Tirunelveli district
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| Tirunelveli District | |
| Nellai | |
 |
|
| Coordinates | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District(s) | Tirunelveli |
| Subdistrict | Tirunelveli, Palayamkottai, Sankarankovil, Ambasamudram, Nanguneri,kadayanallur Radhapuram, Tenkasi, Shenkottai, Alangulam, Veerakeralampudur, Sivagiri |
| District formed on | September 01, 1790 |
| Headquarters | Tirunelveli |
| Largest city | Tirunelveli |
| Collector & District Magistrate | Thiru. Jayaraman IAS |
| Legislature (seats) | elected (11) |
| Population • Density |
2,801,194[1] (2001[update]) • 410.5 /km2 (1,063 /sq mi) |
| Sex ratio | M-49%/F-51% ♂/♀ |
| Literacy • Male • Female |
68.44%% • 75.94%% • 61.12%% |
| Official languages | Tamil |
|---|---|
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Coastline |
6,823 km2 (2,634 sq mi) • 35 km (22 mi) |
| Climate • Precipitation Temperature • Summer • Winter |
• 814.8 mm (32.1 in) • 37 °C (99 °F) • 22 °C (72 °F) |
| Central location: | 09°04′N 77°30′E / 9.067°N 77.5°E |
| Website | Official website of District Collectorate, Tirunelveli |
Tirunelveli District (Tamil: திருநெல்வேலி மாவட்டம்) is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Tirunelveli is the district headquarters. A unique feature of this district is that it consists of all five geographical traditions of Tamil Literature; Kurinji (mountains), Mullai (forest), Marudham (paddy fields), Neithal (coastal) and Palai (desert). Tirunelveli District was formed on September 1, 1790[2][3] by the East India Company (British Government) which comprises present Tirunelveli and Tuticorin district and parts of Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram district. It is the second largest district as on October 2008 after Villupuram district.
[edit] History
Tirunelveli District was formed on September 1, 1790 (Tirunelveli Day) by the East India Company (British) and named it as Tinnevelly district though their headquarters was first located in Palayamkottai the adjacent city, where they had their military headquarters during their operations against the Palayakars. There are three reasons attributed for naming the district after Tirunelveli. The prime one is that it has been serving as the main city of the district and the second one is that it has been called called as Tirunelveli Seemai under the Nayaks and Nawabs. Finally it served as the south capital in the period of Pandyan Empire. Both Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai grew as the twin cities of the district.
In early 1900s, parts of Tirunelveli district was made as Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar districts. In 1986, Tirunelveli district was further split into two districts for administrative purpose such as Chidambaranar (present-day Thoothukudi) and Nellai-Kattabomman (later Tirunelveli-Kattabomman, present-day Tirunelveli) districts.
[edit] Geography and climate
The district is located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu and surrounded by Virudhunagar District in the North, Western Ghats in the West, Kanyakumari District in the south and Thoothukudi District in the East. The district covers an area of 6,823 km2. It lies between 8°.05’ and 9°.30’ of the Northern latitude and 77°.05’ and 78°.25’ of Eastern longitude. The district has diverse geographical and physical features. It has a lofty mountains a stretch of Western Ghats and low plains. It has a perennial river Tamirabarani and various other small seasonal rivers. This district is blessed with beautiful water falls and cascades. Its diverse features include sandy soil and fertile alluvium, a variety of flora, fauna and protected wild life. To add its beauty it has inland and mountainous forests.
The district has peculiar climate and receives rainfall in all the seasons which represent 953.1 mm in 2005-2006. Tirunelveli District benefits from both the North East Monsoon and the South West Monsoon. The maximum precipitation is contributed by the North East Monsoon at 548.7 mm followed by the South West Monsoon at 147.8 mm and the Summer 184.2 mm. The district is irrigated by several rivers originating in Western Ghats, like the Pachaiyar River which soon mergers with the Tambaraparani River. The Tambaraparani River and the Manimuthar River both have many anicuts and dams with reservoirs that provide water for both agriculture irrigation and power generation. The Tamiraparani River provides consistent irrigation to a large agricultural area.[4] The Chittar River also originates in this district. Courtallam and Manimuthar Waterfalls are the two major waterfalls in the district.
[edit] Demographics
It had a population of 2,723,988 in 2001. It is 48.03% urbanised with a population density of 410.5 persons per square kilometer [5]. Tamil is the main language spoken here. As per the 2001 Census, Hindus form the majority of the population (79.76%), followed by Christians (10.89%), Muslims (9.26%) and others (0.09%).[6].
