There is a well-known legend about Jains in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) in the 7th century being massacred or impaled after a confrontation with the Shaivite saint Sambandar. The story says a Pandyan king converted to Shaivism and ordered Jains to be killed (often said as 8,000 or more). However, this is a later Shaivite legend and not supported by contemporary Tamil or Jain records from the 7th century. Most historians treat it as apocryphal or symbolic rather than a documented historical event. In short: there is a legendary claim, but no solid contemporary evidence that such a massacre actually occurred. ( en.wikipedia.org, livemint.com, jainqq.org, outlookindia.com)

Key points to know:

• The earliest written form of the tale appears in 11th–12th century Shaivite works, long after the supposed events. There are no 7th-century inscriptions or Jain records confirming a mass massacre. ( en.wikipedia.org)
• Many modern scholars conclude the episode is likely historical myth or propaganda used in religious polemics, rather than a verified historical event. Some argue it may reflect broader religious-political shifts rather than a literal massacre. ( en.wikipedia.org)

If you’d like, I can summarize the main scholarly positions in more detail or point to how this legend is treated in Tamil religious literature.