Kallakurichi district: Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Kallakurichi District
| name = Kallakurichi district
| official_name                   =  
| official_name =  
| settlement_type                 = [[List of districts of Tamil Nadu|District]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]
| settlement_type = [[List of districts of Tamil Nadu|District]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]
| image_skyline                   = View of Kalvarayan Hills from Arasampattu.jpg
| image_skyline = View of Kalvarayan Hills from Arasampattu.jpg
| image_alt                       =  
| image_alt =  
| image_caption                   = Kalvarayan Hills from Arasampattu
| image_caption = Kalvarayan Hills from Arasampattu
| image_map                       = Kallakurichi district.svg
| mapframe =
| map_alt                         =  
| mapframe-point =
| map_caption                     =  
| image_map = {{maplink |frame=yes
| coordinates                     = {{coord|11.738|N|78.962|E|display=inline,title}}
|frame-width=275 |frame-height=275 |frame-align=center
| subdivision_type               = Country
|text= '''Kallakurichi district'''
| subdivision_name               = {{flag|India}}
|type=shape |id=Q60493360
| subdivision_type1               = [[States and territories of India|State]]
|stroke-colour=#C60C30
| subdivision_name1               = [[File:TamilNadu Logo.svg|22px]] [[Tamil Nadu]]
|stroke-width=2
| subdivision_type2               = Metro
|title= Tirupathur district of Tamil Nadu
| subdivision_name2               = <!-- for neighbourhoods/suburbs only -->
|type2=line|id2=Q1445|stroke-width2=1|stroke-colour2=#0000ff|title2=Tamil Nadu
| subdivision_type3               = Municipalities
}}
| subdivision_name3               = [[Kallakurichi]]
| map_alt =  
| established_title               = <!-- Established -->
| map_caption = Location in Tamil Nadu
| established_date               = 8 Jan 2019
| coordinates = {{coord|11.738|N|78.962|E|display=inline,title}}
| founder                         = [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]]
| subdivision_type = Country
| named_for                       = Sugarcane, cotton, maize, tapioca
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| parts_type                     = [[Taluka]]s
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| parts                           = <!--[[Kallakurichi taluk|Kallakurichi]], [[Sankarapuram taluk|Sankarapuram]], [[Tirukoilur taluk|Thirukoilur]], [[Ulundurpet taluka|Ulundurpet]], [[Vanur taluk|, [[Chinnasalem taluk]]-->
| subdivision_name1 = [[File:TamilNadu Logo.svg|22px]] [[Tamil Nadu]]
| seat_type                       = Headquarters
| subdivision_type2 = Metro
| seat                           = [[Kallakurichi]]
| subdivision_name2 = <!-- for neighbourhoods/suburbs only -->
| seat1_type                     = Largest City
| subdivision_type3 = Municipalities
| seat1                           = [[Kallakurichi]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Kallakurichi]], [[Tirukoilur]], [[Ulundurpet]]
| government_type                 = District Administration, Kallakurichi
| established_title = Established
| governing_body                 = District Administration, Kallakurichi
| established_date = 26 November 2019
| leader_title1                   = Collector
| founder = [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]]
| leader_name1                   = P. N. Sridhar, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| named_for = Sugarcane, cotton, maize, tapioca
| leader_title2                   = [[Superintendent of Police]]
| parts_type = [[Taluka]]s
| leader_name2                   = Ziaul Haque, [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]
| parts = <!--[[Kallakurichi taluk|Kallakurichi]], [[Sankarapuram taluk|Sankarapuram]], [[Tirukoilur taluk|Thirukoilur]], [[Ulundurpet taluka|Ulundurpet]], [[Vanur taluk|, [[Chinnasalem taluk]]-->
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| seat_type = Headquarters
| area_footnotes                 = Plain area
| seat = [[Kallakurichi]]
| area_rank                       = 1
| seat1_type = Largest City
| area_total_km2                 = 3520
| seat1 = [[Kallakurichi]]
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| government_type = District Administration, Kallakurichi
| population_total               = 1,682,687
| governing_body = District Administration, Kallakurichi
| population_as_of               =  
| leader_title1 = Collector
| population_rank                 =  
| leader_name1 = M S Prasanth, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| population_density_km2         = auto
| leader_title2 = [[Superintendent of Police]]
| population_demonym             =  
| leader_name2 = Rajath Chaturvedi
| population_footnotes           = <ref name=Kallakurichi>{{cite AV media |title=புதிதாக பிரிக்கப்பட்ட கள்ளக்குறிச்சி மாவட்டம் இன்று உதயம் |language=ta |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXL0gRoNmZo |publisher=[[News7 Tamil]] |date=25 November 2019 |access-date=30 November 2019}}</ref>
| unit_pref = Metric
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| area_footnotes = Plain area
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| area_rank = 1
| demographics1_info1             = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| area_total_km2 = 3530.58
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| elevation_footnotes =  
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| population_total = 1,347,204
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| population_as_of =  
| postal_code                     = 606202
| population_rank =  
| area_code_type                 = Telephone code
| population_density_km2 = auto
| area_code                       = 04151
| population_demonym =  
| registration_plate             = TN - 15
| population_footnotes = <ref name=Kallakurichi>{{cite AV media |title=புதிதாக பிரிக்கப்பட்ட கள்ளக்குறிச்சி மாவட்டம் இன்று உதயம் |language=ta |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXL0gRoNmZo |publisher=[[News7 Tamil]] |date=25 November 2019 |access-date=30 November 2019}}</ref>
| website                         =  
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| footnotes                       =  
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 606202
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 04151 04149 04153
| registration_plate = TN - 15 TN-32
| website = {{URL|kallakurichi.nic.in}}
| footnotes =  
}}
}}