[edit] Basic infrastructure
The district is crisscrossed by a network of Roadways and Railways. Tirunelveli city is the main transit hub of the district. At present the district is not served by Air transport, for which people have to utilize the nearby airports of Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai and Tuticorin. The district ha a total of 27 Railway stations. Given below are tables listing the length of roads and railways in the district.[7]
| Roads | National Highways | State Highways | Corporation and Municipalities Road | Panchayat Union and Panchayat Road | Town Panchayat and Townships Road | Others (Forest Roads) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (km.) | 174.824 | 442.839 | 1,001.54 | 1,254.10 & 1,658.35 | 840.399 | 114.450 |
| Railway | Route Length (km.) | Track Length (km.) |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Gauge | 77.000 | 95.448 |
| Meter Gauge | 125.000 | 134.430 |
Canals, Wells, Tanks and Reservoirs are the sources of irrigation for the farmers in the state. As of 2005 - 2006, the district has total of 151 Canals with a length of 499 km, 85,701 Wells used for irrigation, 640 Tube Wells, 8 Reservoirs and 2,212 Tanks. Moreover the district has 21,776 Wells used for domestic purposes. Electricity supply is provided by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB).[7] The district has Hydro-Electric power plants and Wind Mills with an installed capacity of 1,089.675 MW. The district is one of the major producers of Wind energy in the state. The Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant project is being undertaken in Koodankulam, which on completion will not only boost the district's electricity production, but also the state's and country's.
[edit] Education and social development
Tirunelveli is known for its education system and prowess. Palayamkottai is also known as 'Oxford of South India', because of the number of educational institutions it has. The district has a literacy rate of 76.97%, higher than the state average. As of 2005 - 2006, the district had a total of 2,494 schools. Tirunelveli has one University in Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. The district has 1 Government College, 11 Aided colleges and 7 Self - Financed Colleges and Computer Education centre NITI-Nellai Information Technology Institute in Palayamkottai.[7]
Tirunelveli had a poverty ratio of 31.8%, higher than the State's and National figure.[7] The district has a good record in terms of religious harmony. The three main religious groups of Hindus, Christians and Muslims have lived in harmony till now. It has a poor record when it comes to caste discrimination and caste-based violence.[8] The 1999 killing of 17 striking dalit tea plantation workers in the river Thamiraparani is one such incident which was condemned by the Human rights watch observers.[9][10]
[edit] Economic profile
Tirunelveli has been an agricultural state right through the ages. The district is a major producer of Paddy (Rice), Coconut, Banana, Spices and forestry based products. The district's Livestock and Poultry data is given in the table below.[7]
| Cattle | Buffalos | Sheep | Goats | Pigs | Horses & Ponies | Donkeys | Rabbits | Total Livestock | Total Poultry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 418,694 | 78,777 | 487,273 | 390,570 | 12,752 | 245 | 961 | 2401 | 67,877 | 1,218,583 |
Tirunelveli, being a coastal district, is also involved in fisheries development and production. For the period 2005 - 2006, the total inland fish catchment stood at 1,874 tonnes while the total marine fish catchment was 7,014 tonnes.[7] The district is also rich in mineral wealth. It has a total 407 mining and quarrying units. Limestone, granite and garnet Sand are some of the minerals mined/produced here. The major industries in the district include textile, food products and forestry products. A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was started at Nanguneri in 2001. A pharma park, Windmill spare parts units and a television manufacturing unit has been planned in this SEZ. TIDCO planned to set up a Rs 700-crore Hi-Tech Industrial Park in Nanguneri in association with INFAC Group and Axes Technologies Inc, US.[11][12] The State Government is planning to have light manufacturing, design and assembly facilities, modern infrastructure facilities and amenities in this SEZ to attract workforce from across the globe.
[edit] Places of interest
[edit] Courtallam ~ Spa of South
Courtallam is the most famous tourist spot in the district. The natural water falls, pleasant weather and intermittent drizzling really gives an unusual charm to the visitors. The rapturous scene of the falls gets heightened by cool breeze. Usually, the season is in between May to September. The water falls down in eight places with varying force depends on the height of the cliff.
- Main Falls
- Small Falls
- Five Falls
- Orchard Falls
- Tiger Falls
- Old Courtallam Falls
- SenbahaDevi Falls
- Honey Falls
- Milk Falls
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department has arranged facilities for the visitors to take baths at any time. All the falls, except Honey falls, have been properly illuminated. One can bathe at anytime during the day, and one would not get sneezing or cold as the water is said to possess medicinal qualities of the herbal plants grown in this mountain. Those suffering from rheumatic joints, chronic headache, nerve disorder get cured by a long stay at Courtallam.
