Consider the following statements about Madurai, the capital city of the Pandya kingdom: 1. It has been described in Maduraikkanchi as a large grand city, enclosed by walls on three sides and the Vaigai river on the fourth side. 2. The Arthashastra mentions it as a centre of fine cotton textiles. 3. Other literary sources describe it as a major craft centre. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Madurai, the historic capital of the Pandyas, is extensively described in Sangam literature. The work Maduraikkanchi depicts it as a grand, fortified city protected by walls on three sides and the Vaigai river on the fourth. Kautilya's Arthashastra explicitly mentions Madurai as a renowned center for fine cotton textiles, referring to the fabric as 'Maduram' [1]. Beyond textiles, literary sources and archaeological findings from sites like Keezhadi characterize the city as a major craft and commercial hub where various artisans flourished. The city was celebrated as 'Kudal' or an assemblage, reflecting its status as a cultural and economic nucleus where the Sangam academies met [1]. Consequently, all three statements regarding its physical layout, its mention in the Arthashastra for textiles, and its role as a craft center are historically accurate.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.msuniv.ac.in/images/distance%20education/learning%20materials/ug%20pg%202023/ug%202021/BA%20history%202021/DMHT11%20-%20I%20Semester%20-%20Tamil%20Nadu%20History%201336%20AD.pdf