'''Kallakurichi'''  is one of the districts in [[Tamil Nadu]] [[Indian state|state]] situated on the southern tip of [[India]]. The district headquarter is [[Kallakurichi]]. Kallakurichi District was announced on 8 January 2019 and it came into existence on 26 November 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil Nadu govt announces creation of Kallakurichi District. Kallakurichi is all set to become Tamil Nadu’s 33rd district. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami made the announcement on the floor of the assembly on Tuesday.
'''Kallakurichi district'''  is one of the 38 districts in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] in [[India]]. The district headquarter is [[Kallakurichi]]. Kallakurichi District was announced on 8 January 2019 and it came into existence on 26 November 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil Nadu govt announces creation of Kallakurichi District. Kallakurichi is all set to become Tamil Nadu's 33rd district. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami made the announcement on the floor of the assembly on Tuesday.
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-govt-announces-creation-of-kallakurichi-district/articleshow/67435035.cms|newspaper=Times of india|access-date=8 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kallakurichi-is-33rd-district-of-tn/article25944404.ece|title=Kallakurichi is 33rd district of T.N.|date=2019-01-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-12|others=Special Correspondent|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The district is divided into the 6 taluks of [[Kallakkurichi taluk|Kallakkurichi]], [[Sankarapuram taluk|Sankarapuram]], [[Chinnasalem Taluk|Chinnasalem]], [[Ulundurpet taluka|Ulundurpet]], [[Tirukkoyilur taluk|Tirukkovilur]] and [[Kalvarayan Hills taluk|Kalvarayan Hills]].<ref>https://kallakurichi.nic.in/about-district/district-map/</ref>
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-govt-announces-creation-of-kallakurichi-district/articleshow/67435035.cms|newspaper=Times of india|access-date=8 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kallakurichi-is-33rd-district-of-tn/article25944404.ece|title=Kallakurichi is 33rd district of T.N.|date=2019-01-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-12|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
During Ancient times, the region was under the rules of [[Cholas]], Pallavas and various Local Chieftains like Malaiyaman. Due to its location between Chola naadu and Thondai naadu, the region was aptly called Nadu naadu (Mid-land). In later times, it passed between the hands of Gingee Nayaks, Arcot Nawabs. During the British Rule, the whole region was a part of the South Arcot District of Madras Presidency.
During Ancient times, the region was under the rules of [[Cholas]], Pallavas and various Local Chieftains like Tirukoilur king Malaiyaman. Due to its location between Chola naadu and Thondai naadu, the region was aptly called Nadu naadu (Mid-land). In later times, it passed between the hands of Gingee Nayaks, Arcot Nawabs. During the British Rule, the whole region was a part of the South Arcot District of Madras Presidency.


