Ramanathapuram district General information
Ramanathapuram District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters.
Ramanthapuram District has an area of 4123 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 Indian portion of Rama's 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 presently navigable only by shallow-draft vessels.
History
In early 12th century Qutbul Hamid, Ghosul Hamid Hazrat Badhushah Sulthan SYED IBRAHIM Shaheedh came from medinah saudhi arabia to india through Kannanur, kerala and crossed through various parts of Madurai and Ramnad districts. Vikrama pandiyan the then, ruler of bouthiramanickapattinam (Now Erwadi) fought with Syed Ibrahim badushah rigorously for 10 days, and finally Hazrath Syed Ibrahim shaheedh was defeated.
The early 15th Century the present territories of Ramanathapuram district comprising of taluks Tiruvadanai, Paramakudi, Kamuthi, Mudukulathur, Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram were included in Pandiyan Kingdom. For a short period, this area was under the Chola Kings when Rajendra Chola brought it under his territory in 1063 AD. In 1520 AD., the Nayaks of Vijayangar took over this area under their control from the Pandiyan dynasty for about two centuries, Marava 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.
In 1795, the British deposed Muthuramalinga Sethupathy and took control of the administration of Ramanathapuram. In 1803 Mangaleswari Nachiyar was made the Zamindar of Sivagangai After passing of Queen, the Marudhu Brothers took the charge by paying regular revenue to the East India company. In 1801 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 1792 the Zamindari system was abolished and a British Collector was appointed for administration.
After the period of sethupathis, In 1910, Ramanathapuram was formed by clubbing portions from Madurai and Tirunelveli district. 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.
Geographical Position
North Latitude is in between 9 05 and 9 50
East Longitude is in between 78 10 and 79.27
Area and Population
AREA (Sq. Km) 4175.00
TOTAL POPULATION 1187604
MALE POPULATION 583376
FEMALE POPULATION 604228
TOTAL LITERATES 757344
LITERATE - MALE 421041
LITERATE - FEMALE 336303
SEX RATIO 1036
DENSITY 284.46
Climate
The district has a hot tropical climate temperature ranging from 22.3 C (min) to 37.8 C (max) and the relative humidity is high at 79% on an average and it ranges between 80% to 90% in coastal areas.
Geology
Most of the area is covered by the unconsolidated sediments of Quaternary age except in the northwestern part, where isolated patches of Archaen Crystallines and Tertiary sandstone are exposed. The Archaeans are mainly represented by the Charnockite Group of rocks comprising garnetiferrous granulite and the Khondalite Group of rocks made up of quartzite of genesses.
The Tertiary sandstone (Cuddalore Formation) comprise pinkish, yellowish, reddish (variegated colours) medium to coarse grained sandstone and clay stone. It is overlain by thin alluvium and exposed towards north of 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, fuvio-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 categorized 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.
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 proportion. Marine calcareous hardpan occurs as low terraces and platforms, with admixture of quartz, limonite and garnet concentration.
Mineral Resource
Gypsum, limonite, garnet sand, lime shells, salt, clays and building stones are the known mineral potential of the area. All the occurrence are of local nature only and are not of any economic significance.
Soil
The soils of Ramanathapuram District can be assorted into the main types viz., clay, coastal alluvium, sandy loam, alluvium, sandy and red soil clay, black cotton soil is believed to have been derived from the Archaen gneisses where calcareous formation are abundant. Calcium carbonate concretions of various sizes and shapes are present in majority of the black soil area and this affects the fertility of the soils. Black soil, as a whole constituted about 46 per cent of the total soil. River alluvium includes alternate layers of sand and clay for a huge thickness. River alluvium occurs in areas bordering the Vaigai River. Coastal alluvium occurs in Kadaladi, R.S.Mangalam, Mandapam, Ramanathapuram, Thiruppullani and Thiruvadanai blocks. There are vast stretches of saline and alkaline soils found in the coastal blocks. Rameswaram Island contains mainly sandy soil. The fertility status of soil showed that nitrogen status of soil is low in all blocks and phosphorus status of soil is also low in all blocks except Thiruppullani, Kamudhi and Kadaladi where it is medium. The potash content of soil is high in all the blocks. The mineral resources of the soil include gypsum, limestone and magnesium. While Mudukulathur and Keelakarai regions account for sizable deposits of gypsum. Rameswaram Island contains large quantities of limestone deposits.
