Tiruchirappalli, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. It abounds in history. Once the citadel of the Cholas, this strategic city was under the reign of the descendants of the Pandiyas and Vijayanagar. Tiruchirappalli as it is today, was much too benevolent under the rule of the Nayaks of Madurai. Apart from the Rockfort with its historicity and spiritual significance, Tiruchirappalli has popular educational institutions established in the second half of 18th century by the Christian missionaries.