# Mayiladuthurai district

Mayiladuthurai District is one of the youngest districts of Tamil Nadu, having been carved out from Nagapattinam District in 2020. Tamil Nadu has 38 districts in total, and Mayiladuthurai is among them, located in the southern part of India, as part of the Tamil Nadu government's efforts to improve administrative efficiency and promote regional development. The district is named after its headquarters, the historic town of Mayiladuthurai, renowned for its cultural, religious, and historical significance. The district is in the fertile Cauvery Delta region, known for its lush agricultural lands, ancient temples, and vibrant traditions.

## Geography

Mayiladuthurai District is located in the fertile delta region of the Kaveri River. It is surrounded by Cuddalore District to the north, Thanjavur District to the west, Tiruvarur District, and Karaikal District of Puducherry to the south, with the Bay of Bengal forming its eastern boundary. The district is characterized by its flat terrain and is crisscrossed by numerous distributaries of the Kaveri River, making it agriculturally rich. The Kollidam River defines much of its northern border with Cuddalore district. The district is drained by rivers like the Cauvery, Kollidam, Veera Chozhan, and Uppanar.
The district's geological formation consists of sedimentary rocks, which including sand, sandy clay, grey-brown sand, and marine deposits.
The district also has a wide coastal area of around 70.9 km starting from Tharangambadi to Pazhaiyar situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal.
The total geographical area of the district is 1169.30 Sq.km accounting for 0.90% of the geographical area of the state.

## History

Mayiladuthurai, historically known as Mayuram or Mayurapuram, has a rich cultural and religious heritage dating back over a thousand years and was part of the ancient Chola Kingdom. The town is mentioned in ancient Tamil literature and inscriptions, highlighting its importance as a center of learning and spirituality.
The district has evidence of Neolithic settlement in the region dates back to the 3rd millennium BC, supported by archaeological discoveries, including artifacts bearing Indus Valley signs unearthed in 2006 at Sembiyankandiyur, dating between 2000 and 1500 BC.
The district is home to several ancient temples, including the renowned Mayuranathaswami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple, dedicated to Lord Vaidyanathar (Lord of Healing and Divine Physician) and His Consort Thaiyal Nayagi (The Mother who can sew up wounds), Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva & Lord Parvati as Abhirami and this temple is world famous for couples who have celebrated their Shastiapthapoorthi (completion of 60 years) and Sadhabishekam (completion of 80 years), who make it a point to have a darshan of the Kala-samhara-moorthi, Udhvaganathar Temple in Thirumanancheri, Sattainathar temple in Sirkazhi and many more. These temples are architectural marvels and attract pilgrims and tourists from across the country.
The region was ruled by various dynasties, including the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara Empires, each leaving their mark on the culture and architecture of the area. During the British colonial period, Mayiladuthurai became an important administrative and commercial center in the Madras Presidency.
The district was part of Thanjavur until 1991 when it became part of Nagapattinam District. Its status as an independent district was formalized in 2020. Mayiladuthurai has been a significant center for Tamil literature, music, and spirituality, and local literary luminaries like Kambar and Kalki Krishnamurthy have contributed to its cultural legacy.
The district holds a significant historical legacy, with a remarkable connection to Mahatma Gandhi's journey. The revered footsteps of Gandhiji traversed several areas of the town, marking an important chapter in its history. Thillaiyadi Valliammai, his devoted disciple, played a crucial role in supporting Gandhiji's efforts in South Africa, assisting the victims of injustice. In recognition of her unwavering dedication, the Tamil Nadu government constructed a memorial honoring her sacrifices and contributions.
The years 1915, 1921, and 1927 stand out as pivotal moments in the history of Mayiladuthurai. These years not only witnessed the visit of the "Father of the Nation" but also significantly enhanced the town's historical and cultural importance.
Poompuhar, also known as Kaveripoompattinam, is an ancient portcity in Tamil Nadu near Mayiladuthurai, celebrated for its historical significance as a thriving trade hub and its mention in Sangam literature, reflecting the glorious maritime heritage of the Chola dynasty.

