General information page for Virudhunagar
Virudhunagar District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. Virudhunagar is the district headquarters.
History
From the 19th century AD, District Collectors and Judges appointed by the British controlled the area. In 1910, the District of Ramanathapuram was created for reasons of administrative convenience, by carving-out territories from Madurai and Tirunelveli Districts. In 1948, after India attained independence, the zamins were abolished.
In 1985, the Ramanathapuram District was trifurcated to create the districts of Ramanathapuram, Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Tirumagan(later renamed Sivaganga) and Kamarajar District (later renamed Virudhunagar District).
The District headquarters is Virudhunagar town. It covers an area of 4232 sq. km. and is divided into 8 taluks, namely Aruppukkottai, Kariapatti, Rajapalayam, Sattur, Sivakasi, Srivilliputur, Tiruchuli and Virudhunagar.
Physical Features
Virudhunagar District is landlocked on all sides with no direct access to the sea. It is bound on the north by Madurai, on the north-east by Sivaganga, on the east by Ramanathapuram and on the south by Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts.
Physiographically it consists of two distinct regions. The eastern slopes of the Western Ghats in Srivilliputtur and Rajapalayam taluks and the black soil plains of Sivakasi, Virudhunagar, Sattur, Aruppukkottai, Tiruchili and Kariapatti. The average height of the hills of the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats is 1500m, though a few peaks rise to 1700m. The highest peaks are Peyimalai Mottai and Kottamalai. The foothills have rich loamy soil with good vegetation cover. The plains with black cotton soil (locally known as karisal) have underlying cal carious formations.
Virudhunagar does not have any perennial rivers. The Vaippar, Arjuna nadi, and Gundar constitute the river network of the District. Numerous streams and rivulets, activated by the monsoon, feed these rivers. The Mandiri odai and Girudhamal nadi flow into the Gundar, which irrigates the northeastern region of the District. The Sengundrapuram odai, Kausika manadi, Uppodai and Mannarkottaiyar are feeder streams of the Arjuna nadi, which flows through the central portion of the District. The Kayalkudiyar and Nichepa nadi join the Vaippar, which runs through the southern part of the District. The Arjuna and the Vaippar meet at Irukkangudi.
Minerals and Mining
The District consists of red loam, red clay loam, red sand, black clay and black loam in large areas with extents of black and sand cotton soil found in Sattur and Aruppukottai taluks. Limestone of different grades and common use minerals like sand, clay and gypsum are the minerals of economic value found. Granite of export value occurs in small pockets in the southern regions of the District.
Climate
The climate of the region is semi-arid tropical monsoon type. It has a high mean temperature and a low degree of humidity. The temperatures range from 20° C to 37° C. April, May and June are the hottest months of the year. Virudhunagar receives scanty rainfall with an annual average of 812 mm. The South West monsoon which sets in June and lasts till August brings scanty rain. The bulk of the rainfall is received during the North East monsoon in the months of October, November and December.
Forests, Fauna and Flora
The forests are found on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Only 6.3% of the total geographical area is under forests. The type range from west coast tropical evergreen forests, west coast semi evergreen forests, dry teak forests, southern mixed deciduous forests and dry grasslands. According to the National Forestry Resolution the optimum area under forests should be 1/3rd of the total geographic area. Given the nature of the topography of the District, the soil profile and the rainfall pattern this is an unattainable target. However measures have been undertaken to increase the area under forest coverage and to ensure among other things adequate pasture for live stock, supply of firewood for domestic consumption and raw material for industries. Social forestry programmes have enlarged their range of activities and the area covered by plantations is 3216 hectares. Revenue from the forest for the year 1999-2000 was Rs. 53 lakhs.