Tourist Place
Ramanathaswamy Temple: The legend says that Hunuman was sent by Lord Rama to bring a temple_tower1.jpg (205360 bytes)Lingam to worship at an appointed auspicious hour. As Human’s arrival was delayed, Sita moulded a lingam for Rama’s timely worship. It is the main deity being worshiped as Ramanathaswamy. Disappointed Hunuman was later consoled by Rama by installing the Lingam which was brought by him a little north of Ramanatha, and decreed that the Hunuman’s lingam should have precedence over the Ramanatha in all honours.
Agnitheertham: The calm shallow water-spread of the sea, present hardly 100 meters in front of the temple gopuram is considered as sacred. A dip in the Agnitheertham is considered to remove the sins of the pilgrims. The other theerthams (holy water tanks) in and around the temple are also important for Pilgrims.
Jadayu Theertham : Jadayu, King of the Birds, who fought in vain with Ravana, the demon to save Sita, is said to have fallen down here as his wings were severed. Sand dunes surround the temple and the pond. The water in the pond is as sweet as that of a tender coconut.
Villoondi Theertham : Villoondi literally translated stands for ‘buried bow’. It is quite well known that Lord Ram always carried a bow. According to legend, at this sacred spot, located around 7 kilometers from the main temple on the way to Pamban, is this puranic place, significant because it was at this place where Lord Ram is said to have quenched the thirst of Sita by dipping the bow into the sea water. Even to this day, tourists throng this place to see where potable water is available within the vicinity of sea water.
Badrakali Amman Temple :A kilometer away from the main sanctum sanctorum is the Badrakali Amman Temple with Devi Durga as its chief deity. It is very popular among Devi Durga’s worshippers hailing mainly from West Bengal & Kolkatta. This temple is en-route the Gandhamathana Parvatham.
Gandhamathana Parvatham: A hillock situated 3 KMs to the north of the temple is the highest point in the island. There is a two storeyed Mandapam, where Rama's feet (Padam) is found as an imprint on a chakra. Pilgrims throng in thousands to worship Gandhamathana Parvatham. Sukreevar Temple and Theertham are situated on the way to Gandhamadana Parvatham.
Dhanushkodi: The southernmost tip of the island is called Dhanushkodi. It was completely washed away by a cyclone in 1964. But the Kothandaramasamy Temple here remains intact. It is 18 KMs way from Rameswaram can be reached by road. A popular belief is that, it is where Vibishana a brother of Ravana surrendered before Rama. Dhanushkodi has a fine beach, where Sea surfing is possible.
Kurusadai Island : This Island lies to the west of the Pamban Bridge between the mainland and the island. It is a Marine Biosphere, a paradise for the Marine Biologists and nature lovers. Marine wealth are abound here which attract many a scholars and researchers to this Island . It is about 4 KMs from Mandapam. One should approach fisheries department for permission to visit this island. Off Kurusadai Island one could see plenty of coral-reef, fish. Dolphins and sea-cows (Dugong) are also often witnessed.
Ramanathapuram: An ancient town, and now the head quarters of the district. It was from here the Sethupathis (Chieftains) ruled this territory. Ramalingavilasam Palace with good painting and Tomb of Thayumana swamigal, are the places worth visiting. A Museum is functioning here.
DEVI PATINAM: A coastal village is also known as Navashabashanam.It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Navagraha here. The temple near by here, is dedicated to Devi, who is said to have killed the demon Mahishasura at this spot. Hindus perform religious rites for their forefathers here.
