Theni district

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
type = District
native_name = Theni District
other_name =
nickname =
iucn_category =
state_name = Tamil Nadu
metro =
skyline = TN Districts Teni.gif
skyline_caption =
latd = |latm = |lats =
longd= |longm= |longs=
base_

locator_position = left
base_map_label = no
inset_map_marker = yes
map_caption =
area_total = 2889
area_magnitude =
area_rank =
area_total_cite =
area_metro =
area_metro_cite =
altitude =
altitude_cite =
coastline = 0
climate =
precip = 833.5
temp_annual =
temp_winter =15
temp_summer = 40.5
destinatione_1 =
direction_1 =
distance_1 =
mode_1 =
destinatione_2 =
direction_2 =
distance_2 =
mode_2 =
destinatione_3 =
direction_3 =
distance_3 =
mode_3 =
capital =
hq = Theni
largest_city = Bodinayakanur
largest_metro =
nearest_city =
region =
division =
district = Theni
districts =
taluk_names = Periyakulam, Theni, Andipatti, Uthamapalayam, Bodinayakanur
population_total = 1093950
population_rank =
population_as_of = 2001
population_total_cite =cite web
date=2006-2007
author=Collectorate staff
title=DISTRICT STATISTICAL HAND BOOK 2006-2007 THENI DISTRICT
url=http://www.theni.tn.nic.in/pdfs/statistics.pdf
accessdate= 2008-09-15
publisher= District Collectorate, Theni
pages=1-47
format=PDF]
population_density =
population_density_cite =
population_metro = 591841
population_metro_rank =
population_metro_as_of = 2001
population_metro_cite =
sex_ratio = M-50.5%/F-49.5%
literacy = 71.58%
literacy_male = 81.88%
literacy_female = 61.19%
official_languages = Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, English, Kannadam
leader_title_1 = Collector & District Magistrate
leader_name_1 = S. J. Chiru IAS
leader_title_2 =
leader_name_2 =
leader_title_3 =
leader_name_3 =
established_title =
established_date = July 07 1996
legislature_type = elected
legislature_strength = 5
parliament_const =
assembly_const =
planning_agency =
civic_agency =
corp_zone =
corp_ward =
jurisdiction_title_1 =
jurisdiction_name_1 =
jurisdiction_title_2 =
jurisdiction_name_2 =
jurisdiction_title_3 =
jurisdiction_name_3 =
blank_title_1 = Central location:
blank_value_1 = coord|10|04|N|77|45|E
blank_title_2 =
blank_value_2 =
abbreviation =
area_telephone = 04546
postal_code = 626531
unlocode =
vehicle_code_range = TN-60
website = www.theni.nic.in/
website_caption = Official website of District Collectorate, Theni
portal =
footnotes =


seal_size =
seal_caption =
coord_title =
autocat =

Theni District ( _ta. ேதனி மாவட்டம்) is a district of Tamil Nadu state in South India. The city of Theni is the district headquarters. The district is divided into two natural divisions: The hilly areas constituted by parts of the three taluks Periyakulam, Uthamapalayam and Andipatti with thick vegetation and perennial streams from the hills on the western side and Cumbum valley which lies in Uthamapalayam taluk.cite web
author= National Environmental Information System (India)
title= Environment Profile for Theni district
url=http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/DtProfiles/theni.pdf
accessdate= 2008-09-14
publisher= ENVIS
pages=1-29]

History

Theni District was formed by the bifurcation from erstwhile Madurai District as per G.O. Ms. No. 679 Revenue Department Dated July 07 1996. Consequent to the bifurcation, one new Revenue Division with headquarters at Uthamapalayam and two new Taluks at Theni and Bodinayakanur were also created with effect from January 1 1997. Theni Municipal town was only a firka headquarters until December 31 1996. Consequent to the formation of the new District, Theni Municipal Town was upgraded as the Taluk and District headquarters on January 01 1997. cite web
author= M.SUBRAMANI M.A., P.G.D.J & M.C., D.L.L & A.L., ( M.Phil.,)
title= History of Theni District.
url=http://www.thenitimes.sitesled.com/history.htm
accessdate= 2008-09-14
publisher= thenitimes.sitesled.com
pages=history p1/2 ]

