Krishnagiri

Krishnagiri (கிருட்டிணகிரி)
—  town  —
Krishnagiri (கிருட்டிணகிரி) Location of Krishnagiri (கிருட்டிணகிரி) in Tamil Nadu and India
Coordinates	12°32′N 78°14′E / 12.53°N 78.23°E / 12.53; 78.23Coordinates: 12°32′N 78°14′E / 12.53°N 78.23°E / 12.53; 78.23
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District(s)	Krishnagiri
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha)	E.G. Sugavanam
Member of Legislative Assembly	K. P. Munusamy
Municipal Chairman	K. R. C Thanga Muthu
Population	65,024 (2001[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 631 metres (2,070 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 63500x • Telephone • +(+91)-(0)4343 • Vehicle • TN 24
Website	www.krishnagiri.tn.nic.in

Krishnagiri (Tamil: கிருட்டிணகிரி) is a municipal city and the headquarters of Krishnagiri District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 90 km from Bangalore and 45 km from Hosur. Mango is cultivated as the main crop and it is considered the birth place of mangoes. The land here is extremely fertile with rich access to fresh water and is amenable to growing crops. Krishnagiri is a rapidly growing town and is the site of significant business and residential development. The Krishnagiri Dam is currently undergoing expansion and a variety of small scale industry zones are being set up.

History of Krishnagiri region

The Krishnagiri district has a prehistoric importance. Archeological sources confirm the presence of habitats of man kind during Paleolithic, Neolithic and Mesolithic Ages. Various rock paintings and rock carvings of Indus Valley civilization and Iron Age seen in this district support the historical significance of this district.

Krishnagiri region is a part of the ancient Kongu Nadu and Chera country. Historically it was ruled by Kongu and Chera rulers. Later the region came under Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Nulambas, Hoysalas, Vijaya Nagar and Bijapur emperors, Wodeyars of Mysore and Nayaks of Madurai. This region of Krishnagiri served as "Gateway of Tamil Nadu" and the protective barrier for Southern region defending onslaughts from barriers with motives of imperialism and exploitation. Krishnagiri Fort become the first and forth most defensive place. The majestic fortress built on Krishnagiri hill by the Vijaya Nagar Emperors, stands as testimony still now.

During Mysore war I the British troops passed through Krishnagiri to attack Hyder Ali's Forces at Kaveripattinam. British army was defeated here. In Mysore war II after the "Treaty of Srirangapattinam" entire region of Salem and Barah Mahal were surrendered to the British. In 1792 AD, Captain Alexander Reed became the first District Collector of this region. Under the diplomacy of Robert Clive, the then Governor of Madras Presidency, Krishnagiri became the headquarters of Bara Mahal.

A mint was established at Krishnagiri in 1794 AD. Gold, silver and copper coins were forged here. Many soldiers from Krishnagiri region took part in the world war and lost their lives. The "Mango of Krishnagiri", Dr. C. Rajagopalachari, who hailed from a small village in this district rose to the highest position in the nation as the first Governor General of independent India, leader of the Congress Party, and as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

The historical importance and potential growth in education, economy and tourism of present Krishnagiri made it necessary to create a separate district. Krishnagiri was formed as 30th district by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Krishnagiri district was carved out of Dharmapuri district on 9 February 2004 with five taluks and ten blocks. Thiru. Mangat Ram Sharma, I.A.S has administered the office as first Collector of Krishnagiri District.^[1]

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[2] Krishnagiri had a population of 65,024. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Krishnagiri has an average literacy rate of 72%, significantly higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 66%. In Krishnagiri, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Climate and Weather

Overview & Best Season of Krishnagiri

Krishnagiri experiences Savanna type climate (Tropical savanna climate) during the summers. Summers are generally warm and dry. Monsoon season brings substantial amount of rainfall to this region and Krishnagiri experiences a long monsoon. Winters are generally pleasant and comfortable. This is the best time to visit the place. However, overall climatic conditions of Krishnagiri resemble Bangalore. There are three distinct seasons that can be seen in Krishnagiri.

• Summer is from the months of March to June. During this time temperatures are warm and mercury rise up to around 38°C and dipping a minimum of 32°C. April and May are generally the hottest months of the year and the heat could be uncomfortable.

• Monsoon season is from the months of July to November. During this time temperatures are mild and pleasant. Heavy rainfall can be expected in short intervals. Monsoon season is also a good time to visit as there are breaks in the rainfall.

• December to February constitutes the Winter months and there are the best times to visit the place. Temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C to a maximum of 23°C.