Many rare and endemic varieties of flora and fauna are found along the mountain slopes. A wildlife sanctuary, spread over 480 sq. kms. was established in 1989 at Shenbagathopu in Srivilliputur taluk.. This sanctuary is contiguous with the Periyar tiger reserve on the south-western side and the Megamalai reserve forest on the north-western side. The altitude varies from 100m to 2010 m above sea level. The sanctuary is home to the endangered, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel Ratufa macrora. This grayish brown squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg. and is the size of a small cat. It measures about 73.5 cms. from nose to tail with the tail being 36 – 40 cm. long. They construct drays at forked branches where the crowns of neighbouring trees meet. This enables the squirrel to move away from the site by jumping from tree to tree when threatened. The home range of an individual is between 0.197 hectares and 0.611 hectares.
The sanctuary also hosts a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies. Resident and migratory elephants are common. Other animals sighted are tiger, leopard, Nilgiri thar, spotted deer, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, porcupine, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, common langur, slender loris, bonnet macaque, sloth bear and flying squirrel. Over 100 species of birds have been identified. The rare Great Indian horn bill is also found.
Special steps have been taken to conserve the forest areas in the sanctuary. The annual leases given for the collection of fruit and other minor forest produce has been stopped. Fruit bearing trees and other trees have been planted. This will increase the food sources as well as ensure continuity in the canopy. Soil conservation and water harvesting measures have been undertaken to improve the habitat.
The forests of Alagarkoil valley in Srivilliputur taluk and Saduragiri are known for rare medicinal plants. The medicinal value of 275 plants has been recorded and reported. The forests host a rich variety of orchids and ferns.
Cultivated Crops
The area under cultivation accounts for 37% of the total geographic area. Agriculture provides sustenance to 52% of the working population. Productivity of agriculture is influenced by numerous factors such as soil, climate, irrigation, marketing and credit facilities and agricultural practices and techniques. The soils of the District are of poor productivity and are mainly black loamy soil (locally known as (Karisal). Cotton, pulses, oilseeds and millets, which do not require much irrigation, are the main crops grown. Paddy and sugarcane are grown where tank or well irrigation is available.
The crops cultivated are:
Black gram – raised in both irrigated and rain fed conditions. In rain fed conditions the sowing commences in September and extends up to the middle of October as pure crop and inter crop. In irrigated conditions sowing commences in February.
Green gram - In rain fed conditions the sowing commences in September and extends up to the middle of October as pure crop and inter crop. In irrigated conditions sowing commences in February.
Cowpea – The crop is raised in rain fed and irrigated conditions as pure crop and inter crop. In rain fed conditions the owing takes place in June/July and September/October. In irrigated conditions sowing takes place in February/March.
Lablab – Is mainly cultivated as a rain fed crop during the months of June/July.
Cholam - In rain fed conditions the sowing commences in August/September. In irrigated conditions sowing commences in February/March.
Cumbu - In rain fed conditions it is sown from September to November. In irrigated conditions sowing commences in February/March.
Ragi - The crop is mainly cultivated under rain fed conditions Sowing commences in the month of September and extends to the middle of October.
Small Millets – Thinai, Varagu, Samai and Kuthraivali are cultivated under rain fed conditions alone. Thinai, Samai and Kuthiraivali are sown in the months of September and extends to October. Varagu is sown in the month of July.
Maize - The crop is mainly cultivated under rain fed conditions Sowing commences in the month of September and extends to the middle of October.
Sunflower – The crop is cultivated only under rain fed conditions in the month of November.
Groundnut – It is raised both under rain fed and irrigated conditions. Under rain fed conditions sowing is taken up in the months of July/August and September/October. Under irrigated conditions the sowing is taken up in the months of April/May.
Gingelly - It is raised both under rain fed and irrigated conditions. Under rain fed conditions sowing is taken up in the months of June/July and again February/March. Under irrigated conditions the sowing is taken up in the months of February/March.
Cotton – is the major commercial crop cultivated over an area of 0.49 lakh hectares. The District is a major cotton-producing centre for the State. In rain fed conditions the sowing commences in September/October. In irrigated conditions sowing commences in February/March.
