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Karaikudi

Karaikudi
Municipal corporation
Alagappa University
Tamil Thai Temple
Valar Tamil Noolagam
Alagappa Chettiar Arch
Central Electrochemical Research Institute
Commercial street
Motto(s): 
Self-sufficiency, Unique Pride
Karaikudi Metropolitan Area
Karaikudi Metropolitan Area
Karaikudi is located in Tamil Nadu
Karaikudi
Karaikudi
Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
Coordinates: 10°04′25″N 78°46′24″E / 10.073500°N 78.773200°E / 10.073500; 78.773200
CountryIndia
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictSivaganga
RegionChettinad
Named afterKarai plant
Government
 • BodyKaraikudi Municipal Corporation
 • MayorS. Muthudurai, DMK
Area
 • Total
94.31 km2 (36.41 sq mi)
 • Rank20th
Elevation
118 m (387 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total
106,793
 • Rank30th
 • Density1,100/km2 (2,900/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialTamil, English[1]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
630XXX
STD code04565
Vehicle registrationTN-63Z
Websitetnurbantree.tn.gov.in/karaikudi/

Karaikudi is a city and municipal corporation in Sivaganga district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the largest city in the district, and is the centre of the Karaikudi Metropolitan Area, that forms part of the Chettinad region.

Karaikudi is administered by the Karaikudi Municipal Corporation, which was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2024.[2][3] It forms part of the Karaikudi Assembly constituency, which elects a member to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, and is a part of the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency, which elects its member of parliament to the Lok Sabha. It is one of the cities selected for development under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.[4][5]

Kandangi sarees are a type of cotton sarees woven in this area, and forms a distinct geographical indication.[6] The Chettinad cuisine originated in the region.

History

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The name Karaikudi is derived from the thorny plant karai. The town was established in the early 19th century, and the oldest known structure is the Koppudaiya Nayagi Amman temple.[7] During the Indian Independence movement, Bharathiyar visited the town in 1919 to participate in an event,[8] and Mahatma Gandhi visited the town in 1927.[9][10] After independence, the town saw significant growth in the industrial sector.[7]

Demographics

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Religions in Karaikudi (2011)[11]
Religion Percent
Hinduism
 
 83.9%
Islam
 
 11.4%
Christianity
 
 4.3%
Other or not stated
 
 0.4%

As per the 2011 census, the town had a population of 106,714 inhabitants with a sex-ratio of 1,000 females for every 1,000 males.[12] The Karaikudi Metropolitan Area had a population of 181,851 as per the census.[12] As per the extension plans released by the government, the metropolitan area had an estimated population of 303,291 in 2023.[13] As per the 2011 census, the town had 19,619 children under the age of six, consisting of 10,405 males and 10,214 females. The average literacy rate was 81.48%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.[14] The town had 47,504 households. There were a total of 60,069 workers, of which 558 were engaged in agriculture, 1,303 in household industries, 30,836 in other industries, and other marginal workers.[15] In Karaikudi, Hinduism is the majority religion with 83.9% of the total population, followed by Islam (11.39)%, Christianity (4.3%), Jainism (0.05%), and Sikhism (0.01%).[11]

Geography

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Karaikudi is located in Sivagangai district in the Chettinad region.[16][17] It is located on the National Highway 210 and the largest town in Sivaganga district.[citation needed] The Thennar River flows through the southern part of the town.[citation needed] It has an predominantly flat terrain with an average elevation of 82 m (269 ft). Rocky areas are found in the surrounding areas of the town with increasingly abrasive terrain on the the western side. The soil is of the hard red lateritic type and is not suitable for cultivation. The water table in the area is generally at depths of 3 to 6 ft (0.91 to 1.83 m) and rises to nearly 1 m (3 ft 3 in) below the ground level during rainy seasons. Since the 1970s, the water supply of the town has depended on the deeper aquifers. The average maximum temperature is about 37 °C (99 °F), and average minimum temperature is about 22 °C (72 °F). The annual average rainfall in Karaikudi is about 920 millimetres (36 inches).[7]

Administration and politics

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Elected members
Member of Legislative Assembly S. Mangudi (INC)[18]
Member of Parliament Karti Chidambaram (INC)[19]

