History of Coimbatore

 History of Coimbatore 

         The city of Coimbatore was a part of the Sangam Chera kingdom in the Sangam Age (from 3^rd BC to 3^rd AD) of the Southern Indian History. The Cheras existed even before the Sangam Age. Coimbatore was ruled by the Kongu dynasty (a tribal dynasty) till the Rashtrakutas took over the control. In the later periods Cholas and Pandyas occupied it. 

The region comprising Coimbatore was known as the Kongu Nadu. The region had trade links with the Romans. Around 10^th century, the Cholas occupied the region. The Vijayanagara Empire comprising of Madhurai Nayaks ruled over the region around 15^th and 16^th centuries. Later the Madhurai Nayaks acquired independency and in the later periods the region came under the Mysore rulers (Tipu Sultan). 

The region fell into the hands of the British after the Anglo Mysore wars fought with Tipu Sultan. As it happened through all across the country, Coimbatore (Kongu Nadu region) remained with the British till 1947.  However the growth of the city took a shape during the British rule.

The city is called the Manchester of Southern India due to textile industries. The city experienced famines and earthquakes frequently. But, during the British rule textile mills were introduced in the city. The city has prospered then onwards and now has grown into a major industrial city.