Geography

The convert|2889|km2|sqmi|lk=out|abbr=on district lies at the foot of the Western Ghats between 9' 39' and 10' 30' North latitude and between 77' 00' and 78' 30' of East Longitude. Central location: coord|10|04|N|77|45|E. The district is bounded by Dindigul District to the north, Madurai District to the east, Virudhunagar District to the southwest, and Idukki district of the Kerala State to the west. The district is home to Theni, Periyakulam, Bodinayakanur, Cumbum, Uthamapalayam, Gudalur, Chinnamanur, Andipatti, Lakshmipuram and several other small villages like Kamatchipuram. It is diversified by several ranges and hills. A range of hills which runs parallel to Western Ghats from north to south separate it from the neighboring state of Kerala.cite web
author= M.SUBRAMANI M.A., P.G.D.J & M.C., D.L.L & A.L., ( M.Phil.,)
title= History of Theni District.
url= http://www.thenitimes.sitesled.com/history1.htm
accessdate= 2008-09-14
publisher= thenitimes.sitesled.com
pages=history p2/2 ]

Climate-In the plains, the temperatures range from a minimum of 13 °C to a maximum of 39.5 °C. In the hills the temperatures can range from as low as 4-5 °C to 25 °C. The district is known for its salubrious climate, hills and lakes.

Rivers and Dams-The Periyar River, Vaigai River, Kottagudi River, Suruliyar River, Varaganathi River, Manjalar River and Varattaru River flow through the district. The important reservoirs in the district are Vaigai Dam, Manjalaru Dam, Sothuparai Dam, Sanmughanathi Dam, Manalaru Dam and Melmanalaru Dam.

Economy

Its economy is mostly agricultural. Utilisation of land area for cultivation in Theni district is 40.33% p.29. The principal crop Production (in Tonnes) in 2005-2006 was: Sugarcane 1,201,221, Cotton 95,360 (561 Bales of 170.Kg lint Each), Rice (Paddy) 66,093, Millets and other Cereals 57,081, Pulses 6,677, Groundnut 4,021 and Gingelly 325.cite web
date=2006-2007
author=Collectorate staff
title=District Profile Theni District
url=http://www.theni.tn.nic.in/pdfs/District%20at%20a%20Glance.pdf
accessdate= 2008-09-15
publisher= District Collectorate, Theni
pages=1-15
format=PDF]
Silk, Banana, Coconut, Tea, Coffee, Cardamom, Grapes and Mangoes are other main produce of the district.

Cumbum Valley is a major centre for grape production with 4,000 small farmers producing over 90,000 tonnes of Muscat grapes, know locally as "panneer dhrakshai" and about 10,000 tonnes of Thomson seedless grapes. The unique feature here is that the grapes are harvested throughout the year, while in most grape growing centres elsewhere the season ends with summer.

Cotton Spinning Mills and Sugar Mills are the major industries in this District. In Andipatti Taluk Handloom weaving and power looms are flourishing. In Uthamapalayam Taluk, the Highwavis Estate produces an important amount of Tea. Bodinayakanur is a major market place for cardamom, coffee, tea and black pepper. This city is also called "Cardamom City" because of the large quantity of cardamom trade in this area. It has an auction centre for cardamom.

The Periyar and Surliar Hydro Power Stations and the Vaigai Micro Hydro Power Station have 181 MW installed capacity and actual power generation of 494 MW in 1996 in this District.p.15

Theni is one of the active business hubs in the western side of Tamilnadu, inviting more industries to its locality. The district currently has 41.09 km of Metre gauge track serving 3 Railway Stations which connect to Madurai. p.29

Forest Resouces

The forest area in Theni district is about 33.70%. There are 27 forest areas in Theni district constituting a total area of convert|795.81|km2|sqmi|lk=out|abbr=on. 19 areas fall under the Reserve Forest category with convert|255.44|km2|sqmi|lk=out|abbr=on, 8 areas under Reserve Land category with convert|540.37|km2|sqmi|lk=out|abbr=on. Total area of forest under green cover classification was convert|806.86|km2|sqmi|lk=out|abbr=on. Dense forest and Sparse forest are convert|292.81|km2|sqmi|lk=out|abbr=on and convert|22.43|km2|sqmi|lk=out|abbr=on respectively. There is no Unclassed Forest type in the district. About convert|44.65|km2|sqmi|lk=out|abbr=on of Man Made Forest Area are cultivated in the district. Wattle, Softwood, Fuel wood, Cashew, Neem, Tamarind are the main forest plantation species in Theni district.pp. 10-13]

There has been no conservation of biological resources in the district. The information of wild life census in Theni district is yet to be made availablepp 10-13]

