Ramanathapuram district

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Ramanathapuram
Rameswaram Island from Pamban.jpg
Aerial view of the Rameswaram island from Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, India
Nickname: 
Mugavai
Ramanathapuram district
Ramanathapuram district
Location in Tamil Nadu
Coordinates: 9°23′N78°45′E / 9.383°N 78.750°E / 9.383; 78.750
Country Flag of India.svg  India
State TamilNadu Logo.svg Tamil Nadu
MunicipalitiesRamanathapuram
Paramakudi
Rameswaram
Kilakarai
'Largest City By Population'Paramakudi [1]
'Largest City by Area'Ramanathapuram
Town PanchayatsRajasingamangalam
Kamuthi
Mudukulathur
Abiramam
Thondi
Sayalgudi
Named for Rama
Headquarters Ramanathapuram
Taluka Kadaladi
Kamuthi
Kilakarai
Mudukulathur
Paramakudi
R.S.Mangalam
Ramanathapuram
Rameswaram
Tiruvadanai
Government
  CollectorJohny Tom Varghese, IAS [2] IAS
  Superintendent of PoliceG.Chandeesh IPS
Population
 (2011)
  Total1,353,445
Demonym Ramnadians
Languages
  Official Tamil
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
623xxx
Telephone code04567
Vehicle registration TN-65 [3]
Central location: 9°16′N77°26′E / 9.267°N 77.433°E / 9.267; 77.433
Website ramanathapuram.nic.in

Ramanathapuram District, also known as Ramnad District, is one of the 38 districts an administrative districts of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The old Ramanathapuram District consists of Present day Virudhunagar and Sivagangai districts, it touches the Western ghats and bordered with the state of Kerala and east by Bay of Bengal. It was the largest district on that time. The town of Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters. Ramanthapuram District has an area of 4,123 km2. It is bounded on the north by Sivaganga District, on the northeast by Pudukkottai District, on the east by the Palk Strait, on the south by the Gulf of Mannar, on the west by Thoothukudi District, and on the northwest by Virudhunagar District. The district contains the Pamban Bridge, an east–west chain of low islands and shallow reefs that extend between India and the island nation of Sri Lanka, and separate the Palk Strait from the Gulf of Mannar. The Palk Strait is navigable only by shallow-draft vessels. As of 2011, Ramanathapuram district had a population of 1,353,445 with a sex-ratio of 983 females for every 1,000 males. The district is home to the pilgrimage centre of Rameswaram and tourist spot Dhanushkodi, an abandoned town.

Contents

History

Corridors of the Rameshwaram temple. Rameswaram Temple Inside.jpg
Corridors of the Rameshwaram temple.

In the early 15th century, the present territories of Ramanathapuram district, comprising taluks Tiruvadanai, RajaSingaMangalam, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram, Kamuthi, Mudukulathur in Pandyan Dynasty. For a short period, this area was under the Kings when Rajendra Chola I brought it under his territory in 1063 CE. In 1520, the Nayaks of Vijayangar took over the area under their control from the Pandiyan dynasty for about two centuries, maravar chieftains Sethupathis who were Lords under Pandiyan Kings and reigned over this part (17th century). At the beginning of the 18th century, family disputes over succession resulted in the division of Ramanathapuram. With the help of the King of Thanjavur in 1730, one of the chieftains deposed Sethupathy and became the Raja of Sivaganga. Acting upon the weakness of the Nayak rules, the local chieftains (Palayakarars) became independent. Raja of Sivagangai and Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram were prominent among them. In 1730, Chanda Sahib of Carnatic, captured Ramanathapuram. In 1741, the area came under the control of the Marattas and then under the Nizam in 1744, Nawab's rule made displeasure in the mind of those chieftains. That made them declare the last Nayak as ruler of Pandiya Mandalam against the Nawab in 1752. By that time, throne of Carnatic had two rivals, Chanda Sahib and Mohamed Ali, and this district was part of Carnatic. The British and French supported Chanda Sahib and Mohamed Ali respectively. It paved the way for series of conflicts in the southern part of the continent.

In 1795, the British deposed Muthuramalinga Sethupathy and took control of the administration of Ramanathapuram. In 1801 Mangaleswari Nachiyar was made the Zamindar of Sivagangai. After the passing of Queen, the Marudhu Brothers took the charge by paying regular revenue to the East India company. In 1803 the Marudhu Brothers of Sivaganga revolted against the British in collaboration with Kattabomman of Panchalamkurichi. Colonel Agnew captured Marudhu Brothers and hanged them and made Gowri Vallbah Periya Udaya Thevar as Zamindar of Sivaganga. After the fall of Tippu Sultan, British took the control and imprisoned the Nawab. In 1892, the Zamindari system was abolished and a British Collector was appointed for administration.