Prior to 1960, the town of Kallakurichi was considered a village. In 1960, Kallakurichi became a town panchayat, and then was subsequently upgraded to special-grade town panchayat. On 20 October 2004, it was further upgraded to the third-grade municipality. On 7 September 2010, the municipality was upgraded to first-grade municipality. On 8 January 2019, the region surrounding the municipality of Kallakurichi was announced as the 33rd district of Tamil Nadu by bifurcating Villupuram. The area of this municipality is 11.69&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> divided into 21 wards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-has-a-new-district-kallakurichi-will-be-33rd/story-0IDWirqrUz3QgpDHXje47I.html|title=Tamil Nadu has a new district: Kallakurichi will be 33rd|date=2019-01-09|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref>
Prior to 1960, the town of Kallakurichi was considered a village. In 1960, Kallakurichi became a town panchayat, and then was subsequently upgraded to special-grade town panchayat. On 20 October 2004, it was further upgraded to the third-grade municipality. On 7 September 2010, the municipality was upgraded to first-grade municipality. On 8 January 2019, the region surrounding the municipality of Kallakurichi was announced as the 33rd district of Tamil Nadu by bifurcating Villupuram. The area of this municipality is 11.69&amp;nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> divided into 21 wards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-has-a-new-district-kallakurichi-will-be-33rd/story-0IDWirqrUz3QgpDHXje47I.html|title=Tamil Nadu has a new district: Kallakurichi will be 33rd|date=2019-01-09|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Kallakurichi District is bounded by [[Thiruvannamalai district|Thiruvannamalai]] district in the north, [[Villupuram district|Villupuram]] district in the east, [[Dharmapuri District|Dharmapuri]] and [[Salem district|Salem]] districts in the west, [[Perambalur district|Perambalur]] and [[Cuddalore district|Cuddalore]] districts in the south. The greater part of the district is covered by the metamorphic rocks belonging to gneiss family. There are also three great groups of sedimentary rocks belonging to different geological periods. The [[Kalrayan Hills]] in the North represents a continuous range of hills covered with some thorny forests and vegetation, which are part of [[Eastern Ghats]]. Major rivers in the district include the [[Ponnaiyar River|Thenpennai]], [[Manimuktha River|Manimukthar]], [[Gomukhi River|Gomukhi]], and [[Gadilam River|Gadilam]]. Major source of irrigation is through lakes, canals and wells.
Kallakurichi District is bounded by [[Thiruvannamalai district|Thiruvannamalai]] district in the north, [[Villupuram district|Villupuram]] district in the east, [[Dharmapuri District|Dharmapuri]] and [[Salem district|Salem]] districts in the west, [[Perambalur district|Perambalur]] and [[Cuddalore district|Cuddalore]] districts in the south. The greater part of the district is covered by the metamorphic rocks belonging to gneiss family. There are also three great groups of sedimentary rocks belonging to different geological periods. The [[Kalrayan Hills|Kalvarayan Hills]] in the North represents a continuous range of hills covered with some thorny forests and vegetation, which are part of [[Eastern Ghats]]. Major rivers in the district include the [[Ponnaiyar River|Thenpennai]], [[Manimuktha River|Manimuthar]], [[Gomukhi River|Gomukhi]], and [[Gadilam River|Gadilam]]. Major source of irrigation is through lakes, canals and wells.


<mapframe text="Kallakurichi District" width=300 height=300 align=center >{ "type": "ExternalData",  "service": "geoshape",  "ids": "Q60493360"}</mapframe>
<mapframe text="Kallakurichi District" width=300 height=300 align=center >{ "type": "ExternalData",  "service": "geoshape",  "ids": "Q60493360"}</mapframe>


