Identify the Tamil Nadu city widely recognised as South India’s “Manchester” for its large-scale cotton-textile manufacturing.

The correct answer is Coimbatore.

Detailed Explanation:
Coimbatore is widely recognized as the "Manchester of South India" due to its large concentration of cotton textile mills and thriving textile manufacturing industry.

Why is it called the "Manchester of South India"?
1. Historical Parallel: Manchester, a city in the United Kingdom, became world-famous during the 19th-century Industrial Revolution as the principal hub of cotton yarn and textile production. As a result, major textile hubs across different regions are metaphorically nicknamed after Manchester.
2. Favorable Climate & Raw Material: The region surrounding Coimbatore possesses fertile black soil suitable for cotton cultivation and a climate ideal for spinning fine cotton yarn.
3. Water and Power Resources: The availability of soft water from the Siruvani River (ideal for textile dyeing and processing) along with early access to hydroelectric power from the Pykara power station enabled rapid textile industrialization.
4. Infrastructure & Research: Coimbatore is home to key industrial research bodies like the South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) and thousands of spinning and weaving mills, solidifying its place as South India's industrial textile capital.

Overview of Other Options:
• Mysuru: Located in Karnataka, famous for its silk production (Mysore Silk) and historic palaces.
• Kochi: Located in Kerala, famously called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" and renowned as a major port city.
• Madurai: Located in Tamil Nadu, recognized as the "Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu" and popular for its ancient temples.