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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Ariyalur
| name                   = Ariyalur
| native_name                     =  
| native_name           =  
| native_name_lang               =  
| native_name_lang       =  
| other_name                     =  
| other_name             =  
| settlement_type                 = Town
| settlement_type       = Town
| image_skyline                   = GangaiKonda Cholapuram(Front View).JPG
| image_skyline         = Ariyalur perumal temple.jpg
| image_alt                       =  
| image_alt             =  
| image_caption                   =  
| image_caption         = [[Kodandaramaswamy Temple, Ariyalur|Sri Kothandaramaswamy perumal Temple]] is one of the famous temples of the town.
| nickname                       =  
| nickname               = Cement City
| pushpin_map                     = India Tamil Nadu
| pushpin_map           = India Tamil Nadu#India
| pushpin_label_position         = left
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_alt                 =  
| pushpin_map_alt       =  
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in Tamil Nadu, India
| pushpin_map_caption   = Location in [[Tamil Nadu]]##Location in India
| coordinates                     = {{coord|11|8|14|N|79|4|40|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates           = {{coord|11|8|14|N|79|4|40|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type               = Country
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name               = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name       = India
| subdivision_type1               = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1     = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2     = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_type3      = [[Region]]
| subdivision_name2               = Ariyalur
| subdivision_name1     = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| established_title               = <!-- Established -->
| subdivision_name2     = Ariyalur
| named_for                       =  
| subdivision_name3      = [[Chola Nadu]]
| government_type                 = Second Grade Municipality
| established_title     = <!-- Established -->
| governing_body                 = Ariyalur Municipality
| named_for             =  
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| government_type       = Second Grade Municipality
| area_footnotes                 =  
| governing_body         = Ariyalur Municipality
| area_total_km2                 =  
| unit_pref             = Metric
| area_rank                       =  
| area_footnotes         =  
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| area_total_km2         =  
| elevation_m                     = 76
| area_rank             =  
| population_total               = 28902
| elevation_footnotes   =  
| population_as_of               = 2011
| elevation_m           = 76
| population_footnotes           =  
| population_total       = 47922
| population_density_km2         = auto
| population_as_of       = 2011
| population_rank                 =  
| population_footnotes   =  
| population_demonym             =  
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| population_rank       =  
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| population_demonym     =  
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| demographics_type1     = Languages
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| demographics1_title1   = Official
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| timezone1             = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| postal_code                     = 621704,621713
| utc_offset1           = +5:30
| area_code                       = 91-4329
| postal_code_type       = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| area_code_type                 = Telephone code
| postal_code           = 621704,621713
| registration_plate             = TN 61
| area_code             = 91-4329
| blank1_name_sec1               = Distance from Chennai
| area_code_type         = Telephone code
| blank1_info_sec1               = {{convert|267|km|mi}}
| registration_plate     = TN 61
| blank1_name_sec2               = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]
| blank1_name_sec1       = Distance from Chennai
| blank1_info_sec2               = {{convert|620|mm|in}}
| blank1_info_sec1       = {{convert|267|km|mi}}
| website                         =  
| blank1_name_sec2       = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]
| footnotes                       =  
| blank1_info_sec2       = {{convert|620|mm|in}}
| demographics1_info1             = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| website               =  
| blank2_name_sec1               = Distance from Trichy
| footnotes             =  
| blank2_info_sec1               = {{convert|65|km|mi}}
| demographics1_info1   = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| blank3_name_sec1               = Distance from Thanjavur
| blank2_name_sec1       = Distance from Trichy
| blank3_info_sec1               = {{convert|42|km|mi}}
| blank2_info_sec1       = {{convert|65|km|mi}}
| official_name                   =  
| blank3_name_sec1       = Distance from Thanjavur
| blank3_info_sec1       = {{convert|42|km|mi}}
| official_name         =  
}}
}}


'''Ariyalur''' ({{IPA-ta|aɾijaluːɾ|lang}}) is a [[town]] and district headquarters of [[Ariyalur district]] in the [[South India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]] and is rich in limestone ,surrounded with seven cement factories and two sugar factories. The town is located at a distance of {{convert|310|km|abbr=on}} from the state capital [[Chennai]].  
'''Ariyalur''' ({{IPA|ta|aɾijaluːɾ|lang}}) is a [[town]] and district headquarters of [[Ariyalur district]] in the [[South India]]n state of [[Tamil Nadu]] and is rich in limestone, surrounded with seven cement factories and two sugar factories. The town is located at a distance of {{convert|310|km|abbr=on}} from the state capital [[Chennai]].  
   
   
Ariyalur was a part of the erstwhile [[Trichinopoly District]] until India's independence in 1947 and [[Tiruchirappalli district]] until 1995, Perambalur district until 2007 and subsequently a part of the newly formed Ariyalur district. The town is a part of the fertile [[Cauvery Delta]] and the major profession in the town is agriculture.
Ariyalur was a part of the erstwhile [[Trichinopoly District]] until India's independence in 1947 and [[Tiruchirappalli district]] until 1995, Perambalur district until 2007 and subsequently a part of the newly formed Ariyalur district. The town is a part of the fertile [[Cauvery Delta]] and the major profession in the town is agriculture.
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==History==
==History==
[[File:Ariyalur kothandaramarkoil.jpg|thumb]]
Ariyalur town has a rich historical legacy, primarily associated with the later phases of the Chola dynasty. During the Chola period, the region was governed by the Paluvettaraiyar chiefs, who served as feudatories under Chola kings from Aditya I to Rajendra I. Their capital was Melapaluvur, located near present-day Ariyalur. This area was known for its administrative importance and proximity to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the imperial capital established by Rajendra Chola I.
After the Chozha dynasty, Vijayanagar Nayak kings ruled and built many temples in Ariyalur Kothandaramar temple.  


In 1741 the Marathas invaded Tiruchirappalli and took Chanda Saheb as captive. Chanda Saheb succeeded in securing freedom in 1748 and soon got involved in a famous war for the Nawabs place in the Carnatic against Anwardeen, the Nawab of Arcot and his son Mohammed Ali.
Following the decline of the Cholas, Ariyalur came under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire and later the Nayaks of Madurai. The Vijayanagara Nayak rulers contributed to the construction of several temples in and around the town, most notably the Kothandaramar Temple, which reflects the architectural style of the period.