Karaikudi was constituted as a municipality in 1928 and was upgraded to a Grade II Municipality in 1973, to Selection Grade in 1988, to special grade in 2013,[citation needed] and city Corporation in 2024.[20] The city covers an area of 94.31 km2 (36.41 sq mi)[13] and comprises of the revenue towns of Kottaiyur and Kandanur and nearby villages of Kalanivasal, Sekkalai Kottai, Ilupakkudi, Ariyakudi, Koviloor, Managiri and Senjai.[21] The corporation has 100 wards,[citation needed] and there is an elected councillor representing each of those wards.[22] It is headed by a mayor and assisted by a deputy mayor. The functions of the municipality are devolved into six departments: general administration/personnel, engineering, revenue, public health, city planning and information technology.[23]

Karaikudi is a part of the Karaikudi assembly constituency and it elects a member to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and forms part of the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency that elects it member to the Lok Sabha.[24] Law and order is maintained by the Sivaganga sub division of the Tamil Nadu Police headed by a deputy superintendent. There are three police stations–North, South, and Azhagappapuram. There are special units which operate at the district level.[25]

Culture

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Karaikudi and surrounding areas are popular for their unique Chettinad architecture based buildings and palatial mansions. Kannadasan Manimandapam, Kamban Manimandapam and Thousand windows house are major visitor attractions in Karaikudi.[26] A temple for Tamil Thai (Mother Tamil) was established in 1993.[27] Siraavayal manjuvirattu, a type of jallikattu bull taming festival is held during the annual Pongal festivities.[28] Prominent temples include Sivan temple, Koppudaiya Amman temple, Ariyakudi Thiruvenkatamudayan temple,[29] Pillayarpatti Karpagavinayagar temple, Kundrakudi Shanmughanathar temple, Mathur Ainootreeswarar temple[30] Kandanur Kandaneswarar Sivan temple, Koviloor Kotravaaleeswarar Sivan temple, and Vairavanpatti Valarolinathar-Vadivudai Ambal temple.[citation needed]

Economy

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  • Karaikudi is a developed urban center in Sivaganga district in Tamil Nadu.[31][32] UNESCO has offered to set up a Chettinad Heritage Museum in Sivaganga district recognizing the unique style of architecture in the region.[33]
  • Tourism is the main focus in recent years as the places are getting tourists from both domestically and internationally throughout the year since the government identified Karaikudi[34] as heritage town and world heritage identified it in one among List of World Heritage Sites in India.
  • Chettinad Kottan are palm leaf baskets woven by the women of the region. Chettinad Kottan has been noted for its unique style and colors and was granted a Geographical Indication tag in 2013.[35] Chettinadu Kandangi sarees are a popular type of sarees produced in the region.[36] In these area around 250 rice mills and paper mills located in puduvayal and pallathur are the sub urban region of karaikudi is one of the trade and commercial economical growth area. It is also called as second rice bowl of Tamil Nadu.
  • Athangudi tiles are cement tiles like mosaic used for building the palatial houses in the town and in modern times, is a source for handicraft industry.[37] Indian Overseas Bank was founded on 10 February 1937 in Karaikudi by M. Ct. M. Chidambaram Chettyar.[38]

Major Companies and Govt Organisations

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  • C.E.C.R.I Central Electrochemical Research Institute under CSIR is located here in Alagappapuram is working on the development of new and improved products and processes as well as novel innovations in electrochemical technologies. It is operating from 25 July 1948. It also has its ocean research bench at Thondi & Mandapam in Ramanathapuram District.
  • TNSTC head Karaikudi Regional Office - Div - III is serving people transportation services for Sivaganga and Ramnathapuram Districts. It is operating from 1 April 1983.
  • BSNL Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Regional Headquarters in Karaikudi is serving Telecommunication services for Karaikudi Telecom District areas comprising Sivaganga District and Ramanathapuram District.
  • AAVIN Karaikudi Dairy in Sivaganga Union is supplying milk and milk products to most of the southern districts commercial and residential needs by collecting sources from Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram Districts. It is operating since 1983.[39]
  • Karaikudi has the Postal Sorting Office and serves as the Headquarters of the Postal Sorting District of the Madurai Sub-Zonal postal region since 1972, so the entire postage received for both Sivaganga district & Ramanathapuram district will be received & handled here from Madurai and then dispatched to the rest of areas in the postal circle. It also serving as the Postal Intra Circle Hub (ICH) of Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram Districts.
  • Karaikkudi Sarvodaya Sangam is the only Sarvodaya Sangh in entire Sivaganga district which is headquartered at Karaikudi and it's area of operation area extends to entire of Sivaganga district and parts of Pudukkottai district.[40]

Transport

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Air

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Nearby airports include Tiruchirapalli International Airport (95 kilometres (59 mi)) and Madurai Airport (100 kilometres (62 mi)).