Chilli - is raised under both rain fed and irrigated conditions. Sowing commences in September and continues till November. Over 4500 hectares are under chilli cultivation
Paddy – is cultivated both under rain fed and irrigated conditions. Rain fed sowing commences during August and extend to September. Under tank fed conditions the crop is sown in the month of September and extends to October.
Sugarcane – is cultivated under irrigated conditions only. The planting is done in 4 seasons the main one being the month of June/July. Planting is also taken up in the months of December/January; February/March; and April/May.
The District has a State Seed Farm at Devadanam. This farm produces and distributes quality seeds of paddy, millets, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables. The farm also serves as a model farm on farm maintenance and scientific methods of cultivation.
Irrigation
The most striking feature of this drought prone district is absence of dependable irrigation sources such as perennial rivers. Though 33% of the cultivated area is classified as irrigated area, assured irrigation is available only for 57% through the wells, the remaining area being irrigated by rainfed tanks. Two reservoirs, namely Periyar and Kovilar at Pilavakkal in Watrap irrigate about 3800 hectares through 40 tanks. There are irrigation reservoir like Anaikootam, Kullursandai, Vembakottai and Golwarpatti.
The details of Reservoir systems in the district are :
Pilavukkal Reservoir System, Anaikuttam Reservoir Scheme, Vembakottai Reservoir.
Kullursandai Reservoir, Golwarpatti Reservoir, Chennampatti Anicut .
Athikulam Anicut Scheme, Ambalathadi Anicut Scheme, Irukkankudi Reservoir Project.
Nagariar Reservoir near Sasthakoil, Nilayur Extension Canal.
Electricity and Power
There is no electricity generating station in the district. There are 8 sub stations in 110KV, one sub station at Aruppukkotai in 230 KV, 3 sub stations in 66 KV and 9 sub stations in 33 KV located in the District.
Animal Husbandry
As per 2001 census ,there are 5 veterinary hospitals, 28 veterinary dispensaries, 70 Govt. veterinary sub-centres, 70 visiting centres and 11 mobile veterinary dispensaries engaged in rendering service to the livestock. An Intensive Cattle Development Project with 39 artificial insemination centres was launched to improve the quality of the cattle.
There are two milk chilling plants one at Virudhunagar and another at Srivilliputur.
This District offers considerable scope for development of sheep rearing. This District has a sizeable sheep population say as 165416 but they are often of low genetic potential. Sheep population is rich in Aruppukottai, Sattur and Srivilliputur Taluks. Hot climate, high mortality rate of birds high cost of food etc. are some of the significant factors arrest the development of poultry in this district.
Fisheries
As Virudhunagar is land-locked with no coastline, fishing is restricted to inland water sources.Fish farms have been established at Periyar and Vembakottai dams. Around 8.09 lakh fingerlings were reared in these farms. The fish catch in these reservoirs during 1999-2000 was 3558 tonnes. Fish ponds have been developed at the Pilavakkal dam under the drought area development programme.
Industries
The establishment of textile mills, cement factories and a number of industries in the small and medium sectors coupled with the encouragement given by the state Government in the form of incentives and setting up of industrial centres has accelerated the rate of industrialization in the District.
Cotton is a major commercial crop of the District and the cotton industry therefore occupies an important place in the economy. Rajapalayam is the chief centre for spinning mills and ginning factories. Surgical cotton and bandage cloth are manufactured here. Textile mills in the produce a variety of cotton yarn.
As the District has deposits of limestone and gypsum, the cement industry has gained a strong foothold. Tamil Nadu Cements – a Public Sector undertaking at Alangulam and Madras Cements – a Private Sector undertaking at Thulukkanpatti are two large cement producing units. Tamil Nadu Cements has an annual production capacity of 4 lakh tonnes of Portland cement while Madras Cements has an annual capacity of 4.15 lakh tonnes.
Tamil Nadu Asbestos is another Public Sector unit in the District producing asbestos cement sheets.
