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.

Nagapattinam

History of Nagapattinam District speaks of the influence of the Cholas, the Pallavas, the Portuguese, the Dutch and lastly the British till the independence of India.The district of Nagapattinam was formed by the bifurcation of the composite district of Thanjavur on 18th October 1991. It is a unique district with all its historical and cultural significance. This district is one of the constituents of Cholamandalam, acclaimed as the most notable among the ancient Tamil kingdoms. Its salient features have contributed to the glory of the Cholamandalam.

The coastal district of Nagapattinam was the headquarters of a region during the period. This region has been named after Kshatriya sigamani, one of the titles of Raja Raja Chola. Nagapattinam was also known as Cholakula Vallippatinam.The heritage of this district is found in the Burmese historical text of the 3rd century B.C. and it also gives evidences of a Buddha Vihar constructed by the great emperor Ashoka Hieun Tsang, the Chinese traveler also described about the Buddha Vihar in his book. In the ancient Buddhist Literature the Nagapattinam district is mentioned as Padarithitha.

In ancient times, Naganadu ;Nagapattinam was referred only to Sri Lanka. Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka had close links with this district of Nagapattinam. Animangalam Copperplate of Kulothungachola noted that; Kasiba Thera, a Buddhist monk, renovated the Buddhist temple in the 6th century AD with the help of Buddhist monks of; Naganadu his nagar annam vihar; later came to be called as Nagananavihar.

The Pallava King (A.D. 690 to A.D. 728) permitted a Chinese king to construct the Buddha Vihar in Nagapattinam. Hence there existed a Chinese built Buddha Vihar in the district of Nagapattinam. As per Anaimangalam copper plate of Kulothunga I, Sri Vijayathunga Varman of Sri Vijaya kingdom constructed the Raja Raja Perumpalli in the name of Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola Perumpalli in the name of Rajendra Chola in A.D. 1090. This Buddha Vihar of the district is also known as the Sudamani Vihar. Excavations were conducted by the Archaeological department at Vellipalayam in Nagapattinam and more than three hundred Buddha statues were unearthed and kept at the Museum in Chennai. This dilapidated Buddhist tower was razed down about two hundred years ago.

Nagore, a town of this district, is called so because it was inhabited by the Nagars. The Nagapatinam Kayaroganam Shiva temple existed even in the 6th century. Appar Sambandar and Sundarar were associated with this temple; Kayaroganam Shiva temple is based on the `Laguleesa Pusuptha Cult.` The Soundaraja Perumal Viashnava temple is one of the notable features of Nagapattinam. Portuguese had a commercial contact with this town during the Tanjore Nayakkas rule and the Portuguese commercial centre was established in the year 1554. Since then Christianity began to take root under the commercial contact, and ten villages were taken control of by Portuguese traders. 

In the year 1658, the Dutch tried to evict the Portuguese from Nagapattinam to establish the commercial centre there under the agreement reached between King Vijaya Nayakkar of Thanjavur and the Dutch on 5th January 1662. The following ten villages namely Puthur Muttam, Azhingimangalam, Poruvalancheri, Thiruthinamangalam, Anthonippettai, Nagappattinam Port, Karureppankadu, Sangamangalam, Manjakollai and Nariyankudi were transferred from the Portuguese to the Dutch.

Ten Christian churches and a hospital were constructed by the Dutch. They also released coins with the name Nagapattinam; engraved in Tamil letters. According to the agreement between the first Maratha King Egoji of Tanjore Paintings Tanjore and the Dutch, Nagapattinam and surrounding villages were handed over to the Dutch on 30th December 1676. Latter this town fell into the hands of the British in the year 1781. After the prolonged struggles, two hundred and seventy seven villages with Nagur as the headquarters were handed over to the British East India Company in 1779. Gold coins bearing the names Nagapattinam Varaganand Nagapattinam chornam were in circulation during the period of Tanjore Maratha Kings. Thus the Nagapattinam has the history of over two thousand years to its credit. Today the district of Nagapattinam is a part of the Tamil Nadu state of India. 

The total area covered by this district is 2715.83 square kilometers and the headquarters of this district is Nagapattinam. Among the Chola kings, King Karikalan renovated and constructed the renowned port of Poompuhar with is located presently in the district of Nagapattinam.

Cuddalore

Cuddalore, situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Tamil Nadu. The name Cuddalore refers to “Sea town” in Tamil language, and the town is indeed abundant with beautiful beaches. The city is also famous for its magnificent temples. Cuddalore has two districts namely the Old Town and the New town.

The Gedilam River separates the Old town from Thirupadiripuliyur, the New town, while flowing through the town. The old town was called “Islamabad” during the Mughal rule, and it continues to be a Muslim dominated area. Cuddalore was also the capital of the English Possessions in the period from 1748 to 1752.