[edit] Manimuthar Waterfalls
Manimuthar Falls is a natural water falls flowing through out the year situated above the Manimuthar dam. Really it is an adventurous feeling, if people drive there by bike. The falls near by has a pond which has a depth of 90 feet. It is really a picturesque place. It is just in 35 km from Tirunelveli city. There are some public transport service to go this place on a regular interval from Kallidai Kurichi, the nearby town.
[edit] Panagudi
Panagudi is one of the growing towns in tirunelveli district. It is located in between Tirunelveli to Nagercoil/Kanniyakumari national highway 7. All time windy and nice climate.relegiously friendly people living in panagudi. Panagudi is famous for various things.
1.Kuthara panchan water falls (vertical falls).
2.Beautiful wind mills on Mahendragiri hill background.
3.Ramaliga swami/Sivagami ammal temple.
4.St.Joseph church and Annai Velankanni church(punniavalan puram).
5.Famous bricks and tiles factories.
6.ISRO-LPSC-Rocket engine plant.
[edit] Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary
The 1.29 km² Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary, at a tiny village situated 35 km away from the Tirunelveli city in the far south of Tirunelveli district is emerging as a new favorite spot for migratory birds. The village is sparsely populated. Migratory birds arrive here in the month of December end and lay eggs. After hatching and growing the newborns, it flies back in the month of July to its destination with the younger ones. The bird observers found around 35 species of birds in this sanctuary. Some Painted Storks come from East European countries. To create a friendly environment to migratory birds, the state government makes plenty of activities.
[edit] Ambasamudram
A small town (a.k.a Ambai) in the foothills of Western Ghats is one of the five taluk headquarters of the district. Ambasamudram serves as the main transit point for Papanasam, Manimuthar, Courtallam and for Sabarimala devotees going through Shengottai. Situated in the banks of the perennial river Tamirabarani, it is one of the most pristine and fertile towns of the district. The town is famous for its Wooden Handicrafts (Kadasal). There is not much industrial presence in the town except for an ailing Madura Coats. There is a famous temple named Agasthiyar Kovil and it was named because of some true incidents. Here every year on April 12 a big function will be held in the temple (Ettaam Thiruvila).
[edit] Sivasailam
Sivasailam is a Temple named after Sivasailappar and Paramakalyani amman (Parvathi). This temple is situated on the banks of the river Karunai, few kms away from Alwarkurichi which is a well know place in Tirunelvelli District with rich in natural resources.
[edit] Surandai
Surandai is a small fastest growing village in Tirunelveli. It is situated between Alangulam and Puliangudi. It has more than 5 schools and 1 college.[13]
[edit] Deivacheyalpuram
Deivacheyalpuram is a small village situated at 21 km from Tirunelveli enroute to Thoothukudi. The Rajarajeswari temple and the Ramar temple are situated here. Also a 75 foot statue of Lord Anjaneya constructed in the temple premises, to attain world peace, is here. Poojas are performed in these temples everyday with special poojas performed every Fridays and on festivals. On every full moon day, the temple conducts Annadanam (free food to the poor).
[edit] Tenkasi
The name itself implies that this town is 'Kasi (Varanasi) of the South'. The flag staff of the temple is noteworthy for its sculptural beauty and is 400 years old. Tenkasi is also the nearest place to Courtrallam (just 6 km away), which is well known for its waterfalls. The water of these falls is considered to cure several diseases owing to the different herbs on its path.
[edit] Puliangudi
A bustling town between Rajapalayam and Tenkasi. Also known as Lemon City due to contribution of Lemon to its economy in the past.
[edit] Koottapuly
The coastal border village in Tirunelveli district has the very first St. Joseph's church in south India and one of the oldest St. Joseph's church in the globe. In 2007 people of Koottapuly has celebrated 150 years for this church. St.Xavier was stayed for few days in this village during his India visit in 16th century .
Kootapuli village is a coastal village. It is situated the north side of Indian ocean. Kootapuli village is around 40 kilometers from Nagercoil City. 75 Kilometers from Tirunelveli District. Kootapuly village is in edge of the Tamil Nadu.
Almost 75% of people in this village are educated people. The main occupation and source of income here is fishing (75%). The whole population of Kootapuli belongs to one caste and one religion. The caste is Paravar and the religion is Roman Catholics. People have migrated to different parts of coastal India and Sri Lanka. They have a rich culture before converting to Christianity as well as after conversion.