^[3]

Krishnagiri and Mangoes

The Mango's Own Country

The National fruit of our Country as well the state of Tamil Nadu is Mango and the major crop of Krishnagiri district with 300.17 km² of cultivation is mango. The district produces 300,000 tones annually. Almost 20% of the mango varieties like ‘Thothapuri’ and ‘Alphonso’ that are produced in this district, are processed into pulp. In addition to mango pulp processing, tonnes of mangoes are processed into juice every year in this district. A large scale, Mango export zone has been approved for the Krishnagiri district. This will allow growing as well as processing of mangoes thus yielding higher profits for the farmers.^[4]

Approximately 25 industries located in this district process mangoes. Much of the population in this district is employed through mango cultivation directly and other labour class benefit through employment in mango processing units. There are about 150 mango nurseries which produce mango saplings in and around ‘Santhur Village‘ . The district exports mango based products worth over 500 crores.

Under the horticulture development program, government owned horticulture farms are functioning here. Through these units, about 3 lakhs of fruit saplings are produced and distributed under different schemes.

Apart from production and export, Krishnagiri also hosts Mango exhibition every year which is the unique in its kind in line with the annual exhibition held at New Delhi.

Roads and Transportation

While the following Three National Highways originates from Krishnagiri,

• 1. Krishnagiri-Ranipet (NH-46)
• 2. Puducherry-Krishnagiri (NH-66)
• 3. Krishnagiri-Madanapalli (NH-219)
• 4. Varanasi - Kanyakumari via Krishnagiri (NH-7),the Longest National Highway of India connecting (Varanasi - Kanyakumari) passes through it.

The NH7 highway has recently undergone expansion to allow increased traffic access from Bangalore/Hosur to Krishnagiri.

The new bus stand on the outskirts of the town is well connected by government buses and private carriers to Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore and other major cities and towns in Tamil Nadu.

The nearest railway junction is Jolarpet (60 km) and the nearest railway station is Rayakottai (30 km). A proposal is before the central government to build a Railway station in Krishnagiri thus making it part of the Indian railway network. This is set to facilitate trade of textiles and fruits.^[5]

The nearest Commercial Airport is Bangalore International Airport (91 km) and Salem Airport (110 km). Hosur Airport a Private Licensed Airfield/Aerodrome operated by Taneja Aerospace & Aviation ^[6] also exists in the district.

Tourism

Krishnagiri Reservoir dam

Thousands of visitors visit Krishnagiri each year. Majority come from Hosur/Bangalore and Chennai. KRP (Krishnagiri Reservoir project) dam constructed in 1960's during the rule of the then Chief Minister Kamaraj located near the town, is a nice picnic spot. Nearby, Sayed Basha hills has a fort that was the fortress of the ruler, Tippu Sultan,. Treks to the nearby hills/mountains as well as farm houses are located in the outskirts. The boat house is situated 8 km from the central bus stand which also a houses Children's park. There are a variety of ancient temples in the vicinity of Krishnagiri. Nearby Ramapuram is the site of a 500 year old Rama Temple that draws many visitors each year.

Politics

State Legislature

Krishnagiri Assembly Constituency is a part of Krishnagiri Lok Sabha Constituency.^[7] In the 2011 State General Elections, Krishnagiri Assembly Constituency is held by K. P. Munusamy, District secretary of AIADMK. K. P. Munusamy has also taken charge as the Minister for Municipal Admin. and Rural Development, Govt. of Tamil Nadu.

Parliament

Krishnagiri Lok Sabha Constituency is represented by DMK politician E.G. Sugavanam who is famous for defeating J. Jayalalithaa in the 1996 state assembly elections in the constituency Bargur.

Population

Census

census year	population	variation	percentage
1941	15311	-	-
1951	19774	4416	29.15
1961	23827	4053	20.50
1971	35263	11556	48.30
1981	48335	12952	36.60
1991	60381	11980	21.97
2001	65204	4889	7.49

Population Density

Lake on Rayakottai Road

The gross density of the town during 1971-2001 is given below.

year	Gross density PPH
1971	31
1981	42
1991	51
2001	57

Religion

The majority town folks of Krishnagiri are Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Krishnagiri is the place of galore of Religious institutions of all religions. All the people here at Krishnagiri live in harmony and preach brotherhood among different religions.

Krishnagiri houses more than 50 temples. Famous and important temples of them are as follows:

• Kattu Anjanaeyar Temple located in outskirts of the town attracts many devotees everyday
• Subrahmaniya Swamy Temple in Katnampatti near Govt. Arts College famous for Kavadi
• Narasimma Swamy Temple in Oldpet
• Navaneetha Krishnan Temple in Pudupet
• Dharmaraja Temple in Oldpet is famous for Bharatham (annual Mahabharatham recitation) and Terukkuttu
• Sivan Temple in T.V.Malai road

Churches like C.S.I Christ Church (more than 350 member families), Fathima Church - Vincent de paul Parish (a Traditional Roman Catholic Church) and I.E.L.C Church are all situated in the Bengaluru road.

