Overview of the Ramanathapuram District

In 1910, Ramanathapuram was formed by clubbing portions from Madurai and Tirunelveli districts. Shri J.F. BRYANT I.C.S. was the first collector. During the British period this district was called as Ramnad. The name continued after independence. Later the district was renamed as Ramanathapuram to be in conformity with the Tamil Name for this region. Ramanathapuram is also known as Mugavai (face) as the River Vaigai ends it journey here in the Palk Strait.

As per GO Ms.No. 347 dated 08.03.1985, Ramanathapuram was trifurcated on 15.03.1985 as

• Sivagangai District which consists of Thiruppattur, Karaikudi, Devakottai, Sivaganga, Manamadurai and Illaiyankudi Taluks.
• Virudhunagar District which consist of Sriviliputur, Virudhunagar, Thiruchuli, Aruppukottai, Sathur and Rajapalayam Taluks.
• Ramanathapuram District which consists of Tiruvadanai, Paramakudi, Kamuthi, Mudukulathur, Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram Taluks.

At present, Ramanathapuram District has Nine Taluks inclusive of Kadaladi, Keelakarai and Raja Singa Mangalam (RS Mangalam).

Geographical location

This district lies between 90 05′ and 90 50′ Northern latitudes 780 10′ and 790 27′ Eastern longitudes.

This district is bound by Virudunagar and Tuticorin districts in the West and Sivagangai and Pudukuttai districts in the North . On the East and South, the boundaries are palk bay and the Gulf of Mannar.

Climate

The district has a Dry, hot weather condition throughout the year except the North East monsoon season in November and December.

People and Culture

Classical Tamil literature during sangam period classifies the land into five categories (Kurinchi, Mullai, Marudham, Neydhal, Paalai) depend upon the physical, geographical, socio-economic patterns of different parts of the country. This nature based classification throws some light on the relation and interdependence between the nature and people’s life pattern.

One of the five classified categories, Paalai (desert) has some basic prescriptions. Paalai is a mixture of Mullai and Kurinchi tracts, rather than as a mere sandy area, would be the symbol of nature. Separation and sorrow being the icon of psychological behavior attached to this category. Durga and other security gods be spiritual symbols.

Source : Ramanathapuram district website