Chankanai

Chankanai சங்கானை
—  Town  —
Chankanai
Coordinates: 9°45′0″N 79°58′0″E / 9.75°N 79.966667°E / 9.75; 79.966667
Country	Sri Lanka
Province	Northern
District	Jaffna
DS Division	Valikamam West

Chankanai or Changanai (Tamil: சங்கானை) is a town located 12 km north-west of the city of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Popular market known as Chankanai Chanthai (in Tamil Chankanai Market) is located in there. It is so popular, immigrant community in Toronto (Scarborough), Canada has opened a market with the same name in their new country.

Etymology

It is believed that the name Chankanai originated from its market roots. This was a famous trading place. The measurements used for rice in old era were "Changazhi" "Nazhi" and "Uzhi". The name originated from a combination of these three measuring containers.

There is a similar place name found in Kerala is known as Changanassery. Significantly, both the places are related with its markets and trading place.

Reference

Coordinates: 9°45′N 79°58′E / 9.75°N 79.967°E / 9.75; 79.967