Sivakasi and Sattur are famous for the match industry. There are over 4500 match units. Crackers and fireworks is another important industry with about 400 units in the District. Explosives for blasting are also manufactured here. Over 70% of the total production of matches and fireworks in India is manufactured in Virudhunagar District. A large percentage of crackers are exported.
The printing industry was originally established to supply labels for the match and firework industries. Soon the industry developed and diversified into other areas of printing like books, posters, greeting cards and diaries. Sivakasi now offers state of the art, world class printing facilities.
Sundaram Fasteners and Brakes India Ltd. , private sector enterprises of the TVS group are located at Aviyur and Kanjanaiyakampatti in Kariapatti taluk. The former manufactures high density bolts and nuts while the latter manufactures automobile brakes.
There are 19335 registered small scale industrial units as on 31 December 1999 engaged in the manufacture of a very wide range of products.
Cottage and village industries are dispersed throughout the rural areas. Some common cottage industries are: making of boxes and other articles from Palmyra leaves, metal artifacts fashioned from copper and brass, and aluminium vessel manufacture for domestic use. Gem cutting has been introduced to provide employment for women.
Trade and Commerce
Virudhunagar is a traders’ town. It has been involved in the marketing and distribution of commodities since British times and has a well developed network for purchase of goods and commodities. Virudhunagar, Rajapalayam, Sattur, Watrap, Aruppukkottai and Kamudi are important centres for wholesale and retail trade. Cotton, groundnut, chillies and spices are the main agricultural goods of trade. Matches, crackers, cement and textiles are marketed both within and outside the State.
Two warehouses at Virudhunagar and Rajapalayam offer facilities for storage of food grains, spices, pulses, chillies, jaggery and cotton.
Post and Telegraphs
The Post and Telegraphs network is fairly extensive. There are 4 Head Post Offices, one each at Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar, Sattur and Sivakasi, 72 Sub Post Offices, 9 Extra Departmental Sub Offices and 196 Extra Departmental Branch Offices. There are 74 combined telegraph offices to provide telegraph facilities to the District.
Education
According to the 2001 census the percentage of literate population in the District is 62.91. The percentage of male literacy is 75.67% and female literacy is 50.17%.
Health
The District has fully equipped Government and Private hospitals. There are 9 Government hospitals with a combined bed strength of 772 beds.
There are 36 Primary Health Centers and 284 Sub-Centers attached to Primary Health Centers in various blocks of the District.
Tourist Place
Bhuminathaswamy temple
Tiruchuli is located on the southern bank of the Gundar. The Bhuminathaswamy temple at Tiruchuli is counted among the 14 famous Shaiva centres in Pandya nadu. Its located 40 Kms. East from Virhdunagar, 45 Kms South from Madurai. Name of God is Bhuminathar, Godess is Thunaimalai Amman. Its deity has been venerated in the hymns sung by Shaivite Nayanar Sundaramoorthy and Sekkilar. The temple has undergone extensive renovations and the present complex accommodates a number of shrines built over time within the high boundary walls constructed during the reign of Muthuramalinga Setupati.
Swami Vivekananda was stayed three days in this temple due to the flood of Gundar river in his yatras.
Pallimadam
Pallimadam is situated on the outskirts of Tiruchuli on the eastern bank of the river Gundar. Sundara Pandya, a 10th century AD Pandya ruler, famous for his erudition, died while visiting Pallimadam. He was buried there and his younger brother Vira Pandya (AD 946-966) erected a sepulchral shrine (pallipadai) over his grave. The temple was known as Pallippadai Sundara Pandya Isvaramudayar koil. It is now called Kalainathaswamy koil. The name Pallippadai has over the years been corrupted to Pallimadam. This sepulchral temple is the only one of its kind in Pandya nadu.
Ramana Maharishi Ashram
Sri Ramana Maharishi was born in 30.12.1879 at Thiruchuli. His mother is Thirumathi. Azhagammal, father is Thiru. Sundaram Iyer. He was lived in the house of 'Sundara Mandhiram".
He was studied in Sethupathi Primary School.
