible depletion of coastline

habitat will increase. In respect of ‘Plastics ban’, it is aimed in putting an end to the
use of plastics that can’t further down – cycled. Hence the broad sweep is that could
stand banned, in the coming days.
· Knowledge in the form of information technology has thrown up opportunity to
become a premier supplier of computer software and IT enabled services to the
industrial world. So, Greater Madurai should also be in this way in the coming days
and establishment of IT enabled centres to be setup for increased employment
opportunities.
· The time is just ripe to integrate the various aspects of Indian health care systems
through IT. Action is needed on this. (Diagnostics, curative procedures, drug therapy
and public health delivery).
· Rain water harvesting devices and drainage devices (rain water stagnation due to
drainage problems are the items of work) to be attended to urgently.
· Wealth from wastes like mushroom and Vermicanposting by way of conversion of

garbages is essential and centres to be established for the consortium of Micro
organisms for effective composting.
181
· Madurai is well placed at the dawn of knowledge era. We should not miss this
opportunity, and our culture and civilisation have been enriched over the ages by great
thinkers. In the coming decades, our youngsters will see a confluence of civilisational
and modern technological streams.
It was concluded that Madurai is a fifth temple city and is the 2nd largest in Tamilnadu. It is
popular because it is home to one of the largest Hindu temple complex – the Madurai
Meenakshi Temple, situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage
passed on from the great Tamil era more than 25000 years old. Madurai was an important
cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great
Pandaya kings. The pandyan king Kulasekarar built a great temple – the Meenakshi
Sundareswarar Temple and created a lotus shaped city around the temple. On the day, the city
was to be named, as Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people, with divine nectar, (Madhu)
which was showered on the city from his matted locks.
This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. The entire city of Madurai, is built around
the Temple. Concentric rectangular streets surround the temple, symbolizing the structure of
the cosmos. As early as in the 3rd century B.C, Megasthanes visited Madurai. Later many
people from Rome and Greece visited Madurai and established trade with the Pandya kings.
Madurai flourished till 10th century AD when it was captured by Cholas, the arch rivals of the
Pandyas. Madurai is famous for its temples. The aappudaiyaar kovil tevara Stalam and the
Koodalazhagar Divya Desam are the most important temples one should rarely miss to go. In
the vicinity of Madurai is Tirupparmkunram, one of the 6 padai veedu shrines of Murugan
(glorified in Madurai - Sangam Nakeerar’s Tirumurugaatruppadai). Also is Alagar Kovil, one
of the prominent Divya Desam shrines of the Sri Vaishnavite faith. Meenakshi –
Sundareswarar Temple – The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here as
Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi. The original temple was built by
Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as its is today goes
to the Nayaks.
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Therefore, it is necessary to make our people to work for the unity of minds, to realise the
garland – “a Greater Madurai” in rich civilisation, heritage, resource, talented workforce and
above all, there is a potential to the emergence of a knowledge society. In the recent years,
technology has come to play a dominant role in improving the quality of life. Technology is
the engine capable of driving Madurai towards growth. The session came to an end in the
evening with ‘votes of thanks.
Declarations
· A number of transport system solutions – ranging from building roads, flyovers, mass
rapid transport system advanced traffic control systems – needs to be proposed to
relieve congestion. Vegetable and flower markets, bus stands need to be shifted to out
side Madurai.
· Widening the existing roads adding new roads and building flyovers and subways
need to be proposed.
· Road sense is to be inculcated to all, especially for the pedestrians and three wheeler
users (Rickshaws).
· Cold storage facilities and marketing strategies to be established for the effective
marketing of agricultural commodities.
· Water harvesting strategies are to be aimed at with river connectivity to avoid acute
drinking water security in the future.
183
Annexure- VII
MADURAI MARATHON 2008
Run for Heritage Water Bodies
Madurai, the temple city of Tamil Nadu is rich in culture and heritage. It houses many tanks
which serves as lifelines of the community for decades. In the era of urbanization and
increasing population growth, Madurai is becoming one of the industrial hubs of Tamil Nadu.
It poses biggest challenge to meet the increased water needs. On the other hand the recent
decades witnessed a great decline in the quality of life saving water bodies. There is a lot
more to water bodies than just the pleasant sight of brimming water. For centuries, water
bodies were common properties that supported the community. Historically, kings, local
chiefs and philanthropists developed and conserved these living heritages.
These heritage structures, which served the humanity for decades are now neglected and are
being converted as drainage channels, garbage bins, and open toilets so on. It is the
responsibility of every citizen to restore these ancient properties to serve for generations. The
evidence of existence of Giruthumal River, once served the water needs of Madurai is found
no more. Present status of Vaigai River too alarming. Many heritage water bodies are loosing
their glories due to ignorance about the value of it. We firmly believe that bringing awareness
to the community to own and preserve the water bodies would offers a long-term solution to
today’s daunting challenge of water scarcity.
Building a public private partnership to preserve and restore the water bodies is increasingly
felt by all. It demands the participation of various stakeholders to join hands for this noble
cause. The first ever Madurai Marathon was organized in 2007 on the theme of water. That
attracted the attention of youth and public to refine and redefine the knowledge on water. The
second Madurai Marathon to bring awareness and action related to Heritage Water Bodies
was organized on 13 January 2008. The JnNURM, Madurai chapter played a very critical role
in terms of cause dissemination and taking the initiative forward.
Cause dissemination was taken more intensively this year to reach the message to all the cross
section of the society especially the youth to take the cause forward. The cause related
184
thematic essay and painting competitions are organized for the school and college students to
kindle the knowledge on heritage water bodies. The academic institutions in and around
Madurai actively participated in it. About 1041 students from 50 academic institutions have
participated in the essay competitions. The essays were invited on six major topics expressing
the theme of Madurai Marathon 2008 ie. Heritage Water Bodies. A drawing Competition was
organized at district level at Fatima College on 06 January 2008. About 259 students from 66
schools and colleges participated and reflected their thought in the drawing competition. The
prize winning drawings and essays were displayed in an exhibition stall arranged on Marathon
day.
Water Literacy Programme was launched to spread the message on water and water bodies.
The volunteers from faculties of the schools were trained by resource persons. Training
materials including a flip chart were circulated to the trainees deputed from the academic
institutions. In turn they will provide trainings to the school students on designed modules.
First Water Literacy Programme was conducted at the Madurai Municipal Corporation
premises on 5 Jan 2008. About 121 teacher volunteers from 25 corporation schools have
participated in the event. Shri Ramachandran, Deputy Commissioner inaugurated the
programme. In his address, he stressed the teachers to celebrate the “Water Awareness Week”
wherein students will be sensitized to understand the issues involved in water bodies and the
need for preserving them.
The Madurai Corporation took a prime role in taking the cause to the common man. Signage
boards depicting the history and importance of the heritage water bodies were placed at
important water bodies. The signage boards were prepared with the support of Heritage
Consortium and the Centre for Urban water Resources (CURE). The Madurai Corporation
sponsored signage at 18 heritage water bodies
More than 22000 people from all sections of the community participated in the various events
organized as part of Madurai Marathon. The variety of events provided the participants an
opportunity to run, to walk and to skate to express the cause of Heritage Water Bodies. There
was a Half Marathon for about 21 kms for the athlete, a Mini Marathon from two different
places for the youth and students, a walk for a cause to the elders and general public, a walk
185
for the differently-abled and roller skating gave space for all. The events were started from
various points and assembled at Madurai Medical College grounds. The marathon routes were
designed in such a way that it crosses important heritage water bodies in and around the
Madurai city to give the participants a feel and bondage for the cause. The signage boards
placed at the water bodies by the Madurai corporation added value to the spirit of the
participants.
The students of the corporation schools have actively participated in the Mini Marathon began
from Fatima College, which was flagged off by Smt. Thenmozhi, Mayor, Madurai
Corporation, Mr. P.M. Mannan, Deputy Mayor, Madurai Corporation and Mr. D. J.
Dinakaran, Commissioner, Madurai Corporation and Sr. Fatima, Principal, Fatima College.
The stage event was lightened by Mr. D. J. Dinakaran, Commissioner, Madurai Corporation,
Mr. B. T. Bangera, Chairperson, City Technical Advisory Group, Mr. K. Sakthivel,
Superintending Engineer, Mr M. P. Vasimalai, NTAG member, Prof. C. R. Shanmugham and
, Smt. Chinnapillai. A book titled “Tales of Madurai Temple Tanks” was released by the
Commissioner of Madurai Corporation. The book is authored by Mr. Jens Goetzenberger
from Centre for Urban Water Resources (CURE). People organization from kalanjiam and
vayalagam Iyakkam, Business houses and Academic institutions declared adoption of water
bodies. Many CVTC members and other dignitaries participated in the event. Reflections of
the Heritage Marathon Exhibition stall kept by T.C.E
S.No Name and address Reflections on Suggestions Any other place to

