Salem, Tamil Nadu: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|City in Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{Short description|City in Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{Other places|Salem (disambiguation)}}
{{Other places|Salem (disambiguation)}}
{{Lead too short|date=December 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Salem
| name = Salem
| native_name =  
| official_name =
| native_name_lang =  
| native_name = சேலம்
| settlement_type = [[Metropolis]]
| native_name_lang = ta
| settlement_type = City
| image_seal =  
| image_seal =  
| image_skyline = SalemCITYMONTAGE.jpg
| image_shield = SCMC Emblem.png
| image_caption = Clockwise from top left: [[Mookaneri Lake]], [[Modern Theatres]], Trumpet Exchange Flyover, Salem Collectorate and [[Salem Steel Plant]]
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| nickname = [[Steel City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/my-salem-my-pride/|title=My Salem - My Pride|date=30 October 2015|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193418/https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/my-salem-my-pride/|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| border                  = infobox
| total_width              = 290
| image_style              =
| perrow                  = 2/2/2
| image1 = Salem city from Hills.jpg
| caption1 = View of the city
| image2 = Modern theatres.jpg
| caption2 = [[Modern Theatres]]
| image3 = Salem Junction.jpg
| caption3 = [[Salem Junction railway station|Salem Junction]]
| image4 = Salem collector office.JPG
| caption4 = [[Salem District|District collectorate]]
| image5 =MultiSpeciality_Hospital_salem.jpg
| caption5 = [[Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College|Government hospital]]
| image6 = Salem Corporation Head office panoramic view.jpg
| caption6 = [[Salem City Municipal Corporation|Municipal corporation]]
}}
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| nickname = [[Steel City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/my-salem-my-pride/|title=My Salem – My Pride|date=30 October 2015|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193418/https://www.mygov.in/group-issue/my-salem-my-pride/|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| map_alt = Location of Salem
| map_alt = Location of Salem
| map_caption =  
| map_caption =  
Line 21: Line 40:
| coordinates = {{coord|11.65|N|78.15|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|11.65|N|78.15|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name = India
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_type2 = District
Line 33: Line 52:
| governing_body = [[Salem City Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body = [[Salem City Municipal Corporation]]
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = A. Ramachandran [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]]
| leader_name = A. Ramachandran ([[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]])
| unit_pref = Metric
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =  
| area_footnotes =  
Line 39: Line 58:
| area_metro_km2 = 799.59
| area_metro_km2 = 799.59
| area_metro_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://salem.nic.in/salem-local-planning-area-slpa/#
| area_metro_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://salem.nic.in/salem-local-planning-area-slpa/#
|title=About Salem|publisher=salem.nic.in|access-date=1 October 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|title=About Salem|work=[[Salem Municipal Corporation]]|access-date=1 October 2020}}</ref>
| area_rank = 5
| area_rank = 5
| elevation_footnotes =  
| elevation_footnotes =  
| elevation_m = 278
| elevation_m = 278
| population_total = {{increase}} 1,170,000 <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/21392/salem/population|title=Salem, India City Area Population 1950-2023|access-date=5 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_total = 829,267
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_footnotes = <ref name=2011census/>
| population_footnotes = <ref name=2011census/>
| population_rank = [[List of most populous cities in India|59th]]
| population_rank = [[List of cities in Tamil Nadu by population|5th]]
| population_metro = {{increase}}  1,774,122
| population_metro = 917,414
| population_blank1_title = Metro rank
| population_blank1_title = Metro rank
| population_blank1 = [[List of million-plus agglomerations in India|60th]]
| population_blank1 = [[Urban agglomerations in Tamil Nadu|6th]]
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref name="UA_2011">{{cite web|title=Primary Census Abstract - Urban Agglomeration|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/DigitalLibrary/MFTableSeries.aspx|format=XLS|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]|access-date=13 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315050316/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/DigitalLibrary/MFTableSeries.aspx|archive-date=15 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref name="UA_2011">{{cite web|title=Primary Census Abstract – Urban Agglomeration|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/DigitalLibrary/MFTableSeries.aspx|format=XLS|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]|access-date=13 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315050316/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/DigitalLibrary/MFTableSeries.aspx|archive-date=15 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_note =  
| population_note =  
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = Tamil
| demographics1_info1 = [[English language|English]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| demographics1_title2 = Spoken
| demographics1_info2 = Tamil
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
Line 65: Line 82:
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate = TN-27, TN-30, TN-54, TN-90
| registration_plate = TN-27, TN-30, TN-54, TN-90
| website = {{URL|www.salemcorporation.gov.in}}
| website = {{URL|salem.nic.in}}
| footnotes =  
| footnotes =  
| other_name =  
| other_name =  
| population_demonym = Salemians, Salethar
| population_demonym = Salemian, Salethar
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-TN]]
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-TN]]
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]]
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]]
| blank_info_sec1 = {{increase}} 0.669 {{color|yellow|medium}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259378128_Some_Aspects_of_Inter_District_Disparities_in_Tamil_Nadu|title=Some Aspects of Inter District Disparities in Tamil Nadu|access-date=26 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| blank_info_sec1 = 0.669 {{color|orange|medium}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259378128|title=Some Aspects of Inter District Disparities in Tamil Nadu|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>
| blank1_info_sec1 = 987 [[female|♀]]/ 1000 [[male|♂]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = 987 [[female|♀]]/ 1000 [[male|♂]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank_info_sec2 = {{increase}}  84.42 % <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/475-salem.html |title=Salem City Census 2011 data |publisher=Census2011.co.in |access-date=2014-09-22 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| blank_info_sec2 = 84.42%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/475-salem.html |title=Salem City Census 2011 data |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India |access-date=22 September 2014 }}</ref>
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| blank1_info_sec2 = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|44228123}}
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[GDP]] (2020)
| blank1_name_sec2 = GDP per capita {{nobold|(2020–21)}}
| blank1_info_sec2 = {{USD|10.354|year=2020}} billion<ref name="GDP">{{cite web |title=Salem overview | url=https://metroverse.cid.harvard.edu/city/8278/overview | access-date=8 August 2025 | work=Metroverse}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''Salem''', natively spelt as '''Selam'''{{refn|group=note|''Salem'' is the anglicized spelling used in [[British English]], and ''cēlam'' is the [[ISO 15919|romanized]] spelling from [[Tamil script]], simplified in [[Indian English]] as ''Selam''.}} ({{IPA-ta|seːlam|pron|Salem.ogg}}), is a major city in [[Salem district]], located on the banks of the [[Thirumanimutharu river]] in the [[Indian state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Salem is the [[List of cities in Tamil Nadu by population|fifth largest]] urban agglomeration and metropolitan city in the state, exceeded by [[Chennai]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Madurai]], and [[Tiruchirappalli]]. The city is {{convert|124|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} large.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.php|title=About Corporation|publisher=salemcorporation.gov.in|access-date=27 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718231923/http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.php|archive-date=18 July 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Major products of Salem include silver anklets, sago, mangoes, steel, and textiles.
'''Salem''' ({{IPA|ta|seːlam|pron|Salem.ogg}}) is a city in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. It is located on the banks of the [[Thirumanimutharu River]] and surrounded by the [[Eastern Ghats]]. It is the [[List of cities in Tamil Nadu by population|fifth]] largest city in the state as per the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]]. It is the administrative capital of [[Salem District]] and is administered by the [[Salem Municipal Corporation]] which was established in 1994.


==History==
The history of the region dates back to the [[Sangam period]] (1st–4th centuries CE), when it was part of the [[Cheras|Chera Empire]]. It was engaged in trade with the [[Roman Empire]], evidenced by Roman coins, dating back to the era, found in archeological excavations in the region. The region was ruled by various successive dynasties including the [[Pandyas]], [[Pallavas]], [[Cholas]], and [[Hoysalas]]. In the 14th century, it became part of the [[Vijayanagara Empire]], and later ruled by the [[Madurai Nayaks]]. During the period, the governance was under the control of local chieftains known as [[Poligars]].
{{More citations needed|section|date=September 2021}}


=== Early period ===
By the late 18th century, it came under the [[Kingdom of Mysore]] after conflicts with the Madurai Nayaks. Following the defeat of [[Tipu Sultan]] in the [[Anglo-Mysore Wars]], the region was annexed by the [[British East India Company]] and integrated into the [[Madras Presidency]]. Salem district was formally established in 1792. The region played a role in early resistance against the British, and was the base of [[Dheeran Chinnamalai]] during the Second [[Polygar War]]. After Indian independence, Salem became part of the [[Madras Province]], which later became [[Tamil Nadu]].
During the third century BCE, there was the period of [[Bogar]] – a notable Tamil [[Siddhar]], and at that time [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]] arrived. Around the beginning of the [[common era]], the existence of a culturally and economically advanced society in Salem two thousand years ago is evident from the discovery of silver coins of the [[Roman Emperor]] [[Nero|Tiberices Claudices Nero]] (37–68 CE) in Koneripatti of Salem in 1987. Later, the [[Pandya dynasty]] started ruling the region around Salem. Afterwards, the [[Pallava dynasty]] arose in Salem, followed by Mahendra Varma Pallava coming to Salem and the rise of [[Saivite]] principles. Mahendra Varma Pallava was succeeded by Narasimha Varma Pallava. Soon, the Pandya dynasty ruled over Salem. The Hoysala rule established in Salem and parts around Salem was retained under the Pandya dynasty.


=== Medieval period ===
In modern times, Salem has developed into a major industrial and economic hub, known for [[textiles]], [[steel]] production, and agro-based industries like [[sago]] extraction and [[mango]] cultivation. It is home to the [[Salem Steel Plant]] and several industrial corridors and [[special economic zone]]s. The city has a well developed transport network including rail, highways, and an airport, and is home to several educational institutions.
The city has also been a part of the Chola Dynasty. A mosque in the city is believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore Kingdom in the present-day state of Karnataka. The town and the surrounding hilly regions were part of the [[Chola dynasty]] and were part of the trade route with the [[Roman empire]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Far East Kingdoms of South Asia: Cheras|url=http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaCheras.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217112250/http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaCheras.htm|archive-date=17 February 2017|access-date=25 February 2017|work=The History Files|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It was later governed by [[Poligars]], who built temples and forts in and around the city.<ref>{{cite book|author=E. H. Warmington|title=The Commerce between the Roman Empire and India|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2014|isbn=978-1107-432-14-7|page=144}}</ref> It was part of the [[Vijayanagara empire]] before being captured by [[Hyder Ali]] during the early 18th century, after the [[Mangammal#War with Mysore|Mysore-Madurai war]]. It was ceded to the British in 1768 and the area became part of the struggle between [[Kongu Nadu]], led by [[Dheeran Chinnamalai]], and the British.<ref>{{cite news|author=Asha Sridhar|date=30 January 2015|title=Winding the clock back, anti-colonial wise|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/winding-the-clock-back-anticolonial-wise/article6835999.ece|access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref>


===Modern period===
==History==
Salem became part of [[Salem district]] since independence in 1947. Salem district was the first district to be formed in India on 4 April 1792 that spread over 7,530 sq km comprising the present-day [[Namakkal]], [[Dharmapuri]], [[Krishnagiri]]. Alexander Reed was the collector of the Salem district from 1792 to 1799.<ref>{{cite news|last=S.P.Saravanan|first=Saravanan|date=10 April 2016|title=Salem's history on a map|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|publisher=The Hindu|location=Salem|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-history-on-a-map/article8456869.ece|url-status=live|access-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909014038/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-history-on-a-map/article8456869.ece|archive-date=9 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The region was part of the [[Chera dynasty|Chera Empire]] during [[Sangam period]] between c. 1st and the 4th centuries CE.<ref>{{cite web|title=Far East Kingdoms of South Asia: Cheras|url=http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaCheras.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217112250/http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaCheras.htm|archive-date=17 February 2017|access-date=25 February 2017|work=The History Files}}</ref> The city might have had trade connections with the [[Roman Empire]] in the 1st century CE, evident from the Roman coins bearing the seal of Emperor [[Tiberius]] (37–68 CE) found in the region. In the 2nd century CE, the region came under the rule of the [[Pandyas]]. In the 4th century CE, the [[Pallavas]] rose to power in the region, and it was the center of conflict between the Pallavas and the Pandyas over thee 8th and 9th centuries CE. In the 10th century, the region was captured by the [[Cholas]]. After the decline of the Chola Empire in the 12th century CE, the region was under the rule of the [[Hoysalas]] and the Later Pandyas in the 12th–13th centuries CE.<ref name="Hist">{{cite web|url=https://salem.nic.in/history/|title=History|work=Salem district administration|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>


Until 2008, the city was part of the [[Salem&nbsp;– I (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem I]] and [[Salem&nbsp;– II (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem II]] assembly constituencies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp88.htm|title=Partywise Comparison Since 1977|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232527/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp88.htm|archive-date=12 May 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp89.htm|title=Partywise Comparison Since 1977|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232540/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp89.htm|archive-date=12 May 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The region came under the [[Vijayanagara Empire]] in the 14th century CE. It was later governed by [[Poligars]], military chieftains under the Vijayanagara and the later Nayak rule.<ref>{{cite book|author=E. H. Warmington|title=The Commerce between the Roman Empire and India|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2014|isbn=978-1107-432-14-7|page=144}}</ref> In the latter part of the 18th century, the region came under the [[Kingdom of Mysore]], following a series of wars with the [[Madurai Nayak dynasty]]. After the [[Siege of Coimbatore|defeat]] of [[Tipu Sultan]] in the [[Anglo-Mysore Wars]], the [[British East India Company]] annexed the region to the [[Madras Presidency]]. The [[Salem district]] was established in 4 April 1792 and consisted of the present-day districts of Salem,[[Namakkal district|Namakkal]], [[Dharmapuri district|Dharmapuri]], and [[Krishnagiri district|Krishnagiri]].<ref>{{cite web|date=10 April 2016|title=Salem's history on a map|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Salem|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-history-on-a-map/article8456869.ece|url-status=live|access-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909014038/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-history-on-a-map/article8456869.ece|archive-date=9 September 2017}}</ref> The region played a prominent role in the Second [[Poligar War]] (1801), when it was the area of operations of [[Dheeran Chinnamalai]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Asha Sridhar|date=30 January 2015|title=Winding the clock back, anti-colonial wise|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/winding-the-clock-back-anticolonial-wise/article6835999.ece|access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref> After Indian independence in 1947, it became part of the [[Madras Province]], which later became [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Hist"/>
 
== Geography and climate ==
[[File:View_of_Kalvarayan_Hills_from_Arasampattu.jpg|thumb|[[Kalrayan Hills]], which abut the city]]
[[File:Salem from Yercaud.jpg|thumb|View of Salem from [[Shevaroy Hills]]]]