Mohammed Ali annexed the two palayams of Ariyalur and Udayarpalayam located with troops were in the Ariyalur district on the grounds of default in the payment of Tributes and failure to assist him in quelling the rebellion of Yusuf Khan. In November 1764, Mohammed Ali represented the issue to Madras Council and obtained military assistance on 3 January 1765. The forces led by Umdat-Ul-Umara and Donald Campbell entered Ariyalur and captured it. The young Poligar together with his followers thereupon fled to Udayarpalayam. On 19 January the army marched upon Udayarpalayam. The Poligar's troops were defeated and the playams were occupied. The two poligars fled their town and took refuge in Tharangampadi, then a Danish Settlement. The annexation of the palayam gave the Navab uninterrupted possession of all his territories extending Arcot to Tiruchirapalli.
In the mid-eighteenth century, Ariyalur was one of the two important palayams (feudal estates) under the control of local Poligars. In 1741, when the Marathas invaded Tiruchirappalli, Chanda Sahib was captured. After his release in 1748, he became embroiled in a power struggle with Anwaruddin Khan and his son Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah for control of the Carnatic region. During this conflict, the Nawab of Arcot accused the Poligars of Ariyalur and Udayarpalayam of defaulting on tribute payments and disloyalty. With British support, forces under Umdat-ul-Umara and Donald Campbell invaded Ariyalur in January 1765 and captured the town. The Poligar of Ariyalur fled to Tharangambadi, then a Danish settlement, marking the end of local autonomy in the area.


The history followed was a power struggle between Hyder Ali and later [[Tipu Sultan]] with the British. After the death of Tipu Sultan the English took the civil and military Administration of the Carnatic in 1801. Thus Tiruchirappalli came into the hands of the English and the District was formed in 1801.  
After the fall of the Poligars, Ariyalur came under the administrative control of the Nawab of Arcot, and subsequently the British East India Company following the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799. By 1801, the Tiruchirappalli district was reorganized under British administration, and Ariyalur was incorporated into it as a prominent regional centre.


In 1995, Tiruchirappalli was trifurcated and the Perambalur and Karur districts were formed. Perambalur district was divided into Perambalur and Ariyalur districts in the year 2001 and merged with Perambalur in the year 2002. Then now the district is bifurcated from Perambalur and now functioning from 23.11.2007.
During the British period, Ariyalur developed as a local administrative hub and a centre for limestone quarrying, which later evolved into the cement industry that continues to define the town’s economy today. Post-independence, Ariyalur became the headquarters of the newly formed Ariyalur district in 2001. The town has since grown as an industrial, educational, and archaeological centre, located close to the UNESCO World Heritage candidate site of Gangaikonda Cholapuram.


==Geography==
==Geography==
Ariyalur is a municipality and headquarters of Ariyalur District in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is rich in limestone resources.
Ariyalur is located in the central part of Tamil Nadu, India, at a latitude of 11.14°N and a longitude of 79.08°E. The town lies on the plains of the Kaveri River delta, although it is not directly situated on the river. It has an average elevation of 90 meters (295 feet) above sea level, with relatively flat terrain interspersed with small hillocks.
 
The region experiences a tropical climate, characterized by hot summers from March to June, a southwest monsoon from June to September, and a northeast monsoon from October to December. Average annual rainfall is around 800–1,000 mm, supporting both agriculture and groundwater recharge. The climate is generally dry outside the monsoon periods, and temperatures can rise above 40 °C in peak summer.
 
Ariyalur is rich in mineral resources, particularly limestone, which has significantly influenced its topography and economy. The sedimentary rock formations in the area date back to the Cretaceous period, and extensive fossil deposits have been discovered in and around the town. These geological features have made Ariyalur an important site for paleontological studies, contributing to its recognition as a fossil-bearing region.
 
The town is well-connected by road and rail, with National Highway NH-136 passing nearby and the Ariyalur railway station serving as part of the Chennai–Tiruchirappalli line. Its central location in Tamil Nadu allows easy access to neighboring districts such as Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Cuddalore, Perambalur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam.