===Kalvarayan Hills===
The Kalvarayan Hills are a major range of hills situated in the Eastern Ghats. Along with the Pachaimalai, Alavaimalai, Javadi, and Shevaroy hills, they separate the Kaveri River basin to the south from the Palar River basin to the north. The hills range in height from 2000 feet to 3000 feet and extend over an area of 1,095 square kilometres.
==Climate==
The climate is moderate to hot, with the maximum temperature being 39&amp;nbsp;°C and the minimum at 21&amp;nbsp;°C. The District gets its rainfall from the northeast monsoon during the winter months and the southwest monsoon during the summer months. The average annual rainfall is 1,070&amp;nbsp;mm(107 cm).<ref>{{Citation |title=Kallakurichi |date=2025-08-22 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kallakurichi&amp;oldid=1307284873 |access-date=2025-09-12 |language=en}}</ref>
==Politics==
{{transcluded section|source=16th Tamil Nadu Assembly}}
{{#section:16th Tamil Nadu Assembly|MLA Header}}
{{#section:16th Tamil Nadu Assembly|Kallakurichi district}}
|}
==Divisions==
The district is divided into the 6 taluks of [[Kallakkurichi taluk|Kallakkurichi]], [[Sankarapuram taluk|Sankarapuram]], [[Chinnasalem Taluk|Chinnasalem]], [[Ulundurpet taluka|Ulundurpet]], [[Tirukkoyilur taluk|Tirukkovilur]] and [[Kalvarayan Hills taluk|Kalvarayan Hills]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kallakurichi.nic.in/about-district/district-map/|title = District Map &amp;#124; Kallakurichi District, Govt. Of Tamil Nadu, &amp;#124; India}}</ref>
'''Administrative Divisions'''
<big>Municipalities</big>
1) [[Kallakurichi]]
2) [[Tirukoilur|Thirukovilur]]
3) [[Ulundurpettai|Ulundurpet]]


==Kalvarayan Hills==
'''Town Panchayats'''
The Kalvarayan Hills are a major range of hills situated in the Eastern Ghats. Along with the Pachaimalai, Alavaimalai, Javadi, and Shevaroy hills, they separate the Kaveri River basin to the south from the Palar River basin to the north. The hills range in height from 2000 feet to 3000 feet and extend over an area of 1095 square kilometres.


==Climate==
1) [[Sankarapuram]]
The climate is moderate to hot, with the maximum temperature being 38 °C and the minimum at 21 °C. The town gets its rainfall from the northeast monsoon during the winter months and the southwest monsoon during the summer months. The average annual rainfall is 1,070 mm.
 
2) [[Chinnasalem]]
 
3) [[Thiagadurgam|Thiyagadurugam]]
 
4) [[Vadakkanandal]]
 
5) [[Manalurpet]]
 
'''Unions'''
 
1) Kallakurichi
 
2) Sankarapuram
 
3) Thirukovilur
 
4) Rishivandiyam
 
5) Thiyagadurugam
 
6) Ulundurpet
 
7) Chinnasalem
 
8) Thirunavalur
 
9) Kalvarayanmalai
 
== Demographics ==
At the time of the 2011 census, Kallakurichi district had a population of 13,47,204. This includes male population of 6,79,900 and a female population of 6,67,304.Kallakurichi district had a sex ratio of 981 females per 1000 males. 197,385 (14.65%) lived in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 30.56% and 3.74% of the population respectively. Most tribals  are [[Malai Vellalar]] who live in the Kalavarayan Hills.<ref name="districtcensus">{{Cite web |title=District Census Handbook 2011 - Viluppuram |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/1104/download/3430/DH_2011_3306_PART_A_DCHB_VILUPPURAM.pdf |website=[[Census of India]]|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>
 
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Kallakurichi district (2011)<ref name="Religion"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Tamil Nadu|Hinduism]]|darkorange|91.03}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Tamil Nadu|Christianity]]|purple|4.45}}
{{bar percent|[[Tamil Muslim|Islam]]|green|4.24}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.28}}
}}
 
Hindus are the majority religion with 91.03% of the population. Christians, who are mostly Dalits and live in rural areas, are 4.45% of the population. Muslims are 4.24% of the population, living predominantly in urban areas.<ref name="Religion">{{cite web |title=Table C-01 Population By Religion - Tamil Nadu|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11392/download/14505/DDW33C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=census.gov.in|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>
 
{{Pie chart
|caption = Languages of Kallakurichi district (2011)<ref name="language"/>
|label1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] |value1 = 95.97 |color1 = royalblue
|label2 = [[Urdu]] |value2 = 2.48 |color2 = green
|label3 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]] |value3 = 1.38 |color3 = steelblue
|label4 = Others |value4 = 0.17 |color4 = grey
|thumb=right
}}
 
[[Tamil language|Tamil]] is the predominant language, spoken by 95.97% of the population as their mother tongue. 2.48% of the population speaks [[Urdu]] and 1.38% [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as their first language.<ref name="language">{{Cite web |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10222/download/13334/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-3300.XLSX|title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Tamil Nadu|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>


