Krishnagiri district General information
Krishnagiri District is a district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The city of Krishnagiri is the district headquarters.
History
The Krishnagiri district has prehistoric importance. Archeological sources confirm the presence of habitats of man kind during Paleolithic, Neolithic and Mesolithic Ages. Various rock paintings and rock carvings of Indus Valley civilization and Iron Age seen in this district support the historical significance of this district. The heart of 'Krishnagiri', 'Hosur' and 'Uthangarai' were known as 'Eyil Nadu', 'Murasu Nadu' and 'Kowoor Nadu' respectively. During Chola period, Krishnagiri region was called 'Nigarili Chola Mandlam' and 'Vidhugadhazhagi Nallur'. Under 'Nulamba' rule it was popular as 'Nulambadi' according to historical sources.
During Mysore war I the British troops passed through Krishnagiri to attack Hyder Ali's Forces at 'Kaveripattinam'. British army was defeated here. In Mysore war II entire region of Salem and Karnataka came under Hyder Ali's control. Hyder Ali fought bravely against the English at Krishnagiri.
In Mysore war II after the "Treaty of Srirangapattinam" entire region of Salem and Barah Mahal were surrendered to the British. In 1792 AD, Captain Alexander Reed became the first District Collector of this region. Under the diplomacy of Robert Clive, the then Governor of Madras Presidency, Krishnagiri became the headquarters of Bara Mahal.
A mint was established at Krishnagiri in 1794 AD. Gold, silver and copper coins were forged here. Rayakottai once the strong hold of British lost its importance for defense by 1880 AD. Many soldiers from Krishnagiri region took part in the world war and lost their lives. Even today a large number of youth from this Krishnagiri district are in the service of our Mother Land. Many patriots and sons of this soil participated in the nations freedom struggle. One among them was the "Wise Old Man, Dr .C. Raja Gopalachari", who hailed from a small village in this district rose to the highest position in the nation as the first Governor General of independent India and also as Chief Minister.
The historical importance and potential growth in education, economy and tourism of present Krishnagiri made it necessary to create a separate district. Krishnagiri was formed as 30th district by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Krishnagiri district was carved out of Dharmapuri district on 09th February 2004 with five taluks and ten blocks. Thiru. Mangat Ram Sharma, I.A.S. has administered the office as first Collector of Krishnagiri District.
AGRICULTURE
The important crops of Krishnagiri District are Paddy, Maize, Ragi, Banana, Sugarcane, Cotton, Tamarind, Coconut, Mango, Groundnut, Vegetables and Flowers. The district has an excellent scope for agri business. Regional Agricultural Research Center of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is functioning efficiently at Paiyur in Kaveripattinam union since 1973 AD. This center is functioning in 18.5 hec. of land. It helps the peasants to develop and adopt the modern technique of cultivation. It has developed hybrid seeds by research which yields more tonnage and good quality.
HORTICULTURE
Krishnagiri District is more suitable for cultivation of Horticulture crops. Other Plantation crops, medicinal plants, Fruits, Vegetables, Spices, and flowers are grown well by way of its moderate climate, high altitude and fertility of the soil.
SERICULTURE
5069 acres of land is under mulberry cultivation in Krishnagiri District. This has the employment opportunity for about 24,345 persons at the rate of 5 per acre. Training in Mulberry farming, Rearing Silk Worms is done through a large network of Govt. Departmental Institutions of Sericulture such as Silk quality development farms 75, Govt. Sericulture training center 1, Govt. Sericulture Farm 1 Base seedlings (grain age) development farms 9, Govt. Bi-voltine grain age centers 5, Govt. Cocoon markets 5, Silk Reeling Unit 1, Silk Twisting unit 1, Technical support and service center for rearing silk worm 17, with the above maintained facilities sericulture industry has good scope in this district.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Krishnagiri is one among the districts of Tamil Nadu, which with natural resources having 2,024 Sq. Kms of forest cover is its unique feature. The hill ranges of this district are called by the name 'Melagiri'. The major type of forest seen here are Tropical, Deciduous forests, thorny shrubs and bamboo forest. Dense forest cover Denkanikottai region. The other region contains shrubs, hills and hillocks with bushes.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The major wild animals include Elephants, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Gaur, Wild boar, Panther etc. The forest area of Denkanikottai Taluk forms the prime elephant habitat with lot of bamboos and this area constitutes the Cauvery elephant reserve, which is constituted over and area of about 450 Sq. Kms. The bird population is also attractive with beautiful bird like Paradise flycatcher. Big lakes in Anchetti and Hosur areas also attract large number of migratory birds like Painted storks, Teals etc. Apart from these birds and mammals, there are variety of butterflies, giant spiders etc. that are coming under endangered list. Kodakkarai shoal forest in Denkanikottai Taluk is known for large scale migratory butterflies during a particular season then one can observe thousands of migratory butterflies passing through this forest like a passing cloud.
The district is a paradise for natural lovers. The flora include variety of timber trees like Rose wood, Teak, Sandal etc. Hundereds of medicinal herbs, minor forest plants like nelli, kadukkai, cheekai, pungam etc. The following trees like 'Charakkonnai' ('Cassia histula'). Since pungam trees are found in abundance in this forest pungam oil is extracted from this seeds of this tress which is a non pollutant Bio-fuel.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL VEGETATION
The Vast forest resources contains Sandal, Teak, Rose Wood and Bamboo. The timber from these trees has great demand for structural works, House construction, Ship buildings, Paper and pulp manufacture, Pencil and Ply wood Industry. Those they contribute towards national income. Growing nursery for herbs and medicinal plants, extraction sandal wood oil for perfumery is the major contribution for the industrial growth in Krishnagiri District. Tribal are benefited by the forest products like bamboo rice and honey which supplement their food.
MINERALS AND INDUSTRIES
"Paradise" is the most popular multi coloured granite available in Krishnagiri. Black granite is available in Hosur and Denkanikottai. Granite processing units, which make slabs of granite, finished and decorated beautifully is located mainly in Hosur surroundings. The multi coloured paradise slabs are being exported to America, England, Australia and some other European countries in large quantities. This industry is flourishing with the uninterrupted supply of electricity and availability of raw material and land at cheaper rates. A variety of quartz stones from Denkanikottai and White metal called Limestone from Uthangarai are mined.
RIVERS
The main rivers that flow across the district are Kaveri and South Pennar Kaveri enters the district from South West in Denkanikottai taluk and exists in South West direction. It forms a waterfalls at Hokenakkal and joins Mettur Dam. South Pennar originates in Nandidurg of Karnataka and flows through Hosur, Krishnagiri and Uthangari Taluks. Vanniyar and Markanda rivers join this South Pennar.
RESERVOIRS
Krishnagiri Reservoir Project, Shoolagiri-Chinnar Reservoir, Thangarai Reservoir, Pambar Reservoir, Kelevarapalli Reservoir Project and Baarur Tank are the sources of irrigation for our district. By all these water reservoirs 18,965 Hec. of land is irrigated.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Arulmigu 'Penneswarar Moorthy' temple, ' Lakshminarayana' temple of Krishnagiri, 'Kundeeswarar' temple of Chinna Kothur, 'Angalamman' temple of Kaveripattinam, 'Balamurugan' temple of Jagadevi, 'Chandra choodeswarar' temple of Hosur, 'Bettaraya Swamy' Temple of Denkanikottai are few among the holy places of this Krishnagiri District. Stone inscription reveal that these temples were built during Chola and Vijaya Nagar periods. The Holy Dharga of Denkanikottai, The Sacred Heart Church of Krishnagiri are other popular sacred places in this district.