The Cuddalore town is famous for its various Shiva and Vaishnava temples. Some of the most famous temples are Pataleeshwarar temple, Tiruvaheendirapuram temple, Mangalapureeswarar temple, Sudarkozhunthutheesar temple, to name a few.

The city has also become a major tourist destination thanks to its numerous beaches. The Silver Beach which is the second longest in the state of Tamil Nadu is close to Cuddalore. Fort St David and the Garden House are other sites in Cuddalore which are worth visiting due to its historical and architectural significance.

Pichavaram which is famous for its backwaters and water sports is a must visit. This is also an expansive Mangrove Forest. There are also several islands located close to the mainland which are a huge attraction for bird watchers. Boating facilities here is an added attraction.

Other attractions of Cuddalore include the Lignite Mines, Gadilam Castle, the Capper Hills, Chidambaram and Srimushnam. The tsunami that hit the Indian coast on 26th December 2004 had a devastating effect on Cuddalore, however, the city has survived through it with it’s never say die spirit.

Historically, the Cuddalore district consisted of “Chola Naadu” and “Nadu Naadu”. The town has existed as a seaport since the ancient times. The town was ruled by several colonial powers, including the Dutch, Portuguese, French and British, throughout history. There was a Naval Battle of Cuddalore fought between the French and the British in 1758. There was a situation of unrest in Cuddalore during the American War of Independence and the Second Anglo-Mysore war after which the town was finally handed over to the British through the peace treaty. Some areas of Cuddalore still retain traces of its rich colonial history. Some of the educational institutions initiated by the British still exist in Cuddalore.

Kanchipuram

" Golden City Of Temples" was believed to be the most attractive city of ancient India .This city is one of India's seven sacred cities and is the second holiest place in India next to Varanasi. This city was the Historical Capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar rulers. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D. It later became the citadel of the Cholas, Vijayanagar kings, the Muslims and the British. During Pallava times, it was briefly occupied by the Chalukyans of Badami, and by the Rastrakutas when the battle fortunes of the Pallava kings reached a low ebb. Many of these temples are the beautiful work of Pallavas and later Cholas. 

The remains of few Buddhist stupas here also bear testimony that Buddhism also prevailed here for a little while. One of the Acharya Peetas of Sri Adi Sankaracharya - "The Kanchi Kamakotti Peetam" is situated here. It has been a centre for Tamil learning and Culture for centuries and gives us a clear picture of the glorious Dravidian Heritage of the Vaishnavites and Shaivites. 

The ancient Tamil empire spread out into what are now the states of Tamilnadu, Kerala, and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. There were three major Tamil kingdoms, namely the Chera, Chola, and the Pandiya kingdoms. In addition, there were smaller kingdoms like the Thondai and Kongu mandalams. Kanchipuram is believed to have been the capital city of the Thondai mandalam. There were periods when this region was under the rule of the Chola kingdom. It has also been under the Great Pallava dynasty for the longest period of time. The Pallava rule is said to have been the Golden period for the city of Kanchipuram, as well as Hindu arts and architecture. Each of the dynasties which ruled Kanchipuram has left historical monuments to speak of its glories.

In the early days, this city is said to have been built in the shape of a Peacock. Before the advent of Hinduism, this city had been a center for Buddhism. There have been a few monasteries in the city, from which monks travelled to eastern Asia to spread the religion. One among the prominent Buddhist monks who lived in the city is Bodhi Dharma.

When Buddhism later lost its roots in the country of its origin and continued to be practised in the south-eastern parts of Asia, Hinduism made Kanchipuram an entirely new city in all aspects. Kanchipuram and its neighboring cities became celebrated centers for Hindu architecture and arts. Not many of those monuments exist now. But, the region still has Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram to talk about the glory of the period.

Today, Kanchipuram is a small, rural town about 75 kilometres from Chennai (Formerly, Madras) in the state of Tamilnadu. It also serves as the district head quarters for the Chengalpattu district. Its economy is entirely dependent on Tourism and the well established handloom industry. Kanchipuram has thousands of handlooms and skilled weavers that make its silk sarees one of the best in the entire world. About 75% of the city's population is associated with the handloom industry in some way.

The Silk industry along with the city being the Capital of a Kingdom also brought people from various other parts of India over the years. Today's Kanchipuram is a cosmopolitan city with people speaking several languages.Other than the native Tamil, languages like Telugu, Kannada, and Saurashtra are also prevalent in the city. 

With the Sankara Mutt acting as the hub of Hindu activities and the temples, Kanchipuram is still one of the most highly visited pilgrimage spots in India, and can rightfully be called the "Religious Capital of South India".