==Economy==
==Economy==
{{unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2020}}
Kallakurichi is an emerging agricultural district. It is also known as "Home of Agriculture". There are over 10 rice-processing units or modern rice mills, both small and big in this town. Textiles, jewellery and agricultural feeds are major businesses. The town has two government co-operative sugar mills and one private sugar mill, and one solvent extraction plants. There are many poultry farms in and around Kallakurichi. The name is derived due to the green nature of this town along the banks of the river Gomuki which nourishes the town by its water.
Kallakurichi is an emerging agricultural district. It is also known as "Home of Agriculture". There are numerous rice-processing units or modern rice mills, both small and big throughout the district. Textiles, jewellery and agricultural feeds are major businesses. The District has two government co-operative sugar mills and one private sugar mill, and one solvent extraction plant. There are many poultry farms in and around Kallakurichi. The name is derived due to the green nature of this town along the banks of the river Gomuki which nourishes the town by its water.


==Education==
==Education==
The District has numerous colleges and schools, both government and private. Notable colleges are Government arts college, Polytechnic college in Sankarapuram, A.K.T Engineering College. There was an announcement by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in March 2020 to build a medical college with the initial funding of 370 crores near Pumpthottam, in Siruvangur village, which is 3.5 kilometers from Kallakurichi town.
The District has numerous colleges and schools, both government and private. Notable colleges are Government Kallakurichi Medical College, Government arts college, Polytechnic college in Sankarapuram, A.K.T Engineering College. There was an announcement by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in March 2020 to build a medical college with the initial funding of 370 crores near Pumputhottam, in Siruvangur village, which is 3.5 kilometers from Kallakurichi town and 1st batch of 150 students have started from the academic year 2021/2022.


==Transport==  
==Transport==  
The District is connected by roads and railways to major cities and to the rest of the state.
The District is connected by roads and railways to major cities and to the rest of the state.
The major roads are, National Highway, NH – 79 connecting Salem to Ulundurpet, State Highways, SH-6 connecting Kallakurichi to Tiruvannamalai, SH-68 connecting Cuddalore to Sankarapuram .
The major roads are, National Highway, NH – 79 connecting Salem to Ulundurpet, The District is connected by Railway through [[Chinnasalem Railway station|Chinnasalem Railway Station]] on Salem – Vridhachalam Railway Line.
The District is connected by Railway through [[Chinnasalem Railway Station]] on Salem – Vridhachalam Railway Line.
 
NH-79 [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]]-[[Kallakurichi]]-[[Ulundurpet]]
 
NH-534 [[Chinnasalem]]-[[Veppur taluk|Veppur]]-[[Vridhachalam]]
 
SH-9 Cuddalore-Panruti-Tirukoilur-Tiruvannamalai-Vellore
 
SH-9A Tiruvannamalai-Thiyagadurugam
 
SH-6 [[Kallakurichi]]-[[Sankarapuram]]-[[Tiruvannamalai]]
 
SH-68 [[SH-68|Cuddalore-Thirukovilur-Sankarapuram]]
 
SH-69 [[Vridhachalam]]-[[Ulundurpet]]-[[Villupuram]]
 
SH-7 [[Tirukoilur|Thirukoilur]]-[[Villupuram]]
 
SH-204 [[Kallakurichi]]-[[Koothakudi]]-[[Trichy]]
 
SH-211 [[Tirukoilur|Thirukovilur]] Bypass Road -[[Kandachipuram]]
 
SH-245 Kallakurichi-Kachirayapalayam-Sankarapuram
 
SH-137 Thirukoilur-Asanur
 
SH-246 Tirukkovilur- Thiyagadurgam


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of districts of Tamil Nadu]]
* [[List of districts of Tamil Nadu]]
* [[Vilandai]]


==References==
==References==
Line 100: Line 215:


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons Category}}
{{Commons category}}
*[https://kallakurichi.nic.in/ Official website]
*[https://kallakurichi.nic.in/ Official website]



