Kanchipurams

Kanchipurams refers to the historic city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu and, globally, to the region’s renowned handwoven silk sarees. Located about 75 kilometers southwest of Chennai, it is the administrative headquarters of Kanchipuram district and a major religious and cultural center in South India. The city, often called the city of a thousand temples, hosts important Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Shakta temples and has a long-standing tradition of temple architecture and Tamil scholarship.

Historically, Kanchipuram dates to the Pallava era (4th–9th centuries) and developed as a major center of learning and religion. Notable temples include Kailasanathar, Ekambareshwarar, Kamakshi Amman, and Varadharaja Perumal, reflecting diverse architectural styles. The town remains a pilgrimage site for Hindus and a focal point of Tamil cultural life.

Economy and crafts: Kanchipuram is renowned worldwide for its handwoven silk sarees, often called Kanchipuram silks. Weaving is concentrated in the city and nearby villages, where artisans use mulberry silk yarns and gold or silver zari to produce sarees with contrasting borders and rich Pallava art and architecture. The sarees are treasured for weddings and formal occasions and are exported globally.

Transport and education: The city is connected by rail and road to Chennai and other major cities, with the nearest international airport at Chennai. It hosts educational institutions ranging from primary schools to colleges and technical institutes.