In 1910, Ramanathapuram was formed by clubbing portions from Madurai and Tirunelveli district. Shri J.F. Bryant I.C.S was the first collector. And this district was named as Ramanathapuram. During the British period this district was called "Ramnad." The name continued after independence. Later the district was renamed as Ramanathapuram to be in conformity with the Tamil name for this region.

Geology

Pamban Island in which Rameswaram is located Pamban Island west MtGandhamadana.jpg
Pamban Island in which Rameswaram is located

Most of the area is covered by the unconsolidated sediments of the Quaternary age except in the northwestern part, where isolated patches of Archaean crystallines and Tertiary sandstone are exposed. The Archaeans are mainly represented by the Charnockite group of rocks comprising garnetiferous granulite and the Khondalite group of rocks made up of quartzite and gneisses.

The Tertiary sandstone (Cuddalore Formation) comprises pinkish, yellowish, reddish (variegated colours) medium to coarse grained sandstone and clay stone. It is overlain by thin alluvium and exposed towards the north of the Vaigai River.

Detached exposures of laterite and lateritic soil are seen in the northwestern part of the district.

A major part of the district is covered with the fluvial, fluvio-marine, Aeolian and marine sediments of Quaternary age. The fluvial deposits which are made up of sand, silt and clay in varying degree of admixture occur along the active channels of Vaigai, Gundar, Manimuthar and Pambar rivers. They have been categorised into levee, flood basin, channel bar/ point bar and paleo-channel deposits. The paleo-channel deposits comprise brown-coloured, fine to medium sands with well preserved cross-beddings.

The fluvio-marine deposits are exposed in the Vaigai delta as deltaic plain, paleo-tidal and dune flat deposits. The deltaic plain and dune flats comprise medium, grey brown sands. The paleo tidal flat deposits include black silty clay, black clay and mud. In Rameswaram Island, the fluvio-marine deposits include indurated sand and dune sands.

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary spot-billed pelican Spotbilled pelican.jpg
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary spot-billed pelican

The Aeolian deposits comprise red sands which are in nature of ancient dunes and occur over a 3.2 km wide and 8 km long stretch and lie parallel to the sea coast. These are separated by marshy deposits of black clays. The sands are underlain by calcareous hardpan. In Rameswaram Island also brown sand deposits occur around Sambaimadam on either side of NH 49 west of the town.

The marine formation comprises coastal plain deposits of sand and clay in varied proportions. Marine calcareous hardpan occurs as low terraces and platforms, with admixture of quartz, limonite and garnet concentration.

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1901442,067    
1911477,726+0.78%
1921479,202+0.03%
1931517,471+0.77%
1941577,826+1.11%
1951551,125−0.47%
1961702,168+2.45%
1971822,623+1.60%
1981998,295+1.95%
19911,119,153+1.15%
20011,187,604+0.60%
20111,353,445+1.32%
source: [4]
Religions in Ramanathpuram district (2011) [5]
ReligionPercent
Hinduism
77.39%
Islam
15.37%
Christianity
6.73%
Other or not stated
0.51%

According to 2011 census, Ramanathapuram district had a population of 1,353,445 with a sex-ratio of 983 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929. [6] A total of 140,644 were under the age of six, constituting 71,705 males and 68,939 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 18.40% and 0.08% of the population, respectively. The average literacy of the district was 72.33%, compared to the national average of 72.99%. [6] The district had a total of 323,905 households. There were a total of 602,977 workers, comprising 149,959 cultivators, 103,592 main agricultural labourers, 18,546 in house hold industries, 214,053 other workers, 116,827 marginal workers, 23,808 marginal cultivators, 50,282 marginal agricultural labourers, 6,682 marginal workers in household industries and 36,055 other marginal workers. [6]

Languages of Ramanathapuram district (2011) [7]

   Tamil (97.67%)
   Saurashtra (1.53%)
  Others (0.80%)

At the time of the 2011 census, 97.67% of the population spoke Tamil and 1.53% Saurashtra as their first language. [7]

Politics

It is a part of Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency.

Source: [8] [9]
DistrictNo.ConstituencyNamePartyAllianceRemarks
Ramanathapuram 209 Paramakudi (SC) S. Murugesan Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam SPA
210 Tiruvadanai R. M. Karumanickam Indian National Congress SPA
211 Ramanathapuram Katharbatcha Muthuramalingam Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam SPA
212 Mudhukulathur R. S. Raja Kannappan Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam SPA

Tourist attractions

Pamban Bridge between Pamban Island and the mainland Pamban bridge, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India (2007) 1.jpg
Pamban Bridge between Pamban Island and the mainland
Fishing boats seen from Pamban Bridge RameshwaramScenicView.jpg
Fishing boats seen from Pamban Bridge
Pamban rail bridge connecting Pamban island with the Indian mainland Pamban Bridge 1.jpg
Pamban rail bridge connecting Pamban island with the Indian mainland

Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve

Marine Biosphere Reserve not only in India but also in south and southeast Asia. The IUCN Commission on National Parks and WWF, identified the Reserve as being an area of "Particulars concern" given its diversity and special multiple-use management status. In addition, as the first marine biosphere reserve declared in India, this area has long been a national priority.