==Geography and climate==
{{Main|Geography of Salem}}
{{Main|Geography of Salem}}
{{anchor|Geography and Climate}}
[[File:Mookeneri(Kannakurichi) Lake.jpg|thumb|Mookaneri Lake in the City]]
Salem is located at {{Coord|11.67|N|78.14|E|}},<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Salem.html |title=Falling Rain Genomic s, Inc&nbsp;– Salem |publisher=Fallingrain.com |access-date=10 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013121956/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Salem.html |archive-date=13 October 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> at an average elevation of 278&nbsp;m (912&nbsp;ft.). The city is surrounded by hills: Nagaramalai on the north, Jarugumalai on the south, [[Kanjamalai]] on the west, [[Godumalai]] on the east and the [[Shevaroy Hills]] on the northeast. Kariyaperumal Hill is in southwestern Salem.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/people-throng-tourist-spots-on-kaanum-pongal/article6798283.ece|title=People throng tourist spots on 'Kaanum Pongal'|author=Syed Muthahar Saqaf|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 January 2015|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205131013/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/people-throng-tourist-spots-on-kaanum-pongal/article6798283.ece|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[Thirumanimutharu River]] flows through the city, dividing it in two.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/river-thirumanimuthar-cries-for-attention/article7804532.ece|title=River Thirumanimuthar cries for attention|author=SS.P. Saravanan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=26 October 2015|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130548/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/river-thirumanimuthar-cries-for-attention/article7804532.ece|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The fort area is the oldest part of Salem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonatech.ac.in/about-sona/salem-district.html|title=ABOUT SALEM CITY|publisher=sonatech.in|access-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424005956/http://www.sonatech.ac.in/about-sona/salem-district.html|archive-date=24 April 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
===Location===
[[File:Salem from Yercaud.jpg|thumb|Salem City, view from Yercaud hills]]
[[File:Salem city from Hills.jpg|thumb|Salem City, view from Oothumalai hills]]
Salem lies in the foothills of [[Shevaroy Hills|Shevaroy hills]] which houses the famous hill Station '[[Yercaud]]'.  It is located about {{convert|140|km|mi|0|abbr=}} northwest of [[Tiruchirappalli]], {{convert|170|km|mi|0|abbr=}} northeast of [[Coimbatore]], {{convert|206|km|mi|0}} southeast of [[Bangalore]] and about {{convert|340|km|mi|-1}} southwest of the state capital, [[Chennai]].


===Water bodies===
Salem is located in [[Kongu Nadu|Western Tamil Nadu]], between the [[Kalrayan Hills|Kalrayan]] and [[Pachaimalai Hills]] of the [[Eastern Ghats]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Salem.html |title=Salem |work=Falling Rain |access-date=10 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013121956/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Salem.html |archive-date=13 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Brit">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Salem-India|title=Salem|work=[[Britannica]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> The [[Thirumanimutharu River]] flows through the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/river-thirumanimuthar-cries-for-attention/article7804532.ece|title=River Thirumanimuthar cries for attention|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=26 October 2015|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130548/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/river-thirumanimuthar-cries-for-attention/article7804532.ece|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The river originates in the [[Shevaroy Hills]], and joins the [[Kaveri]] later.<ref name="Profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/TamilNadu/Salem.pdf|title=District Ground Water Profile|publisher=Central Ground Water Board|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403092016/http://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/TamilNadu/Salem.pdf|archive-date=3 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|page=5}} The terrain is rocky and undulating with isolated hillocks. [[Red soil]] is predominant though [[Chernozem|black soil]] is found in isolated pockets.<ref name="Profile"/>{{rp|page=8}}
'''[[Mettur Dam]]''' is the main water resource for [[Salem district|Salem District]].


===Climate===
===Climate===
Salem has a [[tropical savanna climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Aw''). January and February are generally pleasant; the hot summer begins in March, with the year's highest temperatures during April. Pre-monsoon thunderstorms occur during April and May. The Southwest monsoon season lasts from June to September. The [[Monsoon#Northeast monsoon|northeast monsoon]] occurs from October to December.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/TamilNadu/Salem.pdf|title=DISTRICT GROUNDWATER BROCHURE SALEM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU|publisher=Central Ground Water Board|access-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403092016/http://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/TamilNadu/Salem.pdf|archive-date=3 April 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/UserFiles/file/9_SALEM_RAINFALL.pdf|title=Ground Water Augmentation Of Kannankuruchi Lake, Salem, TamilNadu Using GIS|publisher=International Journal of Emerging Trends & Technology in Computer Science (IJETTCS)|access-date=February 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184519/http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/UserFiles/file/9_SALEM_RAINFALL.pdf|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Salem has a [[tropical climate]] with a high [[humidity]]. The summer extends from March to May, with maximum temperatures in April. The temperature starts to drop in mid June, with the onset of the [[monsoon]].<ref name="Profile"/>{{rp|page=7}} The region receives almost equal rainfall from both southwest and northeast monsoon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/UserFiles/file/9_SALEM_RAINFALL.pdf|title=Rainfall projections for Salem|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184519/http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/UserFiles/file/9_SALEM_RAINFALL.pdf|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> November to February are the cooler months, with the temperature dropping to an average minimum of {{cvt|19.2|C}} in December.<ref name="Profile"/>{{rp|page=7}}


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|location = Salem, Tamil Nadu (1981–2010, extremes 1901–2012)
|location = Salem, Tamil Nadu (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)
| metric first = Yes
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| single line = Yes
| width = auto
| width = auto
| Jan record high C = 37.2
| Jan record high C = 37.2
| Feb record high C = 39.4
| Feb record high C = 39.8
| Mar record high C = 41.7
| Mar record high C = 41.7
| Apr record high C = 42.8
| Apr record high C = 42.8
Line 129: Line 136:
| Sep record high C = 38.9
| Sep record high C = 38.9
| Oct record high C = 37.9
| Oct record high C = 37.9
| Nov record high C = 35.6
| Nov record high C = 36.4
| Dec record high C = 35.6
| Dec record high C = 35.6
| year record high C = 42.8
| year record high C = 42.8
| Jan high C = 32.1
| Jan high C = 32.1
| Feb high C = 34.7
| Feb high C = 34.5
| Mar high C = 37.0
| Mar high C = 37.0
| Apr high C = 37.8
| Apr high C = 37.8
| May high C = 37.2
| May high C = 37.1
| Jun high C = 35.0
| Jun high C = 35.0
| Jul high C = 34.0
| Jul high C = 34.1
| Aug high C = 33.4
| Aug high C = 33.3
| Sep high C = 33.2
| Sep high C = 33.3
| Oct high C = 32.1
| Oct high C = 32.2
| Nov high C = 31.0
| Nov high C = 30.9
| Dec high C = 30.7
| Dec high C = 30.5
| year high C = 34.0
| year high C = 34.0
| Jan low C = 19.2
| Jan low C = 19.3
| Feb low C = 20.4
| Feb low C = 20.3
| Mar low C = 22.5
| Mar low C = 22.6
| Apr low C = 25.0
| Apr low C = 25.1
| May low C = 25.0
| May low C = 25.2
| Jun low C = 24.1
| Jun low C = 24.3
| Jul low C = 23.4
| Jul low C = 23.7
| Aug low C = 23.0
| Aug low C = 23.3
| Sep low C = 22.8
| Sep low C = 23.1
| Oct low C = 22.4
| Oct low C = 22.6
| Nov low C = 21.1
| Nov low C = 21.4
| Dec low C = 19.6
| Dec low C = 19.8
| year low C = 22.4
| year low C = 22.6
| Jan record low C = 12.8
| Jan record low C = 12.8
| Feb record low C = 11.1
| Feb record low C = 11.1
Line 172: Line 179:
| year record low C = 11.1
| year record low C = 11.1
| rain colour = green
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 4.4
| Jan rain mm = 2.8
| Feb rain mm = 3.4
| Feb rain mm = 2.8
| Mar rain mm = 17.3
| Mar rain mm = 9.6
| Apr rain mm = 55.5
| Apr rain mm = 58.1
| May rain mm = 109.7
| May rain mm = 106.6
| Jun rain mm = 72.4
| Jun rain mm = 74.4
| Jul rain mm = 108.0
| Jul rain mm = 88.8
| Aug rain mm = 140.6
| Aug rain mm = 151.2
| Sep rain mm = 176.5
| Sep rain mm = 156.3
| Oct rain mm = 185.5
| Oct rain mm = 197.5
| Nov rain mm = 110.2
| Nov rain mm = 112.5
| Dec rain mm = 35.0
| Dec rain mm = 31.6
| year rain mm = 1018.5
| year rain mm = 992.5
| Jan rain days = 0.3
| Jan rain days = 0.2
| Feb rain days = 0.3
| Feb rain days = 0.2
| Mar rain days = 0.8
| Mar rain days = 0.4
| Apr rain days = 3.2
| Apr rain days = 3.4
| May rain days = 6.3
| May rain days = 5.7
| Jun rain days = 4.8
| Jun rain days = 4.7
| Jul rain days = 6.3
| Jul rain days = 5.5
| Aug rain days = 8.1
| Aug rain days = 8.2
| Sep rain days = 8.6
| Sep rain days = 8.2
| Oct rain days = 9.9
| Oct rain days = 10.0
| Nov rain days = 6.4
| Nov rain days = 6.4
| Dec rain days = 2.6
| Dec rain days = 2.6
| year rain days = 57.6
| year rain days = 55.6
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 45
| Jan humidity = 45
| Feb humidity = 36
| Feb humidity = 38
| Mar humidity = 33
| Mar humidity = 33
| Apr humidity = 40
| Apr humidity = 41
| May humidity = 49
| May humidity = 49
| Jun humidity = 55
| Jun humidity = 54
| Jul humidity = 57
| Jul humidity = 56
| Aug humidity = 58
| Aug humidity = 58
| Sep humidity = 61
| Sep humidity = 60
| Oct humidity = 69
| Oct humidity = 67
| Nov humidity = 66
| Nov humidity = 66
| Dec humidity = 56
| Dec humidity = 57
|year humidity = 52
|year humidity = 52
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = April 8, 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
Line 233: Line 245:
| access-date = 29 March 2020}}</ref>
| access-date = 29 March 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}
==Administration and politics==
{|  class="toccolours" style="clear:right; float:right; background:#ffffff; margin: 0 0 0.5em 1em; width:220"
|-
!style="background:#A8BDEC" align="center" colspan="2"|Municipal corporation officials
|-
|align="center"| Mayor||vacant|A. Ramachandran [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
|-
|align="center"|Commissioner||T.Christuraj [[Indian Administrative Service]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Commissioner of municipal corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Commissioner.html|publisher=Salem municipal corporation|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116121639/http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Commissioner.html|archive-date=16 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
|align="center"|Deputy Mayor|| Saradha devi [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Vice chairman of municipal corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Deputy_mayor.html|publisher=Salem municipal corporation|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116125624/http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Deputy_mayor.html|archive-date=16 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
!style="background:#A8BDEC" align="center" colspan="2"|Member of Legislative Assembly
|-
|align="center"|[[Salem North (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem North]]||[[R. Rajendhran]]<ref name="MLA1 of Salem">{{cite web|title=MLA of Salem (North)|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/089.htm|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|year=2011|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128114126/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/089.htm|archive-date=28 January 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
|align="center"|[[Salem West (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem West]]||[[Arul Ramadoss]]<ref name="MLA2 of Salem">{{cite web|title=MLA of Salem (West)|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/090.htm|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|year=2011|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128114131/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/090.htm|archive-date=28 January 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
|align="center"|[[Salem South (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem South]]||[[Balasubramanian]]<ref name="MLA3 of Salem">{{cite web|title=MLA of Salem (East)|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/088.htm|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|year=2011|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128114121/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/088.htm|archive-date=28 January 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
!style="background:#A8BDEC" align="center" colspan="2"|Member of Parliament
|-
|align="center"|[[Salem (Lok Sabha constituency)]]||Salem]]|[[S. R. Parthiban]]<ref name="Rit">{{cite web|title=Members of Lok Sabha from Tamil Nadu|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/government/loksaba|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|year=2014|access-date=26 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527212950/http://www.tn.gov.in/government/loksaba|archive-date=27 May 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|}
===Municipal corporation===
[[File:Salem collector office.JPG|thumb|left|Salem Collectorate]]
[[File:Cannon-3-salem corporation-salem-India.jpg|left|thumb|Cannon at Salem Corporation headquarters]]
Salem is the headquarters of [[Salem district]]. The town was constituted as a municipality in 1867, and was upgraded to a special-grade municipality in 1979 and to a municipal corporation on 1 April 1994. The Salem municipal corporation has 72 wards,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Salem-Corporation-to-increase-number-of-wards/article14377048.ece|title= Salem Corporation to increase number of wards|work=The Hindu|date=1 June 2016|access-date=5 February 2018}}</ref> each with an elected councillor.<ref>{{cite web|title=About the municipal corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.html|publisher=Salem municipal corporation|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525235102/https://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.html|archive-date=25 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The functions of the municipal corporation are divided into six departments: general administration and personnel, engineering, revenue, public health, city planning and information technology (IT). All six departments are governed by a municipal commissioner.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commissioner of Municipal Administration|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm|publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106103849/http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm|archive-date=6 November 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Legislative power is vested in the 60-member council,<ref>{{cite web|title=Councillors of municipal corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/councilors.html|publisher=Salem municipal corporation|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116121712/http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/councilors.html|archive-date=16 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> headed by an elected chairperson and assisted by a deputy chairperson.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Economic and political weekly, Volume 30|pages=2396|publisher=Sameeksha Trust|year=1995}}</ref>
===State Assembly===
In 2008, the constituencies of Salem were redrawn as [[Salem North (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem North]], [[Salem South (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem South]] and [[Salem West (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem West]].<ref>{{cite web|title=New Constituencies, Post-Delimitation 2008|url=http://www.elections.tn.nic.in/forms/int3.pdf|publisher=Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515102633/http://elections.tn.nic.in/forms/int3.pdf|archive-date=15 May 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The city elects the three members to the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] once every five years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/Const_map/map.htm|title=List of Assembly Constituencies|year=2010|access-date=28 December 2012|work=Tamil Nadu|publisher=Tamil Nadu state government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614070155/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/const_map/map.htm|archive-date=14 June 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Present MLAs are [[R. Rajendhran]] (Salem North) from [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam]], [[Arul Ramadoss]] (Salem West) from [[Pattali Makkal Katchi|Paattali Makkal Katchi]] and [[Balasubramanian]] (Salem South) from [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]].<ref name="MLA1 of Salem"/><ref name="MLA2 of Salem"/><ref name="MLA3 of Salem"/>
===Parliament===
The city is part of the [[Salem (Lok Sabha constituency)|Salem]] [[Lok Sabha]] constituency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf|title=List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies|access-date=9 October 2008|publisher=Election Commission of India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504185928/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf|archive-date=4 May 2006|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The current Member of Parliament from the constituency is S. R. Parthiban from the DMK.<ref name="Rit"/>
===Law enforcement===
[[Image:Salem central prison.jpg|right|thumb|Salem central prison|alt=Salem central prison]]
Law and order is maintained by the Salem city subdivision of the [[Tamil Nadu Police]], headed by a [[Police commissioner]]. Special units include prohibition enforcement, district crime, social justice and human rights, district crime records and a district-level special branch headed by a superintendent of police.<ref>{{cite web|title=Salem Police|url=http://www.tnpolice.gov.in/District_Details.php?code=29598|publisher=Tamil Nadu Police|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011140954/http://tnpolice.gov.in/District_Details.php?code=29598|archive-date=11 October 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Salem district have [[Salem Central Prison|central prison]] at [[Hastampatti]] . It's one of the oldest jail and can able to host 1431 in house prisoners.
==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Salem, Tamil Nadu}}
[[File:A photo of Salem Steel Plant entrance.JPG|left|thumb|[[Salem Steel Plant]] entrance]]
Salem is a major textile centre in Tamil Nadu, with more than 125 spinning mills, weaving units and garment units. Until the 1960s, it had fewer spinning mills. Private handloom weaving began to increase in the region after the 1960s and during the 1980s, the textile industry expanded with major spinning mills and dyeing units established supporting the industry.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 December 2010|title=Salem IIHT|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/18/stories/2010121851300300.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=4 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104210204/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/18/stories/2010121851300300.htm|archive-date=4 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The area also houses a number of [[sago]] factories for the production starch. In Salem district, {{convert|34000|ha|sqmi}} of land are devoted to [[cassava]] and 650 industrial units are engaged in tapioca processing. In 1981, the Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers Service Industrial Co-operative Society (SAGOSERVE) was established to promote the sago industry and nearly 80 percent of the national demand for sago and starch is met by SAGOSERVE.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sagoserve|url=http://www.indcom.tn.gov.in/sagoserve.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701143717/http://www.indcom.tn.gov.in/sagoserve.htm|archive-date=1 July 2017|access-date=10 May 2016|work=indcom|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In and around Salem cassava yields are 25–30 tons per hectare, one of the highest in the world; the national average is 19 tons per hectare, and the world average is 10 tons.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sagoserve profile|url=http://www.sagoserve.com/profile1.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000313/http://www.sagoserve.com/profile1.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=Sagoserve|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The Salem Steel Plant, a unit of the [[Steel Authority of India]], produces cold-rolled [[stainless steel]] and a hot-rolled stainless-carbon steel alloy. The plant is being expanded and modernized, with plans for steel-melting and continuous-casting facilities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Salem Steel|url=http://www.sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=special_salem|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902132018/http://sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=special_salem|archive-date=2 September 2013|access-date=10 May 2016|work=SAIL|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Southern Iron and Steel Company (part of [[JSW Steel Ltd#Salem Works|JSW Steel]]) have their first integrated steel plant in Salem for the production of [[Thermomechanical processing|TMT]] corrosion-resistant bars and [[alloy steel]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=JSW Companies:Salem Works|url=http://www.jsw.in/companies/company_siscol.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412184341/http://www.jsw.in/companies/company_siscol.shtml|archive-date=12 April 2013|access-date=10 May 2016|work=JSW|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=JSW Steels Ltd :TIDCO|url=http://www.tidco.com/sisel.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516112012/http://www.tidco.com/sisel.html|archive-date=16 May 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=TIDCO|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Salem region is rich in mineral ores, with some of the largest [[magnesite]] and [[bauxite]] deposits in India. Public and private magnesite factories include Burn Standard and Company, Dalmia Magnesites and Tata Refractories.<ref>{{cite web|title=Magnesite|url=http://www.tnmine.tn.nic.in/TN-Mining.htm#Magnesite|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033759/http://www.tnmine.tn.nic.in/TN-Mining.htm#Magnesite|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=Dept.Geology and mining, TN|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Salem Mango<ref>{{Cite web|title=Salem Mango {{!}} Buy Organic fresh Salem Mangoes online direct from farms|url=https://www.salemmango.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173453/https://www.salemmango.com/|archive-date=22 December 2018|access-date=2018-12-22|website=Salem Mango|df=dmy-all}}</ref> belt contributes the economy in large scale by exporting mangoes to foreign countries and supplying mangoes all over India. The Leigh Bazaar is the region's largest market for agricultural products. The Tamil Nadu government and the [[Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu]] are planning a {{convert|160|acre|ha|adj=on}} IT park in the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamilnadu Elcot Website|work=Elcot|url=http://elcot.in/it-parks.php?page=2#4|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918053613/http://www.elcot.in/it-parks.php?page=2#4|archive-date=18 September 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Site for IT Park ideally situated|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai, India|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090103810500.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=9 January 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235245/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090103810500.htm|archive-date=30 September 2007|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Steel Authority of India is planning a {{convert|250|acre|ha|adj=on}} steel [[special economic zone]] in its Salem plant,<ref>{{cite news|title=Site for IT Park ideally situated|work=processingregister.com|url=http://www.processregister.com/Salem_Steel_S_E_Z/Project/pid20353.htm|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202164304/http://www.processregister.com/Salem_Steel_S_E_Z/Project/pid20353.htm|archive-date=2 February 2009|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and an electrical and electronics [[Industrial park|industrial estate]] is in the Suramangalam area of the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Electrical and electronics industries|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/policynotes/archives/policy2001-2/pbrsi6-e-2001-2.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421030716/http://www.tn.gov.in/policynotes/archives/policy2001-2/pbrsi6-e-2001-2.htm|archive-date=21 April 2009|access-date=10 May 2016|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Salem is also famous for its silver jewelry. Shevapet, Sivathapuram and Panangadu are the areas where the Silver Products are made in cottage industries. Salem produces World Class Artistic Silver Anklets, Toe Rings, Neck Chains, Pendents and Silverware. Salem has the presence of Multi-National Corporations, including Capgemini, First American (India) Financial Corporation (FAI), Whirlpool Warehouse, Vee Technologies, and SourceHOV LLC. The Tamil Nadu government is trying to get [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] on board to set up a manufacturing unit at Salem as the state has been chosen for establishing the center's ambitious defense corridor project with Salem being one of the nodes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|first=Salem|date=2019-03-17|title=Tamil Nadu Pursuing HAL To Set Up Manufacturing Unit At Salem|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-pursuing-hal-to-set-up-manufacturing-unit-at-salem-2008900|access-date=2020-07-06|work=[[NDTV]]|language=en}}</ref>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
[[File:MultiSpeciality Hospital salem.jpg|thumb|Salem Government Multispeciality Hospital]]
{{Historical populations
{{Historical populations
|state=collapsed
|state=collapsed
Line 311: Line 266:
|2011|829267
|2011|829267
}}
}}
{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=left|bars={{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindu]]|Orange|89.79}}{{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslim]]|Green|7.48}}{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]]|purple|2.36}}{{bar percent|[[Jainism|Jain]]|Blue|0.11}}{{bar percent|[[Sikhism|Sikh]]|yellow|0.02}}{{bar percent|[[Buddhism|Buddhist]]|Gold|0.01}}{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.2}}{{bar percent|[[Irreligion|No religion]]|violet|0.02}}}}