the stall about the conserve? if so
preservations please mention
1 K. Periakaruppan Importance of To conduct Vandiyur kanmoi
4/100 north street water in human more such
Panaiyur, Madurai-9 life was felt. programmes in
a year for such a
great cause
2 N. Babu Kannan Taught about Solid waste Supply of fresh
10, Kamatchi Illam, the management is water to Mahal and
Madurai Disposal of a must. other city areas.
waste material.
3 P. Ramachandran Lot of places in To clean all the Yes, karuppaurani
2/402, LIC Nagar Madurai. It tanks and
Chakkimangalam, becomes our kanmoi in the
Madurai-01 (people) city.
186
responsibility to
create
awareness
programmes in
such areas.
4 K.Anand kumar It creates Create more To clean
10/16 Ponnagaram, 3rd awareness to gardens and Mariamman
Street propagate such save water. teppakulam using
Madurai programmes. student force.
5 P. Chenthamarai Past and present Usage and Should save all the
Anaikarapatti context of storage of kanmoi.
Peraiyur, Madurai water. water.
6 N.Saravanan Heritage water It’s high time -
8-25, Kaliamman bodies are being for us to act.
Kovil Street sacrificed in the
New Vilangudi name of
Madurai-18 development.
7 N.Ragavan Remains the The problems Vandiyur Kanmoi
602/2 Alli Vethi 6th glorious days of have to be needs to clean all
Main Street Madurai in past sorted with vegetations in the
Komathipuram, context. multiple stake kanmoi and store
Madurai-20 holders. more water.
8 Dr.N.Ramakarishnan Sympathy, Needs to Don’t know.

Aravind Eye Hospital worry and hope strengthen
Madurai public and
Govt. agencies
9 P.Ram Rai Enforces to Needs to ------
32, Pachian Nagar maintain strengthen
Anuppadi cleanliness in public and
our water Govt. agencies
bodies.
10 P. Jeyaramar Remains the Needs to create Yes. Madakulam
Maruthu pandiar street water richness more kanmoi, parts of
Palanganatham of ancient times programmes river Vaigai.
and brings us among public.
hope in bringing
those days back
again.
11. Dr.R. jaganathan Proud of our It’s high time to Yes. Nagankulam
P & T Nagar, ancient water preserve our kanmoi,
Resident’s Welfare system and remaining water narayanapuram
Association worried about system and take kanmoi thapal
our present necessary steps thanthi oorani,
water system to preserve then. anaiyur kanmoi.
187
12 S.Krishna veni Useful, Do not waste Don’t know
Sourastra College awareness of water. Do not
water scarcity, a place waste
pond found on material in
the town hall water.
teppakulam
13 K.Suresh kumar Excellent All the present --------
31/104, Mariamman exhibition about tanks must be
Koil Street, the knowledge cleaned and
meenambalpuram, of ancient water water should be
Madurai-2 system and poor stored
present water
systems.
14 Reenu kirthuga I wont waste We should not --------
V std E sec water hereafter throw waste
Lakshmi School material into
water,
We should not
clean vehicle in
river.
plants should be
cleaned in
vandiyur
kanmoi
15 P. Senai Muthu Hope to save the We should not Yes. Thathneri,
Thiruvalluvar Street, remaining water throw any waste koodal nagar
Puthur bodies material in the kanmoi.
water bodies.
16 Abubucker sadhick Hope in taking Should not River Vaigai.
4/1038 Sabari Street, measures dispose
Madurai -20 towards saving industrial waste
the remaining into the water
water bodies bodies.
17 N.Charles Fernando Happy, at least Approach to the Thiruparankundram,
Charted Accountant, initiation is local area Nilayur theppam.
HT4, Mithra, Agrini, taking place. people and to
Madurai-3 create forum to
proceed further.
Periodically to
create
awareness
among the
public.
Create network
among NGO’s.
188
Annexure-VIII
DEFINITION OF HERITAGE:
The definition of Heritage changes constantly and contextually. It is no longer remains of the
past but a knowledge source for the future. The definition used in the CDP ranges from an
individual item to that of a region. It covers monuments, royal structures, residential
structures, religious structures and practices, traditional occupations, ecosystem and any other
items that convey messages from the past to the future through present. All these items are
interlinked with each other and exist in fine grain relationship. According to archeological
sources any component or item which is 75years and above classifies under heritage category.
These heritage items have to be looked in relation with its setting and not in isolation. It is
also very important to understand that the Heritage falls in non renewable resources. Due to
this very reason Heritage items have to be conserved.
Classification of heritage
The heritage component defining the Conservation elements can be classified as
follows.
a) Tangible Heritage
i) Built spaces of all scales and criteria, man made components rooted
with significance and heritage values.
ii) Elements of heritage which can be seen and assessed for its
value
iii) Elements other than the above two criteria, which defines the
lifestyle of the said historic society such as weapons and armors,
written scripts, literature, service accessories etc
iv) Natural heritage, like traditional groves, hills, landscapes etc.
v) Industrial heritage like pottery, weaving, wood carving etc.
b) Intangible Heritage
i) The elements of the said historic society which build the unseen soul
of it such as myths and legends.
189
ii) The Meta physical elements which also build the said historic
society with its generations of transformed inheritance and knowledge systems are
also a part of intangible heritage associations.
Need for expanding cultural domain:
Since the cultural domain includes each and every aspect of the said historic
society and hence the study and the enhancement of the same, needs expansion of its vicinity.
The cultural domain expands explaining its channels which had evolved contextually, such as
myths, legends, Meta physical manifestations, and physical manifestations – Art,
Architecture, Traditional crafts, industries, food items, clothing, and any other way of life. All
these domains of Culture are built upon a complex, multi faceted knowledge system called
Heritage Ecosystem. The time frame in which the heritage ecosystem survived or survives is
very important to understand to propose any developmental activities. All these components
must be dealt in fine grain relationship without isolation.
History Architecture Technology
Geography LAND, PEOPLE Archaeology
Art history HERITAGE ECOSYST EM Arts and Crafts
Culture LAND, PEOPLE Economics
Tourism Language Management
TIME FRAME
Fig.03- flow chart of integrated approach
190
Annexure-IX:
PURANIC VERSION INTERCONNEC TING THE CITY:

Madurai, known as a great temple centre, is considered to be one of the pilgrimage centres in
Tamil Nadu. The most important feature in the city is the sacred space created by the
processions and the temples inside it. Though traditions glorify Minakshi, on the god
Sundareswara’s right, reflecting her dominance: the arrangement of the spaces in the cardinal
directions is most influencing. This city is dedicated to the Shaivites. In Hindu
conceptualization of space23, the northeast symbolize the zenith and the direction of Shiva
Accordingly his sanctum lies to the north east of the Minakshi sanctum, thus reflecting the
dominance over his wife. The other temple Kudal Alaghar located on the south west of the
Minakshi sanctum. Thus Siva at the centre is represented in the city’s design as pre-eminent
over Vishnu at the periphery to the southwest.
Ancient puranic traditions refer the marriage of Shiva and Parvati (Minakshi) happened in
Madurai. According to it, Minakshi was born with three breasts as a only child to Pandiyan
King, who was told that the third breast would eventually disappear when she met her
husband. Minakshi succeeded her father to the throne and set to conquer the world: finally she
reached Mount Kailasa in the Himalayas, the seat of Shiva. As soon as she saw Shiva her
third breast vanished. Shiva told Minakshi to return to Madurai and few days later they
celebrated their wedding in the city, which inaugurated their joint rule over the Pandiyan
Kingdom.
23
For more details refer Temple Towns of Tamil Nadu –George Mitchell.
191
These puranic versions must be evolved during 11th century when they erected the Minakshi
sanctum. This was the result of religious revival against the Kudal Alaghar temple on the
south west of the city. Another most important aspect is the festival celebrated in the region.
These festivals link the various points inside the city. Out of many festivals celebrated, the
most important being the Chitrai festival and the Avanimoola festival. Let us see how these
festivals make the place sacred.
During the climax of the Chitrai festival, the wedding between the Minakshi and
Sundareswara, the image of Vishnu and Subramanya are placed side by side. These images
are brought from Tirupparankundram, a village about eight kilometers from Madurai. Vishnu
is present because of mythology Shiva and Vishnu are brother in laws, he must give his sister
to Shiva in the marriage. This festival is combined with another festival celebrated by the
Kallars of the east known as Alaghar (Vishnu) festival at Alaghar Kovil 20-k.m northeast of
Madurai. Kallalaghar comes to Madurai to attend Minakshi festival and on hearing the
wedding is already finished he then proceeds to vandiyur and back to his place. He never
crosses the river.
The other festival Avani moola takes place next to the Minakshi festival. During this festival
the image of Subramanya is brought to the Minakshi temple from Tirupparankundram.
Similarly the image of saint Manikkavachakar from Tiruvadavur, a village near Madurai is
also brought to Madurai. After the play the images are brought to the place called
Arappalaiyam on the south bank of the Vaigai. 24
24
for more details refer Madurai Temple Complex. By Jeyachandran
192
Apart from these festivals there are many other temples that celebrate different festival during
different periods. Their religious routes clearly demarcate their territory. One major festival
will be celebrated during each month. The main ones are:
· Chittirai festival- during Chittirai month (APRIL-MAY)
· Adi Mulaikkottu – during Adi month (JULY-AUGUST)
· Avani Mula- during Avani month (AUGUST-SEPTEMBER)
· Tirukkarthgai- during Karthigai month (NOVEMBER-DECEMBER)
· Teppa Thiruvizha- during Thai month (JANUARY-FEBRAVARY)
· Masi Mandala- during Masi month (FEBRAVARY-MARCH)
193
Annexure-X: PROFILE OF Local Planning Area
LOCATION AND LINKAGES