A lot of Mosques are found inside in the town as well as the areas surrounding the National Highway 7. Krishnagiri Dharga located near new bus stand is significant in this district. Syed Basha hill also houses a Mosque which is crowded during the festivities.

A big dyana mandapam for the Jains is also found at the center of the town. Krishnagiri Samithi of the Sathya Sai Organization located opposite to Govt. Girls School is famous in this district.

Entertainment

Krishnagiri is a well known name in Movies and Television. It has many Cinema theaters in and around the town. Some of them are Shanthi, Raja, K-Theatre, Nayanthara, Apsara, Anand, Nayanthara and Nayanthara Theatre which serves the B-Center and C-center audience.

Krishnagiri attracts the travelers around the adjoining states by its greenish paddy fields, mango trees and Forts built on hills. Krishnagiri Dam is built on the Thenpennai river is a must to visit place in the district. Apart from this, Boat House is located on Krishnagiri-Salem Highway. Children parks are also setup in various places in this town.

Gallery

• 

  C.S.I Christ Church, Krishnagiri, Diocese of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
• 

  Altar, C.S.I Christ Church
• 

  Historical Fort remains built during Vijayanagar empire on Syed Basha hill.
• 

  Greenish scenery at the dam.
• 

  Krishnagiri reservoir dam front view.
• 

  View of KRP Dam from back side.
• 

  Shoolagiri temple located between Krishnagiri and Hosur
• 

  R.C. Fatima Church, Krishnagiri
• 

  R.C. Fatima Church Inner view, Krishnagiri
• 

  Krishnagiri Bus Stand, a view from the Syed Basha Hill.
• 

  Front view of the Bus stand
• 

  Main Block of Government Engineering College, Krishnagiri

Institutions

Main article: List of educational institutions in Krishnagiri

Schools

• Bharat Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• Bharat International School
• Government Boys Higher Secondary School
• Government Girls Higher Secondary School
• Cambridge Educational Research Centre & Cambridge Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• Sri Vijay Vidhyalaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• Trinity Higher Secondary School
• Nalandha Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• Krishiland Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• St. Anne's Girls High School (R.C. Girls School)
• R.C. Boys High School
• St. Anne's Nursery and Primary School
• Fathima Convent
• Annai Velankanni Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• D.K. Samy Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• Government Music School, Krishnagiri
• Krishiland Matriculation Higher Secondary School
• M.T.V Matric Higher Secondary School
• Sri Sathya Sai Matriculation School
• Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School

Colleges

• Government College of Engineering, Barugur, Krishnagiri - 635108
• Arignar Anna College of Arts and Science, Krishnagiri - 635001
• Gonzaga College of Arts and Science for Women, Krishnagiri - 635108
• Government Arts and Science College for Women, Bargur, Krishnagiri - 635104
• Government Arts College for Men, Krishnagiri - 635001
• Government Arts College for Women – Krishnagiri - 635001
• Sivagamiammal College of Arts and Science, Krishnagiri - 635001
• Government Polytechnic College, Krishnagiri - 635001
• IRT Polytechnic college, Bargur, Krishnagiri - 635108
• St.Joseph's Polytechnic College, Krishnagiri - 635108
• P.S.V College of Engineering & Technology, Mittapalli, Near Kandikuppam, Krishnagiri - 635108

Hospitals

• Government General Hospital
• St. Louis Hospital
• Om Shakthi Polyclinic
• Jeeva Hospital
• R K Hospital
• Om Prakash Clinic
• Dr. Agarwal's eye Hospital
• TCR Hospital

References

1. ^ "Top at the Roll of Honour". Krishnagiri Collectorate (Krishnagiri, India). 2004-02-09. http://www.krishnagiri.tn.nic.in/rollofhonour.html. 
2. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 
3. ^ "Krishnagiri Profile". http://www.krishnagiri.tn.nic.in/profile.html. 
4. ^ "Mango export zone in Krishnagiri soon: Collector". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 2009-06-22. http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/22/stories/2009062256490500.htm. 
5. ^ "Rahul visit raises hopes on rail project". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 2009-09-10. http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/10/stories/2009091055080600.htm. 
6. ^ url=http://www.taal.co.in/contact/contact.htm
7. ^ "List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies". Tamil Nadu. Election Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2006-05-04. http://web.archive.org/web/20060504185928/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf. Retrieved 2008-10-09. 

External links

• Krishnagiri District Website
• Krishnagiri Mango

See also

• Krishnagiri (Lok Sabha constituency)
• Krishnagiri (State Assembly Constituency)
• Transport in Krishnagiri