Paravas were the first whole community in India to convert to Christianity in the mid-16th century. St. Francis Xavier who had travelled through out the southern costal region of India, who had converted the Paravars to Christianity.
[edit] Manapad
The Holy Cross Church at Manapad was built in 1581. Thousands of worshippers congregate during the festival season from 1 to 14 September every year. The church is associated with St. Francis Xavier.
[edit] Krishnapuram
The temple in Krishnapuram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity is Thiruvenkatanathar. There are a number of life-size sculptures in this temple with intricate workmanship.
[edit] Tiger Reserve
The 900 km² Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was established in 1962. Central location: 8°39′N 77°23′E / 8.65°N 77.383°E is about 45 km west from Tirunelveli Town.
[edit] Kulasekarapattinam
[edit] Sankarankovil
This temple depicts the concept of Hari and Haran being one God. There is a deity by the name Sankara Narayanan, which is half Lord Shiva and the other half Lord Vishnu. Also, there is another deity, named Avodai ambal or Gomathi Ambal. There is a sacred sand available in Gomathi Ambal temple, which is believed to cure the diseases. There is a famous festival Adi Thabasu in the month of June which is observed in this temple. Another one history is in that temple, this temple was built by Ukerama Pandiyan in 900 AD.
[edit] Tirunelveli
One of the famous temples in Tamil Nadu is located at Tirunelveli. The Nellaiappar Temple is deeply connected with tradition and history and also known for its musical pillars and other splendid sculptured figures.[14] The nearest airport is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) at Vagaikulam in 30 minutes drive, which is 28 km from Tirunelveli.
[edit] Vallioor
Valliyur or Vallioor is a panchayat union in Radhapuram taluk in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Valliyur is one of the fastest growing towns in Tirunelveli district. This town is located along NH7. It gets its name from the goddess Valli, consort of Lord Murugan. Its in a place that connecting two big towns as Tirunelveli and Nagercoil in NH7.
Once a shanty village with farmers and shepherds. The people of Valliyoor are known for their business acumen and high standard of education. The beautiful Murugan Temple, the oceanic Valliyoor Kulam, the wide and appeasing Kuravan Malai (Western Ghats) gives the town a beautiful look and feel. Valliyoor today has good Kalyanamandapams, bus station, beautiful churches, old temples of architectural importance, schools of international standards, fire stations, vibrant transport system and much more.
The recent addition to Valliyur is the United Volunteer Service Society (UVSS) - New Life Home for Aged Destitutes. Located about 7 km towards Eruvadi. This is a new initiative by like minded people and does not involve any specific religious group or Government or specific community.
[edit] Nanguneri
The temple town of Nanguneri is situated 31 km south of Thirunelvei famous for the large Vishnu temple. The prime deity in the temple is Thotathri Nathan. The temple is run by the Vanamamalai mutt and houses the famous Ennai Kenaru (oil well).
[edit]
It is a village which is situated near Nanguneri. Rev. C.T.E. Rhenius is the Father of Dohnavur. He purchased lands and constructed the big Church (CSI Christ Church) with the help of Prussian gentleman, Count Dohna and named the village as “Dohnavur”. Rev. Thomas Walker constructed a school (Walker Hr. Sec. School) in Dohnavur and Mother Amy Carmichael constructed a Hospital (Parama Sugasalai) and started an Orphanage.
Geographically the village is surrounded by Ponds. Most of the people who lives in Dohnavur are farmers and Building Contractors. You can see many Teachers in Dohnavur. The Holy Land is blessed by Lord Jesus Christ.
[edit] Perumal Nagar
Village situated 5 km in east of Nanguneri.
[edit] Parappadi
This village have more than 7000 population. it have one of the largest church (Holy trinity Church) for Christians & one temple (Mutharamman Kovil) for Hindus. village situated 11 km east of Nanguneri.
[edit] Veeravanallur
This village has more population than the taluk Ambasamudram. It has Electrical Power Substation, Gomathi Mills and Power weaving mill. Hand loom weaver's are mostly from sorastrian & mudaliyar caste. Surrounding villages are Harikesavanallur, Kiriyammalpuram, Manabaranallur, Nainar colony, Thambran colony, Parayadi pacheri, Retiyarpuram, Malayangulam, Vellangulli & Puthukudi.
[edit] Pappankulam
Village situated 15 km in east of Nanguneri and famous of Mutharamman Temple.
