city, southern Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nādu) state, southern India. It is located 237 miles (381 km) south of Chennai (Madras), the state capital. It was founded by Raghunath, raja of Tondaimandalam (the region around the ancient port of Tondi on India's southeastern coast). Industries include peanut (groundnut) oil and sesame oil extraction. Pudukkottai is connected by railway to Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai, and Thanjavur. Rice, pulses (legumes), sugarcane, cotton, peanuts (groundnuts), and sesame seeds are grown in the surrounding area. Industries produce textiles and fertilizer; rice milling and sawmilling are also important. Pop. (2001) 109,217.