MADURA, an extensive district of Hindustan, situate within the presidency of Madras. It is bounded on the N. by the districts of Trichinopoly and Coimbatore; on the N.E. by Tanjore and the native state of Poodocottah; on the E. by Palk's Straits and Tanjore; on the S. by the Gulf of Manar, and on the W. by Travancore. It lies between Lat. 9.5. and 10.54., Long. 77.15. and 79.15., and has an area of 10,700 square miles. The principal river is the Vygah, which, after a course of about 180 miles, falls into Palk's Strait, a short distance N.W. of the headland of Tonitorai. The climate of the hills is mild and genial in summer. It is said, moreover, to be cold in January, when the ground is covered with hoar-frosts during the morning; but the climate of the plain is characterized by dryness and heat, the thermometer having been known to reach 115°, and according to some, 130°. This district participates in the vicissitudes of the two monsoons. Its population, including Dindigul, amounts to 1,756,791. The territory came into the possession of the British in 1801. The name of the capital is Madura, an ancient city, the four sides of which front nearly the four cardinal points. It was formerly well fortified with a ditch, rampart, and square towers; and from 1740 to 1760 sustained many sieges, and was often in possession of refractory Polygars. Since it has come into the possession of the British, considerable improvements have been made in the town by laying it out with wide streets, market-places, and accommodation for travellers, whereby the public health and convenience have been greatly promoted. E. Long. 78. 10., N. Lat. 9. 55. (E.T.)