===Climate===
===Climate===
Ariyalur has a [[semi-arid climate#Hot semi-arid climates|hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BSh''). Temperatures are hot to sweltering throughout the year, and especially unpleasant during the wet season under the [[northeast monsoon]] from October to December. The [[rain shadow]] of the [[Western Ghats]] means that Ariyalur receives very limited rainfall during the southwest monsoon, but the city is likewise too far inland to receive sufficient northeast monsoon rainfall to be a [[tropical wet and dry climate]].
Ariyalur has a [[semi-arid climate#Hot semi-arid climates|hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BSh''). Temperatures are hot to sweltering throughout the year, and especially unpleasant during the wet season under the [[northeast monsoon]] from October to December. The [[rain shadow]] of the [[Western Ghats]] means that Ariyalur receives very limited rainfall during the southwest monsoon, but the city is likewise too far inland to receive sufficient northeast monsoon rainfall to be a [[tropical wet and dry climate]].
{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|location = Ariyalur (1981–2001)
| location = Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu (1991-2020 normals, extremes 1979-2020)
| metric first = Yes
| width= 70%
| single line = Yes
| single line = Y
| width = auto
| metric first = Y
| temperature colour = pastel
| Jan high C =31.7
| Feb high C =33.6
| Mar high C =36.2
| Apr high C =38.0
| May high C =38.7
| Jun high C =37.0
| Jul high C =35.9
| Aug high C =36.4
| Sep high C =36.2
| Oct high C =34.2
| Nov high C = 32.0
| Dec high C = 30.8
| year high C =35.2
| Jan low C =21.4
| Feb low C =22.4
| Mar low C =24.3
| Apr low C =28.0
| May low C =27.7
| Jun low C =27.9
| Jul low C =27.5
| Aug low C =26.8
| Sep low C =25.8
| Oct low C =24.3
| Nov low C =22.7
| Dec low C =21.7
| year low C =25.3
| Jan mean C =26.6
| Feb mean C =28.0
| Mar mean C =30.3
| Apr mean C =33.0
| May mean C =33.2
| Jun mean C =32.5
| Jul mean C =31.7
| Aug mean C =31.6
| Sep mean C =31.0
| Oct mean C =29.3
| Nov mean C =27.4
| Dec mean C =26.3
| year mean C =30.3
| Jan avg record high C = 33.9
| Feb avg record high C = 35.8
| Mar avg record high C = 39.0
| Apr avg record high C = 40.6
| May avg record high C = 40.8
| Jun avg record high C = 39.5
| Jul avg record high C = 38.9
| Aug avg record high C = 39.3
| Sep avg record high C = 38.9
| Oct avg record high C = 37.0
| Nov avg record high C = 35.3
| Dec avg record high C = 33.8
| year avg record high C = 41.1
| Jan avg record low C = 19.9
| Feb avg record low C = 20.8
| Mar avg record low C = 21.0
| Apr avg record low C = 24.6
| May avg record low C = 23.5
| Jun avg record low C = 25.3
| Jul avg record low C = 25.2
| Aug avg record low C = 23.9
| Sep avg record low C = 23.3
| Oct avg record low C = 22.2
| Nov avg record low C = 20.8
| Dec avg record low C = 20.2
| year avg record low C = 19.6
|rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm =2.6
| Feb rain mm =0.9
| Mar rain mm =8.6
| Apr rain mm =18.5
| May rain mm =51.3
| Jun rain mm =32.4
| Jul rain mm =22.8
| Aug rain mm =88.7
| Sep rain mm =83.5
| Oct rain mm =114.7
| Nov rain mm =190.9
| Dec rain mm =93.2
| year rain mm =708.2
| unit rain days = 2.5 mm
| Jan rain days = 0.4
| Feb rain days = 0.1
| Mar rain days = 0.2
| Apr rain days = 1.0
| May rain days = 2.5
| Jun rain days = 1.9
| Jul rain days = 1.4
| Aug rain days = 4.2
| Sep rain days = 4.8
| Oct rain days = 6.7
| Nov rain days = 7.7
| Dec rain days = 4.2
| year rain days = 35.3
| Jan record high C = 42.0
| Jan record high C = 42.0
| Feb record high C = 42.4
| Feb record high C = 42.4
Line 103: Line 202:
| Nov record high C = 42.2
| Nov record high C = 42.2
| Dec record high C = 42.4
| Dec record high C = 42.4
| year record high C = 49.6
| Jan high C = 31.2
| Feb high C = 33.2
| Mar high C = 36.2
| Apr high C = 38.2
| May high C = 39.1
| Jun high C = 37.5
| Jul high C = 36.6
| Aug high C = 36.2
| Sep high C = 35.6
| Oct high C = 34.5
| Nov high C = 32.4
| Dec high C = 31.3
| year high C = 35.2
| Jan low C = 21.1
| Feb low C = 21.7
| Mar low C = 23.8
| Apr low C = 26.5
| May low C = 26.9
| Jun low C = 26.6
| Jul low C = 26.2
| Aug low C = 25.9
| Sep low C = 24.9
| Oct low C = 24.0
| Nov low C = 22.7
| Dec low C = 21.6
| year low C = 24.3
| Jan record low C = 15.2
| Jan record low C = 15.2
| Feb record low C = 13.0
| Feb record low C = 13.0
Line 142: Line 214:
| Nov record low C = 13.0
| Nov record low C = 13.0
| Dec record low C = 15.2
| Dec record low C = 15.2
| year record low C = 13.0
| Jan humidity = 80
| rain colour = green
| Feb humidity = 72
| Jan rain mm = 15.4
| Mar humidity = 63
| Feb rain mm = 8.0
| Apr humidity = 61
| Mar rain mm = 7.1
| May humidity = 61
| Apr rain mm = 35.1
| Jun humidity = 61
| May rain mm = 35.9
| Jul humidity = 62
| Jun rain mm = 18.1
| Aug humidity = 66
| Jul rain mm = 41.0
| Sep humidity = 71
| Aug rain mm = 69.2
| Oct humidity = 80
| Sep rain mm = 97.6
| Nov humidity = 85
| Oct rain mm = 99.6
| Dec humidity = 83
| Nov rain mm = 100.4
| year humidity =  
| Dec rain mm = 91.2
|source 1 = India Meteorological Department<ref>{{cite web
| Jan rain days = 1.0
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| Feb rain days = 0.5
| title =  Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| Mar rain days = 0.5
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| Apr rain days = 0.8
| access-date = April 7, 2024
| May rain days = 1.8
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| Jun rain days = 1.0
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20(STATWISE).pdf
| Jul rain days = 2.7
| title =  Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1981-2010
| Aug rain days = 3.5
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| Sep rain days = 5.3
| access-date = April 7, 2024
| Oct rain days = 5.9
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| Nov rain days = 5.4
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Normals%20(1971-2000).pdf
| Dec rain days = 4.4
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1971-2000
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| Jan humidity = 69
| access-date = April 7, 2024
| Feb humidity = 60
}}</ref>
| Mar humidity = 52
|source 2 = NOAA (humidity)<ref>{{cite web
| Apr humidity = 50
| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/India/CSV/ARIYALUR_43324.csv
| May humidity = 52
| title = Ariyalur Climate Normals 1991–2020
| Jun humidity = 52
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| Jul humidity = 53
| access-date = April 7, 2024
| Aug humidity = 57
}}</ref>
| Sep humidity = 63
| Oct humidity = 72
| Nov humidity = 77
| Dec humidity = 75
|year humidity = 61
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{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-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Ariyalur Climatological Table 1981-2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981-2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 51-52
| access-date = 7 March 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}


==Economy==
==Economy==
Big industrial houses like Birlas ([[UltraTech Cement]]), India Cements, Dalmia Cement, Madras Cement have their cement units here. Tamil Nadu government's TANCEM factory is in Ariyalur and is the first factory to establish the cement production in ariyalur.
Ariyalur's economy is predominantly driven by the cement industry, owing to its rich deposits of limestone and proximity to lignite reserves. The town's industrial landscape is further diversified by agriculture, particularly the cultivation of sugarcane and cashew, and the presence of a private sugar factory near Keelapalur with a crushing capacity of 3,000 tonnes per day.


Sugar cane is grown as a major commercial crop. One private sugar factory near Keelapalur is functioning in the district with a capacity of crushing 3,000 Tonnes per day.
=== Cement Industry ===
One of the main crops in Ariyalur district is cashew. The pre-dominate soil in the district is red sanding with scattered Packers of black soil.
The cement industry in Ariyalur has a storied history, beginning with the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited (TANCEM) in 1976. TANCEM took over the Alangulam Cement Plant from TIDCO and set up an additional plant in Ariyalur in 1979. This move marked the commencement of organized cement production in the region. The Ariyalur Cement Works primarily supplies cement to government departments and has a wide network of stockists for open market sales in the central and northern districts of Tamil Nadu and northern Kerala.
This town consists mainly of glade soil. The soil in the district is best suited for raising dry crops. Rice also grown in some places.