Moreover, almost all other religious cities in India support one of the two sects in Hinduism - Vaishnavism and Saivism. Kanchipuram has lended itself equally to both the sects, dividing itself into Vishnu Kanchi, surrounding the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Siva Kanchi, surrounding the Ekambaranathar Temple, while the Kamakshi Amman Temple stands in between as a place of Shakthi worship.

Surprisingly, the 'Religious capital of South India' is also the 'Atheistic capital of South India'. The strongest ever anti-hinduism movement in India, namely the Dravidian Movement has had very strong roots in the city. Some of the movement's eminent leaders like Arignar Anna were born and bred in Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram was also the birth place of the first political offshoot of the Dravidian movement, the Dravidar Kazhagam.

Kanchipuram ,the "Silken Paradise" is also world renowned for the gorgeous hand-woven silk sarees of myriad rich colours, noted for their shine, finish and matchless beauty.The exquisite silk sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk in contrasting colours and have an enviable reputation for lustre, durability and finish.They reflect a Weaving and dyeing tradition,hundreds of years old and whose riches the West came seeking before the industrial age was born.

Tuticorin

Tuticorin is also known as Thoothukudi. Also popularly known as 'Pearl City', Tuticorin is a seaport that serves South Tamilnadu, as well as the inland cities of Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli. The city, which lies about 540 km South West of Madras in the Gulf of Mannar, has a tropical climate with hot and humid environ round the year.
History of Tuticorin :
   Tuticorin has been traditionally known for its pearl fishery and shipbuilding. It was an important seaport during the reign of the Pandyas. The major harbor of Thoothukudi is well known for as a pearl diving and fishing center. History shows that Thoothukudi was founded by the Portuguese in 1548, annexed by the Dutch in 1658 and ceded to the British in 1825. It also became the epicenter of India's freedom movement in the early 20th century. 

Attractions of Tuticorin :
   As a port city Tuticorin has one of the major attractions in the form of Tuticorin Port, which is strategically built to handle a host of international cargoes. Well protected from the ravages of impending storms and cyclonic winds, you can witness the sight of the cargoes loading and unloading, which is indeed worth a treat amidst the surging sea expanse.
   Tuticorin has a Tiruchendur Temple, dedicated to Lord Subramanya; it offers a spectacular sight with a mystical aura having the sea at the backdrop. You can also visit Panchalankurichi at about 18 km from Tuticorin where the great warrior Katta Bomman known as "Veerapandiya Kattabomman" put up resistance against the British regime in the 17th Century AD.
   You can also relish the imposing Kattabomman Memorial Fort, which is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Those interested in the historical extravagance may tour to Ettaiyapuram Palace, which was built during the reign of the Pandyas of Madurai. The Basilica of a Lady of Snows is a must visit. Built some 400 years ago the church is known for its antiquity and sacred among all communities.
   You can also plan your tour to Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a home to a myriad of flora and fauna adding fun and adventure to your itinerary.

Kovilpatti

Hockey starts here...

The town started its development earlier than 1876. The introduction of the Southern Railway, the establishment of Loyal Textiles (1891), establishment of Government of Headquarters Offices (1911), Lakshmi Mills (1926) etc., induced the physical growth of the Town.
The Loyal Textile Mills Loyal Mills and The Lakshmi Mills Lakshmi Mills are the major industrial establishments in Kovilpatti which provides both direct and indirect employment to around 25000 people. Kovilpatti is well-known for its matchworks.Kovilpatti is famous for match works (Safety Matches) and fireworks, and is often called the 'Matchless City of Matches'. It is the largest manufacturer of match boxes in India and second only to Sivakasi in the manufacture of fireworks. In a day, more than 500 trucks carry loads of finished safety matches and fireworks to all parts of India, and to the ports of Tuticorin and Chennai for exports. Because of its strategic location, Kovilpatti has emerged as an industrial town. Two large Kovilpatti textile mills, Lakshmi Mills and Loyal Mills, are each 75 years old. Kovilpatti Agricultural Research Station is one of the most highly regarded agricultural research centres in Tamilnadu.
kovilpatti is also known for Hockey. 'The Kuppusamy Naidu Memorial Tournament' happens every year for around 15 days and hockey teams from all over India participate in this tournament.
Kovilpatti is very well known for 'kadalaimittai'(sweet peanut cake).This is made out of groundnut/peanut and other added flavours.
Annarathna Match Industries, Aruna Match Works, Rose Matches, Comorin Match Industries, Liberty Matches, Nagajothis International and East India Match Industries are a few of the top companies manufacturing Safety Matches in this town.
In this temple, a group called "Lok Veer Ayyapa Seva Sangam " founded by a man called "Chellanatha Subramainan" founder for the "Annadhanam", which means, free food distribution, is doing a lot of good social deeds for more than 35 years by which at least 5000 people are enjoying the blessings of lord ayyapa.Most of people involved in lot of social activities.
Manufactured matches from Kovilpatti are delivered to all the states of India and also abroad. Consequently, transportation plays a major role in Kovilpatti, and there are larger number of cargo movers and fleet owners based in the city. Many automobile shops, cargo contractors and trading companies have occupied the town in the past two decades.
Kovilpatti is a fast growing town in Tuticorin District with prominent commercial and industrial activity, including a large number of match factories, textile mills and factories manufacturing crackers. It is the gateway for entrants to Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts from the north and west, located 100km south of Madurai city, 55km north of Tirunelveli Town and 60km north-west of Tuticorin. 