Latest revision as of 11:28, 22 March 2026

Kallakurichi district
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Kalvarayan Hills from Arasampattu
Coordinates: 11°44′17″N 78°57′43″E / 11.738°N 78.962°E / 11.738; 78.962
Country India
StateFile:TamilNadu Logo.svg Tamil Nadu
MunicipalitiesKallakurichi, Tirukoilur, Ulundurpet
Established26 November 2019
Founded byEdappadi K. Palaniswami
Named forSugarcane, cotton, maize, tapioca
HeadquartersKallakurichi
Largest CityKallakurichi
Government
 • TypeDistrict Administration, Kallakurichi
 • BodyDistrict Administration, Kallakurichi
 • CollectorM S Prasanth, IAS
 • Superintendent of PoliceRajath Chaturvedi
Area
Plain area
 • Total3,530.58 km2 (1,363.16 sq mi)
 • Rank1
Population
 • Total1,347,204
 • Density380/km2 (990/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialTamil
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
606202
Telephone code04151 04149 04153
Vehicle registrationTN - 15 TN-32
Websitekallakurichi.nic.in

Kallakurichi district is one of the 38 districts in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. The district headquarter is Kallakurichi. Kallakurichi District was announced on 8 January 2019 and it came into existence on 26 November 2019.[2][3]

History[edit | edit source]

During Ancient times, the region was under the rules of Cholas, Pallavas and various Local Chieftains like Tirukoilur king Malaiyaman. Due to its location between Chola naadu and Thondai naadu, the region was aptly called Nadu naadu (Mid-land). In later times, it passed between the hands of Gingee Nayaks, Arcot Nawabs. During the British Rule, the whole region was a part of the South Arcot District of Madras Presidency.

Prior to 1960, the town of Kallakurichi was considered a village. In 1960, Kallakurichi became a town panchayat, and then was subsequently upgraded to special-grade town panchayat. On 20 October 2004, it was further upgraded to the third-grade municipality. On 7 September 2010, the municipality was upgraded to first-grade municipality. On 8 January 2019, the region surrounding the municipality of Kallakurichi was announced as the 33rd district of Tamil Nadu by bifurcating Villupuram. The area of this municipality is 11.69&nbsp;km2 divided into 21 wards.[4]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Kallakurichi District is bounded by Thiruvannamalai district in the north, Villupuram district in the east, Dharmapuri and Salem districts in the west, Perambalur and Cuddalore districts in the south. The greater part of the district is covered by the metamorphic rocks belonging to gneiss family. There are also three great groups of sedimentary rocks belonging to different geological periods. The Kalvarayan Hills in the North represents a continuous range of hills covered with some thorny forests and vegetation, which are part of Eastern Ghats. Major rivers in the district include the Thenpennai, Manimuthar, Gomukhi, and Gadilam. Major source of irrigation is through lakes, canals and wells.

Map
Kallakurichi District

Kalvarayan Hills[edit | edit source]

The Kalvarayan Hills are a major range of hills situated in the Eastern Ghats. Along with the Pachaimalai, Alavaimalai, Javadi, and Shevaroy hills, they separate the Kaveri River basin to the south from the Palar River basin to the north. The hills range in height from 2000 feet to 3000 feet and extend over an area of 1,095 square kilometres.

Climate[edit | edit source]

The climate is moderate to hot, with the maximum temperature being 39&nbsp;°C and the minimum at 21&nbsp;°C. The District gets its rainfall from the northeast monsoon during the winter months and the southwest monsoon during the summer months. The average annual rainfall is 1,070&nbsp;mm(107 cm).[5]

Politics[edit | edit source]

District No. Constituency Name Party Alliance Remarks
Kallakurichi district 77 Ulundurpettai A. J. Manikannan Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam United Progressive Alliance
78 Rishivandiyam Vasantham K. Karthikeyan Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam United Progressive Alliance
79 Sankarapuram T. Udhayasuriyan Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam United Progressive Alliance
80 Kallakurichi M. Senthilkumar All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam NDA

Divisions[edit | edit source]

The district is divided into the 6 taluks of Kallakkurichi, Sankarapuram, Chinnasalem, Ulundurpet, Tirukkovilur and Kalvarayan Hills.[6]

Administrative Divisions

Municipalities

1) Kallakurichi

2) Thirukovilur

3) Ulundurpet

Town Panchayats

1) Sankarapuram

2) Chinnasalem

3) Thiyagadurugam

4) Vadakkanandal

5) Manalurpet

Unions

1) Kallakurichi

2) Sankarapuram

3) Thirukovilur

4) Rishivandiyam

5) Thiyagadurugam

6) Ulundurpet

7) Chinnasalem

8) Thirunavalur

9) Kalvarayanmalai

Demographics[edit | edit source]

