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INTRODUCTION

Kovilpatti is one of the earliest settlements of TamilNadu. It was formerly

included in Tirunelveli district and now in Thoothukudi district carved out of

Tirunelveli district on 20.10.1986.1 Kovilpatti is situated in the grid of 9o 30’

north latitude and 77o 30 east longitude 2


It is nestling beneath the

swarnakathirasa, hills, which is one hundred and fifty meters above sea level.3

Kovilpatti is located on N.H.Seven Connecting Madurai to Tirunelveli at a

distance of nintysix Kilometers South of Madurai fifty eight Kms north of

Tirunelveli, Sixty Kms North West of Thoothukudi and forty Kms. East of

Sankarankovil. Kovilpatti is also linked with broad gage railway line between

Madurai and Tirunelveli4 and now it is the second biggest town and commercial

centre of Thoothukudi district. Kovilpatti is the gateway for entrants to

Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts from North and west. It is on the

Southeren bank of river vaippar and also on the northern bank of river kayatharu

alias Ramanathi and river Tambraparani.5

1 th
G.O.M.S.No.1314. Revenue dated 27 Septemper 1986.
2
Pharoah and Co, A Gazetteer of South India, London, 1885, P.280.
3
Book For General Information to public on Town Panchayatsd, Thoothukudi, 1988, P.1.
4
Sundararajans.S Nooru Andukalukkumun Tirunelveli Mavattam (Tamil) Madras. 1985. P.70.
5
Perumal K.V. Porunaivalam. Chennai, 1977. P.48.

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Area of Kovilpatti:

Kovilpatti Comprises of many wet, dry, inam and porambokku lands.

According to the settlement of the revenue Accounts, the lands are mostly

divided in to four broad divisions. They are Occupied, Unoccupied, inam and

porambokkulands. In the first two divisions wet and dry lands are included. The

occupied land division is of 92626.5 Acres. In its wet lands are of 152,250

acres, while dry lands are of 774.015 acres. The unoccupied land division is of

0.9 acres of wet land and 0.39 acres of dry land. The inam and porambokku land

covers 3,10,54.5 acres. Thus totally Kovilpatti has 1237.20.0 acres of land6.

Name of Kovilpatti:

Kovilpatti reputed for its hosiness and fertility of the soil has a glorious

history in the past and present. The name Kovilpatti conveys, it self the meaning

of holiness. The term Kovil is a respectable Tamil word while patti denotes the

village. Which is also considered as the abode of Lord siva. Hence the place

became important to the followers of saivaites. It is known from the inscriptions

of Poovananatha swamy and shenbagavalli Amman temple and copper plate

sources of Bharathimutt in Manthithoppu in south of Kovilpatti. The name of

the town kovilpatti is called by various names Kovilpuri and Kovil village.7

6
A Register Number 18, Kovilpatti village, Kovilpatti Taluk, Thoothukudi District.
7
A.R.E., 1940-1941, No.297.

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Enchanting Nature:

Kovilpatti region is endowed with a wealth of natural beauty. The salient

feature is the pict uresque range of swarna Kathiresa hills on the South east side

of kovilpatti. It is widely spread over more than five miles in Kovilpatti. The

range is an inspiring nature’s creation. Climbing on the hills and looking back

on the southernside one can see the gift of nature encircling Kovilpatti.

The sheer beauty of this hills denseforest, fertile green lands, vast plain,

sprawling paddy fields, banana plantations and etc have all blessed the people

of kovilpatti for ages. A sulparious climate in another priceless gift of the nature

of this place. The climate is both likable and equable. The nature bestowed the

region with the river north as vaippar south as uppodai alias kayatharu flows

and provide fair irrigation. This region is mostly irrigated by the tanks and

wells.

The Chief crops of this region are cotton, Cholam, Cumbu, Chillies

Gingely, oil seeds, Rice and Ragi .8 The period from September to December is

the northeast monsoon greatly infiuence the climate of the region and also due

season to the dwindling heights of westernghats. The winds in Kovilpatti are

lower invelocity than those in the western side of the ghats. From the north east

monsoon period Kovilpatti receives little rainfall averaging 964m.m to 228m.m.

The town is very airy between the months of June and August because of a pass

8
Statistical Report of Kovilpatti taluk for the year 1989 – 1990.

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in the Western Ghats. There are six major and twenty one minor tanks in

kovilpatti region fed by the rain water or less supplied from river channels are

maintained by the publicworks Department.9 Which is particularly oppressive is

from March to May. It contains soil both of the red and black sorts. Kovilpatti

taluk has 95770 hectare forest area.10

The special characteristics of the Kovilpatti flora are its diversity,

becautyand Econamic value. It seems to be the home of the palm trees and the

important medicinal plants. The hills which are found extensively are covered

with dense forests. The forests provide a variety of plants and trees. Some

important trees are palmyras and Tamarinds. The black cotton soil which

considered the best suitable soil for cotton cultivation spread over Kovilpatti

region and its surroundings.