## Administrative divisions / taluks

The administrative divisions of the district are as follows.
It is divided into two revenue divisions, Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi, encompassing four taluks:
* Kuthalam taluk
* Mayiladuthurai taluk
* Sirkazhi / Sirkali taluk
* Tharangambadi taluk
There are 287 revenue villages. The district has five blocks, namely Mayiladuthurai, Kuthalam, Sirkazhi, Kollidam, Sembanarkoil, comprising 287 village panchayats. There are two municipalities, which are Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi, and four town panchayats, viz. Manalmedu, Vatheeswarankoil, Kuthalam, and Tharangambadi.
The district administration is headed by a District Collector, with various departments including Revenue, Agriculture, and Social Welfare operational within its jurisdiction.

## Economy

Agriculture is the predominant sector of the district's economy, with a significant portion of the population engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Mayiladuthurai is known for its fertile lands due to its location in the Kaveri Delta.
Paddy is the main crop, which is being cultivated in more than 90% of the net agriculture area. The annual paddy grain production of the district is 3.42 Lack tonnes. FY 2024-2025 Samba season around 85,400 tonnes of paddy has been procured from the farmers by the civil supply authorities which was the third highest contributor among the Delta Districts.
Apart from Paddy district produces groundnuts of 3,375 tonnes, various pulses of 21,300 tonnes, gingelly (sesame), sugarcane, and cotton of 17,200 bales.
Fishing: The district falls under the Coromandel Coast, with a seashore length of 70.9 km. It is one of the second-largest seashore areas within the Coromandel Coast. Fishing is a major economic contributor. There are 26 fishing villages in the district. The district is involved in activities like dry fish processing and prawn farming. Mayiladuthurai district is home to one of the oldest and first dry fish "Karuvattu Sandhai" markets in India. This market has a rich history and plays a significant role in the local economy and culture. It has been a central hub for dry fish trade for centuries, owing to its coastal location and abundant fishing resources. The estimated annual production in the marine fish capture sector is 18,000 tonnes. The district has one major fishing harbor at Poompuhar and a medium-sized fishing harbor at Pazhayar.
Weaving: Mayiladuthurai is known for its traditional weaving industry, contributing to the local economy. The heritage sari koorai pattu paduvai aka Koorainadu saris has originated from Koorainadu aka Kornad a suburb of the town of Mayiladuthurai. hese saris are made from a blend of silk and cotton, featuring unique chequered patterns, and are deeply rooted in Tamil culture, especially during weddings and religious ceremonies.
Industrial developments: One of the most significant recent industrial developments is the growth of the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (SIDCO) Industrial Estate in Kulichar, near Mayiladuthurai. Established in 2009, this 12.56-acre estate has emerged as a key hub for small-scale industries, hosting 31 operational units as of September 2024. These units contribute significantly to the local economy and create employment opportunities, with the estate supporting a diverse range of industries, including tire retread, cement products, paint production, food and spice processing, iron and steel fabrication, and aluminum door manufacturing. The district also has a biofuel industry that uses seemai karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora), an invasive plant, to produce biofuel, highlighting innovative agro-based industrial development. This is particularly surprising given the district's traditional focus on agriculture and fishing, showcasing how industrial initiatives can leverage local resources for sustainable growth.
Oil and gas industry: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) operates in Kuthalam, located in the Mayiladuthurai District, where it is involved in the extraction of natural gas and helium from the Cauvery Basin. A key component of ONGC’s operations is the Healium plant, which has been notable for operating India's first helium extraction pilot plant since 2008. This plant processes over one million cubic meters of gas daily, contributing to national self-reliance in helium production. Despite its significance, ONGC’s operations face challenges due to environmental concerns and community opposition. Local protests, particularly from the Anti Methane Project Movement, have raised alarms over potential risks of soil and water contamination. In response to these concerns, the Tamil Nadu government introduced the Protected Special Agricultural Zone designation in 2020, which resulted in a moratorium on new projects in the area beginning in 2021. This has curtailed ONGC’s expansion plans in the region.
However, in terms of GDP contribution to the State of Tamil Nadu, the district ranks 34th out of 38 districts. This is primarily because the district's economy is largely dependent on agriculture. For the year 2022-23, the district recorded a total GDP of Rs. 16,675.00 Crores.

## Infrastructure and development

Agricultural Engineering Services like rental rates for private harvesters have been implemented to support the farming community.
District Climate Action Plan (DCAP) Mayiladuthurai was the first district in Tamil Nadu to get a DCAP, aiming to tackle climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, coastal ecosystems, and habitats.