Arul Migu Thirumeni Nadha Swamy temple is situated on the State Highways of Srivilliputur to Parthipanur. this temple is ten of the Pandiya's Thalam out of fourteen in Tamil Nadu. This temple has 9 kinds of Theerthas and 8 kinds of lingas.
Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharishi was born at Tiruchuli. An ashram was established in 1988 on the banks of the river Gundar to propagate his teachings.
Aruppukkottai town
Aruppukkottai is a renowned weaving centre. Both handloom and powerloom weaving are undertaken. In the handloom sector both silk and cotton sarees are woven. The powerloom units weave towels, sarees, lungis, bedsheets and bedcovers. Units for spinning yarn as well as units for dyeing yarn have been established here.
Kullursandai reservoir
The Kullursandai reservoir on the Kowsiga mahanadi, a tributary of the Arjuna nadi. Is being developed into a picnic spot. Boasting facilities are offered at the reservoir which also attracts numerous water birds in the months of August to February.
Guhanparai
Guhanparai is located on the road to Kalugumalai from Vembakkottai. A small hillock to the west of the village is called Guhanparai and the village takes on the same nomenclature. There is a small natural cavern at the foot of the hillock, which is believed to have been used as a shelter by Jain monks. A 10th century AD Vatteluttu inscription on a rock of the hillock states that a monastery Munnurruvarperumpalli was established in the name of Munnurruvar kovilpillaigal (servants of the palace).
Irukkangudi
Irukkangudi is located to the east of Sattur, at the confluence of the Arjuna nadi and the Vaippar. The Mariamman koil, located close to the confluence, is a popular spot for devotees. The Panguni Uttiram is an important festival celebrated in the month of Panguni for 21 days
Mariamman Koil
The Mariamman temple in the town was constructed in 1923. The Panguni Uttiram, celebrated in the month of Panguni for 21 days at this temple, is the main festival of the town and its surroundings.
Kamaraj’s House
The house where the great leader Kamaraj was born has been converted into a memorial. The rooms are adorned with photographs of the leader at every stage of his life. A few of his clothes, his watch as well as articles used by him are displayed.
Sivakasi town
Sivakasi is famous for its match and fireworks units as well as for printing. Some of the most advanced printing units in the country are located here offering state of the art, world class facilities. 70% of the total production of matches and fire works in India are manufactured mainly in the towns of Sivakasi and Sattur.
Tiruthangal
Tiruthangal is located on the road from Virudhunagar to Sivakasi. The area around the town has been under almost continuous occupation since 4000 BC. Three Sangam age poets - Mudakkorranar, Porkollan Vennahanar and Athireyan Sengannanar were said to have lived at Tiruthangal. The ancient name of the town was Thangal. The town is mentioned in the Silappadikaram
On top of a low hillock in the town there is a structural temple Ninranarayanaperumal koil originally constructed during the Early Pandya period. The temple is considered one of the 108 sacred sites of the Vaishnava faith. Bhuthathalvar and Tirumangaialvar have sung hymns in praise of the temple. A bronze image of Tirumangaialvar was installed in the temple in the 10th century AD. The Ninranarayanaperumal koil was renovated in the 13th century AD and completely rebuilt in the Nayak period.
Vembakottai
The Vembakottai Reservoir System receives water from 7 distributaries of the Vaippar. These streams originate in the eastern slopes of the Western ghats. The reservoir is a scenic spot ideal for picnics. It is being developed into a tourist spot with landscaped gardens and boating facilities.
Andal , Vadabadrasayi koil
Godha, or Naachiyaar or Andal was born in Srivilliputur - Thiruvilliputur - a beautiful village slowly turning into a town. Srivilliputur is on the Virudhunagar - Thenkasi train route, about 65 km. south of Madurai, very well-connected by road with Madurai, Tenkasi, Tirunelveil, Sivakasi and Sattur.
The Lord of Srivilliputtur is known as Vatapatrasayi or Rangamannar. The banyan tree leaf - which is known as Vatapatram, on which the Lord rests in the form of a baby during deluge.