The Gulf of Mannar and its 3,600 species of flora and fauna is one of the biologically richest coastal regions in all of the mainland of India.

It is equally rich in sea-algae, sea grasses, coral reef pearl banks, fin and shellfish resources, mangroves, and endemic and endangered species. It is an important habitat for the highly endangered sea mammal, the dugong commonly called the sea cow.

There are 137 species of coral found in Gulf of Mannar. The coral come in myriads of shapes. Some have finger like branches and others dome-shaped colony with a net work of ridges and furrows.

Sponges, although at casual glance look like plants, are animals, living singly or in colonies of many individuals. Their colours vary as much as shape, being green, red, yellow, and even black or white. In the crevices, these sponges are found with many animals, ranging from tiny crabs and brittle star to bivalve molluscs. 275 species under 8 orders are found in Gulf of Mannar.

Economy

With a 34 percentage share, Paramakudi is the top chili pepper producer in Tamil Nadu. [12] In 2018, Government of India classifies Ramanathapuram as one of the 112 most underdeveloped district across the country and brought it under Aspirational Districts Phase 1. [13]

Notability

The Ramnathapuram Mundu chilli is a variety of dry red chilli mainly grown in this district. [14] [15] It is primarily grown in the Ramanathapuram district's Tiruvadanai, Mudukulathur, Kadaladi, RS Mangalam and Kamuthi taluks. [16]

Geographical indication

It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 22 February 2022 (valid until 15 November 2030). [17]

Ramnad Mundu Chilli Producer Company Limited from Mudhukulathur, proposed the GI registration of Ramnathapuram Mundu chilli. After filing the application in November 2020, the chilli was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Ramnathapuram Mundu chilli" exclusive to the chilies grown in the region. It thus became the first chilli variety from Tamil Nadu and the 45th type of goods from Tamil Nadu to earn the GI tag. [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rameswaram</span> Pilgrimage centre and a town in Tamil Nadu, India

Rameswaram is a municipality in the Ramanathapuram district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is on Pamban Island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. It is in the Gulf of Mannar, at the tip of the Indian peninsula. Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, is connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge. Rameswaram is the terminus of the railway line from Chennai and Madurai. Together with Varanasi, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karaikudi</span> City Corporation in Tamil Nadu, India

Karaikudi is the largest city in Sivaganga district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Karaikudi Urban Agglomoration is the 21st largest urban area of Tamil Nadu based on 2011 census data. It is part of the area commonly referred to as "Chettinad" and has been declared a City Municipal Corporation by the Government of Tamil Nadu, on account of the palatial houses built with limestone called Kaarai veedu. For this reason, the place is sometimes called Kaarai Nagar locally. The newly formed Karaikudi Municipal Corporation spreads about 94.31 km2 (36.41 sq mi) which undergoes major developments as part of Government Schemes.

Ramanathapuram, also known as Ramnad, is a city and a municipality in Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of Ramanathapuram district and the second largest town in Ramanathapuram district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sivaganga</span> Municipality in Tamil Nadu, India

Sivaganga is a City and headquarters of the Sivaganga district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for the 16th-century Sivagangai Fort, located in City Centre. Inside the fort, the Rajarajeshwari Amman Temple features many ornate sculptures. Nearby, the Government Museum has prehistoric relics and natural history displays. There are many famous places like historical monuments, Historical temples and lands donated by King Muthuvaduganatha Thevar and other many temples been built and maintained by King Maruthpandiyar brothers, Princess Velunachiyar which are still available and maintained in good condition by public and authorities. The City is located at a distance of 48 km from Madurai and 449 km from the state capital Chennai.