==Administration and politics==
==Administration and politics==
{| class="toccolours" style="clear:right; float:right; background:#fff; margin:0 0 0.5em 1em; width:220px;" font-size : "90%"
{| class="toccolours" style="clear:right; float:right; background:#fff; margin:0 0 0.5em 1em; width:220px"
|-
|-
!  style="background:#a8bdec; text-align:center;" colspan="2"|'''Municipality Officials'''
!  style="background:#a8bdec; text-align:center;" colspan="2"|'''Municipality Officials'''
Line 215: Line 270:
!  style="background:#a8bdec; text-align:center;" colspan="2"|'''Elected Members'''
!  style="background:#a8bdec; text-align:center;" colspan="2"|'''Elected Members'''
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|Member of Legislative Assembly||[[K.Chinnappa]]<ref name="MLA of Ariyalur">{{cite web|title=MLA of Ariyalur |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/constnamewise.htm |publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu |year=2021 |access-date=1 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006234417/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/constnamewise.htm |archive-date=4 May 2021 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|Member of Legislative Assembly||[[K.Chinnappa]]<ref name="MLA of Ariyalur">{{cite web|title=MLA of Ariyalur |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/constnamewise.htm |publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu |year=2021 |access-date=1 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006234417/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/members/constnamewise.htm |archive-date=6 October 2013 }}</ref>
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|Member of Parliament||[[Thol. Thirumavalavan]]<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=2019|access-date =4 May 2021}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2021}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Member of Parliament||[[Thol. Thirumavalavan]]<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=2019|access-date =4 May 2021}}</ref>{current}
|}
|}
The municipality of Ariyalur was established as a second grade town panchayat from 1943 during [[British Raj|British rule]]. It was promoted to a first grade town panchyat in 1995, to a second grade in 1966 and a special grade in October 2004. Jayankondam is the first Municipality in Ariyalur district. During December 2004, it was promoted to a third grade municipality.<ref name="Ariyalur_municipality">{{cite web|title=About Ariyalur Municipality|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/about_municipality.html|publisher=Ariyalur Municipality|access-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190550/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/about_municipality.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2008, the municipality covered an area of {{convert|7.62|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} and had a total of 18 members. The functions of the municipality is devolved into six departments: General, Engineering, Revenue, Public Health, Town planning and the Computer Wing. All these departments are under the control of a Municipal Commissioner who is the supreme executive head.<ref name="organizationalchart">{{cite web|title=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration |url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm |publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration |access-date=1 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106103849/http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm |archive-date=6 November 2012 }}</ref> The legislative powers are vested in a body of 18 members, one each from the 18 wards. The legislative body is headed by an elected Chairperson assisted by a Deputy Chairperson.<ref name="economicweeklyp2396">[[#Economic|Economic and political weekly 1995]], p. 2396</ref> The municipality had an estimated income of {{INR}}75,917,000 and an estimated expenditure of {{INR}}63,703,000 for the year 2012–13.<ref name="Ariyalur_budget">{{cite web|title=Budget 2010–11|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/about_municipality.html|page=1|format=PDF|language=ta|publisher=Ariyalur Municipality|access-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190550/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/about_municipality.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The municipality of Ariyalur was established as a second grade town panchayat from 1943 during [[British Raj|British rule]]. It was promoted to a first grade town panchyat in 1995, to a second grade in 1966 and a special grade in October 2004. Jayankondam is the first Municipality in Ariyalur district. During December 2004, it was promoted to a third grade municipality.<ref name="Ariyalur_municipality">{{cite web|title=About Ariyalur Municipality|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/about_municipality.html|publisher=Ariyalur Municipality|access-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190550/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/about_municipality.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2008, the municipality covered an area of {{convert|7.62|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} and had a total of 18 members. The functions of the municipality is devolved into six departments: General, Engineering, Revenue, Public Health, Town planning and the Computer Wing. All these departments are under the control of a Municipal Commissioner who is the supreme executive head.<ref name="organizationalchart">{{cite web|title=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration |url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm |publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration |access-date=1 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106103849/http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm |archive-date=6 November 2012 }}</ref> The legislative powers are vested in a body of 18 members, one each from the 18 wards. The legislative body is headed by an elected Chairperson assisted by a Deputy Chairperson.<ref name="economicweeklyp2396">[[#Economic|Economic and political weekly 1995]], p. 2396</ref> The municipality had an estimated income of {{INR}}75,917,000 and an estimated expenditure of {{INR}}63,703,000 for the year 2012–13.<ref name="Ariyalur_budget">{{cite web|title=Budget 2010–11|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/about_municipality.html|page=1|format=PDF|language=ta|publisher=Ariyalur Municipality|access-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190550/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/about_municipality.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Ariyalur comes under the [[Ariyalur (State Assembly Constituency)|Ariyalur State Assembly Constituency]] and it elects a member to the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] once every five years.<ref>{{cite web
Ariyalur comes under the [[Ariyalur (State Assembly Constituency)|Ariyalur State Assembly Constituency]] and it elects a member to the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] once every five years.<ref>{{cite web
  |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/Const_map/map.htm  
  |url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/Const_map/map.htm
  |title=List of Assembly Constituencies  
  |title=List of Assembly Constituencies
  |year=2010  
  |year=2010
  |access-date=1 January 2014  
  |access-date=1 January 2014
  |work=Tamil Nadu  
  |work=Tamil Nadu
  |publisher=Tamil Nadu state government  
  |publisher=Tamil Nadu state government
  |url-status=dead  
  |url-status=dead
  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614070155/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/const_map/map.htm  
  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614070155/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/const_map/map.htm
  |archive-date=14 June 2012  
  |archive-date=14 June 2012
}}</ref><ref name="const_map">{{cite web|title=Map showing the new assembly constituencies|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/maps/tamil_map.pdf|format=PDF|page=1|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=1 January 2014}}</ref> From the 1977 elections, the assembly seat was won by [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) three times during the 1977, 1980 and 1989 elections, the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK) two times during the 2001 and 2011 elections, [[Indian National Congress]] once during 2006 and [[Tamil Maanila Congress]] once during the 1996 elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp162.htm|title=Partywise Comparison Since 1977|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=1 January 2014|year=2011}}</ref> The current [[Member of Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) of the constituency is [[Thamarai S.Rajendran]] from the AIADMK Party.<ref name="MLA of Ariyalur"/> Ariyalur is a part of the [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram Lok Sabha constituency]] and elects a member to the [[Lok Sabha]], the lower house of the [[Parliament of India]], once every five years.<ref name="Rit"/><ref name="const_map"/> The current Member of Parliament from the constituency is [[M. Chandrakasi]] from the [[ADMK]] party.<ref name="Rit"/>
}}</ref><ref name="const_map">{{cite web|title=Map showing the new assembly constituencies|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/maps/tamil_map.pdf|format=PDF|page=1|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=1 January 2014}}</ref> The current [[Member of Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) of the constituency since 2021 is [[K. Chinnappa]] from the DMK Party.