Madurai LPA is the third largest planning region in Tamil Nadu next to Chennai and
Coimbatore. Madurai City within the Madurai LPA is an important tourism, cultural and
religious centre and gateway to South Tamil Nadu with the famous Meenakshi Amman
Temple at its core. The city is also considered as the cultural capital of Tamil NAdu and finds
place in the national tourist maps. Madurai is also a trading centre famous for its handloom
industry and jasmine flowers. The region has good connectivity by road and railway with
other urban centres within the state and neighbouring states. Madurai is a major junction on
the Chennai- Kanyakumari Railway line. National Highways NH-7, NH-45B and NH-49 pass
through the region and a Domestic Airport connects the city with other major cities. Salient
features of Madurai LPA are listed below.
Salient features of Madurai Local Planning Area
Development Madurai Local Planning Authority
authority
District Madurai
Area 720.98sq.km
Geographic 9° 58’ N Latitude and 78° 10’ E Longitude
Location Elevation: 101m above the mean sea level
Connectivity Air: Domestic airport, which connects Madurai city with other
major cities in India. There are regular flights from the city to
Chennai and Mumbai
Road: Well connected by a road network with the urban centres of
TN and neighbouring States.
Rail: Well connected by a rail network and the Madurai city is
major junction on Chennai – Kanyakumari Railway line.
Climate Tropical Climate with maximum temperature of 39.6° C and
minimum temperature of 18.8° C; Average Annual Rainfall of
721.7mm
194
AREA AND POPULATION
The administrative jurisdiction of the Madurai LPA spans 720.98 sq. km. Madurai
Corporation extends about 51.82 sq.km, Municipalities and Town Panchayats comprise 91.92
sq.km and the rest 577.23 sq.km comprises Village PAnchayats.
Population Details and Growth Trends in Population of Madurai LPA
Census LPA Decadal Urban Decadal Rural Decadal
Year Population Growth Population Growth population Growth
Rate (%) Rate (%) Rate (%)
1951 555,621 - 370,760 - 184,860 -
1961 738,344 32.89 532,671 43.67 205,673 11.26
1971 1,001,822 35.68 769,117 44.39 232, 705 13.14
1981 1,230,841 22.86 963,137 25.23 267,704 15.04
1991 1,436,169 16.69 1,129,936 17.31 306,223 14.39
2001 1,524,027 6.12 1,177,946 4.25 346,081 13.01
Source: Census Reports of Gol; Policy note of GoTN; and Review of Master Plan -2001
Population Growth Trends of Madurai LPA(1951-2001)
40
30
Percent
20 Percent
10
0
1951- 1961- 1971- 1981- 1991-
1961 1971 1981 1991 2001
census Year
As shown in the figure, the decadal growth rate of Madurai LPA is on the decline over the
past four decades. Details of population density and area for Madurai LPA including Madurai
Corporation are shown in the Table.
195
Population Density Trend (2001)
Component Area (sq.km) Density (/sq.km)
Rural 577.23 600
Urban (excl MDU) 143.74 8,195
Madurai Corp. 51.83 20,162
The present population of the city within corporation limits is estimated at 11.20 lakhs
approximately (2005/06) and accordingly, the density works out to 21,615 persons/ sq.km.
The relatively high density within the city limits has resulted in significantly demand for civic
services. Further, increasing real estate prices and demand has resulted in growth extending
beyond the corporation limits, into the adjacent ULBs. Three ULBs in the surroundings, viz.
Thirupparankundram and Avaniyapuram in the south, and Anaiyur in the north, were recently
upgraded from the Town Panchayats to Municipalities in 2005. Generally, it was observed
that the population density has been significantly influenced by major transport corridors such
as the National Highways and State Highways. Based on the present development trends and
discussions with stakeholders, it is felt that density of the aforementioned will face sweeping
changes in its present state in the future.
PLANNING AND LANDUSE MANGEMENT

OUTLINE OF THE MASTER PLAN
The Go TN has notified Local Planning Area (LPA) for Madurai, extending over an area of
20.98 sq.km under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971. Madurai Urban Agglomeration
Area, which is the focus of this study includes the Corporation of Madurai; 4 (four)
Municipalities, viz. Thirumangalam, Thirupparankundram, Avaniyapuram and Anaiyur and 5
(five) Town Panchayats.
First Master Plan for Madurai LPA was prepared by Town and Country Planning (TCP)
Department, and received the final approval in 1994.given the trends in development and
spatial growth, a Revised Master Plan for Madurai City, for 2021, is under preparation by the
TCP department. The plan is approved and is pending notification. Based on discussions with
196
concerned officials and stakeholders, the Madurai Master Plan – 2021, prepared for the LPA
estimated a population of approximately 22 lakhs of which, 16 lahks is indicated for within
corporation limits. The Master plan Proposes to accommodate the development in urban
nodes to include towns Thirupparankundrum, Avaniyapuram, Palkalainagar, Parvai &
Othakadai; and satellite areas as Vadipatti – Sholavandan, Alanganallur, Thirumangalam &
Thiruppuvanam.
The plan emphasis regional development strategy for the LPA by expanding the economic
and industrial base and by addressing constraints of physical growth. The plan proposes to
accommodate a population of approximately 16 lakhs within Madurai and develop satellite
towns each accommodating approximately 0.75 lakh of migrated population in addition to
their population. A rapid Transit system is also proposed to link the identified satellite towns.
The plans estimated approximately 90sq.km developed area, within LPA, for 2001. Planned
efforts at sector level shall be regulated by Town Planning schemes. In Madurai there are 31
Town Planning (TP) schemes and 3 draft schemes. The total number of approved DDP’s are
46 and 14 schemes have been consented by the GoTN/ DTCP.
LAND-USE MANAGEMENT:
Existing land-use pattern:
Review of the land-use pattern of Madurai LPA for 2001, indicates that approximately 17% of
land is being put developed use as against 13% in 1994. At present, approximately 9% of
developed area is put to residential use, 2% under transportation and 1.6% under industrial
use. Details of land-use pattern and variation over the past decade are shown in the table.
Residential
Transport ation
Use
/Circulation water bodies
9% Commercial
3% 18%
Use
Public & Semi 1%
public Use
1%
Industrial Use
Education Use Agriculture
2%
1% 65%
197
Existing Landuse Pattern in Madurai LPA (Year 1991 and 2001)
Landuse Type Year 1991 Year 2001
Area in Ha % of Total Area in Ha % to Total
Residential Use 5,086.09 7.00 6,501.08 9.02
Commercial Use 265.78 0.37 671.81 0.93
Industrial Use 819.21 1.13 1,165.91 1.62
Education Use 541.72 0.75 1,040.72 1.44
Public & Semi-Public Use 706.13 0.97 1,031.52 1.43
Transportation/ Circulation 2,146.82 2.96 2,171.24 3.01
Sub total ( developed area) 9,565.75 13.18 12,582.34 17.45
Water Bodies 12,887.54 17.74 13,099.78 18.17
Agriculture 50,183.38 69.09 46,414.88 64.38
Sub total ( developed area) 63,070.92 86.83 59514.66 82.55
Total 72,636.67 100.00 72.097.00 100.00
Source: Master Plan for Madurai, 2001
Area under agricultural use has decreased by 5 Ha compared to 1994, which is not adequately
supported by allocation of area for circulation and transportation. There is marginal increase
in area under residential use, thus increasing density of existing areas.
Proposed Landuse Pattern:
The Local Planning Authority has prepared Review of Master Plan for Madurai LPA for
2021. In that proposed landuse pattern of Madurai LPA, for 2021, indicates that
approximately 42% of land is being out to developed use as against 17% at present. About
30% of developed area is proposed to be put to residential use, served by 3% area each under
circulation and commercial use. Proposed land-use is furnished in table.
Proposed Landuse Pattern in Madurai LPA (Year 2021)
Landuse Type Area in Hectares % of Developed % to Total
Area
Residential Use 21,214.52 69.78 29.42
Commercial Use 2,294.23 7.55 3.18
Industrial Use 2,254.29 7.42 3.13
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Education Use 1,169.72 3.84 1.62
Public & Semi-Public Use 1,120.37 3.69 1.56
Transportation/ Circulation 2,348.53 7.72 3.26
Sub total ( developed area) 30.400.65 100.00 42.17
Water Bodies 13,099.79 18.17
Agriculture 28,596.57 39.66
Sub total ( developed area) 41,696.35 57.83
Total 72,097.00 100.00
Source: Revised Comprehensive Development Plan for Madurai LPA, 2021
Residential
Transport ation
Use
/Circulation water bodies
29%
3% 18%
Public & Semi

