Simmakkal, Madurai

Simmakkal is a neighbourhood in Madurai district in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Simmakkal as meant in the language of Tamil, 'Stone statue of Lion', has a statue at the heart of the neighbourhood. During the British period, out of the four giant walls on East Veli Street, West Street, North Veli Street and South Veli Street already existed, three of them except on West Veli Street were demolished by 'Marret', the then Collector of Madurai. The landmark at the entrance gate of North Veli Street was simply replaced by a 'Stone statue of Lion' found near Thirumalai Naicker Mahal. It is that area surrounding the statue is called as 'Simmakkal'.