[[File:Ariyalur nutrukkalmandapam.jpg|thumb]]
Ariyalur is a part of the [[Chidambaram (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chidambaram Lok Sabha constituency]] and elects a member to the [[Lok Sabha]], the lower house of the [[Parliament of India]], once every five years.<ref name="Rit"/><ref name="const_map"/> The current Member of Parliament from the constituency is [[Thol.Thirumavalavan]] from the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] party.<ref name="Rit"/>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Line 242: Line 297:
|1971| 17305
|1971| 17305
|1981| 20635
|1981| 20635
|1991| 24141
|1991| 26141
|2001| 27822
|2001| 34822
|2011| 28902
|2011| 47922
|footnote=<br />
|footnote=<br />
* 1971–2001:<ref name=urban45>[[#urban|Urban Infrastructure Report 2009]], pp. 4-5</ref>
* 1971–2001:<ref name=urban45>[[#urban|Urban Infrastructure Report 2009]], pp. 4-5</ref>
* 2011:<ref name=2011census/>
* 2011:<ref name=2011census/>
}}
}}
According to [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Ariyalur had a population of 28,902 with a sex-ratio of 1,014 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.<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}}</ref> A total of 2,977 were under the age of six years, constituting 1,538 males and 1,439 females. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 11.26% and 0.03% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 76.04%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The town had a total of 7,319 households. There were a total of 10,283 workers, comprising 315 cultivators, 670 main agricultural labourers, 298 in house hold industries, 7,165 other workers, 1,835 marginal workers, 159 marginal cultivators, 175 marginal agricultural labourers, 150 marginal workers in household industries and 1,351 other marginal workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Ariyalur|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=693216|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> As of 2008, there were a total of eight notified slums, with 5,907 comprising 21% of the total population residing in those.<ref>[[#urban|Urban Infrastructure Report 2009]], p. 34</ref> As per the religious census of 2011, Ariyalur had 80.55% [[Hindus]], 4.61% [[Muslims]], 3.81% [[Christians]], 10.02% [[Sikhs]], 0.01% [[Buddhists]], 0.01% [[Jainism|Jains]], 0.97% following other religions and 0.01% 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}}</ref>
According to [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Ariyalur had a population of 47,922 with a sex-ratio of 1,014 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.<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}}</ref> A total of 4,977 were under the age of six years, constituting 2,538 males and 2,439 females. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 11.26% and 0.03% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 76.04%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard"/> The town had a total of 14,319 households. There were a total of 20,283 workers, comprising 1315 cultivators, 1070 main agricultural labourers, 1298 in house hold industries, 16,165 other workers, 1,835 marginal workers, 159 marginal cultivators, 175 marginal agricultural labourers, 150 marginal workers in household industries and 1,351 other marginal workers.<ref name=2011census>{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Ariyalur|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=693216|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> As of 2008, there were a total of eight notified slums, with 5,907 comprising 11% of the total population residing in those.<ref>[[#urban|Urban Infrastructure Report 2009]], p. 34</ref> As per the religious census of 2011, Ariyalur had 90.55% [[Hindus]], 4.61% [[Muslims]], 3.81% [[Christians]], 0.02% [[Sikhs]], 0.01% [[Buddhists]], 0.01% [[Jainism|Jains]], 0.97% following other religions and 0.01% 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}}</ref>


==Utility services==
==Utility services==
Line 258: Line 313:
The National Highway NH136 connects [[Perambalur]] and [[Thanjavur]], passes through Ariyalur, State Highways SH143 - Ariyalur- [[Thungapuram]] - [[Thittakudi]] and SH139 Ariyalur - Rettipalayan are the major roads via Ariyalur. The Ariyalur municipality maintains a total length of {{convert|29.17|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The town has {{convert|3.2|km|mi|abbr=on}} concrete roads, {{convert|16.2|km|mi|abbr=on}} BT roads, {{convert|4|km|mi|abbr=on}} of WBM roads and {{convert|5.77|km|mi|abbr=on}} earthen roads. A total of 452 roads is maintained by the State Highways Department.<ref name=urban31>[[#urban|Urban Infrastructure Report 2008]], p. 31</ref> Ariyalur is served by town bus service, which provides connectivity within the town and the suburbs. There are private operated mini-bus services that cater to the local transport needs of the town. The town has a B-class bus stand located in the heart of the town.<ref name=urban31/> There are regular inter-city bus services to Ariyalur. The [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]] operates daily services connecting various cities to Ariyalur. The major inter city bus routes from the town are to cities and towns like [[Trichy]], [[Chidambaram]], [[Jayankondam]], [[Perambalur]] and [[Thanjavur]].<ref name="transport">{{cite web|title=Ariyalur bus routes|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/how_to_reach.html|publisher=Ariyalur municipality|year=2011|access-date=2012-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528100438/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/how_to_reach.html|archive-date=28 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Ariyalur railway station is located on the line between the state capital [[Chennai]] and [[Trichy]] and is well connected by rail to major towns like [[Madurai]] and Tirunelveli. The nearest seaport is [[Karaikal port]], located {{convert|95|km|mi|abbr=on}} away, while the nearest airport is the [[Tiruchirappalli International Airport]], located {{convert|76|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from the town.<ref name="transport"/>
The National Highway NH136 connects [[Perambalur]] and [[Thanjavur]], passes through Ariyalur, State Highways SH143 - Ariyalur- [[Thungapuram]] - [[Thittakudi]] and SH139 Ariyalur - Rettipalayan are the major roads via Ariyalur. The Ariyalur municipality maintains a total length of {{convert|29.17|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The town has {{convert|3.2|km|mi|abbr=on}} concrete roads, {{convert|16.2|km|mi|abbr=on}} BT roads, {{convert|4|km|mi|abbr=on}} of WBM roads and {{convert|5.77|km|mi|abbr=on}} earthen roads. A total of 452 roads is maintained by the State Highways Department.<ref name=urban31>[[#urban|Urban Infrastructure Report 2008]], p. 31</ref> Ariyalur is served by town bus service, which provides connectivity within the town and the suburbs. There are private operated mini-bus services that cater to the local transport needs of the town. The town has a B-class bus stand located in the heart of the town.<ref name=urban31/> There are regular inter-city bus services to Ariyalur. The [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]] operates daily services connecting various cities to Ariyalur. The major inter city bus routes from the town are to cities and towns like [[Trichy]], [[Chidambaram]], [[Jayankondam]], [[Perambalur]] and [[Thanjavur]].<ref name="transport">{{cite web|title=Ariyalur bus routes|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/how_to_reach.html|publisher=Ariyalur municipality|year=2011|access-date=2012-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528100438/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/how_to_reach.html|archive-date=28 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Ariyalur railway station is located on the line between the state capital [[Chennai]] and [[Trichy]] and is well connected by rail to major towns like [[Madurai]] and Tirunelveli. The nearest seaport is [[Karaikal port]], located {{convert|95|km|mi|abbr=on}} away, while the nearest airport is the [[Tiruchirappalli International Airport]], located {{convert|76|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from the town.<ref name="transport"/>