At the time of the 2011 census, Kallakurichi district had a population of 13,47,204. This includes male population of 6,79,900 and a female population of 6,67,304.Kallakurichi district had a sex ratio of 981 females per 1000 males. 197,385 (14.65%) lived in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 30.56% and 3.74% of the population respectively. Most tribals are Malai Vellalar who live in the Kalavarayan Hills.[7]

Religions in Kallakurichi district (2011)[8]
Religion Percent
Hinduism
91.03%
Christianity
4.45%
Islam
4.24%
Other or not stated
0.28%

Hindus are the majority religion with 91.03% of the population. Christians, who are mostly Dalits and live in rural areas, are 4.45% of the population. Muslims are 4.24% of the population, living predominantly in urban areas.[8]

Languages of Kallakurichi district (2011)[9]

  Tamil (95.97%)
  Urdu (2.48%)
  Telugu (1.38%)
  Others (0.17%)

Tamil is the predominant language, spoken by 95.97% of the population as their mother tongue. 2.48% of the population speaks Urdu and 1.38% Telugu as their first language.[9]

Economy[edit | edit source]

Kallakurichi is an emerging agricultural district. It is also known as "Home of Agriculture". There are numerous rice-processing units or modern rice mills, both small and big throughout the district. Textiles, jewellery and agricultural feeds are major businesses. The District has two government co-operative sugar mills and one private sugar mill, and one solvent extraction plant. There are many poultry farms in and around Kallakurichi. The name is derived due to the green nature of this town along the banks of the river Gomuki which nourishes the town by its water.

Education[edit | edit source]

The District has numerous colleges and schools, both government and private. Notable colleges are Government Kallakurichi Medical College, Government arts college, Polytechnic college in Sankarapuram, A.K.T Engineering College. There was an announcement by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in March 2020 to build a medical college with the initial funding of 370 crores near Pumputhottam, in Siruvangur village, which is 3.5 kilometers from Kallakurichi town and 1st batch of 150 students have started from the academic year 2021/2022.

Transport[edit | edit source]

The District is connected by roads and railways to major cities and to the rest of the state. The major roads are, National Highway, NH – 79 connecting Salem to Ulundurpet, The District is connected by Railway through Chinnasalem Railway Station on Salem – Vridhachalam Railway Line.

NH-79 Salem-Kallakurichi-Ulundurpet

NH-534 Chinnasalem-Veppur-Vridhachalam

SH-9 Cuddalore-Panruti-Tirukoilur-Tiruvannamalai-Vellore

SH-9A Tiruvannamalai-Thiyagadurugam

SH-6 Kallakurichi-Sankarapuram-Tiruvannamalai

SH-68 Cuddalore-Thirukovilur-Sankarapuram

SH-69 Vridhachalam-Ulundurpet-Villupuram

SH-7 Thirukoilur-Villupuram

SH-204 Kallakurichi-Koothakudi-Trichy

SH-211 Thirukovilur Bypass Road -Kandachipuram

SH-245 Kallakurichi-Kachirayapalayam-Sankarapuram

SH-137 Thirukoilur-Asanur

SH-246 Tirukkovilur- Thiyagadurgam

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. புதிதாக பிரிக்கப்பட்ட கள்ளக்குறிச்சி மாவட்டம் இன்று உதயம் (in தமிழ்). News7 Tamil. 25 November 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  2. "Tamil Nadu govt announces creation of Kallakurichi District. Kallakurichi is all set to become Tamil Nadu's 33rd district. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami made the announcement on the floor of the assembly on Tuesday". Times of india. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  3. "Kallakurichi is 33rd district of T.N." The Hindu. 9 January 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  4. "Tamil Nadu has a new district: Kallakurichi will be 33rd". Hindustan Times. 9 January 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  5. "Kallakurichi", Wikipedia, 22 August 2025, retrieved 12 September 2025
  6. "District Map &#124; Kallakurichi District, Govt. Of Tamil Nadu, &#124; India".
  7. "District Census Handbook 2011 - Viluppuram" (PDF). Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "Table C-01 Population By Religion - Tamil Nadu". census.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Tamil Nadu". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Kallakurichi district