In 1830, factories were built at Porto Novo, in the south of the Arcot district, with a government loan.
The grave of Ukkashah (Radiallahu anho), companion of the prophet Muhammad is thought by many inhabitants to be located in Porto Novo.
Maricars can be found abundance in Maraikayar Pattinam (which is thought to be the ancestral hometown of the early Maricars), Parangipettai (Portonovo), Kilakarai, Kulasekharapatnam, Adirampattinam, Muthupet, Nagore, Nagapattinam, Manjakollai and various other coastal towns.