Public works
2%
Commercial
Education Use Agriculture
Industrial Use Use
2% 40%
2% 3%
About 14,713 hectares of additional area is proposed for residential use over 20 years, as
compared to the present area. There is no increase in area proposed for transportation or
circulation use, which is likely to cause bottlenecks for development of infrastructure over the
Plan period. There are approximately 21 major water bodies (131 sq.km), maintained by the
Public Works Department (PWD) and have been retained over the Plan Period.
DEVELOPMENT PATTERN:
Growth areas and direction:
As specified, initial development of the region was noticed around the temple followed by
growth in urban area surrounding the old Madurai City. Subsequently, development occurred
in the northern side of the river which has gained prominence over the last two decades with
the establishment of government offices and institutional buildings. As in case of most of the
199
regions’, Madurai’s growth pattern is also guded along the major transportation corridors, 2
National Highways and 7 Major District Roads. Trend of spatial growth within the LPA is
noticed along NH-7 (towards Thirunelveli and Dingigul); towards the south of Natham in the
north. Towards the south of Madurai, a notable increase in population growth can be observed
in Thirumangalam and Thirupparankundrum towns along NH-7, and in Avaniyapuram town
along the Airport Road (shown in the fig). Relatively low density growth can also be noticed,
in and around Anaiyur Town and along Azhagar koil Road. In keeping with the growth
pattern, the government has identified and upgraded three Town Panchayats
(Thirupparankundrum, Avaniapuram and Anaiyur) into Municipality status in 2005.
200
Land use map of the LPA area.
201
Red arrows indicate the direction of growth in the LPA area. The blue
areas are water bodies in the region.
202
Growth trend towards North:
Major development activities are noticed towards the northern side within corporation limits
along Azhgar koil road and Pudur – Melur Road which can be attributed to presence of High
Court and Major Bus stand at Mattuthavani. New and up- market residential development is
noticed along Melur Road and along Natham Road. In the southern side, low intensity
development is noticed along Theni Road, areas beyond Bypass Road and along road to
Thiagarajar College of Engineering. Newly developing commercial areas are noticed in north
central areas, along the Azhagar Koil Main Road.
Growth Trend towards South:

The Newly developed neighbourhoods, such as Alagappan Nagar, Shenoy Nagar, West
Ponnagaram extension, TVS Nagar, Anna Nagar and KK Nagar, are well planned with open
spaces and low density. The commercial hub of the city and the region is the core city, with
high density of shopping and commercial establishments.
High Density Low Income Areas: major low-income areas include Sellur, Thathaneri in North
Zone, areas along the bank of Vaigai in the North and South Zone, and fringe areas near to
Avaniapuram and Villapuram in the south.
GROWTH CONSTRAINTS AND DEVELOPMENT POTENTIALS:

Constraints:
Major constraint for growth in Madurai, is the limited area available for development and the
high population density (56 wards of a total wards have density above 200 persons per
hectare), within the corporation limits and thus making it saturated. This has placed excess
pressure on Infrastructure services and deteriorated quality of life in recent years.
Very high residential density pattern is observed in the core city area (more than 1,000
persons per hectare). The actual density in this area is far higher than the indicated figures
while considering the presence of floating population and the commercial establishments
located in and around the core city area. The major constraints noticed here is rapid
203
conversion to mixed landuse and lack of open spaces, which again adversely impacts the
quality of life, coupled with traffic congestion. The Central Market which is a wholesale
market for vegetable and flowers spread over 2.06 ha and its associated activities further adds
to the congestion in CBD area.
One of the Major deviations with respect the Master Plan, 1994, is the growth of the city
towards northern region, along Melur Road and Azhagar koilo Road, at a rapid pace when
compared to the southern region, along the Thirunelveli Road and Airport Road.
Investigations have revealed that major constraint to growth in the south is poor quality and
inadequate availability of ground water in the southern region along the Airport Road. Also,
growth potential along the north if further augmented by presence of institutional, government
(High Court) and service facilities (Mattuthavani Bus Stand).
Development Potentials:
Growth potential needs to be explored at regional level, within the LPA. Very high population
density within the corporation limits resulting in high real estate prices and increased pressure
on urban services. There is a need to capitalize on the growth potential nodes in the LPA,
through transportation linkages and special development areas, to increase the spatial growth
potential of the corporation. As propagated in the Master Plan (1994), there is a need to
identify and develop new Urban Nodes. Development potential of the region is linked to its
economic and industrial base. Therefore, a comprehensive program to review and revamp sick
industries in the region is also required. This in turn will reduce and accelerate development
in the region.
KEY DEVELOPM ENT ISSUES