Salem had a population of 826,267 in the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]]. There were 987 females for every 1,000 males, significantly higher than the national average of 929. The main language spoken is Tamil. Kannada is spoken among Devayanga community.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113144743/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A total of 79,067 were under age six: 40,570 males and 38,497 females. The city's literacy rate was 76.37 percent, higher than the national average of 72.99 percent.<ref name="dashboard"/> Salem had 215,747 households and a total of 332,147 workers: 1,599 farmers, 3,040 agricultural laborers, 32,597 in household industries, 278,892 other workers, 16,019 part-time workers, 165 part-time farmers, 544 part-time agricultural workers, 1,937 part-time workers in household industries and 13,373 other part-time workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals&nbsp;– Salem(05740)|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=684822|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144330/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=684822|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> As per the religious census of 2011, Salem had 89.79% [[Hindus]], 7.48% [[Muslims]], 2.36% [[Christians]], 0.11% [[Jainism|Jains]], 0.02% [[Sikhs]], 0.01% [[Buddhists]], 0.2% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.<ref name=religion2011>{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The city covers an area of {{cvt|91.34|km2}}.<ref name="About"/> As per the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]], the city had a population of 829,267 inhabitants. There were 987 females for every 1,000 males. Of these, 79,067 were under the age of six: 40,570 males and 38,497 females. The city's literacy rate was 76.37 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/city/475-salem.html|title=Salem|work=Census 2011|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref name="dashboard">{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113144743/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Salem had 215,747 households and 332,147 were employed. This included 1,599 farmers, 3,040 agricultural laborers, 32,597 in household industries, 278,892 other workers, 16,019 part-time workers, 165 part-time farmers, 544 part-time agricultural workers, 1,937 part-time workers in household industries, and 13,373 other part-time workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals&nbsp;– Salem(05740)|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=684822|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144330/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=684822|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tamil language|Tamil]] was the most spoken language with 73.8% of the population citing it as their native language. Other significant languages included [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (10.8%), [[Kannada]] (5.83%), and [[Urdu]] (5%).<ref name="language">{{cite report |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Tamil Nadu (Urban) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10259/download/13371/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-3300.XLSX |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>


{{Clear}}
==Administration and politics==
{|  class="toccolours" style="clear:right; float:right; background:#ffffff; margin: 0 0 0.5em 1em; width:220"
|-
!style="background:#A8BDEC" align="center" colspan="2"|Municipal officials
|-
! Commissioner
| Elangovan<ref>{{cite web|title=Commissioner of municipal corporation|url=https://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/download/officers.pdf|work=[[Salem Municipal Corporation]]|access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>
|-
!Mayor
|A. Ramachandran ([[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]])<ref name="Who">{{cite web|url=https://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/office-head-quarters.php|title=Headquarters|work=[[Salem Municipal Corporation]]|access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref>
|-
!Deputy Mayor
| Saradha Devi ([[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]])<ref name="Who"/>
|-
!style="background:#A8BDEC" align="center" colspan="2"|Member of Legislative Assembly
|-
!|[[Salem North (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem North]]
|[[R. Rajendran (DMK politician)|R. Rajendhran]] ([[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]])<ref>{{cite web|title=MLA of Salem North|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/089.htm|work=[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]|access-date=1 March 2026}}</ref>
|-
![[Salem West (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem West]]
|[[Arul Ramadoss]]([[Pattali Makkal Katchi|PMK]])<ref>{{cite web|title=MLA of Salem West|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/090.htm|work=[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]|access-date=1 March 2026}}</ref>
|-
![[Salem South (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem South]]
|[[E. Balasubramanian]] ([[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]])<ref>{{cite web|title=MLA of Salem South|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/profile/088.htm|work=[[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]|access-date=1 March 2026}}</ref>
|-
!style="background:#A8BDEC" align="center" colspan="2"|Member of Parliament
|-
![[Salem (Lok Sabha constituency)|Salem]]
|[[T. M. Selvaganapathy]] ([[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]])<ref>{{cite web|title=Members of Lok Sabha from Tamil Nadu|url=https://www.elections.tn.gov.in/GELS2024_MPs.aspx|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
|}


==Religious landmarks==
Salem is the headquarters of [[Salem district]]. The town was constituted as a municipality in 1867, and was upgraded to a special-grade municipality in 1979 and to a [[municipal corporation]] on 1 April 1994.<ref name="About">{{cite web|url=https://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.php|title=About the corporation|work=[[Salem Municipal Corporation]]|access-date=29 December 2025}}</ref> The city is organised into 72 wards, each represented by an elected councillor.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Salem-Corporation-to-increase-number-of-wards/article14377048.ece|title= Salem Corporation to increase number of wards|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 June 2016|access-date=5 February 2018}}</ref> The [[Salem Municipal Corporation]] is headed by a mayor, who is elected by the councillors.<ref>{{cite web|title=About the municipal corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.html|work=[[Salem Municipal Corporation]]|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525235102/https://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.html|archive-date=25 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Economic and political weekly, Volume 30|pages=2396|publisher=Sameeksha Trust|year=1995}}</ref> The administration is governed by a municipal commissioner, and it is divided into six departments: general administration and personnel, engineering, revenue, public health, city planning and information technology.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commissioner of Municipal Administration|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm|publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106103849/http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm|archive-date=6 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[File:Sundaraja perumal temple entrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance of [[Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Salem]]]]
Prior to 2008, the city was part of the [[Salem&nbsp;– I (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem I]] and [[Salem&nbsp;– II (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem II]] assembly constituencies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp88.htm|title=Partywise Comparison Since 1977|publisher=[[Election Commission of India]]|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232527/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp88.htm|archive-date=12 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp89.htm|title=Partywise Comparison Since 1977|publisher=[[Election Commission of India]]|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232540/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp89.htm|archive-date=12 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2008, the city accommodates three constituencies&ndash; [[Salem North (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem North]], [[Salem South (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem South]] and [[Salem West (State Assembly Constituency)|Salem West]],<ref>{{cite report|title=New Constituencies, Post-Delimitation 2008|url=http://www.elections.tn.nic.in/forms/int3.pdf|work=Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515102633/http://elections.tn.nic.in/forms/int3.pdf|archive-date=15 May 2012}}</ref> that elect members to the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/Const_map/map.htm|title=List of Assembly Constituencies|year=2010|access-date=28 December 2012|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614070155/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/const_map/map.htm|archive-date=14 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The city is part of the [[Salem (Lok Sabha constituency)|Salem constituency]] that elects its member to the [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf|title=List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies|access-date=9 October 2008|work=[[Election Commission of India]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504185928/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf|archive-date=4 May 2006}}</ref>