The Fauna in general represents a majority of species related to those of

other parts of peninsular India. The wild life though restricted to the South

western ghates. Hill myna the Nilgiri Whistling thrush, Fairly Bluebird, Palleas

fishing eagle, crestedserpen Eagle, foresteage, Nilgiriwoodpigeon and

Hawakcuckoo are found in the hills of Kovilpatti. Cows are domesticated in

most houses. Bulls and buffalos are used for ploughing. The important

mammals of the kovilpatti region are the Indian fox, Jackal, the serbillrat and

field mouse and house rat.

9
Report from the Excutive Engineer water resources organization, P.W.D. Korampallam Division, Thoothkudi.
10
Potential linked credit plan for children barenar district, Tamil Nadu, 1996 – 1997.

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The physical feature of the land helpsin establishing the character of this

land as the region of scenic beauty with the plenty of resource in water and soil.

As it is as river basin the development in the field of irrigation, agriculture and

power are manifold.11 Mineral resource in Sulamangalam near Kovilpatti rich

bands of Lithiam, is available. Lithiam mixed water is used for making

medicine for increasing the blood.12

Settlement at Kovilpatti

In Kovilpattyi the early people had settled due to the Vaippar River. The

water facility has been the basic amenity of the people of the pastand present.

Beyond doubt the people who settled in Kovilpatti never had faced any acute

water problem. But the course of the river sometimes created thorny issues

among the people due to over flowing, particularly during the monsoons.

Historical region

The Kovilpatti region or the lower valley of vaipar river sustained and

nurtured an ancient civilization for more centuries than man can remember. The

historical places of kadumbur, pasuvanthanai, Kalugumalai, East Nalunthula

and West Nalunthula and Kayathar speak the historical antiquity and soil

fertility of the kovilpatti. Archaeologically this particular region is very

important as it represented an ancient civilization. The state Department of

11
Mainmegali pirasuram, Chidambaranar Mavattam,Chennai, 1986. P.41.
12
Ibid, p.47.

5
Archaeology and museums and the Archaeological survey of India conducted

an elaborate Survey in this region. In their half way excautions it self they

unearthened many ancient things at kayathar. They asserted that there might

have Dravidian settiement in this region. They found out burialurns, huge

funeral pots of various shaped copper implements, geomatrical designs small

mud pots, half feet size ivory made fluts two copper bangles. Human skull and

bones from this discovery itself we conclude that in the pre historical period.

Hinduism had its existence in kovilpatti region13

Society;

The society of kovilpatti was divided into tribes during the early sangam

period. These tribes in the course of time were dominated by the Aryans. The

society was divided on the basis of profession.

14
The people who settled at kovilpatti are Dravidian stock. But they

divide among themselves, in the caste issue which is prevailing in the entire

TamilNadu. The remarkable castes of people who living in Kovilpatti are the

Brahmins the vellalars, the Nadars, the Maravas the Naidus, the yadavas, the

Kammalas, the pallas, the parayas, the chakkiliyas and the Muslims. The other

caste people not mentioned here are living in a limited number. The above

mentioned first six castes of people are the major commending sections of the

people Kovilpatti. The depressed class is further divided among themselves


13
Ganapathy.S.M. Kalam Thorum Kayathar (Tamil) Kalugumalai 2009. P.65.
14
Subramanian.N,Social and cultural History of TamilNadu udumalapet, 1990.P.250.

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leading to more subcastes. Most of the above castes of people are Hindus by

tradition due to the spread of Islam and Christianity, most of the oppressed

classes of the Kovilpatti were converted. They either became Christians or

Muslims Christianity never has given up it caste identity. But the Muslim

converters gave up their caste identity to a notable level and untied as Muslims

by spirit Christians are living in significant majority (7.30%) and they have

subsects namely catholic and protestants. Muslims are found in (1.09%)

considerable numbers and trade remains their main profession15.

Economy

Right through the ages kovilpatti has been based on agrarian economy.

They are hardworking and they have a good knowledge of local conditions or

rain, seasons manuring and rotation of crops. The fertility of the soil and

availability of the irrigation facilities make the people agriculturists. Paddy,

cotton, ground nut, cholam, cumbu, Ragi, Sunflower, Gingely, Tamarind, and

palmyra are Some of the agricultural produce. Merchants purchased the local

goods available and it was also easy for them to trans Port the commercial

articles from place to place, thanks to the major Port like Thoothukudi and

surface transport system. Trade and commerce and development of small scale

industries add to the growth of the kovilpatti region.