[[Ariyalur railway station]] is a major railway station on [[Chord Line, Tamil Nadu|chord line]] connecting [[Chennai]] and [[Tiruchirappalli]]. Several daily trains such as [[Pallavan Express]], [[Rockfort Express]], [[Pearl City Express]], [[Vaigai Express]] etc. connect Ariyalur with [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Chennai Egmore]] and [[Tiruchirappalli Junction railway station|Tiruchirappalli Junction]].
[[Ariyalur railway station]] is a major railway station on [[Chord Line, Tamil Nadu|chord line]] connecting [[Chennai]] and [[Tiruchirappalli]]. Several daily trains such as [[Pallavan Express]], [[Rockfort Express]], [[Pearl City Express]], [[Vaigai Express]], [[Guruvayur Express]], [[Tambaram–Mangaluru Central Express]], [[sethu express]]etc. connect Ariyalur with [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Chennai Egmore]] and [[Tiruchirappalli Junction railway station|Tiruchirappalli Junction]].


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Ariyalur Block]]
*[[Ariyalur division]]
*[[Ariyalur taluk]]
*[[1956 Ariyalur train accident]]
*[[Vadaveekam]]
*[[Vadaveekam]]
*[[Kallathur]]


== NOTES ==
== References ==
{{reflist
{{reflist}}
| colwidth = 20em
| refs =
}}


==References==
==Sources==
{{refbegin|30em}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite report|title=Conversion of City Corporate Plan into Business Plan|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/ariyalur.pdf|format=PDF|last=Urban Infrastructure report|publisher=Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited|year=2008|ref=urban|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916181432/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/ariyalur.pdf|archive-date=16 September 2012|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite report|title=Conversion of City Corporate Plan into Business Plan|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/ariyalur.pdf|format=PDF|last=Urban Infrastructure report|publisher=Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited|year=2008|ref=urban|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916181432/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/ariyalur/ariyalur.pdf|archive-date=16 September 2012|url-status=dead}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091102195707/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/Ariyalur/]
*https://web.archive.org/web/20091102195707/http://municipality.tn.gov.in/Ariyalur/
 
{{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}}
 
{{Ariyalur district}}
{{Ariyalur district}}


[[Category:Cities and towns in Ariyalur district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Ariyalur district]]
[[Category:Palayam]]
[[Category:Palayam]]

Latest revision as of 04:22, 22 February 2026

Ariyalur
Town
Sri Kothandaramaswamy perumal Temple is one of the famous temples of the town.
Sri Kothandaramaswamy perumal Temple is one of the famous temples of the town.
Nickname: 
Cement City
Ariyalur is located in Tamil Nadu
Ariyalur
Ariyalur
Location in Tamil Nadu
Ariyalur is located in India
Ariyalur
Ariyalur
Location in India
Coordinates: 11°8′14″N 79°4′40″E / 11.13722°N 79.07778°E / 11.13722; 79.07778
CountryIndia
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictAriyalur
RegionChola Nadu
Government
 • TypeSecond Grade Municipality
 • BodyAriyalur Municipality
Elevation
76 m (249 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total47,922
Languages
 • OfficialTamil
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
621704,621713
Telephone code91-4329
Vehicle registrationTN 61
Distance from Chennai267 kilometres (166 mi)
Distance from Trichy65 kilometres (40 mi)
Distance from Thanjavur42 kilometres (26 mi)
Precipitation620 millimetres (24 in)

Ariyalur (ta) is a town and district headquarters of Ariyalur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is rich in limestone, surrounded with seven cement factories and two sugar factories. The town is located at a distance of 310 km (190 mi) from the state capital Chennai.

Ariyalur was a part of the erstwhile Trichinopoly District until India's independence in 1947 and Tiruchirappalli district until 1995, Perambalur district until 2007 and subsequently a part of the newly formed Ariyalur district. The town is a part of the fertile Cauvery Delta and the major profession in the town is agriculture.

Ariyalur is administered by a municipality established in 1994. As of 2011, the municipality covered an area of 7.62 km2 (2.94 sq mi) and had a population of 28,902. Ariyalur comes under the Ariyalur assembly constituency which elects a member to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly once every five years and it is a part of the Chidambaram constituency which elects its Member of Parliament (MP) once in five years. Roadways are the major mode of transportation to the town and it also has rail connectivity which acts as a main station after Tiruchirappalli junction. The nearest seaport is Karaikal port, located 95 km (59 mi) away, while the nearest airport is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport, located 76 km (47 mi) away from the town.

History[edit | edit source]

Ariyalur town has a rich historical legacy, primarily associated with the later phases of the Chola dynasty. During the Chola period, the region was governed by the Paluvettaraiyar chiefs, who served as feudatories under Chola kings from Aditya I to Rajendra I. Their capital was Melapaluvur, located near present-day Ariyalur. This area was known for its administrative importance and proximity to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the imperial capital established by Rajendra Chola I.

Following the decline of the Cholas, Ariyalur came under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire and later the Nayaks of Madurai. The Vijayanagara Nayak rulers contributed to the construction of several temples in and around the town, most notably the Kothandaramar Temple, which reflects the architectural style of the period.

In the mid-eighteenth century, Ariyalur was one of the two important palayams (feudal estates) under the control of local Poligars. In 1741, when the Marathas invaded Tiruchirappalli, Chanda Sahib was captured. After his release in 1748, he became embroiled in a power struggle with Anwaruddin Khan and his son Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah for control of the Carnatic region. During this conflict, the Nawab of Arcot accused the Poligars of Ariyalur and Udayarpalayam of defaulting on tribute payments and disloyalty. With British support, forces under Umdat-ul-Umara and Donald Campbell invaded Ariyalur in January 1765 and captured the town. The Poligar of Ariyalur fled to Tharangambadi, then a Danish settlement, marking the end of local autonomy in the area.

After the fall of the Poligars, Ariyalur came under the administrative control of the Nawab of Arcot, and subsequently the British East India Company following the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799. By 1801, the Tiruchirappalli district was reorganized under British administration, and Ariyalur was incorporated into it as a prominent regional centre.

During the British period, Ariyalur developed as a local administrative hub and a centre for limestone quarrying, which later evolved into the cement industry that continues to define the town’s economy today. Post-independence, Ariyalur became the headquarters of the newly formed Ariyalur district in 2001. The town has since grown as an industrial, educational, and archaeological centre, located close to the UNESCO World Heritage candidate site of Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Ariyalur is located in the central part of Tamil Nadu, India, at a latitude of 11.14°N and a longitude of 79.08°E. The town lies on the plains of the Kaveri River delta, although it is not directly situated on the river. It has an average elevation of 90 meters (295 feet) above sea level, with relatively flat terrain interspersed with small hillocks.