[[File:1008 SHIVA TEMPLE, KAILAYA SIVALAYAM, Kanchamalai, Salem - panoramio (32).jpg|thumb|1008 Lingam temple in the city]]
Law and order is maintained by the Salem city subdivision of the [[Tamil Nadu Police]], headed by a [[Police commissioner]]. Special units include prohibition enforcement, district crime, social justice and human rights, district crime records and a district-level special branch headed by a superintendent of police.<ref>{{cite web|title=Salem Police|url=http://www.tnpolice.gov.in/District_Details.php?code=29598|work=[[Tamil Nadu Police]]|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011140954/http://tnpolice.gov.in/District_Details.php?code=29598|archive-date=11 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The Salem Central Prison which is located at [[Hastampatti]], and serves as the central prison for Salem district. Constructed in 1862, it is one of the oldest prisons in India and has a capacity of 1431 inmates.<ref>{{cite web|title=Salem Central Prison classified as casual prison|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salem-central-prison-classified-as-a-casual-prison/article68224526.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 May 2024|access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref>
Salem has several [[Hindu]] temples.The '''Kottai Perumal koil''' is present in centre of the city (also called as [[Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Salem]]). This temple is one of the [[Pancha Bhrigu kshethram]] the rest is [[Tirupathi]], [[Sarangapani temple]], [[Nachiyar Koil]] and [[Oppiliappan temple]].    The Kottai Mariamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess [[Mariamman]], has an annual five-day festival during the [[Tamil calendar#Months|Tamizh month]] of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.maalaimalar.com/Devotional/Worship/2016/08/01092553/1029756/Salem-Kottai-Mariamman-Temple-aadi-festival.vpf|title=SalemKottaiMariamman Aadi Festival|publisher=Maalaimalar|date=1 August 2016|access-date=24 January 2018|language=ta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015206/http://www.maalaimalar.com/Devotional/Worship/2016/08/01092553/1029756/Salem-Kottai-Mariamman-Temple-aadi-festival.vpf|archive-date=25 January 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The temple's [[gopuram]] is made up of seven tiers. Sugavaneshwarar Temple is dedicated to [[Shiva]], and according to mythology the sage Sugha Brahmarishi is worshiped there. Arunagirinadhar sang a song about [[Kartikeya|Muruga]] in the temple, which was built during the 13th century by Mamannan Sundara Pandiyan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=780 |title=Dinamalar Temple &#124; News &#124; Thuligal &#124; Information &#124; Temple news &#124; Story &#124; Purana Kathigal |publisher=Temple.dinamalar.com |access-date=10 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405030939/http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=780 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Kottai Perumal Temple, Skandhashram,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/114652-5-persons-drowned-in-salem.html|title=5 persons drowned in salem|publisher=Vikatan|date=27 January 2018|access-date=29 January 2018|language=ta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129195559/https://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/114652-5-persons-drowned-in-salem.html|archive-date=29 January 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


Jamia Masjid is Salem's oldest [[mosque]] and lies on the southern bank of the Thirumanimutharu River in the heart of the city. It was reportedly built by the [[Kingdom of Mysore]]  ruler [[Tipu Sultan]], who is said to have prayed here. The ''Masjid Inam'' granted to the mosque in 1862 was confirmed by the British with a special resolution in 1880.<ref>{{cite news | last = Muthahar Saqaf | first = Syed | title = One of the tallest minarets in South India | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | location = Salem | publisher = The Hindu | date = 5 July 2018 | url = https://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/the-new-minaret-here-is-one-of-the-tallest/article24339163.ece | access-date = 6 July 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180903082154/https://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/the-new-minaret-here-is-one-of-the-tallest/article24339163.ece | archive-date = 3 September 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mosque Details in Corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Temples.php|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113173225/http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Temples.php|archive-date=13 January 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mosque Details in Salem District Govt Site|url=https://salem.nic.in/tourist-place/temples/|access-date=8 December 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Salem}}
[[Christ Church, Salem|Christ Church]] is located on Fort Road and the church was consecrated in 1875.<ref name=Hindu-2014>{{cite news|last1=Saravanan|first1=S P|title=Christ Church celebrates 140 years of service in Salem|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/christ-church-celebrates-140-years-of-service-in-salem/article6667276.ece|access-date=14 August 2015|place=Salem|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 December 2014}}</ref> The other popular churches in and around the city include the Lechler Memorial Church, which is the oldest church in Salem, was built in 1856 by a German missionary in Fort Salem.<ref>{{cite web|title=Church and Temple Details in Salem Local Planning Authority Website|url=http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/slpa/heritage-vital.htm/|access-date=8 December 2020|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
{{See|Textile industry in Salem}}


==Shopping and recreation==
[[File:A photo of Salem Steel Plant entrance.JPG|thumb|[[Salem Steel Plant]]]]
[[File:Mookeneri lake islands.jpg|thumb|upright=0.95|Islands of Mookaneri Lake]]
[[File:Ghat road-3-yercaud-salem-India.jpg|thumb|Ghat road to Yercaud]]
[[File:Kurumambapatti Zoological park entrance.jpg|thumb|Kurumbapatti Zoological Park entrance]]


Salem's traditional shopping areas are in the Town area, with major retailers in Bazaar Street, Car Street, First Agraharam and Chinna Kadai Street. Shevapet and the Fort area are noted for hardware and furniture, and Leigh Bazaar in Shevapet is the main wholesale market.
{{As of|2020}}, Salem had a [[GDP]] of {{USD|10.354|year=2020}} billion.<ref name="GDP"/> The town is a major textile centre, with more than 75,000 [[handlooms]] and spinning mills in the region.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 December 2010|title=Handloom programmes need a new curriculum|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/18/stories/2010121851300300.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=4 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104210204/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/18/stories/2010121851300300.htm|archive-date=4 January 2014}}</ref> The region is popular for its silk textiles.<ref name="GI">{{cite web|url=https://salem.nic.in/geographical-indications/|title=Geographical Indications|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> Salem Fabric and [[Salem silk]] are recognised as [[List of geographical indications in India|Geographical indication]]s in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Salem Fabric|url=http://ipindiaservices.gov.in/GIRPublic/Application/Details/5|access-date=12 January 2021|work=[[Government of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://ipindia.gov.in/registered-gls.htm|title=Geographical indications in India|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203233006/https://ipindia.gov.in/registered-gls.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/GI-shield-for-states-silk-fabrics/articleshow/3003039.cms|date=2 May 2008|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=GI shield for state's silk fabrics|access-date=1 June 2012}}</ref> [[Cassava]] cultivation in prominent in the region,<ref name="GI"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Sagoserve profile|url=http://www.sagoserve.com/profile1.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000313/http://www.sagoserve.com/profile1.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=Sagoserve}}</ref> and there are more than 650 industrial units which are engaged in the extraction of [[sago]] from the cassava plants. In 1981, the Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers Service Industrial Co-operative Society was established to promote the industry and nearly 80 percent of the national demand for sago and starch is met by the region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sagoserve|url=http://www.indcom.tn.gov.in/sagoserve.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701143717/http://www.indcom.tn.gov.in/sagoserve.htm|archive-date=1 July 2017|access-date=10 May 2016|work=Indcom}}</ref> Salem is popular for its [[mango]]es, with several cultivars grown in the region.<ref name="GI"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Salem Mango |url=https://www.salemmango.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173453/https://www.salemmango.com/|archive-date=22 December 2018|access-date=22 December 2018|work=Salem Mango}}</ref>


Reliance Shopping Mall, the city's largest shopping complex is situated near Five Roads. Other malls in the city are Nirmal Skywin mall and Kandaswarna Mega mall.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3814959.ece|title=Reliance mall getting ready|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 July 2015|date=24 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104213041/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3814959.ece|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The city is a major centre of [[steel industry]]. The [[Salem Steel Plant]], a unit of the [[Steel Authority of India]] (SAIL), was established in 1981, and produces [[stainless steel]] and stainless-[[carbon steel]] [[alloy]]s. The plant was expanded and modernized in the late 2000s, with steel-melting and continuous-casting facilities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Salem Steel|url=http://www.sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=special_salem|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902132018/http://sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=special_salem|archive-date=2 September 2013|access-date=10 May 2016|work=[[Steel Authority of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dutta|first=Indrani|date=12 July 2010|title=Salem Steel's expansion set to be completed by September|language=en-IN|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Salem-Steels-expansion-set-to-be-completed-by-September/article16194342.ece|access-date=1 June 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The SAIL has established a {{cvt|250|acre}} [[special economic zone]] within its Salem plant.<ref>{{cite web|title=SEZ Project|work=Processing Register|url=http://www.processregister.com/Salem_Steel_S_E_Z/Project/pid20353.htm|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202164304/http://www.processregister.com/Salem_Steel_S_E_Z/Project/pid20353.htm|archive-date=2 February 2009}}</ref> The [[JSW Steel#Salem Works|Southern Iron and Steel Company]] has an integrated steel plant in Salem for the production of [[Thermomechanical processing|TMT]] bars and [[alloy steel]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=JSW Companies:Salem Works|url=http://www.jsw.in/companies/company_siscol.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412184341/http://www.jsw.in/companies/company_siscol.shtml|archive-date=12 April 2013|access-date=10 May 2016|work=[[JSW Steel]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=JSW Steels:TIDCO|url=http://www.tidco.com/sisel.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516112012/http://www.tidco.com/sisel.html|archive-date=16 May 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=[[Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation]]}}</ref> The region is rich in mineral ores, with significant [[magnesite]] and [[bauxite]] deposits, with several public and private companies operating in the mining and processing sector.<ref>{{cite web|title=Magnesite|url=http://www.tnmine.tn.nic.in/TN-Mining.htm#Magnesite|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033759/http://www.tnmine.tn.nic.in/TN-Mining.htm#Magnesite|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=Department of Geology and Mining, [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]}}</ref> The [[Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu]] has established a {{cvt|160|acre}} [[Information Technology]] park,<ref>{{cite news|title=IT Parks|work=Elcot|url=http://elcot.in/it-parks.php?page=2#4|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918053613/http://www.elcot.in/it-parks.php?page=2#4|archive-date=18 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Site for IT Park ideally situated|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090103810500.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=9 January 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235245/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090103810500.htm|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> and an electrical and electronics [[Industrial park|industrial estate]] is in the Suramangalam area of the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Electrical and electronics industries|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/policynotes/archives/policy2001-2/pbrsi6-e-2001-2.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421030716/http://www.tn.gov.in/policynotes/archives/policy2001-2/pbrsi6-e-2001-2.htm|archive-date=21 April 2009|access-date=10 May 2016|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]}}</ref>
==Transport==
===Air===
[[File:AIRPORT SALEM INDIA.jpg|thumb|Salem Airport]]


[[Kurumbapatti Zoological Park]] and Anna Park are government-run parks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/the-only-two-amusement-spots/article7524338.ece|title=The only two amusement spots|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 January 2018|date=11 August 2015}}</ref> Paravasa Ulagam<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Newly-married-youth-drowns-in-amusement-park-pool/articleshow/20470114.cms|title=Newly married youth drowns in amusement park pool|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=31 January 2018|date=7 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601190511/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Newly-married-youth-drowns-in-amusement-park-pool/articleshow/20470114.cms|archive-date=1 June 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and Dream Land are amusement parks in the city. [[Mookaneri Lake|Mookaneri (Kannankurichi)]] lake within the city limits is a popular tourist place and bird watching destination.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-a-major-tourist-attraction/article8647514.ece|title=Mookeneri Lake|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 January 2018|date=26 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109182043/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-a-major-tourist-attraction/article8647514.ece|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kumaragiri-lake-gets-a-facelift/article18663267.ece|title=Kumaragiri Lake|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 January 2018|date=26 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|title=Mookeneri Birds|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 January 2018|date=19 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109182148/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[Salem Airport (India)|Salem Airport]] is located at Kamalapuram, about {{cvt|20|km}} from the city. It was built at a cost of {{INRconvert|60|m}}, and opened in April 1993. The airport had seen intermittent operations since its opening to the mid 2010s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Salem airport is all set to get a new lease of life |url=http://hindu.com/2006/08/19/stories/2006081905030400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060828094708/http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/19/stories/2006081905030400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 August 2006|access-date=6 January 2012|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 August 2006}}</ref>  
In 2018, the airport was one of the destinations identified under the [[Government of India]]'s [[UDAN]] regional connectivity scheme. In March 2018, the [[Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)|Ministry of Civil Aviation]] changed the status of the airport to "unserved" to enable the introduction of flights under the scheme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/status-upgrade-for-salem-airport/article20462951.ece|title=Status upgrade for Salem airport|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=29 March 2018|date=16 November 2017}}</ref> After the airport remained closed for commercial operations again since 2022,<ref>{{cite news|last=Sabari|first=M.|title=Will night flights revive Salem airport fortunes?|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/nov/08/will-night-flights-revive-salem-airport-fortunes-2380892.html|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=8 November 2021|access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]] and [[IndiGo]] launched flights from the airport in October 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/salem-airport-resumes-operation-with-inaugural-flight-from-bengaluru-2729001|title=Salem Airport resumes operation with inaugural flight from Bengaluru|date=16 October 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Flight services to resume at Salem Airport on October 16|url=https://www.thehindu.com/incoming/flight-services-to-resume-at-salem-airport-on-october-16/article67334527.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 September 2023|access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref>


Yercaud, a major hill station in Tamil Nadu is about {{convert|20|km}} from Salem City. The ghat road starts at the end of the Salem City limits. The ghat road is a picturesque spot and attracts a lot of early morning walkers and joggers. [[Yercaud]] is also a famous weekend getaway for the people of Salem and nearby districts and states.
===Rail===
 
[[Salem Junction railway station|Salem Junction]] is a major railhead in the region, and is the main station serving the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/5-rly-stations-in-salem-division-bag-iso-14001-certification/articleshow/70984599.cms|title=Salem junction gets ISO 14001 certification|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=5 July 2020}}</ref> In 2006, the [[Salem railway division]] was created by the [[Southern Railway zone]] of the [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-rail-zone-in-lieu-of-two-truncated-divisions/article6072911.ece|title=Kerala rail zone in lieu of two truncated divisions|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=June 2014|access-date=10 June 2014}}</ref> The station was rated as the cleanest station among the divisional headquarters railway stations according to a report published in June 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Salem-among-top-10-cleanest-railway-stations/article14511979.ece|title=Salem among top 10 cleanest railway stations|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=21 June 2017}}</ref> [[Salem Town railway station|Salem Town]] is the other railway station in the city.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/03/09021006/1064469/Proposal-to-make-Salem-Town-an-allwomen-railway-station.vpf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225111819/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/03/09021006/1064469/Proposal-to-make-Salem-Town-an-allwomen-railway-station.vpf|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2020|title=Proposal to make Salem Town an all-women railway station|work=[[DT Next]]|access-date=25 June 2020}}</ref>
==Cuisine==
Thattu vadai Set (or simply called as settu) is a savory snack and popular street food, which originated in Salem and is now available in other cities in Tamil Nadu like Chennai. It is a very famous street snack available at almost every small stall set up on the streets of Salem. The sandwich consists of two crunchy [[Thattai (Indian food)|thattai]] discs with fillings such as crispy beetroot, carrot and other vegetables smeared with green and red chutneys. Norukkal Mix, another popular snack is smashed [[murukku]] mixed with chutney, groundnut, coconut, sliced tomatoes and Chillipowder (Molagapodi). Egg Settu, Murukku Settu and Maanga Settu are the different varieties of Thattu vadai Set .<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|title=Salem's own evening Snack|last=Saravanan|first=S.P.|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 January 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611014604/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|archive-date=11 June 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Food/chaat-with-a-southern-twist/article7522307.ece|title=Chaat with a local flavour|last=Sripathi|first=Apoorva|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 January 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430025249/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Food/chaat-with-a-southern-twist/article7522307.ece|archive-date=30 April 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/Cooking_Detail.asp?Nid=397&Cat=502|title=This is Salem special Thattuvadai set|publisher=[[Dinakaran]]|date=19 February 2010|access-date=2 February 2018|language=ta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190152/http://www.dinakaran.com/Cooking_Detail.asp?Nid=397&Cat=502|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ever Tried 'Thattaivadai Settu'? This Iconic Salem Street Snack Is a Must-Have!|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/142412/thattaivadai-settu-salem-iconic-street-food/|access-date=28 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528215112/https://www.thebetterindia.com/142412/thattaivadai-settu-salem-iconic-street-food/|archive-date=28 May 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all|date=22 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=17 Chennai Street Foods That'll Make Other City People Feel Bad That They Don't Have These|url=http://www.chennaimemes.in/17-chennai-street-foods-thatll-force/|publisher=chennaimemes.in|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064132/http://www.chennaimemes.in/17-chennai-street-foods-thatll-force/|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|title=Salem's famous 'thattu vadai' comes to Madurai|last=Basu|first=Soma|work=The Hindu|access-date=21 October 2019|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611014604/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|archive-date=11 June 2018|url-status=bot: unknown|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tredyfoods.com/products/vennai-thattuvadai|title=Type of Thattuvadai in Salem|last=Foods|first=Tredy|website=Tredy Foods|language=en|access-date=2019-12-03}}</ref>
 