Paramakudi or Paramagudi is the largest town in the district of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, India, with a population of over 1,33000 as of 2024. It has been the taluk headquarters since the formation of Ramanathapuram District in 1918.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maruthu Pandiyar</span> Indian revolutionaries

The Marudhu Pandiyars were de facto rulers of Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India, towards the end of the 18th century. They were known for fighting against the East India Company. They were finally executed by the EIC after being captured by them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sivaganga district</span> Place in Tamil Nadu, India

Sivaganga District is one of the 38 districts in Tamil Nadu state, India. This district was formed on 15 March 1985 by trifurcation of Ramanathapuram district into Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar and Sivaganga districts. Sivaganga is the district headquarters, while Karaikudi is Big City the most populous city in the district, administered by the Karaikudi Municipal Corporation. It is bounded by Pudukkottai district on the Northeast, Tiruchirappalli district on the North, Ramanathapuram district on South East, Virudhunagar district on South West and Madurai district on the West. The area's other larger towns include Sivaganga, Kalayar Kovil, Devakottai, Manamadurai, Ilaiyangudi, Thiruppuvanam, Singampunari and Tiruppattur. As of 2011, the district had a population of 1,339,101 with a sex ratio of 1,003 females for every 1,000 males.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manamadurai</span> A First Grade Municipality in Sivagangai District

Manamadurai is a Municipality Town in Sivaganga district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Manamadurai falls under Manamadurai Legislative assembly. It is a river based settlement town. River Vaigai makes its way through the town bifurcating it into two parts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency</span> One of the 39 Parliamentary Constituencies in Tamil Nadu, in India.

Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency is one of the 39 Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. Its Tamil Nadu Parliamentary Constituency number is 31.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kingdom of Ramnad</span> Zamindhari kingdom in India (1601 to 1949)

The Kingdom of Ramnad or Ramnad estate was a permanently settled kingdom and later zamindari estate that existed in the Ramnad subdivision of the Madurai district and later Ramnad district of the erstwhile Madras Presidency in British India from 1601. It was ruled by the rajas also had the title of Sethupathi. Madurai Nayaks ruled the Ramnad area with the appointed chieftains between 14th to 16th century CE, and in 17th century CE the appointed governors expanded their power to establish "Ramnad Kingdom" which was also called as "Maravar Kingdom" by the British. In 1795 CE, after an heir dispute, they were reduced to the status of zamidari by the East India Company. After the independence of India in 1947 the estates were merged in the Union of India and in 1949 all rulers lost the ruling rights, privy purse was also finally abolished in 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Velu Nachiyar</span> Indian Freedom Fighter and Queen of Sivagangai

"Veeramangai" Rani Velu Nachiyar was a queen of Sivaganga estate from c. 1780–1790. She was the first Indian queen to wage war with the East India Company in India. She is proudly called by Tamils as Veeramangai. With the support of Hyder Ali's army, feudal lords, the Maruthu Brothers, Dalit commanders, and Thandavarayan Pillai, she fought the East India company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sethupathi</span> Tamil Kingdom

The Sethupathis are a Tamil clan of the Maravar community native to the Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, India. They were from the 12th century considered independent kings in 16th century who ruled the Ramnad kingdom, also known as Maravar country. The male rulers of Ramnathapuram also bore the title of "Sethupathi" or "protector of the bridge", the bridge here referring to the legendary sacred Rama's Bridge, while female rulers bore the title "Nachiyar". Among the 72 poligars of the region, the Sethupathi stood first. This special position was conferred not based upon the revenue that his kingdom generated but because of his military prowess. Back in the beginning of the 18th century, the Sethupathi ruler could mobilize a considerable army, about 30,000 to 40,000 strong at short notice.

Theriruveli is a village in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. It is located near uthrakosamangai and belongs to the Mudukulathur Legislative Constituency. The economy is largely based on agriculture and sheep raising, and remittances from residents who have travelled abroad.

Thirupachethi also known as Thirupachi is a Town in manamadurai block Sivagangai District on the highway of Madurai-Rameswaram (NH-49) in Tamil Nadu, India.

Madurai District was one of the districts of the Madras Presidency of British India. It covered the present-day districts of Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and parts of Virudhunagar District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manamadurai Junction railway station</span> Railway station in Tamil Nadu, India

Manamadurai Junction railway station is an NSG–5 category Indian railway station in Madurai railway division of Southern Railway zone. It serves Manamadurai, located in Sivaganga district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the two major railway junctions in Sivaganga district and the other one is Karaikudi Junction. Manamadurai junction is the only four branched junction in the district. It has totally 5 platforms, in which only 3 are functioning and last two are used for docking unscheduled and freight trains.

Appanur is a village in the Kadaladi Taluk of Ramanathapuram District in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located between Mudukulathur and Sayalgudi, on the State Highway 29 (SH29).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poovanthi</span>

Poovanthi is a small village in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, India. Poovanthi is under the Manamadurai assembly constituency and Sivagangai Lok Sabha constituency. The primary source of income is agriculture.

Pirappan Valasai is a village in Mandapam block in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, India.

The Ramanathapuram Mundu chilli is a variety of dry red chilli mainly grown in Ramanathapuram district, of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is primarily grown in the Ramanathapuram district's Tiruvadanai, Mudukulathur, Kadaladi, RS Mangalam and Kamuthi taluks.

References

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