### Railways

Electrification: The single-line sections from Villupuram to Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai to Thanjavur (Main Line), and Mayiladuthurai to Tiruvarur have been electrified, enhancing rail connectivity and efficiency in the region. This project was completed in 2021 at Rs. 423 crore.
Renovation of Mayiladuthurai Junction: Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme beautification, renovation, and additional infrastructure development works are currently in progress. These initiatives are planned to be completed by the end of 2025, ensuring enhanced facilities and improved passenger experiences across the junction.
Future railway projects and developments: The expectation for the new track doubling project (Double-track railway) between Villupuram and Tiruchirappalli, via key towns such as Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, and Thanjavur, has been steadily rising among commuters. This project, which falls on a major railway line section, is considered one of the most highly anticipated infrastructural developments in the region. With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections drawing nearer, the demand for this crucial upgrade has gained significant attention, reflecting its importance to the daily travel and connectivity needs of people in the Delta region. As a recent development, the site survey works has been completed and awaiting approval from GOI.

### Roadways

National Highway 32, often referred to as NH-32 or the East Coast Road(ECR), is a significant highway in India that spans from Chennai to Thoothukudi. This road connects Mayiladuthurai District to the major cities and towns of Tamil Nadu and provides travelers with a scenic route along the eastern coast of India. The road works from Chennai to Sirkazhi has already been completed and opened for road users on March 2024.
There has been progress from year 2024 on the NH-32 or the East Coast Road expansion, particularly the Mayiladuthurai - Karaikal stretch, which is expected to be completed by 2025. This involves widening National Highway 32, which connects Chennai and Thoothukudi, to improve connectivity between coastal areas and major ports.
District Museum: The venue for the new museum has been shortlisted and the proposal forwarded to the State government for approval.

## Culture and festivals

Mayiladuthurai District is a cultural hotspot, known for its vibrant festivals and traditional arts, particularly the Navagraha temples which are significant in Hindu astrology. The annual chariot festival at the Mayuranathaswami Temple is a major event, drawing thousands of devotees. The district is also famous for its classical music and dance traditions, with many renowned artists hailing from the region.
Muzhukku every year in October (from the first day of Aippasi month to the first day of Karthigai month) Mudavan Muzhukku / Kadai Muzhuku/ Thula Snana is the most celebrated festival on the Cauvery River at Thula Kattam Mayiladuthurai. It is believed by the devotees that taking a dip in Cavery during the Thulam Snanam period is like taking a dip in the River Ganges and other holy rivers.
Mayialduthurai is known for religious festivals like "Cauveri Pushkaram" (Thula festival) involving kumbamela of the North. During the month of Aippasi, holy rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati bathe in the Cauvery River at the Thula Kattam in Mayiladuthurai to cleanse themselves of their sins.
The Rekla Race, also known as the Elgai Race (எல்கை பந்தயம்), is a traditional and world famous event held annually during the festival of Kannum Pongal (mid-January). This heritage race, featuring cattle carts and horse carts, is organized in memory of Thirukadaiyur Uthirapathiyar and Narayanasami. The event is conducted under the auspices of the seven village panchayats of Thirukkadaiyur and the Tharangambadi Town Panchayat. The race takes place along the Thirukkadaiyur to Tharangambadi highway, covering a distance of approximately 10 kilometers. It attracts participants and spectators from across Tamil Nadu and foreign visitors, including over a hundred horse and bullock cart racers. The Rekla Race is a vibrant celebration of rural culture and tradition, drawing widespread attention for its historical significance and competitive spirit.
The town of Poompuhar, located in the district, is an ancient port city with a rich maritime history. It is associated with the Sangam period and is mentioned in the Tamil epic "Silappathikaram." The Poompuhar Beach and the nearby archaeological sites are popular tourist attractions.

