Kilakarai

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Kilakarai
other_name = கீழக்கரை
skyline = Kilakarai-vista.jpg
skyline_caption = View of LightHouse Kilakarai
type = Town


latd = 9.23135 | latNS=N|longd=78.7844|longEW=Elatd = 9.23135 | longd = 78.7844
state_name = Tamil Nadu
district = Ramanathapuram
altitude = 8
climate = BSh
precip = 909
temp_summer = 30
temp_winter = 25
distance_1 = 558
direction_1 = S
destination_1 = Chennai
distance_2 = 132
direction_2 = E
destination_2 = Madurai
distance_3 = 18
direction_3 = S
destination_3 = Ramanathapuram
mode = land
established_title = Settled
population_total = 30,468
official_languages = Tamil
area_telephone = 91 4567
vehicle_code_range = TN 65
postal_code = 623 517
locator_position = right

Kilakarai (aka Keelakarai, Tamil - கீழக்கரை) is a [3rd category nakarachi ] in Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

History

Kilakarai is one of the greatest historical coastal city, situated in the southern part of Tamilnadu. Appa Tivu is exactly opposite to this Coastal City. The NallaTanni Tivu, Shuli Tivu, Uppu Tanni Tivu were situated in the southwest part of the City. Talari Tivu, Musal Tivu were also situated in the southeast part of the city.

Kilakarai residents include Muslims, Hindus of Devar, Nadar, etc and other communities such as Christians and Harijans living in harmony. Kilakarai, reminiscent of Spanish Moorish architecture is close to the Temple town of Rameswaram.

Kilakarai People main occupation is pearl fisheries. It was closely followed by conch trade. The famous Ervadi Dhargah,is situated in the western part of Kilakarai and Sethukkarai is situated in the eastern part of Kilakarai. The generous person Seethakathi lived and buried in Kilakarai.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Kilakarai had a population of 30,472. Males constitute 46% of the population and females 54%. Kilakarai has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 75%. In Kilakarai, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Notable past or present residents

*B S Abdul Rahman - Famous Industralist
*S V Nagarajan(S /O Villirajan Nadar) - Software Architect for Aircraft Maintenance

Photo Gallery : Kilakarai

Sources

¹OnlyPunjab.com [http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-news-status-2-newsID-30739.html "Tamil Nadu's Kilakarai--the birth place of world famous Indian conches"] , 9/3/2005 World News OnlyPunjab.com

² [http://www.bsabdurrahman.com "B.S. Abdur Rahman"] 12/12/2006

³Jaishankar, C. [http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/07/stories/2005080707620100.htm "An oasis in a desert A district bridging the gulf"] 08/07/2005 - The Hindu

⁴ [http://www.kilakaraiphotos.com www.kilakaraiphotos.com]

References