Ramanathapuram facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ramanathapuram Muguvai Ramnad (shortened)
Special Grade Municipality
Ramanathapuram Location in Tamil Nadu
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Ramanathapuram
Government
• Type	Special Grade Municipality
• Body	Ramanathapuram Municipality
Elevation	35 m (115 ft)
Population  (2011)
• Total	61,440
• Rank	2nd in Ramanathapuram District (as of 2011 census)
Languages
• Official	Tamil
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
Telephone code	04567
Vehicle registration	TN-65
Website	http://ramanathapuram.nic.in

Ramanathapuram, also called Ramnad, is a city in the Tamil Nadu state of India. It is the main city and administrative center of the Ramanathapuram district. It's also the second-largest town in the district based on its population.

A Look at History

The temple of Mugavai, South India (1858)

Ramanathapuram is sometimes known as Mukhavai Nagaram, which means "Entrance town." This area has a very long history, going back to ancient times.

The region was once part of the Ramnad estate, which included the holy island city of Rameswaram. Legend says that the Hindu god Rama started his journey to Lanka from here. After his victory, he chose a "Sethupathi" (meaning "lord of the bridge") to protect the path to the island. This "bridge" is believed to be the legendary Rama's Bridge.

For a short time around 1063 CE, the Chola dynasty ruled this area. Later, in the 12th and 13th centuries, Hazrat Sulthan Syed Ibrahim Shaheed of Ervadi governed the province. His family continued to rule after making a peace agreement with the Sethupathis.

From the 14th to the 15th centuries, the region was part of the Pandyan Empire. The local leaders, known as Sethupathis, were recognized by the Nayak kings of Madurai.

Becoming Independent

As the power of the Nayak kings of Madurai weakened in the late 1600s, the Sethupathis of Ramnad became more independent. In the late 17th century, Raghunatha Kilavan became king of Ramnad. He moved his capital closer to the east coast and built strong defenses.

However, family disagreements led to parts of the kingdom splitting off. In 1730, with help from the King of Thanjavur, one leader took over the Sivaganga region. This left only about three-fifths of the original kingdom for the King of Ramnad.

British Rule

In 1741, the Marathas took control of the area, followed by the Nizam in 1744. Later, in 1752, local leaders rebelled against the Nawab's rule. This led to conflicts known as the Carnatic Wars.

In 1795, the British took over Ramanathapuram. After the death of Queen Velu Nachiyar, the Maruthu brothers managed the area. But in 1803, they rebelled against the British. The British captured and executed them.

By 1892, the British ended the old land ownership system (Zamindari) and appointed a British collector to manage the area. In 1910, Ramanathapuram was officially formed as a district, combining parts of the Madurai and Tirunelveli districts. It was called "Ramnad" during British times, a name that continued after India became independent. Later, it was renamed Ramanathapuram to match its Tamil name.

People and Population

According to the 2011 census, Ramanathapuram had a population of 61,440 people. For every 1,000 males, there were 988 females, which is higher than the national average. About 6,370 children were under the age of six.

The average literacy rate (people who can read and write) in the town was 83.42%. This is higher than India's national average of 72.99%. Most people in Ramanathapuram are Hindus (76.39%), followed by Muslims (19.77%) and Christians (3.08%).

City Management

Ramanathapuram is a municipality, which means it has its own local government. The town has grown since the district headquarters moved here from Madurai. New railway lines connect the town to many major Indian cities.

The Vaigai River fills a large tank (Periya Kanmaai) in the town. This water is used for farming. The town also has many ponds that provide water for its residents.

Ramanathapuram is home to several engineering colleges, including Anna University's UCER-Ramnad campus, Syed Ammal Engineering College, and Mohamed Sathak Engineering College.

Interestingly, former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam went to Schwartz Higher Secondary School in Ramanathapuram.

Where is Ramanathapuram?

Ramanathapuram is located at 9.38°N latitude and 78.83°E longitude. It is only about 2 meters (6 feet) above sea level. Nearby towns include Paramakudi, Rameshwaram, Mudukulathur, Kilakarai, and Manamadurai.

Getting Around

Ramanathapuram is in southeastern Tamil Nadu. It is connected by NH 49 (also known as AH 43) which goes from Madurai to Rameswaram. The East Coast Road is another important road that connects Ramanathapuram to Chennai, Pondicherry, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari.

The Ramanathapuram railway station has good train connections to major cities across India. The closest airport is Madurai Airport, which is about 125 km away. There is also a naval station, INS Parundu, located nearby in Uchipuli.

Things to See and Do

Palace of Ramanathapuram

Many tourists visit Ramanathapuram to see the Raja Palace. The former Sethupaty Raja and his family still live there. The royal family also sends an elephant for a special procession during the annual Santhanakoodu Festival in Erwadi.

Ramanathapuram is close to several important ancient pilgrimage sites, including Rameswaram, Devipattinam, Thiruppullani, and Uthirakosamangai.

If you like beaches, you can visit Ariyamaan Beach near Uchipuli, where the Indian naval air station is located. Other popular beaches in the Ramnad region include Periyapattinam, Athiyuthu, Panaikulam, Alagankulam, Puduvalasai, Chittarkottai, and Valoor beaches.

There is also a memorial for former President of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam at Peikarumbu, close to Ramanathapuram.

Notable People

• Jegaatha (born 1956), a famous Tamil author.

See also

In Spanish: Ramanathapuram para niños