## Tourism

Mayiladuthurai District has a number of historical and religious sites. Key attractions include:
* Mayuranathaswami Temple: A historic Shiva temple with intricate Dravidian architecture that was built during the time of Medieval Cholas around (850 – 1200 CE)
* Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple: A Vishnu temple known for its spiritual significance.
* Tharangambadi (Tranquebar): A coastal town with Danish colonial heritage, featuring the Fort Dansborg and the Zion Church.
* Danish Fort: Also called Fort Dansborg in Tharangambadi on the shores of the Bay of Bengal is a place of historic interest and it is used as a museum where the major artifacts of the fort and the Danish empire are displayed.
* Poompuhar: An ancient port city with archaeological remains and a serene beach.
* Silapathikaram Art Gallery: A heritage site located in Poompuhar in the Mayiladuthurai District of Tamilnadu. Scenes from Silapathikaram, the epic of the land have been given lively shapes on the walls of the gallery.
* Vaitheeswaran Koil: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its healing powers.
* Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple: Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva & Lord Parvati as Abhirami

## Education

The district has a history in the education sector spanning over 500 years.
Dharmapuram Adheenam (English - Mutt) Established in the 16th century, Dharmapuram Mutt is a significant Saiva Siddhanta monastery located in Dharmapuram, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu. It has played a pivotal role in promoting Tamil literature, philosophy, and religious practices. The mutt is renowned for its contributions to Tamil education and has been a center for learning, attracting scholars and devotees alike. The Mutt maintains 27 Shiva temples as of 2019, including notable ones like Vaitheeswaran Koil near Sirkazhi, which are integral to its religious activities. The Mutt runs schools and colleges, catering to approximately 10,000 students, as mentioned in various reports. The Dharmapuram Adhinam Arts College, established in 1946 and upgraded in 1988, is an example of its commitment to education, offering programs in Tamil and other disciplines under the affiliation of Bharathidasan University.
Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam (English - Mutt) also established in the 16th century, is another influential Saiva Siddhanta monastery situated in Thiruvaduthurai, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu. The mutt is dedicated to the worship of Lord Masilamaniswara and has been a center for religious and cultural activities. It is involved in publishing Saivite literature, including works like the Thevaram and Tiruvasakam, and has been ass ociated with prominent Tamil literary figures. The mutt's influence extends beyond religious practices, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of Tamil traditions and culture. It manages 15 Shiva temples as of 2019.
Both the Mutts played a significant role in presenting the Sengol, a golden sceptre, to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 during the new Parliament inauguration.
The district has a well-established network of educational institutions, including government schools and private schools, colleges, and vocational training centers. Healthcare facilities are provided through government hospitals, primary health centers, and private clinics, ensuring access to medical services for the population.

## Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are provided through government hospitals, primary health centers, and private clinics, ensuring access to medical services for the population.
Periyar Government District Head Quarters Hospital at Mayiladuthurai provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, Accident emergency care, surgery, maternity services, and outpatient consultations, serving as a primary healthcare provider for numerous villages and towns around Mayiladuthurai. A new block is being constructed to address the hospital's space constraints, with the project started in March 2023, and aiming for completion by March 2025. This new block development is expected to enhance the hospital's capacity, adding specialized medical services.
The demand for a medical college in Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu, has been voiced through various public movements, political advocacy, and local media, and district people are awaiting positive news from the Tamil Nadu Government.

## Transport and connectivity

Mayiladuthurai District is well-connected by road and rail. The Mayiladuthurai Junction is a major railway station on the Chennai-Tiruchirappalli main line, providing easy access to other parts of Tamil Nadu and India. The district is also connected by a network of state highways and national highways, facilitating smooth transportation of goods and passengers.

## Demographics

Religions in Mayiladuthurai district (2011) :
| Religion | Religion | Percent | Percent |
| Hindu | Hindu | 89.37% | 89.37% |
| Muslim | Muslim | 7.21% | 7.21% |
| Christian | Christian | 3.13% | 3.13% |
| Other or not stated | Other or not stated | 0.29% | 0.29% |
| Distribution of religions |||||
At the time of the 2011 census, Mayiladuthurai district had a population of 918,356, of which 176,568 (19.23%) lived in urban areas. Mayiladuthurai district has a sex ratio of 1029 females per 1000 males and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 32.31% and 0.23% of the population respectively. Tamil is the predominant language, spoken by 99.32% of the population.
Based on the projections and forecasted values, the population is estimated to reach 913,149 in 2025, 910,673 in 2026, and 906,713 in 2027. However, these figures should be verified against the actual census data, which is expected to be released by the Government of India.