Karaikudi also has an unused airstrip called Chettinad airport also known as Karaikudi airport. This old British era airfield had been used during World War II. The government of India is planning to reopen this airfield under the UDAN scheme.[41]

Rail

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Karaikudi Junction Entry Gate

Karaikudi is well connected by rail through the Karaikudi Junction railway station. It is a major rail hub and serves the city and its suburbs.[42] A complete list of railway stations within Karaikudi city limits can be found in this list.

Bus

[edit]

The town has two bus terminals, including the Rajaji bus stand. Buses that connect Karaikudi with nearby villages and smaller towns terminate at the Rajaji. The State Transport Corporation Buses run Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy. Nearby cities run moffusil buses terminating at the town's other terminal, the Karaikudi Bus Terminal.[citation needed]

Education

[edit]
Main article: List of educational institutions in Karaikudi

Karaikudi serves as one of the two headquarters of the Educational District in Sivaganga district. As of 2011, there were several government and many private schools in Karaikudi and surrounding areas. The town is home to Alagappa University, and Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology, the oldest college here, established in 1953.[43] Government Law College, Karaikudi and Government Agriculture College, Karaikudi are also located in the town, providing specialized education in law and agriculture respectively. Other prominent institutions include Alagappa Government Arts College and Alagappa Polytechnic College.

Many educational institutions in the town benefited from donations made by the businessman and philanthropist Alagappa Chettiar, who attended Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Vidyalaya.[44] The school, located on Sivan Koil Street, dates back to 1913 and is now SMSV Higher Secondary School for Boys.

[45]

Utility services

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Electricity supply to Karaikudi is regulated and distributed by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB). The town along with its suburbs forms the Sivaganga Electricity Distribution Circle.[46] Water supply is provided by the Karaikudi Municipality from seven borewells is located at Sambai Oothu (Artesian aquifer).[47] As per the municipal data for 2011, about 45 metric tonnes of solid waste were collected. The underground drainage system in the city is on board at process and the sewerage system for disposal of sullage is through septic tanks, open drains and public conveniences.[48] The municipality maintained a total of 46.55 km (28.92 mi) of storm water drains in 2011.[49] As of 2011, there was one government hospital and 13 private hospitals in the town.[50][51] The municipality operates one daily market namely the Anna Daily Market and there are three weekly markets (Uzhavar Santhai) that cater to the needs of the town and the rural areas around it.[52]

Future Projects

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Karaikudi is experiencing a hike in development in recent years. Part of this development Karaikudi is getting these projects below to enhance its development:

  • Karaikudi Local Planning Authority (KLPA)- KLPA oversees sustainable urban and rural development through master planning, zoning, and infrastructure improvements in the city.
  • Karaikudi Neo TIDEL Park - A new Tidel Park is being developed in Kalanivasal Village near Karaikudi at a cost of 35 crores. This TIDEL Park will accommodate an efficient telecommunication system, ATMS and food courts, this will enhance the IT infrastructure of the city and surrounding areas giving World Class Infrastructure.

See also

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References

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[1]