The region experiences a tropical climate, characterized by hot summers from March to June, a southwest monsoon from June to September, and a northeast monsoon from October to December. Average annual rainfall is around 800–1,000 mm, supporting both agriculture and groundwater recharge. The climate is generally dry outside the monsoon periods, and temperatures can rise above 40 °C in peak summer.

Ariyalur is rich in mineral resources, particularly limestone, which has significantly influenced its topography and economy. The sedimentary rock formations in the area date back to the Cretaceous period, and extensive fossil deposits have been discovered in and around the town. These geological features have made Ariyalur an important site for paleontological studies, contributing to its recognition as a fossil-bearing region.

The town is well-connected by road and rail, with National Highway NH-136 passing nearby and the Ariyalur railway station serving as part of the Chennai–Tiruchirappalli line. Its central location in Tamil Nadu allows easy access to neighboring districts such as Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Cuddalore, Perambalur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam.

Climate[edit | edit source]

Ariyalur has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh). Temperatures are hot to sweltering throughout the year, and especially unpleasant during the wet season under the northeast monsoon from October to December. The rain shadow of the Western Ghats means that Ariyalur receives very limited rainfall during the southwest monsoon, but the city is likewise too far inland to receive sufficient northeast monsoon rainfall to be a tropical wet and dry climate.

Climate data for Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu (1991-2020 normals, extremes 1979-2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 42.0
(107.6)
42.4
(108.3)
42.4
(108.3)
45.4
(113.7)
48.4
(119.1)
42.0
(107.6)
41.5
(106.7)
49.6
(121.3)
44.4
(111.9)
42.2
(108.0)
42.2
(108.0)
42.4
(108.3)
49.6
(121.3)
Mean maximum °C (°F) 33.9
(93.0)
35.8
(96.4)
39.0
(102.2)
40.6
(105.1)
40.8
(105.4)
39.5
(103.1)
38.9
(102.0)
39.3
(102.7)
38.9
(102.0)
37.0
(98.6)
35.3
(95.5)
33.8
(92.8)
41.1
(106.0)
Average high °C (°F) 31.7
(89.1)
33.6
(92.5)
36.2
(97.2)
38.0
(100.4)
38.7
(101.7)
37.0
(98.6)
35.9
(96.6)
36.4
(97.5)
36.2
(97.2)
34.2
(93.6)
32.0
(89.6)
30.8
(87.4)
35.2
(95.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 26.6
(79.9)
28.0
(82.4)
30.3
(86.5)
33.0
(91.4)
33.2
(91.8)
32.5
(90.5)
31.7
(89.1)
31.6
(88.9)
31.0
(87.8)
29.3
(84.7)
27.4
(81.3)
26.3
(79.3)
30.3
(86.5)
Average low °C (°F) 21.4
(70.5)
22.4
(72.3)
24.3
(75.7)
28.0
(82.4)
27.7
(81.9)
27.9
(82.2)
27.5
(81.5)
26.8
(80.2)
25.8
(78.4)
24.3
(75.7)
22.7
(72.9)
21.7
(71.1)
25.3
(77.5)
Mean minimum °C (°F) 19.9
(67.8)
20.8
(69.4)
21.0
(69.8)
24.6
(76.3)
23.5
(74.3)
25.3
(77.5)
25.2
(77.4)
23.9
(75.0)
23.3
(73.9)
22.2
(72.0)
20.8
(69.4)
20.2
(68.4)
19.6
(67.3)
Record low °C (°F) 15.2
(59.4)
13.0
(55.4)
15.2
(59.4)
20.0
(68.0)
15.6
(60.1)
21.9
(71.4)
19.4
(66.9)
20.6
(69.1)
19.8
(67.6)
18.2
(64.8)
13.0
(55.4)
15.2
(59.4)
13.0
(55.4)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 2.6
(0.10)
0.9
(0.04)
8.6
(0.34)
18.5
(0.73)
51.3
(2.02)
32.4
(1.28)
22.8
(0.90)
88.7
(3.49)
83.5
(3.29)
114.7
(4.52)
190.9
(7.52)
93.2
(3.67)
708.2
(27.88)
Average rainy days (≥ 2.5 mm) 0.4 0.1 0.2 1.0 2.5 1.9 1.4 4.2 4.8 6.7 7.7 4.2 35.3
Average relative humidity (%) 80 72 63 61 61 61 62 66 71 80 85 83 70
Source 1: India Meteorological Department[1][2][3]
Source 2: NOAA (humidity)[4]

Economy[edit | edit source]

Ariyalur's economy is predominantly driven by the cement industry, owing to its rich deposits of limestone and proximity to lignite reserves. The town's industrial landscape is further diversified by agriculture, particularly the cultivation of sugarcane and cashew, and the presence of a private sugar factory near Keelapalur with a crushing capacity of 3,000 tonnes per day.

Cement Industry[edit | edit source]

The cement industry in Ariyalur has a storied history, beginning with the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited (TANCEM) in 1976. TANCEM took over the Alangulam Cement Plant from TIDCO and set up an additional plant in Ariyalur in 1979. This move marked the commencement of organized cement production in the region. The Ariyalur Cement Works primarily supplies cement to government departments and has a wide network of stockists for open market sales in the central and northern districts of Tamil Nadu and northern Kerala.

Administration and politics[edit | edit source]

Municipality Officials
Chairman [5]
Commissioner K. Sudha[6]
Vice Chairman M. Malarkodi[7]
Elected Members
Member of Legislative Assembly K.Chinnappa[8]
Member of Parliament Thol. Thirumavalavan[9]{current}

The municipality of Ariyalur was established as a second grade town panchayat from 1943 during British rule. It was promoted to a first grade town panchyat in 1995, to a second grade in 1966 and a special grade in October 2004. Jayankondam is the first Municipality in Ariyalur district. During December 2004, it was promoted to a third grade municipality.[10] As of 2008, the municipality covered an area of 7.62 km2 (2.94 sq mi) and had a total of 18 members. The functions of the municipality is devolved into six departments: General, Engineering, Revenue, Public Health, Town planning and the Computer Wing. All these departments are under the control of a Municipal Commissioner who is the supreme executive head.[11] The legislative powers are vested in a body of 18 members, one each from the 18 wards. The legislative body is headed by an elected Chairperson assisted by a Deputy Chairperson.[12] The municipality had an estimated income of 75,917,000 and an estimated expenditure of 63,703,000 for the year 2012–13.[13]

Ariyalur comes under the Ariyalur State Assembly Constituency and it elects a member to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly once every five years.[14][15] The current Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the constituency since 2021 is K. Chinnappa from the DMK Party.