Srivilliputur is one of the 108 sacred Vaishnavite kshetras. The town is famous for the Vadapadrasayi temple, Which houses the Andal temple. The Nayak Kings constructed the Vatapatrasayi temple. But its story goes a long way back to Pandiya times, when moved by her devotion, Lord Krishna married the poetess-devotee Andal.. The Vadapadrasayi temple consists of three major portions. The northern portion hasthe Pallikonda Perumal shrine (Vishnu in reclining posture). The Andal shrine occupies the southern portion. The garden(Tulsivanam) where the infant girl was believed to have been found by Perialvar lies between the two. The Vadapadrasayi temple has a double storied garbagriha. The lower floor houses a seated Narashimha idol while the reclining Vishnu idol is on the upper portion. There is a separate shrine for Periyalvar in the complex. A lofty gopuram, has 12 tiers and 192 feet high, built in the 17th century AD, forms the gateway to the shrine. This tower is said to have been built by Perialvar, father-in-law of the Lord with the gold won in debates held in Pandiya king's palace Vallabhadeva at Madurai. This gopuram is the symbol of the Tamil Nadu State Government. Also noteworthy is the temple Chariot, which is decorated with carvings from the scriptures. The chariot (Car) Festival attracts a large number of Devotees.
Every day Six worship services are carried out. The Tamil months of Aadi and Margazhi are auspicous months.
The kumbabishekam for the Vadabadrasayi koil and Andal koil was celebrated on 10th February 2000. The entire temple complex was renovated at the cost of 2.28 crores before the event.
Shenbagathope Grizelled Squirrel Sanctuary
The forests are found on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Only 6.3% of the total geographical area is under forests. Many rare and endemic varieties of flora and fauna are found along the mountain slopes. A wildlife sanctuary, spread over 480 sq. kms. was established in 1989 at Shenbagathopu in Srivilliputtur taluk.. This sanctuary is contiguous with the Periyar tiger reserve on the south-western side and the Megamalai reserve forest on the north-western side. The altitude varies from 100m to 2010 m above sea level. The sanctuary is home to the endangered, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel Ratufa macrora. This greyish brown squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg. and is the size of a small cat. It measures about 73.5 cms. from nose to tail with the tail being 36 – 40 cm. long. They construct drays at forked branches where the crowns of neighbouring trees meet. This enables the squirrel to move away from the site by jumping from tree to tree when threatened. The home range of an individual is between 0.197 hectares and 0.611 hectares.
The sanctuary also hosts a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies. Resident and migratory elephants are common. Other animals sighted are tiger, leopard, Nilgiri thar, spotted deer, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, porcupine, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, common langur, slender loris, bonnet macaque, sloth bear and flying squirrel. Over 100 species of birds have been identified. The rare Great Indian horn bill is also found.
Special steps have been taken to conserve the forest areas in the sanctuary. The annual leases given for the collection of fruit and other minor forest produce has been stopped. Fruit bearing trees and other trees have been planted. This will increase the food sources as well as ensure continuity in the canopy. Soil conservation and water harvesting measures have been undertaken to improve the habitat.
The forests of Alagarkoil valley in Srivilliputur taluk and Saduragiri are known for rare medicinal plants. The medicinal value of 275 plants has been recorded and reported. The forests host a rich variety of orchids and ferns.
The sanctuary is located 86 kms. from Maduari. The best time to visit the sanctuary are throughout the year except for the months of March, April and May.
Pilavakkal Dam
The Pilavakkal dam on the river has two sections- the Periyar dam and the Kovilar dam. The areas surrounding the dam sites have been landscaped into beautiful gardens. Facilities like boating are offered to tourists. This is an ideal picnic spot.
Ayyanar falls
Ayyanar falls is located on the eastern slopes of the western ghats. The falls located in the midst of scenic green vegetation is a popular location for picnics. The best season to visit the falls is from September to January.