  1. ^ "52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India" (PDF). nclm.nic.in. Ministry of Minority Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  2. ^ "Government Order on Heritage Towns" (PDF). Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Government of Tamil Nadu, India. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  3. ^ "CM Stalin announces creation of 4 new corporations in TN, total goes up to 25". The New Indian Express. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  4. ^ "AMRUT". Tufidco. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  5. ^ "AMRUT scheme". Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 20 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  6. ^ Raman, Sruthi (12 November 2019). "TN's Kandangi sari gets GI tag. What does this mean for the state's handloom market?". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  7. ^ a b c "Historical Moments". Karaikudi Municipality. Archived from the original on 5 September 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  8. ^ Malarmannan (17 January 2011). "Madhabhimana Sangam". Thinnai e-zine. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  9. ^ "Mahatma Gandhis Message on Khadi". Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal / Gandhi Book Centre, 299, Tardeo Road, Nana Chowk, Bombay 400007 India. Retrieved 23 July 2013.
  10. ^ Pushpa Joshi (2002). Gandhi on Women: Collection of Mahatma Gandhi's Writings and Speeches on Women. Navajivan Publishing House. ISBN 978-8-17229-314-7.[page needed]
  11. ^ a b Table C-01 Population by Religion: Tamil Nadu (Report). Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  12. ^ a b "Karaikkudi". Census 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  13. ^ a b Karaikudi (PDF). Government of Tamil Nadu (Report). Retrieved 1 June 2025.[page needed]
  14. ^ "Census Info 2011 Final population totals". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  15. ^ "Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Karaikkudi". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  16. ^ Government of Burma 1930a, Report of the Burma Provincial Banking Enquiry Committee, 1929-30, Volume I: Banking and Credit in Burma, Rangoon. Superintendent of Government Printing. 1930.[page needed]
  17. ^ P., Siegleman (1962). Colonial Development and the Chettyar: A Study in the Ecology of Modern Burma, 1850-1941, unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of Minnesota.[page needed]
  18. ^ "MLA of Karaikudi". Government of Tamil Nadu. 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  19. ^ "General Elections to Lok Sabha, 2009, name and address of the elected members of parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  20. ^ "Karaikudi set to become municipal corporation". The Hindu. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  21. ^ "Karaikudi Municipal Council". Department Of Municipal Administration And Water Supply. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  22. ^ "About the municipality". Karaikudi municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 7 August 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  23. ^ "Commissionerate of Municipal Administration". Commissionerate of Municipal Administration. 2006. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  24. ^ "List of Assembly Constituencies". Government of Tamil Nadu. 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  25. ^ "Karaikudi Police". Karaikudi municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  26. ^ "Places of interest in Karaikudi". Karaikudi Municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 21 March 2011. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  27. ^ "Dinamalar Jan 14, 2012". Dinamalar. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  28. ^ Staff Reporter (16 January 2020). "All set for 'manjuvirattu' at Siravayal". The Hindu.
  29. ^ S., Prabhu (7 November 2019). "Ariyakudi: where the deity appeared for His devotee". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  30. ^ "Ainootreeswarar, Mathur, Sivaganga". 22 December 2021.
  31. ^ Rangarajan, R.S. "Heritage Tourism-BL Print Edition 2/2/2006". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  32. ^ "Architectural Heritage Safeguard". World Monuments Fund, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2412, New York, NY. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  33. ^ "District Administration supports heritage museum". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 August 2013. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  34. ^ "Karaikudi: A magnificent Chettinad town with glorious history, tradition". www.dtnext.in. 26 July 2019.
  35. ^ Sivaraman, R. "GI tag". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  36. ^ "Kandangi Saree weavers". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  37. ^ Varanashi, Sathya Prakash. "Legacy of Athangudi tile". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  38. ^ "IOB". Indian Overseas Bank. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  39. ^ "Unions - Tamilnadu Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation Limited". aavin.tn.gov.in. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  40. ^ தினமலர். "ஓராண்டாக மூடப்பட்டுள்ள சர்வோதயா கடைகள்". www.dinamalar.com (in Tamil). Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  41. ^ "Chettinad Group ready to support efforts for mini airport". The Hindu. 27 February 2017. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  42. ^ "Karaikudi Railway". Archived from the original on 10 April 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
  43. ^ "Karaikudi". Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  44. ^ Rajesh, Govindarajulu. "Life of Dr. Alagappa Chettiar ( 1909 - 1957 ) - The Verandah Club". theverandahclub.com. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  45. ^ "Educational Institutions". Karaikudi municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  46. ^ "Important Address" (PDF). Indian Wind Power Association. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  47. ^ "Water Supply Details". Karaikudi Municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  48. ^ "Waste management programme". Karaikudi Municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  49. ^ "Storm water drains". Karaikudi Municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  50. ^ "Hospitals in Karaikudi". Karaikudi Municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  51. ^ "Karaikudi street lights". Karaikudi Municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu. 2011. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  52. ^ "Karaikudi markets". Karaikudi Municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu. 2011. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
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