==Transport==
[[File:Salem_NH47_trumpet_exchange.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|Trumpet Exchange]]
[[File:Salem Junction.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|[[Salem Junction railway station|A newly renovated Salem Junction's Entrance]]]]


===Road===
===Road===
Salem has six [[arterial road]]s: Omalur Road, Cherry Road, Saradha College Road, Junction Main Road, Trichy Road and Attur Road. Three [[National Highway (India)|National Highways]] originate from or pass through Salem:  [[National Highway 7 (India)(old numbering)|NH 44]] ([[Srinagar]] via [[Madurai]] and [[Tirunelveli]] [[Kanyakumari]]), [[National Highway 47 (India)(old numbering)|NH 544]] (Salem&nbsp;– [[Kochi]] via [[Erode]] and [[Coimbatore]] and [[Tiruppur]] )and [[National Highway 68 (India)(old numbering)|NH 79]] (Salem&nbsp;– [[Ulundurpet]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiamapped.com/highways-in-india/|title=List of National Highway, National Highways of India, National Highways|publisher=Indiamapped.com|access-date=10 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414025828/http://www.indiamapped.com/highways-in-india/|archive-date=14 April 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[File:Salem NH47 trumpet exchange.jpg|thumb|A flyover in the city]]


Salem is the headquarters of the Salem division of [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation|TNSTC]]. The city has two major bus stations: the MGR Integrated Bus Terminus in Meyyanoor and the [[Town Bus Terminus Salem|Town Bus Station (Old Bus Stand)]] in the town area. Intercity and interstate routes and private buses originate at the [[Central Bus Terminus Salem|Central Bus Stand (New Bus Stand)]], and local buses originate at the Old Bus Stand. The Anna Flyover is the oldest in the city, and the Trumpet Interchange was built in the realignment of NH 544 to ease traffic towards [[Coimbatore]]. A new double-decker flyover runs within main city centres like New bus stand, 5 roads, saratha college road, 4 roads to ease congestion on these roads. It is the longest double-decker flyover in Tamil Nadu covering a length of 7.87&nbsp;km.
The [[National Highway 44 (India)|National Highway 44]], the longest highway in the country, passes through the city. It forms part of the north-south corridor connecting [[Srinagar]] with [[Kanyakumari]]. Three other highways branch out from the NH 44, [[National Highway 544 (India)|NH 544]] towards [[Kochi]], [[National Highway 79 (India)|NH 79]] towards [[Ulundurpet]], and [[National Highway 179A (India)|179A]] towards [[Jolarpettai]].<ref>{{cite report |url=http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/linkimages/9-6774713323.pdf |title=Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways |publisher=[[Department of Road Transport and Highways]] |date=28 April 2010 |access-date=8 July 2016 |work=circular |author=Poornima Rajendran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816023220/http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/linkimages/9-6774713323.pdf |archive-date=16 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf |title=Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways |publisher=[[Department of Road Transport and Highways]] |access-date=3 April 2012 |location=New Delhi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201124738/http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/finaldoc6143316640.pdf |archive-date=1 February 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The Town Bus terminus is being upgraded into a double decker bus terminus, the first of this kind in the state under the smart City scheme
Salem is the headquarters of the Salem division of the [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]], which operates intra and inter city bus services. It was established in 1973, and operates five depots in the city.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.tnstc.in/inner_pages_2024/pdf/History-of-TNSTC-Salem.pdf|title=TNSTC, Salem|work=[[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]]|date=2024|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> The [[Town Bus Terminus Salem|Town Bus Terminus]] serves intracity routes, and interstate and private buses originate at the [[Central Bus Terminus Salem|Central Bus Terminus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/two-tier-bus-terminal-to-come-up-in-salem/article26925087.ece|title= Two tier bus terminal to come up in Salem|work= [[The Hindu]]|access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> A new bus stand has been proposed at Jagirammapalayam, in the outskirts of the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/amp/new-bus-port-to-come-up-near-salem-cm/1550559|title=New bus port to come up at Salem|work=Outlok|access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref> The city has four [[List of RTO districts in India|Regional Transport Offices]] viz. TN 27 (City), TN 30 (West), TN 54 (East), TN 90 (South).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tngis1.tn.nic.in/gis-rto/rto.php |title=RTO Locations |publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu |access-date=31 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423053637/http://tngis1.tn.nic.in/gis-rto/rto.php |archive-date=23 April 2012 }}</ref>
.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/two-tier-bus-terminal-to-come-up-in-salem/article26925087.ece|title= Two tier bus terminal to come up in Salem|website= [[The Hindu]]|access-date=2020-07-19|language=en}}</ref> The terminal building of the New Bus terminus is also reconstructed under the smart City scheme.


A new [[bus port]] has also been proposed for the city at Jagirammapalayam near IT park with an area of about 61 acres. This includes a bypass road to connect the [[Ayothiapattinam]] area of the city with the bus port.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/amp/new-bus-port-to-come-up-near-salem-cm/1550559|title=New bus port to come up at salem|access-date=2020-07-19|language=en}}</ref>
==Culture==
=== Religion ===


Other bus stands include the [[Omalur]] bus station and [[Attayampatti]] bus station in the outskirts of the city.
{{bar box
 
|title=Religions in Salem (2011)<ref name="religion">{{cite report |date=2011 |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 |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>
===Rail===
|titlebar=#Fcd116
[[Salem Junction railway station|Salem Junction]] is an A-1 category ISO-14001 certified<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/5-rly-stations-in-salem-division-bag-iso-14001-certification/articleshow/70984599.cms|title=Salem junction gets ISO 14001 certification|last=ISO|first=Salem|work=[[Times of India]]|access-date=2020-07-05|language=en}}</ref> railway junction located in Suramangalam area, {{convert|5|km}} west of the city. In 2005, the [[Railway Board]] approved the creation of a [[Salem railway division]] from [[Palakkad railway division|Palakkad]] and [[Tiruchirappalli railway division|Tiruchirapalli divisions]]. It is the fourth-largest of the six [[Southern Railway zone]] divisions. Salem Railway Junction has been rated as the cleanest station among the divisional headquarters railway stations and also the ninth cleanest railway station in the entire country, according to a survey report published in June 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Salem-among-top-10-cleanest-railway-stations/article14511979.ece|title=Salem among top 10 cleanest railway stations|last=Cleanest|first=Salem|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2017-06-21|language=en}}</ref> Other major railway stations catering to the city include [[Salem Town railway station|Salem Town]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/03/09021006/1064469/Proposal-to-make-Salem-Town-an-allwomen-railway-station.vpf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225111819/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/03/09021006/1064469/Proposal-to-make-Salem-Town-an-allwomen-railway-station.vpf|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2020|title=Proposal to make Salem Town an all-women railway station|last=Cleanest|first=Salem|work=DTnext|access-date=2020-02-25|language=en}}</ref> Salem Market, [[Omalur Junction railway station|Omalur Junction]], [[Karuppur, Salem|Karuppur]] railway station and [[Ayothiapattinam]] railway station.
|left1=Religion
 
|right1=Percent
===Air===
|float=right
[[File:AIRPORT SALEM INDIA.jpg|thumb|Salem Airport]]
|bars=
[[Salem Airport (India)|Salem Airport]] ([[International Air Transport Association|IATA]] ''SXV'', [[International Civil Aviation Organization|ICAO]] ''VOSM'') is located on the Salem-Bengaluru Highway (NH44) in Kaamalapuram about {{convert|15|km}} from the city. [[Airports Authority of India]] (AAI) opened the airport in 1993 for commercial operations. [[Kingfisher Airlines]] flew from [[Chennai International Airport|Chennai]] but ended its service in October 2011 due to low occupancy. [[Trujet]] started services to Chennai in March 2018 as a part of the Udaan scheme by [[Government of India]] as well as [[Air Odisha]] gives connectivity to [[Bengaluru]] and [[Pondicherry]] from June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://airodisha.com/eng/flight-schedule|title=Air Odisha - Flight Schedule|date=2 May 2018|access-date=28 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042534/https://airodisha.com/eng/flight-schedule|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/More-flying-schools-land-in-Salem-airport-as-commercial-flights-shut/articleshow/11274658.cms?referral=PM|title=More flying schools land in Salem airport as commercial flights shut - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612010920/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/More-flying-schools-land-in-Salem-airport-as-commercial-flights-shut/articleshow/11274658.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=12 June 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/efforts-underway-to-revive-salem-airport/article7804366.ece|title=Efforts underway to revive Salem Airport|last=Ananth|first=M.K.|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 March 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/mar/26/chennai-flight-puts-salem-on-aviation-map-1792567.html|title=Chennai flight puts Salem on aviation map|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=29 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329184201/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/mar/26/chennai-flight-puts-salem-on-aviation-map-1792567.html|archive-date=29 March 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The nearest major airports are [[Tiruchirappalli International Airport|Tiruchirappalli]] (152&nbsp;km) and [[Coimbatore International Airport|Coimbatore]] (148&nbsp;km).
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindu]]|Orange|89.79}}
 
{{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslim]]|Green|7.48}}
==Sports==
{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]]|dodgerblue|2.36}}
[[Mahatma Gandhi Stadium|Gandhi Stadium]], built originally for cricket, also hosts athletic meets, football, Volleyball and basketball.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Salem to be renovated|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/mahatma-gandhi-stadium-in-salem-to-be-renovated/article4682469.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> Salem District Cricket Association (SDCA) has 47 teams in league cricket. The city has 2 international standard turf grounds. The Green Valley Sports club Cricket ground is on the outskirts of Salem city.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/salem-in-search-of-ground-reality/articleshow/60323769.cms|title=Salem in search of "ground reality'|last=Prasad|first=Bagawati|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=20 February 2020|language=en|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/salem/salem-to-soon-have-a-cricket-stadium-of-intel-stature/articleshow/59613797.cms|title=Salem to soon have a cricket stadium of international stature'|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=20 February 2020|language=en|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The state [[List of chief ministers of Tamil Nadu|chief minister]] [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]] inaugurated the [[Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium]] with international standards on 10 February 2020 in the presence of former cricketer [[Rahul Dravid]] and former [[International Cricket Council|ICC]] and [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]] president [[N. Srinivasan]] built at a cost of {{INRConvert|3|c}} in Karivepilapatti near [[Vazhapadi]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Salem gets new cricket ground|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/salem-gets-new-cricket-ground-at-a-cost-of-rs-3cr/articleshow/74051732.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dravid believes next generation of cricketers emerge from smaller cities and towns|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/rahul-dravid-inauguration-cricket-ground-in-salem-edappadi-palaniswami-n-srinivasan/article30776233.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> This newly inaugurated ground is the home ground for [[Salem Spartans]], a [[Tamil Nadu Premier League|TNPL]] team and also the second home ground for the [[Indian Premier League]] team of [[Chennai Super Kings]].<ref>{{cite news|title=TNPL Season-5 draft today|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/tnpl-season-5-draft-today/article30865361.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Coimbatore, Salem on TNPL map this season|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/feb/19/coimbatore-salem-on-tnpl-map-this-season-2105419.html|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=19 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref>
{{bar percent|[[Jainism|Jain]]|pink|0.11}}
{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.26}}
}}


[[T. Natarajan]], who hails from Salem, made his international debut for the India cricket team in December 2020<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/802575.html |title=T. Natarajan |access-date=8 December 2020|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He plays in the [[Indian Premier League]] for [[Sunrisers Hyderabad]] and is nicknamed as "Yorker King" for his accurate Yorkers at death overs in T20 games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=From Salem and TNPL, IPL exploits to India cap - The inspirational journey of T Natarajan {{!}} Latest News & Updates at DNAIndia.com|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/photo-gallery-from-salem-and-tnpl-ipl-exploits-to-india-cap-the-inspirational-journey-of-t-natarajan-2859598|access-date=8 December 2020|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref> In the 2020 IPL season, delivered a whopping 96 yorkers in 16 IPL matches this year. He played a major role for India to win the Dettol T20 Series 2020 in Australia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Natarajan's rise — a triumph of the spirit|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/natarajans-rise-a-triumph-of-the-spirit/article33234308.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref>
As per the religious census, [[Hinduism]] was the dominant religion with 89.79% adherents, with [[Islam]] (7.48%) and [[Christianity]] (2.36%) being the major minority religions.<ref name=religion2011>{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>  There are several [[Hindu temple]]s in the city. The Kottai Mariamman Temple ([[:ta:சேலம் கோட்டை மாரியம்மன் கோயில்|ta]]), dedicated to the goddess [[Mariamman]], has an annual five-day festival during the [[Tamil calendar#Months|Tamil month]] of [[Aadi (month)|Aadi]] (mid-July to mid-August).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.maalaimalar.com/Devotional/Worship/2016/08/01092553/1029756/Salem-Kottai-Mariamman-Temple-aadi-festival.vpf|title=Salem Kottai Mariamman Aadi Festival|work=[[Maalaimalar]]|date=1 August 2016|access-date=24 January 2018|language=ta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015206/http://www.maalaimalar.com/Devotional/Worship/2016/08/01092553/1029756/Salem-Kottai-Mariamman-Temple-aadi-festival.vpf|archive-date=25 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Sukhavaneswarar Temple ([[:ta:சேலம் சுகவனேசுவர் கோயில்|ta]]) is dedicated to [[Shiva]], which was named after sage Sukha, and is mentioned in the hymns of [[Arunagirinathar]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=780 |title=Purana Kathigal |work=[[Dinamalar]] |access-date=10 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405030939/http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=780 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Alagirinathar Temple]] is dedicated to [[Vishnu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hrce.tn.gov.in/hrcehome/index_temple.php?tid=4867|title=Alagirinathar Temple|language=ta|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> Jamia Masjid is the oldest [[mosque]] in the city and lies on the southern bank of the Thirumanimutharu River. It was reportedly built in the late 19th century.<ref>{{cite web|title=One of the tallest minarets in South India|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=5 July 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/the-new-minaret-here-is-one-of-the-tallest/article24339163.ece|access-date=6 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mosque Details in Corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Temples.php|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113173225/http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Temples.php|archive-date=13 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mosque Details |url=https://salem.nic.in/tourist-place/temples/|access-date=8 December 2020|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]}}</ref> The [[Christ Church, Salem|Christ Church]] is located on Fort Road and was consecrated in 1875.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Saravanan|first1=S P|title=Christ Church celebrates 140 years of service in Salem|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/christ-church-celebrates-140-years-of-service-in-salem/article6667276.ece|access-date=14 August 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 December 2014}}</ref> Lechler Memorial Church, the oldest church in the city, was built in 1856 by a German missionary in Fort Salem.<ref>{{cite web|title=Church and Temple Details|work=Salem Local Planning Authority|url=http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/slpa/heritage-vital.htm/|access-date=8 December 2020|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211002934/http://salem.tn.nic.in/slpa/heritage-vital.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>


