Rameshwaram

In the early 15th Century the present territories of Ramanathapuram district comprising of taluks Tiruvadanai, Paramakudi, Kamuthi, Mudukulathur, Ramanathapuram and Rameshwaram were included in Pandiyan Kingdom.For a short period, this area was under the Chola Kings when Rajendra Chola brought it under his territory in 1063 AD.In 1520 AD,the Nayaks of Vijayangar took over this area under their control from the Pandiyan dynasty for about two centuries, Marava chieftains-Sethupathis who were Lords under Pandiyan Kings and reigned over this part in 17th century. At the beginning of the 18th century, family disputes over succession resulted in the division of Ramanathapuram.With the help of the King of Thanjavur in 1730 A.D. one of the chieftains deposed Sethupathy and became the Raja of Sivaganga.Acting upon the weakness of the Nayak rules, the local chieftains became independent.Raja of Sivagangai, Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram were prominent among them.In 173, Chand, a Sahib of Carnatic, captured Ramanathapuram.In 1741, the area came under the control of the Marattas and then under the Nizam in 1744 AD, Nawab’s rule made displeasure in the mind of those chieftains.That made them declare the last Nayak as ruler of Pandiya Mandalam against the Nawab in 1752 AD.

In 1795, the British deposed Muthuramalinga Sethupathy and took control of the administration of Ramanathapuram. In 1801 Mangaleswari Nachiyar was made the Zamindar of Sivagangai.After passing of Queen, the Marudhu Brothers took the charge by paying regular revenue to the East India company.In 1803 the Marudhu Brothers of Sivaganga revolted against the British in collaboration with Kattabomman of Panchalamkurichi.Colonel Agnew captured Marudhu Brothers and hanged them and made Gowri Vallbah Periya Udaya Thevar as Zamindar of Sivaganga.After the fall of Tippu Sultan, British took the control and imprisoned the Nawab.In 1892 the Zamindari system was abolished and a British Collector was appointed for administration.In 1910, Ramanathapuram was formed by clubbing portions from Madurai and Tirunelveli district.The southernmost tip of the island was completely washed away by a cyclone in 1964.Now Rameshwaram is a town in Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Rameshwaram is located at 9.28° N 79.3° E.It has an average elevation of 10 metres or 32 feet.The religious island is spread in an area of 61.8 square kilometers and happens to be in the shape of a conch.The Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area of Rameshwaram. The island is connected to mainland India by the Pamban Bridge.Rameshwaram has dry tropical climate, Average annual rainfall is 94cm, Receives mostly from North East monsoon from October to January.Temperature will be around 30°C to 35°C, Highest ever recorded at Pamban station is 37°C and lowest is 17° C.

As of 2001 India census,Rameshwaram had a population of 38,035.Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Rameshwaram has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%,male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 66%. In Rameshwaram, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy consists mostly of agriculture,fishing and tourism.Paddy,rice jowar, ragi, bajra, maize, chilly and pulses.Cotton, sugarcane, coconut, tea and coffee as well as a number of horticultural products like bananas and mangoes are cash crops while ground nuts, sesame, sun flower are important oil seeds crops.

The Tamilnadu Fisheries Department implements various welfare schemes to fishermen viz., the scheme for the development of marine and inland fish production, schemes for upliftment of socio economic standards of fishing community, conservation of marine fishery resources, development of infrastructure through provision of fishing harbour and landing jetties.

The Marine Fauna found in the sea here are with rare sea species and coral reefs.Remarkable variety of marine life-algae, starfish, sea cucumber, crabs, sponges and the sea cow are found here.The serene beach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.This is the only place where one could swim in the sea day and night.An enjoyable sight is frolic of dolphins in the water.A leisurely drive along the Dhanushkodi road is a pleasant experience.The clear sea, backwater edged with waving bulrushes, surrounds the road.Stretches of virtually untouched beach sparkle in the fading light and it is from here that you get a spectacular view of the sunset.Towards the end of the road a few transient settlements of fishermen can be seen in the fishing season.