Ranni | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 9°22′0″N76°46′0″E / 9.36667°N 76.76667°E | |
Country | India |
State | Kerala |
District | Pathanamthitta |
Government | |
• Type | Taluk |
Area | |
• Total | 1,004 km2 (388 sq mi) |
Elevation | 331 m (1,086 ft) |
Population (2011) [1] | |
• Total | 198,194 |
• Density | 200/km2 (510/sq mi) |
Languages | |
• Official | Malayalam, English |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
PIN | 689672 |
Telephone code | 04735 |
Vehicle registration | KL-62 |
Nearest city | Chengannur |
Sex ratio | 47:50 ♂/♀ |
Literacy | 95% |
Lok Sabha constituency | Pathanamthitta |
Ranni or Ranny is a town in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India, and the 16th largest taluk (administrative division) in Kerala, located on both sides of the Pamba River. It Is located 27 km from Chengannur railway station & NH 183 in Chengannur.
The name Ranni is derived from a word in Malayalam which means "Queen", or Rani. The town is known as "The Queen of the Eastern Hill Lands" (മലനാടിന്റെ റാണി).[ citation needed ]
The history of Ranni can be traced back 5000 years to the early settlement of Adi Dravidans around Sabarimala and Nilakkal. An ancient trade route used to pass through Nilackal between Kerala and the Pandian kingdom. [2] [3]
The former rulers of Ranni were known as the Ranni Karthas or the Karthkal of Ranni, the "Samanthas" and blood-related family of Thekkamamkoor Raja. In the 18th century, Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma of Vennad annexed the Thekkamkoor kingdom and confiscated all the lands that belonged to the former rulers.[ citation needed ]
Ranni Karthas Kioyikal (the Ranni Karth palace) was located in Areekkal. The Ranni Karthas also built Ranni Manjor Ramapuram temple. The temple is the same architecturally as the Aranmula Sreeparthasaradhy temple but the darshan of the former faces south.[ citation needed ]
Ranni was a part of the Central Travancore region before the unification of India. Until the formation of Pathanamthitta district in 1982, Ranni was a part of the Kollam district. [4]
Ranni is located in southwestern India at 9°23′N76°49′E / 9.38°N 76.81°E . It has an average elevation of 131 m (433 ft) above sea level. [5] However, towards the east, the elevation is much higher. The river Pamba flows through Ranni township. According to the 2001 Census of India, Ranni spans a total of 1,004.61 square kilometres (387.88 sq mi). [6] Out of the total area, 708 square kilometres (273.36 sq mi) or 70% are forest. [7]
Climate data for Ranni, Kerala | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 31.2 (88.2) | 32.0 (89.6) | 33.1 (91.6) | 33.2 (91.8) | 32.7 (90.9) | 30.6 (87.1) | 29.8 (85.6) | 30.0 (86.0) | 30.4 (86.7) | 30.4 (86.7) | 30.1 (86.2) | 30.6 (87.1) | 31.2 (88.1) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 22.4 (72.3) | 23.2 (73.8) | 24.6 (76.3) | 25.5 (77.9) | 25.5 (77.9) | 24.3 (75.7) | 23.7 (74.7) | 23.9 (75.0) | 23.9 (75.0) | 23.9 (75.0) | 23.4 (74.1) | 22.5 (72.5) | 23.9 (75.0) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 21 (0.8) | 38 (1.5) | 66 (2.6) | 158 (6.2) | 266 (10.5) | 482 (19.0) | 468 (18.4) | 325 (12.8) | 247 (9.7) | 321 (12.6) | 213 (8.4) | 58 (2.3) | 2,663 (104.8) |
Source: Climate-Data.org [8] |
Like the rest of Kerala, Ranni has a wet and maritime tropical climate. The region receives most of the rain from the southwest monsoon from June to August and the northeast monsoon during October and November. With river Pamba overflowing, Ranni is always under a threat of floods during Monsoons. Although the summer is from March to May, the area receives locally developed thundershowers in May. Due to the higher elevation, the climate is cooler in the east.[ citation needed ]
As of 2011, [update] Ranni taluk had a census population of 198,194, of which 94,773 were males and 103,421 were females. The female-to-male ratio is 1091:1000, higher than the state average and significantly higher than the national average. There were 53,172 households within the taluk's limits. A very low housing density is owed to a large reserved forest area. Ranni's literacy rate is 95%. [9]
Although most of the residents are Malayalis there are some Tamil, Sikh, Bihari, and Bengali settlers. Much of the population are temporary workers who are employed in the construction sector. The population of migrant workers from the northern parts of India has increased over the last few years because of the shortage of local unskilled manpower. A few settlements of aborigines known as 'adivasis' are deep in the forest area.[ citation needed ]
Ranni's major religions are Hinduism and Christianity.