[[Mariyappan Thangavelu]] from Salem is an Indian Paralympic high jumper. He represented India in the 2016 Summer Paralympic games held in Rio de Janeiro in the men's high jump T-42 category, winning the gold medal in the finals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sportscafe.in/articles/sports/2016/sep/10/paralympics-2016-mariyappan-thangavelu-wins-indias-first-gold-in-rio|title=Paralympics 2016 {{!}} Mariyappan Thangavelu wins India's first gold in Rio|date=2016-09-10|access-date=2016-09-14}}</ref>
===Cuisine===
 
Thattu vadai set (or simply called as settu) is a [[Savoury (dish)|savory]] snack and popular street food, which originated in Salem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|title=Salem's own evening Snack|last=Saravanan|first=S.P.|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611014604/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|archive-date=11 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> These are sold in several roadside stalls set up on the streets of Salem. It is a sandwich of two crunchy [[Thattai (Indian food)|thattai]] discs with vegetable fillings smeared with various [[chutney]]s. There are several varieties of the same, depending on the ingredients used such as [[egg]]s, raw [[mango]], or [[murukku]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/Cooking_Detail.asp?Nid=397&Cat=502|title=This is Salem special Thattuvadai set|work=[[Dinakaran]]|date=19 February 2010|access-date=2 February 2018|language=ta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190152/http://www.dinakaran.com/Cooking_Detail.asp?Nid=397&Cat=502|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ever Tried 'Thattaivadai Settu'? This Iconic Salem Street Snack Is a Must-Have!|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/142412/thattaivadai-settu-salem-iconic-street-food/|access-date=28 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528215112/https://www.thebetterindia.com/142412/thattaivadai-settu-salem-iconic-street-food/|archive-date=28 May 2018|url-status=live|date=22 May 2018}}</ref> Norukkal Mix is another popular snack, made up of smashed murukku, mixed with chutney, cut vegetables, and [[chilli powder]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Food/chaat-with-a-southern-twist/article7522307.ece|title=Chaat with a local flavour|last=Sripathi|first=Apoorva|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430025249/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Food/chaat-with-a-southern-twist/article7522307.ece|archive-date=30 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
===City-based teams===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Club !! Sport !! League !! Home Stadium !! Founded
|-
|[[Salem Spartans]]
|[[Cricket]]
|[[Tamil Nadu Premier League]]
|[[Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai may not host TNPL matches this year|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/chennai-may-not-host-tnpl-matches-this-year/article30830849.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=15 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref>
| 2016
|-
|}


==Education==
==Education==
[[File:Vinayaka Mission University,Salem.JPG|thumb|left|Vinayaka Missions University]]
[[File:Periyar university, Salem.jpg|thumb|[[Periyar University]]]]
[[File:ST. LOUIS MONTFORT SCHOOL CHURCH, Yercaud, Salem - panoramio.jpg|thumb|left|Montfort School Church, Yercaud, Salem]]
{{See|List of educational institutions in Salem, India}}
[[File:Periyar university, Salem.jpg|thumb|Salem Periyar University]]
[[File:Women at an all women's school in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg|thumb|Women at an all women's school in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India]]
{{See also|List of educational institutions in Salem, India}}
Salem has several educational institutions with Arts and Science colleges affiliated to [[Periyar University]] founded in 1997.
*The Government College of Engineering was founded in 1966.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gcesalem.edu.in/node/231|title=Genesis of GCE|website=Government College of Engineering, Salem|access-date=30 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021044/http://www.gcesalem.edu.in/node/231|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*The [[Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College|Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College]] was established in 1986.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/mbbs-distribution-of-forms-begins-in-salem/article24140490.ece|title=MBBS: distribution of forms begins in Salem|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=18 June 2018|date=12 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://collegedunia.com/college/10493-govt-mohan-kumaramangalam-medical-college-gmkmc-salem|title=GMKMC, SALEM|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618102532/https://collegedunia.com/college/10493-govt-mohan-kumaramangalam-medical-college-gmkmc-salem|archive-date=18 June 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*The [[Indian Institute of Handloom Technology|Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT), Salem]] was established in 1960 by [[Ministry of Textiles]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/textiles-mininistry-decides-to-continue-diploma-courses-at-iiht/|title=Textiles Mininistry decides to continue diploma courses at IIHT|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=29 August 2018|date=26 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829160939/https://indianexpress.com/article/education/textiles-mininistry-decides-to-continue-diploma-courses-at-iiht/|archive-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/anna-university-ranking-2017-top-10-affiliated-colleges-tnea-ac-in-annauniv-edu-based-on-november-december-semester-results-4712928/|title=Anna University ranking: Top 10 affiliated colleges based on last year's results|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=29 August 2018|date=20 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829114752/https://indianexpress.com/article/education/anna-university-ranking-2017-top-10-affiliated-colleges-tnea-ac-in-annauniv-edu-based-on-november-december-semester-results-4712928/|archive-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*The Government Law College was opened in August 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/govt-law-college-inaugurated-in-theni/articleshow/70900705.cms|title=Govt law college Inaugurated in Theni|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=7 September 2019|date=29 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/permanent-building-for-law-college-to-come-up-on-salem-coimbatore-nh/article29163833.ece|title=Permanent building for law college to come up on salem|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=7 September 2019|date=19 August 2019}}</ref>
*[[Sona College of Technology]] founded 1997
*Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College founded 1987<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vmkvec.ac.in/aboutus.asp|title=Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College about us}}</ref>
*Thiagarajar Polytechnic College founded 1958<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tpt.edu.in/about-us/tpt-momentous.php|title=Thiagarajar Polytechnic College, History}}</ref>


==Sister cities==
Schools consist of government run, government aided, and private schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://salem.nic.in/departments/school-education-department/|title=School education|work=Salem district administration|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
Salem has one [[sister city]]:
*{{flagdeco|US}} [[Salem, Oregon]], USA
As of 2014, there was talk of reviving the now-stagnant Sister City project launched in 1964 with Salem in Oregon, USA.<ref>{{cite news|author=Syed Muthahar Saqaf |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sister-city-project-revived-in-salem/article6657099.ece |title=Sister City Project revived in Salem |newspaper=The Hindu |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2015}}</ref>


==Notable people==
Salem has several institutions of higher education.
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->  
* Thiagarajar Polytechnic College was founded 1958.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tpt.edu.in/about-us/tpt-momentous.php|work=Thiagarajar Polytechnic College|title=History|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref>
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->  
* [[Indian Institute of Handloom Technology]] was established by the [[Ministry of Textiles]] in 1960.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/textiles-mininistry-decides-to-continue-diploma-courses-at-iiht/|title=Textiles Ministry decides to continue diploma courses at IIHT|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=29 August 2018|date=26 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829160939/https://indianexpress.com/article/education/textiles-mininistry-decides-to-continue-diploma-courses-at-iiht/|archive-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/anna-university-ranking-2017-top-10-affiliated-colleges-tnea-ac-in-annauniv-edu-based-on-november-december-semester-results-4712928/|title=Anna University ranking: Top 10 affiliated colleges based on last year's results|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=29 August 2018|date=20 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829114752/https://indianexpress.com/article/education/anna-university-ranking-2017-top-10-affiliated-colleges-tnea-ac-in-annauniv-edu-based-on-november-december-semester-results-4712928/|archive-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Government College of Engineering was established in 1966.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gcesalem.edu.in/node/231|title=Genesis of GCE|work=Government College of Engineering, Salem|access-date=30 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021044/http://www.gcesalem.edu.in/node/231|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>  
* [[Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College]] was established in 1986.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/mbbs-distribution-of-forms-begins-in-salem/article24140490.ece|title=MBBS: distribution of forms begins in Salem|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=18 June 2018|date=12 June 2018}}</ref>
* Government Law College opened in August 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/permanent-building-for-law-college-to-come-up-on-salem-coimbatore-nh/article29163833.ece|title=Permanent building for law college to come up on Salem|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=7 September 2019|date=19 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/govt-law-college-inaugurated-in-theni/articleshow/70900705.cms|title=Govt law college Inaugurated in Theni|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=7 September 2019|date=29 August 2019}}</ref>


===Arts, entertainment and television===
There are two universities in the city. The Vinayaka Mission established its first college in 1987, and was later declared as deemed to be university.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vmkvec.ac.in/aboutus.asp|title=Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College, About us|work=Vinayaka Mission|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> The [[Periyar University]] was established in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|title=Periyar University, Salem|url=https://www.periyaruniversity.ac.in/aboutpride.php|access-date=26 June 2020|work=[[Periyar University]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=http://naac.gov.in/docs/RAR%20Result%28May%202015%29.pdf|title=6th Meeting of the Standing Committee|date=28 May 2015|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[National Accreditation Council]]}}</ref>
* [[Sasi (director)|Sasi]], film director
* [[S. D. Sundharam]], Indian [[Tamils|Tamil]] playwright, dialogue writer and lyricist.
* [[Arivazhagan Venkatachalam]], [[Tamils|Tamil]] film director
* [[Arthur A. Wilson]], [[cinematographer]]
* [[Taj Noor]], [[music director]]
* [[Satish]], actor


===Mathematics, science and technology===
==Sports and recreation==
* [[A. R. Rao]], [[Indian mathematician]].
[[File:Kurumambapatti Zoological park entrance.jpg|thumb|Kurumbapatti Zoological Park]]
* [[Tiruvadi Sambasiva Venkataraman]], an [[Indian people|Indian]] botanist, agronomist and plant geneticist.


===Media===
There are several shopping malls and bazaars in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3814959.ece|title=Reliance mall getting ready|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 July 2015|date=24 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104213041/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3814959.ece|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Kurumbapatti Zoological Park]] and Anna Park are government-run parks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/the-only-two-amusement-spots/article7524338.ece|title=The only two amusement spots|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 January 2018|date=11 August 2015}}</ref> There are a few [[amusement parks]] in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Newly-married-youth-drowns-in-amusement-park-pool/articleshow/20470114.cms|title=Newly married youth drowns in amusement park pool|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=31 January 2018|date=7 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601190511/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Newly-married-youth-drowns-in-amusement-park-pool/articleshow/20470114.cms|archive-date=1 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Mookaneri Lake]] is a popular tourist place and bird watching destination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-a-major-tourist-attraction/article8647514.ece|title=Mookeneri Lake|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 January 2018|date=26 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109182043/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-a-major-tourist-attraction/article8647514.ece|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kumaragiri-lake-gets-a-facelift/article18663267.ece|title=Kumaragiri Lake|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 January 2018|date=26 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|title=Mookeneri Birds|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=9 January 2018|date=19 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109182148/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Yercaud]], a major hill station, is about {{convert|20|km}} from Salem.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/yercaud|title=Yercaud|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222161721/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/yercaud|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[P. Varadarajulu Naidu]], the founder of [[The Indian Express]].


===Politics===
[[Mahatma Gandhi Stadium]] is a multi-purpose sports venue in the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Salem to be renovated|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/mahatma-gandhi-stadium-in-salem-to-be-renovated/article4682469.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> Cricket clubs in the city are managed by the Salem District Cricket Association.<ref name="Cric">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/salem-in-search-of-ground-reality/articleshow/60323769.cms|title=Salem in search of "ground reality'|last=Prasad|first=Bagawati|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> There are two cricket grounds in the city.<ref name="Cric"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/salem/salem-to-soon-have-a-cricket-stadium-of-intel-stature/articleshow/59613797.cms|title=Salem to soon have a cricket stadium of international stature'|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> The [[Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium]] was built at a cost of {{INRConvert|30|m}} in Karivepilapatti and inaugurated on 10 February 2020.<ref>{{cite news|title=Salem gets new cricket ground|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/salem-gets-new-cricket-ground-at-a-cost-of-rs-3cr/articleshow/74051732.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Dravid believes next generation of cricketers emerge from smaller cities and towns|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/rahul-dravid-inauguration-cricket-ground-in-salem-edappadi-palaniswami-n-srinivasan/article30776233.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> [[Salem Spartans]], a [[Tamil Nadu Premier League]] team, is based out of the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=TNPL Season-5 draft today|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/tnpl-season-5-draft-today/article30865361.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Coimbatore, Salem on TNPL map this season|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/feb/19/coimbatore-salem-on-tnpl-map-this-season-2105419.html|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=19 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai may not host TNPL matches this year|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/chennai-may-not-host-tnpl-matches-this-year/article30830849.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=15 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> Prominent athletes from the city include [[T. Natarajan]], who plays for the [[Indian national cricket team]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/802575.html |title=T. Natarajan |access-date=8 December 2020|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Natarajan's rise – a triumph of the spirit|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/natarajans-rise-a-triumph-of-the-spirit/article33234308.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref>
* [[Edappadi K. Palaniswami]], Former [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]]  (Feb 2017 to May 2021).
* [[Veerapandy S. Arumugam]], served as the Minister for Rural Development and Local Administration and the Minister for [[Agriculture]].
* [[P. Dhanapal]], Ex- [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker]] for the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]].
* [[Rangarajan Kumaramangalam]], served as the Minister of State for Law, Justice and Company Affairs in the [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] government from July 1991 to December 1993 and as the Union Minister for Power in the [[Vajpayee Government]] from 1998 to 2000.
* [[K. Rajaram]], served as the [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker]] of the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] from 1980 to 1985.
* [[T. V. Rajeswar]], [[Governor]] of [[Arunachal Pradesh]] (1983-1985), [[Sikkim]] (1985-1989), [[West Bengal]] (1989-1990), [[Uttar Pradesh]] (2004-2009).
* [[Vazhappady K. Ramamurthy]], served as minister of state for Labour with independent charge in the Congress government led by [[P. V. Narasimha Rao]] for a brief period in 1991.
* [[T. M. Selvaganapathy]], Minister of Local Administration in [[J.Jayalalitha]] Government between 1991 and 1996.
* [[P. Subbarayan]], was the [[Chief Minister of Madras Presidency]], India's ambassador to Indonesia and Union Minister of Transport and Communications in [[Jawaharlal Nehru]]'s government.


