New Explanation to Samudram in the Name of our Village

There were so many who questioned me why many places in our area are called Samudram while there is no sea or ocean.

In the original article on page 1, I have given the following as an explanation but still not fully satisfied to my own mind.

“Samudram means collection of things, but generally it is for water – Sea. For example Jana samudram means huge crowd. So it may be as collection of high population (in those days) or collection of many casts or religions.”

This put me to ask many elders and the following one satisfied me.

Thirumalai Nayakar ruled Madurai between A.D 1623 and 1659. He was the most notable of the thirteen Madurai Nayak rulers in the 17th century. His contributions are found in the many splendid buildings and temples of Madurai. His kingdom was under constant threat from the armies of Bijapur Sultanate and the other neighbouring Muslim kingdoms, which he managed to repulse successfully. His territories comprised much of the old Pandya territories which included Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Madurai districts, Aragalur in southern Tamil Nadu and some territories of the Travancore kingdom.

Just like now we have Regiments in army, he made his confidential as chieftains of the place, This place is given to that person under his MUDHRA (Seal) with the chieftains name. For example Amba Naickar was given a place under this seal is known as Amba sa Mudhra which later has become AMBA SA MUDHRA And now Ambasamudhra,
Like that Ranga Naikar, Gopala Naikar, Ravanappa Naikar have become Rangasamudram, Gopalasamudram, Ravanasamudra etc.

Tirumala Nayaka was a great patron of art and architecture and the Dravidian architecture evolved into the Madurai style. He rebuilt and renovated a number of old temples of the Pandya period. His palace, known as the Tirumala Nayaka Palace, is a notable architectural masterpiece. Details to be checked under Madurai