Ranni taluk is administered under Pathanamthitta district. The taluk headquarters is at Block pady. Ranni taluk is divided into 11 villages: [10]
Commerce in Ranni is centered around a market in the main township, Ittiyappara, which is situated on the northern side of the river. The economy of Ranni is primarily based on agriculture. The hilly terrain, high humidity and good rain makes it suitable for rubber cultivation, and Ranni is one of the largest rubber-producing taluks in Kerala. [11] Other major crops are cocoa, coconut, tapioca and black pepper. Ranni taluk has the largest Non-resident Indian (NRI) population in the state of Kerala, which is another major source of income.[ further explanation needed ]
Ranni is largely dependent on private buses and most long-route Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses use State Highway 08. There is a KSRTC bus depot in Ranni adjacent to the private bus stand. Auto rickshaws are also available and are generally hired for short distances (1–3 km) where bus services are lacking. Jeeps are another preferred mode of transport where the terrain is hilly or rugged.[ citation needed ]
A train service connecting Ranni to industrial centers is a long-standing demand of citizens. Although the Union Government cleared a railway proposal in 1995, the project awaits implementation. [12] The nearest railway stations are at Thiruvalla and Chengannur which are nearly 30 km (19 mi) away.
The proposed Sabari International Airport, Cheruvally would be the closest airport upon completion, at 10 km (6.2 mi) from Ranni township.[ citation needed ] The nearest extant airports are Cochin International Airport (110 km) and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, at 110 and 125 km (68 and 78 mi), respectively.
Primary, middle, and secondary schools are available in all the villages of Ranni taluk. However, there are only seven senior secondary schools covering six of the eleven villages. This is primarily because prior to 1997–98, secondary education was offered as pre-degree courses in colleges. [13] As of 2001, there are 138 primary, 59 middle and 35 secondary schools. [7]
There are three colleges in Ranni taluk. St. Thomas college, Ranni, an arts and science college established in 1964, is affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University (MG University). [14] For almost four decades this was the only college in the taluk. In 2005, Caarmel Engineering College, a self-financing engineering college, was established in the Ranni-Perunad division, but closed due to financial crisis. The Vishwa Bhramana Arts College and Government Polytechnic College are situated in Vechuchira. The Mar Thoma Teachers’ Training College Ranni is a self-financing institution affiliated with MG University and approved by NCTE.
Ranni also has three adult literacy centers. Ranni is a hub of central board schools with St. Mary's School, Ranni, an institution active for over 40 years. Cornerstone International School (including Cornerstone Kidscenter) and Citadel are other secondary options among CBSE schools. These literacy centers or "Saksharatha Kendram" came as a state effort to attain 100% adult literacy. [15]
The Ranni assembly constituency is part of Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency). [16] The main political parties are the Indian National Congress (INC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), Communist Party of India (CPI), and Kerala Congress. The BJP (Bharatiya Janatha Party), now AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), has significant influence in the election. Pramod Narayan is the elected representative of Ranni assembly constituency. [17] He successfully contested assembly election in 2021. [18]
There are three local television channels in Ranni. Citi TV The channel, established in 2002, telecasts news, documentaries, advertisements, albums and other programs. Malanad TV operates from Pazhavangadi. Vismaya TV, established 2014, is the largest local channel in Pathanamthitta district. [19]
The Hindu temple of Sabarimala is located in this taluk, situated approximately 66 km (41 mi) from the town of Ittiyappara. [20] [21]
The Devi Temple Thottamon Kavu is another landmark of Ranni. It is a resting place for pilgrims to Sabarimala and belongs to a few nair families in Ranni. The family that administrate the temple is known as naaluveedanmaar (നാലുവീടന്മാർ), or "the four nobles". The four Panikar families who hold the title are the Meempallil (മീമ്പള്ളിൽ), Kerukattu (Padiyarakkalayil, കേറുകാട്ട്), Pangattu (പങ്ങാട്ട്) and Cheruthalayathu (ചെറുതാലയത്ത്).
In the 18th century, Knanaya Christians migrated to Ranni from Kallissery and established the St. Thomas Church of Ranni. A significant number of Malankara Orthodox Christians and Mar Thomites also migrated from surrounding areas. In the early 19th century, Dr. Claudius Buchanan visited Ranni and was presented with an old handwritten Syriac Bible from Ranni St. Thomas Church. [22]
Pathanamthitta District, is one of the 14 districts in the Indian state of Kerala. The district headquarters is in the town of Pathanamthitta. There are four municipalities in Pathanamthitta: Adoor, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvalla.
Kanjirappally is a taluk and a town in Kottayam district situated about 38 km (24 mi) away from the district capital, in the state of Kerala, in southwestern India.
Mavelikara is a taluk and municipality in the Onattukara region of Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. Located in the southern part of the district on the banks of the Achankovil River.
Aranmula is a temple town in the state of Kerala, India. It is known as the cultural capital of Pathanamthitta district, located at a distance of around 116 km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, it is situated on the banks of the river Pampa. A centre of pilgrimage from time immemorial and a trade post of eminence, when the river was the chief means of transport, it is near Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta District. It is easily accessible from Chengannur railway station (10km). It is one of the Fastest Growing Village. Aranmula, along with the majority of Pathanamthitta district, was part of the Quilon division or Central Travancore division of Travancore. On November 1, 1982, Pathanamthitta district was established.
The Pamba River is the longest river in the Indian state of Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha, and the longest river in the erstwhile former princely state of Travancore. Sabarimala Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is located on the banks of the river Pamba.