===Sports===
==International relations==
* [[Thangarasu Natarajan]], an Indian [[cricketer]].
Salem has had a [[sister city]] relationship with [[Salem, Oregon]] in the United States. The agreement was signed in 1964.<ref>{{cite news|author=Syed Muthahar Saqaf |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sister-city-project-revived-in-salem/article6657099.ece |title=Sister City Project revived in Salem |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=3 December 2014 |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* [[M. R. Srinivasaprasad]], [[cricketer]], represented Young India in [[Zimbabwe]] (1983/84).
* [[Mariyappan Thangavelu]], an Indian Paralympic high jumper, India's first Paralympian gold medalist since 2004.
* [[P. V. Nandhidhaa]], Indian Chess player, India's 17th [[Woman Grandmaster]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2017/08/01015652/1040337/TN-Chief-Minister-honours-Chess-champion-Nandhidhaa.vpf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128232743/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2017/08/01015652/1040337/TN-Chief-Minister-honours-Chess-champion-Nandhidhaa.vpf|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 November 2020|title= TN Chief Minister honours Chess champion Nandhidhaa|date=2017-08-01| website=www.dtnext.in |access-date=2020-11-20}}</ref> Refer [[List of Indian chess players]].


===Others===
==Notable people==
* [[Arthanareesa Varma]] (1874–1964), freedom fighter, poet, author and journalist
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Bharatpedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Only add people from the city and not the entire district ♦♦♦--->


==Salem Day==
* [[Taj Noor]] — music director
The Salem city was formed on 1 November 1866. Salem City Municipal Council celebrated its Centenary in 1966. Fittingly the Municipality was upgraded into a special grade Municipality on 1 April 1979. The Centurion Municipality was declared as the [[Salem City Municipal Corporation]] The date of formation of Salem city is recognised as Salem day and it is celebrated by the people all over the city.  Salem city celebrates its birthday every year on the first of November.
* [[A. R. Rao]] — mathematician
* [[M. R. Srinivasaprasad]] —  cricketer and coporate executive
* [[Arthanareesa Varma]] (1874–1964) — poet and independence activist
* [[Tiruvadi Sambasiva Venkataraman]] — botanist


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Salem metropolitan area (India)|Salem metropolitan area]]
* [[Largest Indian Cities by GDP]]
* [[Economy of Salem, Tamil Nadu]]
* [[Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Salem]]
 
== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=note}}


==References==
==References==
Line 461: Line 397:


==External links==
==External links==
 
{{Commons category|Salem, Tamil Nadu}}
{{EB1911 Poster|Salem (India)|Salem, Tamil Nadu}}
{{EB1911 poster|Salem (India)|Salem, Tamil Nadu}}
*  
* {{Wikivoyage inline|Salem (India)|Salem, Tamil Nadu}}
<!--NO COMMERCIAL LINKS — ALL COMMERCIAL LINKS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DELETED--->
<!--NO COMMERCIAL LINKS – ALL COMMERCIAL LINKS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DELETED--->
* [http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/ NIC website for Salem, Tamil Nadu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126103856/http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/ |date=26 January 2021 }}
* [http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/ NIC website for Salem, Tamil Nadu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126103856/http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/ |date=26 January 2021 }}
* [http://www.tn.gov.in/police/PROFILE/SALEM%20DISTRICT.htm Police and prisons]
* {{Cite NSRW|wstitle=Salem|short=x}}
* {{Cite NSRW|wstitle=Salem|short=x}}


Latest revision as of 09:10, 26 March 2026


For other places with the same name, see Salem (disambiguation).
Salem
சேலம்
City
View of the city
Coat of arms of Salem
Coat of arms
Nickname: 
Steel City[1]
Salem is located in Tamil Nadu
Salem
Salem
Location in Tamil Nadu
Coordinates: 11°39′N 78°09′E / 11.65°N 78.15°E / 11.65; 78.15
CountryIndia
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictSalem
Government
 • TypeMayor–Council
 • BodySalem City Municipal Corporation
 • MayorA. Ramachandran (DMK)
Area
 • City91.34 km2 (35.27 sq mi)
 • Metro
[2]
799.59 km2 (308.72 sq mi)
 • Rank5
Elevation
278 m (912 ft)
Population
 (2011)[3]
 • City829,267
 • Rank5th
 • Density9,100/km2 (24,000/sq mi)
 • Metro
[4]
917,414
 • Metro rank
6th
Demonym(s)Salemian, Salethar
Languages
 • OfficialEnglish, Tamil
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
636xxx
Telephone code+91-427
ISO 3166 codeIN-TN
Vehicle registrationTN-27, TN-30, TN-54, TN-90
HDI0.669 medium[5]
Sex ratio987 ♀/ 1000 ♂
Literacy84.42%[6]
GDP (2020)US$10.354 billion[7]
Websitesalem.nic.in

Salem (ta) is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the Thirumanimutharu River and surrounded by the Eastern Ghats. It is the fifth largest city in the state as per the 2011 census. It is the administrative capital of Salem District and is administered by the Salem Municipal Corporation which was established in 1994.

The history of the region dates back to the Sangam period (1st–4th centuries CE), when it was part of the Chera Empire. It was engaged in trade with the Roman Empire, evidenced by Roman coins, dating back to the era, found in archeological excavations in the region. The region was ruled by various successive dynasties including the Pandyas, Pallavas, Cholas, and Hoysalas. In the 14th century, it became part of the Vijayanagara Empire, and later ruled by the Madurai Nayaks. During the period, the governance was under the control of local chieftains known as Poligars.

By the late 18th century, it came under the Kingdom of Mysore after conflicts with the Madurai Nayaks. Following the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the region was annexed by the British East India Company and integrated into the Madras Presidency. Salem district was formally established in 1792. The region played a role in early resistance against the British, and was the base of Dheeran Chinnamalai during the Second Polygar War. After Indian independence, Salem became part of the Madras Province, which later became Tamil Nadu.

In modern times, Salem has developed into a major industrial and economic hub, known for textiles, steel production, and agro-based industries like sago extraction and mango cultivation. It is home to the Salem Steel Plant and several industrial corridors and special economic zones. The city has a well developed transport network including rail, highways, and an airport, and is home to several educational institutions.

History[edit | edit source]

The region was part of the Chera Empire during Sangam period between c. 1st and the 4th centuries CE.[8] The city might have had trade connections with the Roman Empire in the 1st century CE, evident from the Roman coins bearing the seal of Emperor Tiberius (37–68 CE) found in the region. In the 2nd century CE, the region came under the rule of the Pandyas. In the 4th century CE, the Pallavas rose to power in the region, and it was the center of conflict between the Pallavas and the Pandyas over thee 8th and 9th centuries CE. In the 10th century, the region was captured by the Cholas. After the decline of the Chola Empire in the 12th century CE, the region was under the rule of the Hoysalas and the Later Pandyas in the 12th–13th centuries CE.[9]

The region came under the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century CE. It was later governed by Poligars, military chieftains under the Vijayanagara and the later Nayak rule.[10] In the latter part of the 18th century, the region came under the Kingdom of Mysore, following a series of wars with the Madurai Nayak dynasty. After the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the British East India Company annexed the region to the Madras Presidency. The Salem district was established in 4 April 1792 and consisted of the present-day districts of Salem,Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri.[11] The region played a prominent role in the Second Poligar War (1801), when it was the area of operations of Dheeran Chinnamalai.[12] After Indian independence in 1947, it became part of the Madras Province, which later became Tamil Nadu.[9]

Geography and climate[edit | edit source]

Kalrayan Hills, which abut the city
View of Salem from Shevaroy Hills
Main article: Geography of Salem

Salem is located in Western Tamil Nadu, between the Kalrayan and Pachaimalai Hills of the Eastern Ghats.[13][14] The Thirumanimutharu River flows through the city.[15] The river originates in the Shevaroy Hills, and joins the Kaveri later.[16](p5) The terrain is rocky and undulating with isolated hillocks. Red soil is predominant though black soil is found in isolated pockets.[16](p8)

Climate[edit | edit source]

Salem has a tropical climate with a high humidity. The summer extends from March to May, with maximum temperatures in April. The temperature starts to drop in mid June, with the onset of the monsoon.[16](p7) The region receives almost equal rainfall from both southwest and northeast monsoon.[17] November to February are the cooler months, with the temperature dropping to an average minimum of 19.2 °C (66.6 °F) in December.[16](p7)

Climate data for Salem, Tamil Nadu (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 37.2
(99.0) 		39.8
(103.6) 		41.7
(107.1) 		42.8
(109.0) 		42.8
(109.0) 		42.8
(109.0) 		40.6
(105.1) 		39.9
(103.8) 		38.9
(102.0) 		37.9
(100.2) 		36.4
(97.5) 		35.6
(96.1) 		42.8
(109.0)
Average high °C (°F) 32.1
(89.8) 		34.5
(94.1) 		37.0
(98.6) 		37.8
(100.0) 		37.1
(98.8) 		35.0
(95.0) 		34.1
(93.4) 		33.3
(91.9) 		33.3
(91.9) 		32.2
(90.0) 		30.9
(87.6) 		30.5
(86.9) 		34.0
(93.2)
Average low °C (°F) 19.3
(66.7) 		20.3
(68.5) 		22.6
(72.7) 		25.1
(77.2) 		25.2
(77.4) 		24.3
(75.7) 		23.7
(74.7) 		23.3
(73.9) 		23.1
(73.6) 		22.6
(72.7) 		21.4
(70.5) 		19.8
(67.6) 		22.6
(72.7)
Record low °C (°F) 12.8
(55.0) 		11.1
(52.0) 		14.4
(57.9) 		16.5
(61.7) 		18.3
(64.9) 		19.3
(66.7) 		18.9
(66.0) 		18.1
(64.6) 		18.5
(65.3) 		15.5
(59.9) 		12.8
(55.0) 		12.8
(55.0) 		11.1
(52.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 2.8
(0.11) 		2.8
(0.11) 		9.6
(0.38) 		58.1
(2.29) 		106.6
(4.20) 		74.4
(2.93) 		88.8
(3.50) 		151.2
(5.95) 		156.3
(6.15) 		197.5
(7.78) 		112.5
(4.43) 		31.6
(1.24) 		992.5
(39.07)
Average rainy days 0.2 0.2 0.4 3.4 5.7 4.7 5.5 8.2 8.2 10.0 6.4 2.6 55.6
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 45 38 33 41 49 54 56 58 60 67 66 57 52
Source: India Meteorological Department[18][19][20]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

The city covers an area of 91.34 km2 (35.27 sq mi).[21] As per the 2011 census, the city had a population of 829,267 inhabitants. There were 987 females for every 1,000 males. Of these, 79,067 were under the age of six: 40,570 males and 38,497 females. The city's literacy rate was 76.37 percent.[22][23] Salem had 215,747 households and 332,147 were employed. This included 1,599 farmers, 3,040 agricultural laborers, 32,597 in household industries, 278,892 other workers, 16,019 part-time workers, 165 part-time farmers, 544 part-time agricultural workers, 1,937 part-time workers in household industries, and 13,373 other part-time workers.[3] Tamil was the most spoken language with 73.8% of the population citing it as their native language. Other significant languages included Telugu (10.8%), Kannada (5.83%), and Urdu (5%).[24]

Administration and politics[edit | edit source]

Municipal officials
Commissioner Elangovan[25]
Mayor A. Ramachandran (DMK)[26]
Deputy Mayor Saradha Devi (DMK)[26]
Member of Legislative Assembly
Salem North R. Rajendhran (DMK)[27]
Salem West Arul Ramadoss(PMK)[28]
Salem South E. Balasubramanian (AIADMK)[29]
Member of Parliament
Salem T. M. Selvaganapathy (DMK)[30]

Salem is the headquarters of Salem district. The town was constituted as a municipality in 1867, and was upgraded to a special-grade municipality in 1979 and to a municipal corporation on 1 April 1994.[21] The city is organised into 72 wards, each represented by an elected councillor.[31] The Salem Municipal Corporation is headed by a mayor, who is elected by the councillors.[32][33] The administration is governed by a municipal commissioner, and it is divided into six departments: general administration and personnel, engineering, revenue, public health, city planning and information technology.[34]

Prior to 2008, the city was part of the Salem I and Salem II assembly constituencies.[35][36] Since 2008, the city accommodates three constituencies– Salem North, Salem South and Salem West,[37] that elect members to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.[38] The city is part of the Salem constituency that elects its member to the Lok Sabha.[39]

Law and order is maintained by the Salem city subdivision of the Tamil Nadu Police, headed by a Police commissioner. Special units include prohibition enforcement, district crime, social justice and human rights, district crime records and a district-level special branch headed by a superintendent of police.[40] The Salem Central Prison which is located at Hastampatti, and serves as the central prison for Salem district. Constructed in 1862, it is one of the oldest prisons in India and has a capacity of 1431 inmates.[41]

Economy[edit | edit source]

Main article: Economy of Salem
Further information: Textile industry in Salem
Salem Steel Plant

As of 2020, Salem had a GDP of US$10.354 billion.[7] The town is a major textile centre, with more than 75,000 handlooms and spinning mills in the region.[42] The region is popular for its silk textiles.[43] Salem Fabric and Salem silk are recognised as Geographical indications in India.[44][45][46] Cassava cultivation in prominent in the region,[43][47] and there are more than 650 industrial units which are engaged in the extraction of sago from the cassava plants. In 1981, the Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers Service Industrial Co-operative Society was established to promote the industry and nearly 80 percent of the national demand for sago and starch is met by the region.[48] Salem is popular for its mangoes, with several cultivars grown in the region.[43][49]