[edit] Maruthur
An untapped tourist potential of this district. This village situated 12 km from Palayamkottai. The stone made dam otherwise called as anaikattu is the beauty of this village. This anaikattu was constructed during the pandia kingdom. The British government repaired the dam on 1872. The dam is across the river Thamirabarani. The dam is with a height of 20–35 feet & with a length of 2.5 km. The engineering marvel of the dam is tht it was construted in concave shape across the river & the cutting edges of tope stones also in concave shape to facilitate easy flow of water. The dam splits thamirabarini river water in to maruthur melakal (western channel), maruthur kelakal (eastern channel). Just walking on the stone wall by seeing the water flow on both side is an amazing experence. Taking bath in eastrn side of stone wall also gives you a natural touch.
[edit] Venkatachalapuram
This village has a population of more than 1000 families. One of the small villages of Thirunelveli district. This is located near by I.T. Park, Coca-Cola Company and Sipcot. This is the very good village of water supply and agriculture. In this village special and name reason is Venkatachalapathy Temple, which is in near by Chitraru River. This temple is more than 150 old years and powerful god of that village.
[edit] Animal husbandry
The district is home to almost 50% of the buffalo population of Tamil Nadu.[2]
[edit] Notable people from Tirunelveli District
[edit] Literary personalities
[edit] Freedom fighters
- Veera Pandiya Kattabomman- Fought against British
- Veeran Azhagu Muthu Kone - Freedom fighter, known for his revolt against British
- Vanchinathan - Revolutionary Freedom fighter
[edit] Literature
- TK Ramanuja Kavirajar: Tamil epic poet, playwright and humanitarian
[edit] Press
- C.Pa. Adithanar: Founder of Dina Thanthi group of newspapers
- Dr.Sivanthi Adhiththanar: Owner of popular Tamil newspaper Dina Thanthi
- Kandasamy: Founder of Dinakaran group of newspapers which had been given to Sun Network
[edit] Politicians
- Dhanuskodi Adithan: Former MP and Central Minister
- Vaiko: President, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK)
- P. H. Pandian, Former Speaker of Tamil Nadu state Assembly - Cheranmadevi
- Mr.Avudaiyyappan, Present Speaker of Tamil Nadu state Assembly - (MLA,Ambasamudram)
- Mr.P.Soundararajan, Former MP (Raja shaba),AIADMK-Member,vallioor
[edit] Business
- R. Seshasayee: Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Ltd
- P. Rajagopal: MD, Hotel Saravana Bhavan
- Shri.T V Sundaram Iyengar: Founder of TVS Motors Group of companies
- Venu Srinivasan: Chairman and MD of TVS Motors Motors Ltd-Thirukurungudi-Sundaram Clayton
- Shiv Nadar: Chairman of HCL Technologies
- T.M.Ganapathy Mudaliar : Founder of Sri Ganapathy Silks, Sankarankovil, Coimbatore
[edit] Film industry
[edit] Music directors
- Bharathwaj
- Harris Jeyaraj
- T. N. Seshagopalan: Carnatic Musician and Composer
- Maharajapuram Santhanam
- Vijay Antony
[edit] Actors
[edit] Directors
[edit] Others
- T.S. Krishnamurthy—Ex-Election Commissioner of India
[edit] References
- ^ Collectorate staff (2006-2007). "DETAILS ABOUT TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT 2005 - 2006" (PDF). District Collectorate, Tirunelveli. http://www.nellai.tn.nic.in/. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
- ^ http://www.edreamsinetcafe.in/tirunelveli/history.htm
- ^ http://www.dictirunelveli.in/profile.html
- ^ "Tirunelveli District Irrigation". http://www.nellai.tn.nic.in/irrigation.html. Retrieved 2006-09-24.
- ^ censusindiamaps
- ^ http://www.census.tn.nic.in/religion.aspx
- ^ a b c d e f Microsoft Word - Format.doc
- ^ Recommendations - Broken People: Caste Violence Against India’s “Untouchables” (Human Rights Watch Report, 1999)
- ^ Chowk: Education: A Convert’s Complaint: Analyzing Naipaul’s Views on Islam
- ^ Banning Films Or Article 19(1)(A) - Author - Subhradipta Sarkar & Archana Sarma
- ^ The Hindu Business Line : TN plans to reorient Nanguneri SEZ with Tuticorin
- ^ Nanguneri.Com India Portal
- ^ [1]
- ^ Tirunelveli District, National Informatics Centre, TirunelveliTourism & Places of Importance
[edit] External links
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