Thiruppullani: Also called Dharbasayanam, the Vishnu Temple here, is dedicated to Lord Adi Jaganathaperumal. It is 64 KMs from Rameswaram.
Uthirakosamangai: 72 KMs from Rameswaram is Uthirakosamangai. There is an ancient Siva temple, where the presiding deity is carved in Emerald. Annual 'Arudhra' festival in December attracts a large number of devotees.
Erwadi: The tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia, who came from Arabia via Cannanore is about 800 years old. Pilgrims from far off countries like Srilanka, Malaysia and Singapore are visiting this tomb. Santhanakoodu Festival is celebrated in February-March attracts thousands of pilgrims.
SATCHI HANUMAN TEMPLE: This is where Hanuman said to have delivered the good news of sita's well being to Rama with an evidance choodamanai(Jewel) of Sita.
FIVE FACED HANUMAN TEMPLE: Hanuman is adorned with senthooram here. The stone said to have used to construct the floating bridge Sethu Bandanam could be seen here.
THIRUVETRIYUR :The Patham Priya Koil is situated in Thiruvetriyur in R.S. Mangalam Block of the district. The temple is spread over a vast area and has a large Tank and pilgrims flock here in hundreds every day for blessings and to pay obeisance.
UPOOR : Around 85 kilometers from Rameswaram is the Veyulugantha Vinayagar Alayam ( Temple ). It is believed that Lord Ram worshipped Lord Vinayagar (Elephant God) in this very temple on his journey to Sri Lanka .
SETHU KARAI : A place of Puranic importance, Sethu karai (meaning the Sethu Coast ) is an important pilgrim centre having religious significance owing to the belief that Lord Ram is said to have constructed a bridge from here over the sea waters to reach Sri Lanka . It is a hallowed place for Hindus as they conduct their religious rites in this place and is situated around 68 kilometers from Rameswaram and is near Erwadi Dharga.
ORIYUR :Oriyur is one of the most revered pilgrim centers for Christians the world over as it is home to the martyrdom of St. John De Britto, a Portugese Jesuit better known as ‘Arul Anandar’. It was in this place that the saint was beheaded in 1693 and the sand dune is said to have turned red, believed to be stained by the blood of the saint. Here, one can see a magnificent shrine with its Portugese façade that contains a captivating statue of Arul Anandar offering his neck in humble submission to the executioner.
SEA WORLD AQUARIUM :Just opposite the Rameswaram Bus Stand, one can catch a quick glimpse of an assortment of underwater creatures in their near natural habitat in the ‘Sea World Aquarium’ – the only one of its kind in the state, and probably in the country too, filled with such varied marine life forms including exotic species such as Octopus, Snake fish, Parrot fish, Sea lizard, Sea squid, Cow fish, Lion fish, Rabbit fish, Fire fish, Butter fish, Clown fish, Crabs, Lobsters, Prawns, Sea Lotus, Beach Tamet, Star Fishes, Sea Horses and Sharks. This is quite an eye-opener for young tourists & kids and lovers of marine life.
MANDAPAM & PAMBAN :Lying on the Ramanathapuram – Rameswaram National Highway and just 19 kms before Rameswaram lies this sleepy coastal village of Mandapam . Prior to the 1914 train service linking the mainland with Rameswaram, boats were the only mode of transport to ship the pilgrims on their journey to Rameswaram. It is possible to take a boat for a cruise through the mangrove marshes to Kurusadai Island .
There is a possibility to convert this opportunity into a tourist attraction by providing small mechanized boats from Mandapam for both cruises as well as discovery of the coral reefs in neighbouring islands subject to non-pollution and destabilization of the fragile and precious marine ecosystem of this region.
Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge: The 2.2 km. length bridge connecting the Rameswaram Island and the mainland is the longest bridge in India constructed over a bay. It is also called as Pamban Bridge. Similarly the railway bridge connecting the island is noted for its unique opening to pass the ships through the sea.