port town, east-central Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nādu) state, southeastern India. It lies on the Bay of Bengal (Bengal, Bay of), about 250 miles (400 km) south of Chennai (Madras). An ancient port known to have traded with Europe in Greek and Roman times, it became a Portuguese and later a Dutch colony. Its influence declined with the growth of Chennai. Economic activity includes ship repair, fishing, steel rolling, and the manufacture of metal goods. Tourism has also become important in the region. In December 2004 a large tsunami generated by an undersea earthquake near Sumatra caused widespread death and destruction in the town and nearby coastal areas; recovery and rebuilding has continued since then. Pop. (2001) 93,148.