Kovilpatti is situated on the National Highway No.7 which connects Varanasi in the North and Kanyakumari in the South. The town lies approximately 658m above mean sea Level, which gives a unique geographical look to this town. It has a small hill to its south east known as Swarna Kathiresa Malai. The deity is Lord Muruga. Because of its height, the town is airy.

Kanyakumari

Cape Comorin

Kanyakumari is one of the most beautiful places in south India. Kanyakumari is located in southernmost tip of south India and the district is Kanyakumari. It is also called as “Cape Comorin” during British rule. Cape Comorin is also called as “Kumari Munai” in Tamil. The name Kanyakumari came from Goddess Kumari Amman, she is popularly known as “Kumari Bhagavathi Amman” and temple is situated in seashore. Amman has a shining diamond nose ring and it is visible even from the sea. In Kaniyakumari you can see people from different religions.
Many people on the way to Iyyappa temple (Sabarimala temple in Kerala) come to Kaniyakumari to worship “Kumari Bhagavathi Amman”. You can find lot of temples, churches in and around Kanyakumari. There is a Gandhi Mandapam located in shore near Amman temple. There is a calm meditation hall in Vivekananda rock where you can mediate for some time; you can feel more peace within you. Boat services are available for Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.

Kanyakumari is surrounded by three ocean bodies (Powerful Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea) and these three seas can be viewed from one place. Kanyakumari beaches are one of the most beautiful tourist spots with multi colored soft sand. There is a man-made wall along the sea-shore for safety. Kumari sea shore is rocky and people are warned to stay off these rocks. Administrative leads are there near the beach area to monitor and help tourists.

There are public and private transportation facilities available to reach Kanyakumari and roam around. The nearest big town is Nagercoil, where you can find a lot of connectivity to all the places in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Nagercoil is the capital of Kaniyakumari district. Kanyakumari to Nagercoil is only 20 KMs, and nearest aerodrome is located in Trivandram, 65 KMs from Nagercoil. Buses are available from Nagercoil to Trivandrum every 2 Minutes and the journey duration is 1 Hour 30 Mins.
History of Kanyakumari:

The name Kanyakumari came from Kumari Amman (Kanya + Kumari). Kaniyakumari district is also called as Kumari district, and broadly consists of two parts known as “Nanjil Nadu” and “Idai Nadu”. The place Nanjilnadu was under the rule of Pandiya Mannan till the early 10th century and then under Cheran Mannan. The Idai Nadu was under the rule of Cheran mannan including the places Kalkulam and Vilanvancodu. Venad Chief took advantage when the power of Chola declined due to the rise of Hoysalas and western Chalukyas.
Kanyakumari was under the control of great rulers Chera, Chola, Pandia mannan. At the time of 1609, Viswanatha Nayak from Madurai ruled Kanyakumari and Venad had all the other parts of Nanjilnadu. Over the period of time, Venad expanded its region towards the Northern region of Kerala, and this region is later known as Travancore. The capital of Travancore was Padmanabhapuram situated near Nagercoil. Because of southern border issues of Venad, the king Marthanda Varma expanded the kingdom of Travancore northwards to Aluva. As a result, the Kanyakumarii District was called as Southern Travancore. Later in 1745, the capital Padmanabhapuram was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram.

After Marthanda varma, Venad had very weak rulers, the British whose control was completely established over Venad and continued till 1947. During 1947-1956, Kanyakumari was under the personal rule of Maharaja of Travancore. In 1956, Indian States Reorganisation Act was passed and according to this act on 1st November 1956, Kanyakumari District was formed. Initially Kanyakumari district had four Taluks, namely, Thovalai, Agasteeswarem, Kalkulam and Vilavancode. These four taluks were from Travancore and merged with Tamil Nadu state.

Kumari is geographically a cape and during British period, Kanyakumari was bestowed the name of “Cape Comorin”.