The city is a major centre of steel industry. The Salem Steel Plant, a unit of the Steel Authority of India (SAIL), was established in 1981, and produces stainless steel and stainless-carbon steel alloys. The plant was expanded and modernized in the late 2000s, with steel-melting and continuous-casting facilities.[50][51] The SAIL has established a 250 acres (100 ha) special economic zone within its Salem plant.[52] The Southern Iron and Steel Company has an integrated steel plant in Salem for the production of TMT bars and alloy steels.[53][54] The region is rich in mineral ores, with significant magnesite and bauxite deposits, with several public and private companies operating in the mining and processing sector.[55] The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu has established a 160 acres (65 ha) Information Technology park,[56][57] and an electrical and electronics industrial estate is in the Suramangalam area of the city.[58]

Transport[edit | edit source]

Air[edit | edit source]

Salem Airport

Salem Airport is located at Kamalapuram, about 20 km (12 mi) from the city. It was built at a cost of ₹60 million (US$840,000), and opened in April 1993. The airport had seen intermittent operations since its opening to the mid 2010s.[59] In 2018, the airport was one of the destinations identified under the Government of India's UDAN regional connectivity scheme. In March 2018, the Ministry of Civil Aviation changed the status of the airport to "unserved" to enable the introduction of flights under the scheme.[60] After the airport remained closed for commercial operations again since 2022,[61] Alliance Air and IndiGo launched flights from the airport in October 2023.[62][63]

Rail[edit | edit source]

Salem Junction is a major railhead in the region, and is the main station serving the city.[64] In 2006, the Salem railway division was created by the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways.[65] The station was rated as the cleanest station among the divisional headquarters railway stations according to a report published in June 2017.[66] Salem Town is the other railway station in the city.[67]

Road[edit | edit source]

A flyover in the city

The National Highway 44, the longest highway in the country, passes through the city. It forms part of the north-south corridor connecting Srinagar with Kanyakumari. Three other highways branch out from the NH 44, NH 544 towards Kochi, NH 79 towards Ulundurpet, and 179A towards Jolarpettai.[68][69]

Salem is the headquarters of the Salem division of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, which operates intra and inter city bus services. It was established in 1973, and operates five depots in the city.[70] The Town Bus Terminus serves intracity routes, and interstate and private buses originate at the Central Bus Terminus.[71] A new bus stand has been proposed at Jagirammapalayam, in the outskirts of the city.[72] The city has four Regional Transport Offices viz. TN 27 (City), TN 30 (West), TN 54 (East), TN 90 (South).[73]

Culture[edit | edit source]

Religion[edit | edit source]

Religions in Salem (2011)[74]
Religion Percent
Hindu
 
 89.79%
Muslim
 
 7.48%
Christian
 
 2.36%
Jain
 
 0.11%
Other
 
 0.26%

As per the religious census, Hinduism was the dominant religion with 89.79% adherents, with Islam (7.48%) and Christianity (2.36%) being the major minority religions.[75] There are several Hindu temples in the city. The Kottai Mariamman Temple (ta), dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, has an annual five-day festival during the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August).[76] The Sukhavaneswarar Temple (ta) is dedicated to Shiva, which was named after sage Sukha, and is mentioned in the hymns of Arunagirinathar.[77] The Alagirinathar Temple is dedicated to Vishnu.[78] Jamia Masjid is the oldest mosque in the city and lies on the southern bank of the Thirumanimutharu River. It was reportedly built in the late 19th century.[79][80][81] The Christ Church is located on Fort Road and was consecrated in 1875.[82] Lechler Memorial Church, the oldest church in the city, was built in 1856 by a German missionary in Fort Salem.[83]

Cuisine[edit | edit source]

Thattu vadai set (or simply called as settu) is a savory snack and popular street food, which originated in Salem.[84] These are sold in several roadside stalls set up on the streets of Salem. It is a sandwich of two crunchy thattai discs with vegetable fillings smeared with various chutneys. There are several varieties of the same, depending on the ingredients used such as eggs, raw mango, or murukku.[85][86] Norukkal Mix is another popular snack, made up of smashed murukku, mixed with chutney, cut vegetables, and chilli powder.[87]

Education[edit | edit source]

Periyar University
Further information: List of educational institutions in Salem, India

Schools consist of government run, government aided, and private schools.[88]

Salem has several institutions of higher education.

There are two universities in the city. The Vinayaka Mission established its first college in 1987, and was later declared as deemed to be university.[96] The Periyar University was established in 1997.[97][98]

Sports and recreation[edit | edit source]

Kurumbapatti Zoological Park

There are several shopping malls and bazaars in the city.[99] The Kurumbapatti Zoological Park and Anna Park are government-run parks.[100] There are a few amusement parks in the city.[101] The Mookaneri Lake is a popular tourist place and bird watching destination.[102][103][104] Yercaud, a major hill station, is about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Salem.[105]

Mahatma Gandhi Stadium is a multi-purpose sports venue in the city.[106] Cricket clubs in the city are managed by the Salem District Cricket Association.[107] There are two cricket grounds in the city.[107][108] The Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium was built at a cost of ₹30 million (US$420,000) in Karivepilapatti and inaugurated on 10 February 2020.[109][110] Salem Spartans, a Tamil Nadu Premier League team, is based out of the city.[111][112][113] Prominent athletes from the city include T. Natarajan, who plays for the Indian national cricket team.[114][115]

International relations[edit | edit source]

Salem has had a sister city relationship with Salem, Oregon in the United States. The agreement was signed in 1964.[116]

Notable people[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "My Salem – My Pride". Government of India. 30 October 2015. Archived from the original on 1 February 2018. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  2. ↑ "About Salem". Salem Municipal Corporation. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Salem(05740)". Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  4. ↑ "Primary Census Abstract – Urban Agglomeration" (XLS). Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  5. ↑ "Some Aspects of Inter District Disparities in Tamil Nadu". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  6. ↑ "Salem City Census 2011 data". Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Salem overview". Metroverse. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  8. ↑ "Far East Kingdoms of South Asia: Cheras". The History Files. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "History". Salem district administration. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  10. ↑ E. H. Warmington (2014). The Commerce between the Roman Empire and India. Cambridge University Press. p. 144. ISBN 978-1107-432-14-7.
  11. ↑ "Salem's history on a map". The Hindu. Salem. 10 April 2016. Archived from the original on 9 September 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  12. ↑ Asha Sridhar (30 January 2015). "Winding the clock back, anti-colonial wise". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  13. ↑ "Salem". Falling Rain. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  14. ↑ "Salem". Britannica. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  15. ↑ "River Thirumanimuthar cries for attention". The Hindu. 26 October 2015. Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 "District Ground Water Profile" (PDF). Central Ground Water Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 April 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  17. ↑ "Rainfall projections for Salem" (PDF). Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  18. ↑ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  19. ↑ "Station: Salem Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 679–680. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  20. ↑ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M203. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "About the corporation". Salem Municipal Corporation. Retrieved 29 December 2025.
  22. ↑ "Salem". Census 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  23. ↑ "Census Info 2011 Final population totals". Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2013. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  24. ↑ Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Tamil Nadu (Urban) (Report). Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
  25. ↑ "Commissioner of municipal corporation" (PDF). Salem Municipal Corporation. Retrieved 29 December 2025.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Headquarters". Salem Municipal Corporation. Retrieved 29 December 2025.
  27. ↑ "MLA of Salem North". Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  28. ↑ "MLA of Salem West". Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  29. ↑ "MLA of Salem South". Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  30. ↑ "Members of Lok Sabha from Tamil Nadu". Government of Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  31. ↑ "Salem Corporation to increase number of wards". The Hindu. 1 June 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  32. ↑ "About the municipal corporation". Salem Municipal Corporation. 2011. Archived from the original on 25 May 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  33. ↑ Economic and political weekly, Volume 30, Sameeksha Trust, 1995, p. 2396
  34. ↑ "Commissioner of Municipal Administration". Commissionerate of Municipal Administration. 2006. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  35. ↑ "Partywise Comparison Since 1977". Election Commission of India. 2011. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  36. ↑ "Partywise Comparison Since 1977". Election Commission of India. 2011. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  37. ↑ New Constituencies, Post-Delimitation 2008 (PDF). Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu (Report). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 May 2012.
  38. ↑ "List of Assembly Constituencies". Government of Tamil Nadu. 2010. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  39. ↑ "List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies" (PDF). Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 May 2006. Retrieved 9 October 2008.
  40. ↑ "Salem Police". Tamil Nadu Police. 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  41. ↑ "Salem Central Prison classified as casual prison". The Hindu. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  42. ↑ "Handloom programmes need a new curriculum". The Hindu. 18 December 2010. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 "Geographical Indications". Government of Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  44. ↑ "Salem Fabric". Government of India. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  45. ↑ Geographical indications in India. Government of India (Report). Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  46. ↑ "GI shield for state's silk fabrics". The Times of India. 2 May 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  47. ↑ "Sagoserve profile". Sagoserve. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  48. ↑ "Sagoserve". Indcom. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  49. ↑ "Salem Mango". Salem Mango. Archived from the original on 22 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  50. ↑ "Salem Steel". Steel Authority of India. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  51. ↑ Dutta, Indrani (12 July 2010). "Salem Steel's expansion set to be completed by September". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  52. ↑ "SEZ Project". Processing Register. Archived from the original on 2 February 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2008.
  53. ↑ "JSW Companies:Salem Works". JSW Steel. Archived from the original on 12 April 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  54. ↑ "JSW Steels:TIDCO". Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation. Archived from the original on 16 May 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  55. ↑ "Magnesite". Department of Geology and Mining, Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  56. ↑ "IT Parks". Elcot. Archived from the original on 18 September 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2008.
  57. ↑ "Site for IT Park ideally situated". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 9 January 2006.
  58. ↑ "Electrical and electronics industries". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 21 April 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2016.
  59. ↑ "Salem airport is all set to get a new lease of life". The Hindu. 19 August 2006. Archived from the original on 28 August 2006. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  60. ↑ "Status upgrade for Salem airport". The Hindu. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  61. ↑ Sabari, M. (8 November 2021). "Will night flights revive Salem airport fortunes?". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  62. ↑ "Salem Airport resumes operation with inaugural flight from Bengaluru". Deccan Herald. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  63. ↑ "Flight services to resume at Salem Airport on October 16". The Hindu. 23 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  64. ↑ "Salem junction gets ISO 14001 certification". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  65. ↑ "Kerala rail zone in lieu of two truncated divisions". The Hindu. June 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  66. ↑ "Salem among top 10 cleanest railway stations". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  67. ↑ "Proposal to make Salem Town an all-women railway station". DT Next. Archived from the original on 25 February 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  68. ↑ Poornima Rajendran (28 April 2010). Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways (PDF). circular (Report). Department of Road Transport and Highways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  69. ↑ Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways (PDF) (Report). New Delhi: Department of Road Transport and Highways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  70. ↑ TNSTC, Salem (PDF). Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Report). 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  71. ↑ "Two tier bus terminal to come up in Salem". The Hindu. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  72. ↑ "New bus port to come up at Salem". Outlok. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  73. ↑ "RTO Locations". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 23 April 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  74. ↑ Table C-01 Population by Religion: Tamil Nadu (Report). Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
  75. ↑ "Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu" (XLS). Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011. Archived from the original on 13 September 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  76. ↑ "Salem Kottai Mariamman Aadi Festival". Maalaimalar (in தமிழ்). 1 August 2016. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  77. ↑ "Purana Kathigal". Dinamalar. Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  78. ↑ "Alagirinathar Temple". Government of Tamil Nadu (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  79. ↑ "One of the tallest minarets in South India". The Hindu. 5 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  80. ↑ "Mosque Details in Corporation". Archived from the original on 13 January 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  81. ↑ "Mosque Details". Government of Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  82. ↑ Saravanan, S P (6 December 2014). "Christ Church celebrates 140 years of service in Salem". The Hindu. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  83. ↑ "Church and Temple Details". Salem Local Planning Authority. Archived from the original on 11 February 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  84. ↑ Saravanan, S.P. "Salem's own evening Snack". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 June 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  85. ↑ "This is Salem special Thattuvadai set". Dinakaran (in தமிழ்). 19 February 2010. Archived from the original on 2 February 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  86. ↑ "Ever Tried 'Thattaivadai Settu'? This Iconic Salem Street Snack Is a Must-Have!". 22 May 2018. Archived from the original on 28 May 2018. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  87. ↑ Sripathi, Apoorva. "Chaat with a local flavour". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 April 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  88. ↑ "School education". Salem district administration. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  89. ↑ "History". Thiagarajar Polytechnic College. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  90. ↑ "Textiles Ministry decides to continue diploma courses at IIHT". The Indian Express. 26 June 2016. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  91. ↑ "Anna University ranking: Top 10 affiliated colleges based on last year's results". The Indian Express. 20 June 2017. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  92. ↑ "Genesis of GCE". Government College of Engineering, Salem. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  93. ↑ "MBBS: distribution of forms begins in Salem". The Hindu. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  94. ↑ "Permanent building for law college to come up on Salem". The Hindu. 19 August 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  95. ↑ "Govt law college Inaugurated in Theni". The Times of India. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  96. ↑ "Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College, About us". Vinayaka Mission. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  97. ↑ "Periyar University, Salem". Periyar University. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  98. ↑ 6th Meeting of the Standing Committee (PDF). National Accreditation Council (Report). 28 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  99. ↑ "Reliance mall getting ready". The Hindu. 24 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  100. ↑ "The only two amusement spots". The Hindu. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  101. ↑ "Newly married youth drowns in amusement park pool". The Times of India. 7 June 2013. Archived from the original on 1 June 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  102. ↑ "Mookeneri Lake". The Hindu. 26 May 2016. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  103. ↑ "Kumaragiri Lake". The Hindu. 26 May 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  104. ↑ "Mookeneri Birds". The Hindu. 19 May 2016. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  105. ↑ "Yercaud". Government of Tamil Nadu. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  106. ↑ "Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Salem to be renovated". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  107. ↑ 107.0 107.1 Prasad, Bagawati. "Salem in search of "ground reality'". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  108. ↑ "Salem to soon have a cricket stadium of international stature'". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  109. ↑ "Salem gets new cricket ground". The Times of India. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  110. ↑ "Dravid believes next generation of cricketers emerge from smaller cities and towns". The Hindu. 9 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  111. ↑ "TNPL Season-5 draft today". The Hindu. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  112. ↑ "Coimbatore, Salem on TNPL map this season". The New Indian Express. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  113. ↑ "Chennai may not host TNPL matches this year". The Hindu. 15 February 2020. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  114. ↑ "T. Natarajan". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  115. ↑ "Natarajan's rise – a triumph of the spirit". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  116. ↑ Syed Muthahar Saqaf (3 December 2014). "Sister City Project revived in Salem". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 June 2015.

External links[edit | edit source]

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