Ramanathapuram

In 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.  With the help of the King of Thanjavur in 1730 A.D. 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, Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram were prominent among them.  In 173, Chand, a Sahib of Carnatic, captured Ramanathapuram.   In 1741,  the area came under the control of the Marattas and then under the Nizam in 1744 AD, 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 AD. By that time, throne of Carnatic had two rivals,  Shanda 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 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.