Following are some of the key development issues identified as part of the development
pattern analysis of the Region:
· Corporation of Madurai encompasses only 36% of the LPA’s urban area although it
houses approximately 80% of the urban population of LPA, including a need for
delimitation of the Corporation area.
204
· Very high population density pattern noticed inside the city limits when compared
with the rest of the Madurai LPA. This has resulted in high real estate prices within the
Corporation area. Thus, there is an immediate need to channelise development towards
the adjacent urban local bodies and areas beyond city limits.
· A review of the Revised Master Plan, 2021, has indicated that the proposed area for
the future development is grossly inadequate given the population growth trend.
Future Increase in area for residential use is not supported with increase in area for
traffic and transport use, which will create bottleneck for future development. Also, no
increase is noticed in area for recreational use, which shall impact the quality of life
over the Plan period.
· Currently, increased demand for urban services is proving as bottleneck for present
development of the region.
· Heavy vehicular congestion is noticed al along the major highway corridors due to
influx of population to Madurai city from its hinter land and presence of commercial
establishments. All these factors ghastly worsening the quality of life.
· In the newly developing housing layouts, many of the layout owners have not handed
over the layout roads and open spaces by gift deed to Local Body or to LPA under the
Act, which has constrained the ULBs to provide civic services in these layouts.
· Upcoming Highway Corridor development proposals like formation of Ring Road
(phase – II & III), by-pass road and link roads within the region can boost land
development activities outside the city limits significantly.
FOCUS AREAS & SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION

The urban agglomeration, with growth in population is placing significant demand on services
and the urban local bodies are not able to meet the demand and expectations of the public in
terms of efficient service provision and delivery. The present study has been undertaken to
address the present and emerging infrastructure needs and service delivery gaps in Madurai
LPA. Under this assignment, 9 urban local bodies have been identified comprising 4
municipalities and 5 town panchayats. All the identified ULBs are located within the Madurai
205
LPA. The key objective of the assignment is to formulate a development strategy for meeting
the emerging challenges of infrastructure, address the problems of urban poverty and create
enabling environment for the growth of economy in this region. ULBs considered for this
assignment are listed below;
Municipalities (4nos) Town Panchayats (5 nos)
Avaniyapuram Sholavandsan
Anaiyur Paravai
Thiruppurankundrum Vilangudi
Thirumangalam Thirunagar
Harveypatti
Avaniyapuram is a third grade municipality located on the southern periphery of Madurai
Corporation along the Aruppukottai Road (NH-45B). Thirupparankundrum, Thirunagar and
Harveypatti towns are located along Virudhunagar Road (NH-7).
Thirumangalam Municipality forms a boundary of Madyrai LPA in the southwest and is
located along the existing NH-7. Anaiyur , athird grade municipality adjoins the boundary of
Madurai City in the north. Vilangudi, Paravai and Sholavandan are located along Dindigul –
Madurai road (NH-7) and railway line runs between Madurai city and Dindigul. All the three
ULBs are located on the banks of river Vaigai in the northern portion of Madurai LPA.
Sholavandan forms a part of western boundary of Madurai LPA.
CITY AND REGIONS INTERFACE:
This special assignment is undertaken to improve the existing service facilities of the
identified urban centres by providing necessary augmentation or creation of new
infrastructure by interfacing Madurai City’s CDP. Thereby, the goal of the JNNURM is
achieved using optimum and efficient utilization of available resources in tne Madurai city.
SALIENT FEATURES OF STUDY TOWNS:
A brief profile of all the study towns grouped into municipalities and Town panchayats are
furnished in Tables
Profile of Municipalities within the Madurai LPA

Particulars Units Avaniapuram Anaiyur Thiruppurankundrum Thirumangalam
206
Class / grade of : Third grade Third Third grade Second grade
the ULB grade
Date of : 2.7.2004 1.10.2004 14.06.2004 17.04.1984
upgradation
No. of wards : 21 18 21 27
Present sq.k 16.00 10.00 13.24 10.70
administrative m.
area
Present Stage : 70,000 45,970 46,857 46,000
Estimated
Population
(2005/06)
Average m 111 110 110 114
elevation
above Mean
Sea Level
(MSL)
Maximum deg. 39.4 38.7 39.40 39
temperature C
Minimum deg. 34 26.2 32.5 27
temperature C
Average mm 737 881.5 794.4 870
Annual rainfall
Groundwater m 20.00 18.00 20.00 20.00
table –
Summer
season (m
below grade)
Groundwater m 7.5 7.5 7.00 7.00
table –
207
Monsoon
season (m
below grade)
Profile of Town Panchayat within the Madurai LPA

Particulars Units Avaniap Anaiyur Thiruppurank Thirumangal Harvey
uram undrum am patti
Class / grade : Selectio Selection Selection Selection Selecti
of the ULB n grade grade grade grade on
grade
Date of : 11.06.19 14.07.200 14.07.2006 14.07.2006 14.07.2
upgradation 68 6 006
No. of wards : 18 15 15 15 15
Present sq.km. 15.24 8.99 6.24 5.3 2
administrative
area
Present Stage : 26,300 19,749 23,367 20,000 8,850
Estimated
Population
(2005/06)
Average m 168.48 110 110 113 115
elevation
above Mean
Sea Level
(MSL)
Maximum deg. C 38.7 42 39 38 38.7
temperature
Minimum deg. C 32 32 30 35 34
temperature
208
Average mm 718 747 750 710 748.7
Annual
rainfall
Groundwater m 35 150 20 20 54
table –
Summer
season (m
below grade)
209
Annexure-XI LIST OF TABLES:
Population in Madurai
Year Total population Variation Percentage Variation
1901 105984 ---- ----
1911 134130 28146 26.56
1921 138894 4764 03.55
1931 182018 43124 31.05
1941 239144 51426 31.38
1951 361781 122637 51.28
1961 424810 63029 17.42
1971 651026 226216 53.25
1981 820891 169865 26.25
1991 951696 130805 15.93
Source: Census of India 1991
Occupational pattern:
The present occupational pattern of Madurai city is given
Economic % of total workers % of total
activity population
Main workers
A. Cultivator 3541 1.21 0.37
B. Agricultural labour 3555 1.21 0.38
7096 2.42 0.75
C. Household industry 6594 2.21 0.69
Manufacturing
Processing of repairs
D. Other workers 274301 93.32 29.15
E. Marginal workers 6025 2.05 0.64
Total employment 293916 100.00 31.23
Source: Census of India, 1991
Volume of Traffic engineering and leaving Madurai / LPA and City

