COMBACONUM or KUMBAKONAM, a city of British India, in the Tanjore district of Madras, in the delta of the Cauvery, on the South Indian railway, 194 m. from Madras. Pop. 62,317. The city is historically interesting as the capital of the Chola race, an old Hindu dynasty, from whom the whole coast of Coromandel, or Cholamandal, derives its name. It has a notable gopuram, or gate pyramid, rising to a height of too ft. and ornamented with stucco figures. One of its water tanks is traditionally connected with the Ganges by a subterranean pas sage and as such forms a centre for pilgrims. Brass and other metal wares, silk and cotton cloth and sugar are manufactured here.