Education

Secondary Schools-
# Nadar saraswathi boys higher secondary school, Theni (One of the Top 3 schools in the district)
# Gayatri Matriculation higher Secondary school, Chinnamanur
#HAJEE KARUTHA ROWTHER HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL.UTHAMAPALAYAM
# TKSMHR.sec school NRT NAGAR, THENI
# KPPEP AYYA Matriculation Hr.Sec School THENI
# ZKM higher Secondary School, Bodi. (Oldest and the largest school in the district)
# Pankajam girls higher secondary school, Bodi.
# ThirumalapuramNadar higher secondary school, Bodi.
# Nadar saraswathi girls higher secondary school, Theni
# Santiniketan matric school, (pc patti) Theni.
# Theni Kammavar Sangam Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Theni
# CNMS sivakami Mat Hr Sec School Chinnamanur
# Pachaiyappa Hindu Nadar Higher Secondary School, Kamatchipuram
# N S K Ponniah Gounder Higher Secondary School (NSKP), Gudalur
# Cardamom Planters union Higher secondary school, Cumbum
# Sri ALV high school,C.pudhu patti
# Sri V.V.Higher secondary School, [(Venkatachalapuram)]
# Pachaiyappa High school, uppukkottai
# Sri NAMMS matric school, Cumbum
# St.Aloysius higher secondary school, Royappanpatti
# S U M higher secondary school, Royappanpatti
# G R V higher secondary school, Mayladumparai
# Sharon matriculation School, Cumbum
# TMHNU Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Muthuthevanpatty, Theni
# Sri MPM high school, [Cumbum]
# Nagmaniammal Memorial Matriculation Higher Secondary School, [Cumbum]
# Al Azhar Matriculation Higher Secondary School, [Cumbum]
# The Little Kingdom School , Theni
# The Little kingdom Senior School , Theni

Government Aided Arts and Science Colleges-
# Planters Association College, BodinayakanurCardamom
# Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College, Uthamapalayam
# Jayaraj Annpackiam College for Women, Periyakulam
# Madurai Kamaraj University College, Andipatti

Self-financing Colleges-
# Jayaraj Chella Durai College , Nalla Karuppan Patty, Periyakulam East
# Nadar Saraswathi College of Arts and Science, Theni
# Sri Adi Chunchanagiri Women's College, Cumbum
# Theni College of Arts and Science, Veerapandi, Theni
# Jeyavenkatesh Arts and Science College, Keppurengan patti

Engineering Colleges-
# Odaiyappa College of Engineering and Technology, Theni
# Bharath Niketan Engineering College, Andipatti
# Thangam-Muthu Polytechnic, Nalla karuppan patty, Periyakulam

Medical College-
# Theni Government Medical College and Hospital, Theni

Agricultural College-
# Horticultural College and Research Institute, Nalla Karrupan patty, Periyakulam.

Forest Colege-
# Government Forest Training College, Vaigai Dam, Theni.

Tourism

Cumbum, Uthamapalayam and Theni are charming towns in the district. Resounding cascades, silver-lined clouds resting a top billiard green hill tops, sheer rock faces and temples of antiquity distinguish these places. These unique places warm the soul and provide the much-needed balm to the mind.Places of interest-
# Vaigai Dam (~20 km from Theni)
# Suruli falls (~50 km from Theni)
# Meghamalai Hill (~67 km from Theni)
# Bodi Mettu Hill (~45 km from Theni)
# Kumbakarai Falls (~24 km from Theni)
# Sothuparai Dam (~24 km from Theni)
# Shanmuganathi Dam (~50 km from Theni)

Temples-
# Kalatheeswarar Gnanamman Temple, Uthamapalayam(~30 km from Theni)
# Veerapandi Gowmariamman Temple (~8 km from Theni)
# Kuchanur Saneeswarar Temple (~25 km from Theni)
# Chinnamanur Sivagamiamman Temple (~26 km from Theni)
# Theertha thotti Subramanya Temple (~16 km from Theni)
# Periyakulam Balasubramanya Temple (~16 km from Theni)
# Devadanapatti Kamatchi Amman Temple (~35 km from Theni)
# Kamatchipuram Sri Pathira Kaliyamman Temple (~20 km from Theni)
# Mavoothu Vellappar Temple (~25 km from Theni)
# Suruli Vellapar Temple (~50 km from Theni)
# Karuppuswami Temple (~40 km from theni)
# Mallingar Swamy Temple, Mallingapuram(~40 km from Theni)
# Bodinayakanur Paramashivan Koil South Thiruvannamalai (`22 km from Theni)cite web
author= M.SUBRAMANI M.A., P.G.D.J & M.C., D.L.L & A.L., ( M.Phil.,)
title=Tourist Place in Theni District.
url= http://www.thenitimes.sitesled.com/Tourist%20Place.htm
accessdate= 2008-09-15
publisher= thenitimes.sitesled.com
pages=1,Tourist Place]