S.No Name of road Total Peak Hour Traffic Entering And
Leaving (Vehicles Per Hour)
LPA Boundary City Boundary
1 Thirunelveli 934 1799
2 Dindigal 696 1355
3 Rameswaram 394 1394
4 Theni 391 891
5 Natham 752 1585
6 Alagarkoil 180 350
7 Melur 566 670
8 Sivagangai 1160 887
210
9 Aruppukottai 224 1987
5297 10746
Source: CTTS Report, 1997
Wholesale Markets:
S.No Commodity Market extent (ha) Location along
1. Vegetable 2.06 North Avani moola Street
2. Paddy 1.51 East Veli Street
3. Other food grains 0.65 East Masi Street
4. Fruits 0.54 Vakkil New Street
5. Plantain & betel leaves 1.37 East Veli Street, North Veli
Street.
Source: STEM Survey, 1998
Recommended sites to relocate wholesale markets
S.No Description of site Recommended Area Survey no.
Trade
1. A site near Koodal Other food grains 5.21 Near Koodalnagar
Nagar railway goods and grains Railway station
yards along (parts of vilangudi,
Alanganallur road silaneri,
Melakaranai
villages)
2. Mattuthavani along Vegetable, paddy, 13.37 2736, 140/1pt,
Melur road Plantain & betel 140/2, 143/1, 142/2,
leaf 143/ 3, 144/1,
144/2.
Source: Madurai Corporation
Tourist flow into Madurai:
Year Domestic Foreign Total
1987 9,73,650 1,16,350 10,09,000
1988 10,26,140 98,860 11,25,000
1989 11,19,000 1,01,000 12,20,000
1990 11,49,400 1,00600 12,50,000
1991 12,20,360 99,640 13,20,000
1992 13,64,600 1,20,400 14,85,000
1993 13,94,800 1,35,200 15,30,000
1994 10,08,530 97,000 11,05,530
1995 11,57,402 1,01,355 12,58,757
1996 11,72,199 1,11,530 12,83,737
1997 13,66,090 1,18,430 14,84,520
1998 21,39,417 1,51,370 22,90,787
2004 33,14,737
2005 27,91,695
2006 30,01,550
211
Annexure: XII:
HERITAGE CENTER
Heritage consists of things that are useful to understand our society, they are created
for the purpose and it is in the public interest to safeguard them for artistic, scientific,
technical, and town planning purpose.
Heritage Place: A specific area or site, perhaps a large area such as a whole region
or landscape, or a small area such as a feature or building, which is valued by people for its
natural and/ or cultural heritage significance
Heritage center typically differs from the most traditional museum in usually
featuring a high proportion of hand on exhibits and live or life like specimens and practical
artifacts.
Introduction of the Project:
Due to industrialization and western influence, we are losing contact with our cultural
heritage. Every civilization has its own identity and distinct character. It would be lost if we
fail to appreciate and help for its survival.
This Heritage center is new concept of revitalization of the glorious traditions and
cultural aspects of the city in terms of language, literature, folklore, arts and crafts, cuisines,
music, sports, architectural character of the region, etc.
It is a concept of evolving a sustainable settlement for the artisans in and around
Madurai with marketing facilities, and enhances the various art forms along with their
traditional knowledge system and work culture. This would help the artisans to get identity.
Objectives:
· To identify and promote indigenous arts and crafts of Madurai region and explore the
traditional skills, lifestyle and work spaces of each artisan’s community.
· To provide the settlement for the artisans by analyzing and inferring the various spaces
to meet the needs of each community.
· To provide a training institute to train the interested people in certain arts and crafts
along with the exhibiting and marketing spaces to create awareness and sell the
products.
212
· To create a village environment where the tourists could mingle with local artisans,
stay in the natural surrounding and experience the pulse of India.
· To study all the traditional and cultural aspects of the city such as Tamil literature,
traditional food stuffs, traditional games, traditional health treatments, transport, etc.
and create an environment which creates the awareness about the heritage values of
the city.
· To cater the heritage aspects of the city in terms of arts and crafts, folkarts, Tamil,
health care, etc.
· Encouraging local crafts using indigenous techniques of production as they were
developed when technology wasn’t so advanced thus relatively environment friendly.
· The traditional handicrafts were crafted out of locally available materials thus tapping
resources in and around the built environs which gave each one a distinct identity and
uniqueness to the product.
Heritage aspects of Madurai:

· # Folk arts- Karagattam, Devarattam, Oyillatam, Mayil attam, Kavadi attam, Poikkal
kudirai, Silambattam, Thappattam, Ther koothu,..
· # Indigenous Arts and crafts - Weaving, Pottery, Stone sculptures, temple painters,
temple arts (appliqué work, jewellery making, etc.) Brass sculptures, Clay sculptures,
Plaster of Paris sculpture, paper Sculptures.
· # Language and literature – Tamil - Madurai (Sanga tamil), Silapadikaram,
· Traditions and customs of the people - Kollams
· # Traditional Medicines and its treatments / health care like Pachhalai Vaithiyam,
Nattumarundhu, Kai vaithiyam, Siddha Vaithiyam, etc.,
· # Traditional Sports like Kabadi, Pandi, Gilli, Ammanai, Palangudi, Sadugudu,
Pambaram, etc.
· # Cuisines: / Traditional Food Stuffs – Platform Shops, Jigarthanda, Idlis and
Dosais, Masala milk, Panniyarams,
213
Component s of heritage center
• Administrative spaces - Administrative office, Directors room, conference room.
• Tourism promoting spaces - Exhibition spaces, Craft bazaar, Craft shop, and Guest
rooms.
• Artisan’s residential spaces - Artisan’s quarters, Staff Quarters-Dormitories.
• Educational spaces - Training institute, Lecture hall, Seminar halls, Workshops..
• Relaxing and Recreational spaces - Restaurants, Amphitheatre, Auditoriums,
Findings in madurai
Who are the beneficiaries?