## Politics

Source: :
| District | No. | Constituency | Name | Party | Alliance |
| Mayiladuthurai | 160 | Sirkazhi (SC) | M. Panneerselvam | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam | SPA |
| Mayiladuthurai | 161 | Mayiladuthurai | S. Rajakumar | Indian National Congress | SPA |
| Mayiladuthurai | 162 | Poompuhar | Nivedha M. Murugan | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam | SPA |

### Lok Sabha representation

The Mayiladuthurai district is part of the Mayiladuthurai Lok Sabha constituency. The current Member of Parliament is Sudha Ramakrishnan of the Indian National Congress, who was elected in 2024.
| Constituency | MP | Party |
| Mayiladuthurai Lok Sabha | Sudha Ramakrishnan | Indian National Congress |

## Notable people

The following people are associated with the Mayiladuthurai district:
* Viswanathan Anand - An Indian chess grandmaster, five-time World Chess Champion, a two-time World Rapid Chess Champion and a two-time Chess World Cup Champion. He became the first grandmaster from India. He has been awarded with Padma Vibhushan – Second highest civilian award awarded by Government of India in 2008
* Kambar - A great poet and the aurther of Ramayana in Tamil Language popularly known as Kambaramayanam.
* Mayuram Vedhanaygam Pillai - An Indian civil servant, Tamil poet, novelist and social worker. He is remembered for the authorship of Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram, recognized as the "1st modern Tamil novel".
* Kalki Krishnamoorthy - An author who wrote some of the most popular historical romances in Tamil. Historical romance novels such as Ponniyin Selvan, Sivagamiyin Sabatham written by Kalki are some of the most beloved classics of popular Tamil fiction. Kalki was the founder of Kalki magazine.
* Gopalakrishna Bharathi- A Tamil poet and a composer of Carnatic music. He composed the Kathakalakshepam (கதாகாலக்ஷேபம்) Nandanar Charitram, two other works in this genre, and many independent kritis.
* M.S. Udhayamoorthy - A Tamil writer and social activist. Author of several books on self-improvement, Udayamurthy's prominent works include Ennangal (thoughts), Unnal Mudiyum Thambi (You can, brother), née than thambi mudhal amaichar (you are the chief minister).
* S.R. Renganathan - An Indian librarian and mathematician. He is considered to be the father of library science, documentation, and information science in India and is widely known throughout the rest of the world for his fundamental thinking in the field. His birthday is observed every year as National Librarian Day in India.
* Thillaiyadi Valliammai- A devoted disciple of Gandhiji who accompanied him to South Africa, aiding in the fight for justice and supporting victims of oppression
* Padma Shri Sirkazhi Govindarajan - A Tamil Carnatic vocalist and a leading playback singer of Tamil and Indian cinema.
* Nadaswaram Vidwan T.N. Rajarathinam - An Indian Carnatic musician, nadaswaram maestro, vocalist and film actor. He was popularly known as "Nadaswara Chakravarthi" (literally, the Emperor of Nadaswaram).
* G. N. Balasubramaniam – A prominent Carnatic vocalist, known for his contribution to classical music.
* M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar – A legendary Indian actor, singer, and composer, famous for his roles in Tamil cinema and his contributions to music.
* S. Kalyanaraman – Known for contributions in music or arts, though specific details aren't provided in the results.
* Sa. Kandasamy – Likely notable in literature or arts, given the context of the district's cultural history.
* K. Krishnamoorthy – Possibly related to literature or journalism, considering the district's connection to Tamil culture.
* P. Krishnamoorthy – Another figure potentially linked to cultural contributions in the district.
* R. K. Bharathi Mohan – Mentioned in political context, likely a politician or public figure in the region.
* P. Govindasamy Pillai – Might be recognized for contributions in arts, culture, or politics.
* R. D. Rajasekhar – Known in cultural or political spheres within the district.
* T. Rajendar – A Tamil filmmaker, actor, and lyricist with significant influence in the Tamil film industry.
* P. V. Rajendran – Possibly involved in politics or cultural activities.
* Kudanthai N. Ramalingam – Recognized for contributions, potentially in arts or politics.
* S. Ramanathan – A political figure from the district.
* S. R. Ranganathan – Known as the father of library science in India, though his association with Mayiladuthurai is less direct but notable due to his Tamil Nadu origin.
* K. R. Sambandam – Likely known in literature or cultural contexts.
* T. R. Venkatarama Sastri – Recognized for contributions in traditional arts or literature.
* S. R. D. Vaidyanathan – Might be known for contributions in medicine, arts, or another field.