Ariyalur is a part of the Chidambaram Lok Sabha constituency and elects a member to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India, once every five years.[9][15] The current Member of Parliament from the constituency is Thol.Thirumavalavan from the DMK party.[9]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Religious census
Religion Percent(%)
Hindu
90.55%
Muslim
4.61%
Christian
3.81%
Sikh
0.02%
Buddhist
0.01%
Jain
0.01%
Other
0.97%
No religion
0.01%

According to 2011 census, Ariyalur had a population of 47,922 with a sex-ratio of 1,014 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.[18] A total of 4,977 were under the age of six years, constituting 2,538 males and 2,439 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 11.26% and 0.03% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 76.04%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.[18] The town had a total of 14,319 households. There were a total of 20,283 workers, comprising 1315 cultivators, 1070 main agricultural labourers, 1298 in house hold industries, 16,165 other workers, 1,835 marginal workers, 159 marginal cultivators, 175 marginal agricultural labourers, 150 marginal workers in household industries and 1,351 other marginal workers.[17] As of 2008, there were a total of eight notified slums, with 5,907 comprising 11% of the total population residing in those.[19] As per the religious census of 2011, Ariyalur had 90.55% Hindus, 4.61% Muslims, 3.81% Christians, 0.02% Sikhs, 0.01% Buddhists, 0.01% Jains, 0.97% following other religions and 0.01% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.[20]

Utility services[edit | edit source]

Electricity supply to Ariyalur is regulated and distributed by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB). The town along with its suburbs forms the Trichy Electricity Distribution Circle.[21] Water supply is provided by the municipality of Ariyalur from Kollidam river through three schemes with head works of two of them located at Thirumanur. In the period 2010–2011, a total of 2.3 million litres of water was supplied everyday for households in the town. There are three bore wells and 356 water fountains in the town that serves as the source of groundwater.[22] About 11 metric tonnes of solid waste are collected from Ariyalur every day by door-to-door collection out of the 15 metric tonnes generated and subsequently the source segregation and dumping is carried out by the sanitary department of the municipality. The coverage of solid waste management had an efficiency of 73% as of 2001.[23] There is limited underground drainage system in the town and the major sewerage system for disposal of sullage is through septic tanks, open drains and public conveniences.[24] The municipality maintains a total of 25.16 km (15.63 mi) of storm water drains in Ariyalur, out of which 7.93 km (4.93 mi) are open drains and 17.23 km (10.71 mi) are unpaved drains.[25] There is a government hospital and twelve private hospitals and clinics that take care of the healthcare needs of the citizens.[26] There are a total of 1,501 street lamps in Ariyalur: 361 sodium lamps, 1,139 tube lights and one high mast beam lamp.[27] The municipality operates one fish and meat market that has 46 shops and a weekly market that cater to the needs of the town and the rural areas around it.[28]

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Ariyalur Railway Station

The National Highway NH136 connects Perambalur and Thanjavur, passes through Ariyalur, State Highways SH143 - Ariyalur- Thungapuram - Thittakudi and SH139 Ariyalur - Rettipalayan are the major roads via Ariyalur. The Ariyalur municipality maintains a total length of 29.17 km (18.13 mi). The town has 3.2 km (2.0 mi) concrete roads, 16.2 km (10.1 mi) BT roads, 4 km (2.5 mi) of WBM roads and 5.77 km (3.59 mi) earthen roads. A total of 452 roads is maintained by the State Highways Department.[29] Ariyalur is served by town bus service, which provides connectivity within the town and the suburbs. There are private operated mini-bus services that cater to the local transport needs of the town. The town has a B-class bus stand located in the heart of the town.[29] There are regular inter-city bus services to Ariyalur. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates daily services connecting various cities to Ariyalur. The major inter city bus routes from the town are to cities and towns like Trichy, Chidambaram, Jayankondam, Perambalur and Thanjavur.[30] Ariyalur railway station is located on the line between the state capital Chennai and Trichy and is well connected by rail to major towns like Madurai and Tirunelveli. The nearest seaport is Karaikal port, located 95 km (59 mi) away, while the nearest airport is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport, located 76 km (47 mi) away from the town.[30]

Ariyalur railway station is a major railway station on chord line connecting Chennai and Tiruchirappalli. Several daily trains such as Pallavan Express, Rockfort Express, Pearl City Express, Vaigai Express, Guruvayur Express, Tambaram–Mangaluru Central Express, sethu expressetc. connect Ariyalur with Chennai Egmore and Tiruchirappalli Junction.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  2. "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1981-2010" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  3. "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1971-2000" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  4. "Ariyalur Climate Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  5. "Chairman of Ariyalur". Ariyalur Municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu. 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  6. "Commissioner of Ariyalur". Ariyalur Municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu. 2012. Archived from the original on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  7. "Vice Chairman of Ariyalur". Ariyalur Municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu. 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  8. "MLA of Ariyalur". Government of Tamil Nadu. 2021. Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Members of Lok Sabha from Tamil Nadu". Government of Tamil Nadu. 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  10. "About Ariyalur Municipality". Ariyalur Municipality. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  11. "Commissionerate of Municipal Administration". Commissionerate of Municipal Administration. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  12. Economic and political weekly 1995, p. 2396
  13. "Budget 2010–11" (in தமிழ்). Ariyalur Municipality. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  14. "List of Assembly Constituencies". Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu state government. 2010. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  15. 15.0 15.1 "Map showing the new assembly constituencies" (PDF). Election Commission of India. p. 1. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  16. Urban Infrastructure Report 2009, pp. 4-5
  17. 17.0 17.1 "Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Ariyalur". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  18. 18.0 18.1 "Census Info 2011 Final population totals". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  19. Urban Infrastructure Report 2009, p. 34
  20. "Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu" (XLS). Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  21. "Important Address" (PDF). Indian Wind Power Association. 2011. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  22. Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 22
  23. "Waste management programme". Ariyalur Municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  24. Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 24
  25. Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 25
  26. "Ariyalur hospitals". Ariyalur municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu. 2011. Archived from the original on 1 August 2008. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  27. "Ariyalur street lighting". Ariyalur municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu. 2011. Archived from the original on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  28. Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 35
  29. 29.0 29.1 Urban Infrastructure Report 2008, p. 31
  30. 30.0 30.1 "Ariyalur bus routes". Ariyalur municipality. 2011. Archived from the original on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2012.

Sources[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Ariyalur district