Chengannur is a municipality and Town in Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. It is also the headquarters of the Chengannur Taluk. Chengannur is located in the south-eastern part of the district, in the region known as Odanad, along the banks of Pamba River. Chengannur is 36 kilometres (22 mi) southeast of the district headquarters Alappuzha and 117 kilometres (73 mi) north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Both the NH 183 and Main Central Road pass through the town.
Pathanamthitta, is a municipality situated in the Southern Kerala, India, spread over an area of 23.50 km2. It is the administrative capital of Pathanamthitta district. The town has a population of 37,538. The Hindu pilgrim centre Sabarimala is situated in the Pathanamthitta district; as the main transport hub to Sabarimala, the town is known as the 'Pilgrim Capital of Kerala'. Pathanamthitta District, the thirteenth revenue district of the State of Kerala, was formed with effect from 1 November 1982, with headquarters at Pathanamthitta. Forest covers more than half of the total area of the District. Pathanamthitta District ranks the 7th in area in the State. The district has its borders with Allepey, Kottayam, Kollam and Idukki districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Nearest city Is Thiruvalla, located at a distance of 30 km. Thiruvalla railway station Is 30 km via Thiruvalla-Kumbazha highway. Buses ply every 5 Minutes from Thiruvalla To Pathanamthitta & vice versa.
Konni, also spelt Konny, is a town and taluk headquarters in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. Konni is known for its elephant cages, forests, and rubber plantations. It is also known as "Aanakoodinte Nadu". Nearest town is Pathanamthitta. Konni is located 32 km (20 mi) from Chengannur railway station and NH 183 in Chengannur. It is well-connected via Muvattupuzha - Punalur state highway. Buses ply frequently from Pathanamthitta KSRTC bus station to Konni.
Vadaserikara is a village in Pathanamthitta district, in the state of Kerala, India. It is one among the 11 villages in Ranni taluk with geographical area of 6007 hectares. The nearest railway station is chengannur located at a distance of 30 km (19 mi) and sits at the confluence of the Pamba and Kallar River.
Chittar is a village in Pathanamthitta district, located in Kerala state, India. It is a Panchayat and is situated in the Konni Thaluk and in Konni constituency in Pathanamthitta District. Nearest Railway Station Is Thiruvalla,Located At A Distance Of 53 km.It is located 29 km away from Pathanamthitta town at its east. Nearby Panchayats are Seethathodu, Perunad, Vadaserikkara and Thannithodu. Chittar was formerly represented in the Ranni legislative assembly, but now in Konni assembly. Its previous parliament constituency was Idukki. Chittar was given the Nirmal Gram award from former president Pratibha Patil.
Perunad (Ranni-Perunad) is a scenic hilly village in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala state, India. Thiruvalla is the nearest railway station located at a distance of 58 km (36 mi). It's located on the banks of Pamba River and Kakkad River.
Ezhumattoor is a village in Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India.It Is Part Of Thiruvalla Constituency.It has 27.89 km2 area,it is divided into 14 wards for administrative purpose,it was formed by a government Order on 16 January 1952.
Chengara is a small village situated in the Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, India. It is known for its natural environment, hills and climate, and was found to have the cleanest air, in terms of concentration of dust particles. Chengara is surrounded on three sides by Harrisons Malayalam Limited, a rubber plantation company.
Angamoozhy is a village in Pathanamthitta district in the Indian state of Kerala. Angamoozhy is located near the Kakkad power station and the Sabarimala temple. Geographically Angamoozhy is High-range area.
Naranammoozhy is a village and panchayat within Ranni taluk of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala state, India.
Chengannur railway station is an NSG–3 category Indian railway station in Thiruvananthapuram railway division of Southern Railway zone. It is located in Chengannur town of Kerala. It is one of the busiest stations in the Thiruvananthapuram Central–Kollam Junction–Kottayam–Ernakulam route, primarily due to the Sabarimala pilgrims. Chengannur railway station mainly serves the people of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta district.
Tiruvalla railway station is an NSG–4 category Indian railway station in Thiruvananthapuram railway division of Southern Railway zone. It is one of the busiest railway station in Thiruvananthapuram Central-Kollam-Kottayam-Ernakulam route, located at Thiruvalla town in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India. Tiruvalla is the only railway station in the Pathanamthitta District. The station is under Thiruvananthapuram railway division of Southern Railway. It is an NSG 4 category station and has daily trains to cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Pune, Bhopal, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Nilakkal, also spelled Nilackal, is an important base camp of Sabarimala pilgrims located in Ranni tehsil of Pathanamthitta district in the Indian state of Kerala. Sabarimala temple is located at a distance of 23 km (14 mi) from Nilakkal.
Thulappally is a small village in Perunad panchayath of Ranni tehsil in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala state, India.
Gavi Dam or Gaviar Dam is a small, gravity dam constructed as a part of Sabarigiri hydro electric project on Gaviyar, which is a tributary of Pamba river at Seethathode village in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. Taluks through which release flow are Ranni, Konni, Kozhencherry, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Kuttanadu, Mavelikara and Karthikappally.
{{cite web}}
: Check |url=
value (help)