– Artisans
– Tourists
– Local people
– Student community
214
– Research scholars
– Government
– Non governmental organizations
Stakeholders
– Different artisans community
– Travel clubs and hotels
– Corporate
– Tourism department
– Institutions
– State government
– NGO’s
Scope of the project:

• To enhance traditional arts and crafts of Madurai region.
• To promote tourism and enhance the livelihood of the artisans.
• To create awareness among the people and educate them certain arts and crafts, folk
arts, and language.
• To create a relaxing space for the people to hang out.
• To educate the heritage value to the people.
215
VOCATIONAL DRIVE – IN REST.
TRAINING CENTER AND
STAFF SPACES
TRADITIONAL
ACTIVITY HUB SHOPS
ARTISAN VILLAGE
GUEST SPACES AUDITORIUM

RECREATIONAL
SPACES
LIBRARY
HERBAL
GARDEN
216
ANNEXURE XI:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Year: 1992
Name of the Book: The Vijayanagara courtly style incorporated and synthesized in the Royal Architects of
Southern India 15th and 17th centuries.
Chapter: 1 – Historical Context
Chapter: 13 – Architectural Influences
Author: George Mitchell
Publication: Manohar Publications, American Institute of Indian Studies.
Year:
Name of the Book: Vijayanagara- City and Empire New Currents of Research Volume 1.
Chapter: Cultural Development in Tamilnadu During Vijayanagara Period (Pages 5-40)
Author: Job Thomas Davidson
Publication:
Year:
Name of the Book: Vijayanagara- City and Empire Social Storage and the Extension of Agriculture in South
India.
Chapter:
Author: Carol Appadurai Breckenridge
Publication:
Year: 1982 (reprint)

Name of the Book: A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagara).
Chapter:
Author: Robert Sewell
Publication: J. Jetley, Asian Educational Shrines.
Year: 1980
Name of the Book: Early Views of India.
Chapter: The South March 1792 – February 1793, Chapter 4.
Author: Mildred Archer
Publication: Thames and Hudson ltd London.
217
Year: 1995
Name of the Book: Under the Indian Sun, British Landscape Artist.
Chapter: Preface To A Lost Collection, Chapter-4.
Author: Pauline Rohatgi and Pheroza Godrej.
Publication: Marg Publications.
Year: 1924
Name of the Book: The Cambridge History of India.
Chapter: XXIV, The Early History Of South India II Tamil Kingdom
Author: E.J. Rapson.
Publication: S. Chand and Company.
Year: 1871, First Reprint 1962.

Name of the Book: The Ancient Geography of India.
Chapter: South India, Chapter-7, (Page 462-465).
Author: Alexander Cunningham.
Publication: Bharatiya Publications House.
Year:
Name of the Book: A History of India.
Chapter: Ancient India, Medieval India, Medieval and Early Modern India.
Author: Burtien Stien.
Year:
Name of the Book: The Sultanate of India.
Chapter: Ala-Ud-din Khalji.
Author: L.P. Sharma.
Publication: Konkan Publisher’s Pvt Ltd.
Year: 1996
Name of the Book: Trade Ideology and Urbanisation, South India – 300 BC to 1300AD.
Chapter:
Author: R. Champakalakshmi.
Publication: Oxford University Press.
LIST OF REFERENCES:
1. Guidelines for Conservation, Bernad Fieldon, 1989\
218
2. Planning Policy Guide lines, Planning and the Historic Environment, PPG 15, 1994.
3. Reading Material on Planning Theory, Mahavir
4. Historic Towns, UNESCO
5. Conservation Plan Brief for Consultant, J.S. Kerr, Australian Heritage Council
6. Heritage Toolkit for mission cities, JnNURM, Ministry of Urban affairs.
DEVELOPMENT PLANS:
· Master Plan for Madurai, 1992.

· Urban renewal programme for Madurai, 1998.
· Integrated heritage plans for Temple Towns, Madurai, 1999.
· Development control guidelines, 1971 and G.O. on height restrictions 1994.
· City development Plans for Heritage cities, JnNURM mission cities.
· Master Plan for Storm water Drainage in Madurai region, PWD
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION:
· Madura Country Manuel, J.H.Nelson, 1868.
· Madura District Gazetteer, William Frants, 1906
· Madura illustrated Guide, 1913.
· Madurai through ages, Devakunjari, 1979.
· The Cambridge History of India, E.J. Rapson, 1924.
219
The Indian Express- 04- Dec -08
Our sincere thanks to the press
media and the people of the city…..
220
The press and media…..
221
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HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Final report - August 2008

SUVADU, Thiagarajar College of Engineering,

Thiru M.P.Vasimalai, NTAG member,

Scholars in the city… Young minds in the city…

Govt. officials in the city… Teachers in the city…

Volunteers in the city…

Non-built Religious structure (temples, Festivals and Tamil Mural Painting

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 10 03 - 13.00

· Heritage council to be set up for the developments in Heritage areas.

S.No Chapters Deals with Method of study

1 Background · Deals with the objective and · Review of various development

3.g Assessment of · Values of the heritage elements are · Literature reviews

1.0 BACKGROUND 23-26

2.0 STUDY AREA 27-31

3.0 HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 32-50

3 C. INTRODUC TION 51-56

3D DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE – HISTORICA L OVERVIEW 57-65

3E. DETERMINANTS OF URBAN FORM 66-74

3F PHYSICAL EVIDENCE 75-77

3G. ASSESSM ENT OF SIGNIFICANC E 78-91

3H. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 92-98

4.0 NEED OF THE HOUR 104-126

5.0 VISION FOR MADURAI 127-131

6.0 POLICY DIMENSIONS 132-139

7.0 PROJECT INITIATIVES 140-160

1. SUVADU- explanation 151

1. A. The Government of India has launched Jawaharlal Nehru Urban

Fig.01- Arial view of Madurai

2. A. Location: Madurai city is situated in central part of Tamil Nadu

Fig.02: Location of the Madurai

2. E. Heritage Resources: Located in a hot dry zone the city exhibits a

3. A. Heritage Development Plan takes an integrated approach with

3. B. Executive Summary: This Plan is prepared as a part/addendum

Non-built Religious structure Festivals Mural Painting found on the

Table: 01 classification of Heritage

Ø Rise of commercial sectors in terms of whole sale markets has contributed a

Ø Neglectance and Ignorance plays a vital factor towards destruction of the

Zone Area Significance

Zone I Area within the four Veli streets Exceptional significance:

3. B.5 Heritage Development Measures: Initially the factors

3B.6 Key emerging issues for Madurai

3. B.7 Emerging key planning and Developmental issues

3. B.8 Renewal Strategy:

3. B.10. Policy Dimension s: The policy dimensions are gist of

Table: 02: Action Plan

S.No Immediate Actions

1 Establishing a Heritage cell, listing and grading of Heritage properties

Short Term Actions

1 listing and grading of Heritage properties in ULB area

Long Term Actions

1 Providing pilgrim hubs in ULB area

Table: 03: Cost outlay for the project

PROJECT TITLE INVESTMENT TOTAL SUB PLAN

B1 Reuse Plan 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0

C1 Open space in 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0

C7 Open space South West 1.0 0.5 0.5 2.0

plan. So the net total of 468.50cr is required for the Plan.

Madurai Corporation during 1970’s. This

authorities in the year 1990, which was