Kanchipuram's Ancient Urban Layout and Architecture in Sangam Literature

Summary

The ancient city of Kanchipuram, as described in Sangam literature, featured a well-planned urban layout with broad, tree-lined roads and a distinct social segregation. The city was divided into residential areas like *sirukudi* (commoners' quarters) and *perukudi* (wealthy households), with Brahmin quarters at the center. Streets were wide, paved, and named based on their function, such as *avanam* (royal highway) and *mangalaveethi* (market street). The market area was bustling, flanked by big houses and lined with shops. Housing varied by class: commoners lived in thatched huts with mud walls, while the wealthy occupied multi-storied mansions with terraces, balconies, and courtyards, constructed using burnt bricks and marble. The architecture showcased advanced engineering, with features like water fountains, artificial reservoirs, and cooling systems. Gemstones like sunstone and moonstone, along with marble, were used in construction. Kanchipuram's infrastructure included sophisticated drainage systems with underground channels and sluice outlets. The city was lush, with rows of trees, public halls, and water tanks. Descriptions in texts like *Perumpanattrupadai* and *Manimekalai* highlight its picturesque streets, white-plastered houses, and high mansions resembling mountains. The city's layout and architecture reflected its role as a center of trade, religion, and culture, with distinct zones for different social groups and occupational classes.