Churches-
# Uthamapalayam St.Vinnarasi Church
# Rayappan patti Pani (snow) Maya Matha Church
# Chinnamanur Bethel Church India, PTR Channel Road , Annamalai Nagar .

Mosques-
# Periya Palli vasal, Uthamapalayam
#Shabi pallivasal,Uthamapalayam
#Haji harutha rowther matharasha pallivasal,Uthamapalayam
#Noorul huda palivasal,Uthamapalayam
#vaaver palli vasal [cumbum]
#kaattu palli vasal [cumbum]
# pallivasal in kuchanur cite web
author= M.SUBRAMANI M.A., P.G.D.J & M.C., D.L.L & A.L., ( M.Phil.,)
title= Temples Theni District.
url=http://www.thenitimes.sitesled.com/Temples.htm
accessdate= 2008-09-14
publisher= thenitimes.sitesled.com
pages=1 ]

Festivals

The Ramzan peru naal thozhuhai at uthamapalayam in theni dist very famous for the district. The celebration of Gowmariyamman temple festival at Veerapani during the month of May, Veerappa Ayyanar festival at Theni, Kamatchi Amman festival at Devadhanapatti and Saneeswaran Temple festival at Kuchanoor are the most important festivals of the district. Theni district is known for its brilliant celebration of Pongal, which is considered to be one of the most important festivals of Tamil Nadu. Pallavarayanpatti is very famous for its "Jallikattu" during the Pongal festival. Another important festival is Chitra Pournami festival, which is celebrated at Sri Mangala Devi Kannagi temple, on the Western Ghats near Gudalur during the month of May. Other important festivals of the region are the festivals of Masi Maham and Shivarathri which are celebrated in the Kamatchi Amman Temple during the months of February-March.

Famous Personalities

Theni District is home to several well known Tamil entertainment personalities including:

Barathiraja , a famous director in Tamil film industry has won many awards including Best Director awards by Indian Government and Tamilnadu State Government. His son Manoj is actor in tamil films.

Illayaraja , the Isai Gnani ( Famous film music director) is from Pannaipuram of Theni district. His brother Gangai Amaran also famous music director and film director in tamil film industry. Yuvansankar Raja, Karthick Raja and daughter Bhavadharani are the children of Illayaraja and are famous artists in Indian Film Industry.

Vairamuthu, the Tamil poet from the Vadugapatti nearby village of Theni, has won many awards from Government and other organisations.

Kasthuri Raja, the another famous director in Tamil cine Industry, who is also known for Village subjects belongs to Theni. The Director Selvaraghavan and the Young Actor Dhanush are the sons of the Tamil language famous film director Kasthuri Raja.

Rajasekar, the Director and actor and his brother Actor Selva are also from Theni.

Vaiyapuri, a Tamil Comedy actor

Kunjarammal , aTamil Comedy actress

Sevvalai Raju, a Tamil film sub actor

Baskar Sakthi , a famous screen play & dialogue writer in Tamil television serials.cite web
author= M.SUBRAMANI M.A., P.G.D.J & M.C., D.L.L & A.L., ( M.Phil.,)
title= Special News in Theni District.
url=http://www.thenitimes.sitesled.com/Special%20News_famous.htm
accessdate= 2008-09-14
publisher= thenitimes.sitesled.com
pages=1 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.thenitimes.sitesled.com/ Theni District information]
* [http://www.theni.tn.nic.in/ Theni District]
* [http://i-theni.blogspot.com/ In and Around Theni]
* [http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm Census 2001]
* [http://www.theninews.com]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVGk5aVJlko Video Top Station]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WinjCqUmQvg&mode=related&search=Video Munnar]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhwF0YZpvqw Cumbum Valley Video]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nmzsxfh5_g Meghamalai Wild Life Video]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv6kwpkvjgc Periyar Lake Ferry Service]
* [http://www.alllocale.com/group/theni About Theni]
* [http://theni.nic.in/statistics.pdf Statistical Hand Book]