15
Census of India, Reports. 1961 Tirunelveli Districty 1962.

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Education:

Indige nous pathasalas and madrasas were functioning in this region on

individual initiative where traditional system of instruction was imparted in

Sanskrit Arabic and vernacular languages. The introduction of English

education, widely different from the traditional system marked the beginning of

many revolutionary changes. The earlier efforts to introduce change in the

existing indigenous system were made by missionaries, private societies and

individuals, Father Johnde Britto and Father Constantine Joseph Beskhis were

the pioneer missionaries in starting schools in this area. Compulsory education

was introduced in the year 1945. After wards there was a steady progress in the

field of education.

Religion:

The kovilpatti is inhabited predominantly by the (91.61%)Hindus.16

During the sangam period they worshipped the forces of nature. The arrival of

the Aryans marked far reaching changes in their religious outlook. The Hindus

were divided in to various sects and subsects. A though these sects and subsects

exist even in the kovilpatti of today, the bounderies that mark them are not so

rigid always.

16
Census of India Reports, 1961, Tirunelveli District, Madras 1962.

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Islam:

Islam was another notable religion of this region from seventh century

A.D. onwards. Muslims came to this region as traders and they made

settlements all over the kovilpatti region. The important centres of their

settlement are Kayathar, Kalugumalai, Ettayapuram and so, on. Today muslims

are found in large numbers in this region, these people have been strongly

influenced by local culture and values.

Christianity:

The next notable religion of this region was Christianity one important

reason for the fast growth of this religion especially during the Bristish rule was

the reaction of the low caste Hindus to the casteism that prevailed than. These

people chose the softer option by joining the fold of Christianity which was the

religion of their political allies. The Christian mission which came to the

kovilpatti region in 1791 converted the poor Hindu nadars to the protestant

Christianity.17Although these new Christians enjoyed certain privileges under

the Bristish rule, the element of casteism continued to remain among them.

In 1523 the parathavas of the coramandel coast were converted in the

Roman catholic religion. It spread into the hinter land of thoothukudi district in

the 17th century. In 1600, forty five persons including kamanayakkar in land

places were baptized. After some years kamanayakkar met Johnde Britto the
17
Velmeni,K.S.K., (ed) Gazetteers of India, Tamil Nadu state, Thoothukudi District, Vol-1, 2007.P.290.

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founder of Madura mission and asked him to baptize some of his relatives. Then

with the help of de Britto he had invited some nadars and vellalas to live in the

village18. Kamanayakkanpatti became an important religious centre In 1701

,1708,1727,1732, and 1756 mosty Nadars and vellalars were converted. In 1711

constantine Josep Beshi alias viramamunivar of Madura Mission came to

Kamanayakkanpatti and did his missionary work at kayathat, kurukkalpatti in

Kovilpatti region. Father pamal the parispriest of kamanayakkanpatti converted

hundred nadars families of kalugumalai to the catholic religion on 23 rd

November 189419.

Jainism was the other notable religion which was once active in this area.

Kalugumalai is a well-known Jain center and the biggest one in TamilNadu is

situated near kovilpatti at a distance of 21km on the main road to sankarankovil.

In recently statues of Jain Thirthankaras were found at vanaramutti, vellappanari

North pulankulam and Melanalanthula in the kovilpatti region. The irony is that

at present in this region have partically no flowers in this region but monuments

alone exist20.

Ruling dynasties:
18
Latter of priest Lovis Demellin 1688 to be Jersvit Head Gonaluus.
19
Selvaraj.R. Religious conversion of the oppressed communities in Tirunelveli Districts from 1800-1900.
Unpublished M.Phil dissertation 1994 Madurai Kamaraj University Madurai P.35.
20
Field study 20th April 2013.

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Kovilpatti region was rulers by many dynasties. The rules of sangam

pandyas, kalabhras and medival pandyas were the earliest ones to hold the rule

of this region.

The pandyas ruled the land from 300 B.C to 250 A.D. After the eclipse of

the sangam age the alien rule of the kalabhras was extended over the pandya

century21. During the sangam period Kovilpatti was served as the part of the

vempakottai situated near the virthunagar. The kalabhras Interregnum lasted for

nearly 300 years ending with the sixth century. A.D.22Pandya kadungon (575 –

600 A.D) defeated the kalabhras towards the end of the sixth century23. He laid

his seat at Madurai and had his swayover Tirunelveli region including

Kovilpatti. Indeed he was considered as the founder of First Pandya Empire

(550 A.D to 950 A.D) he was considered as a descendan’t of sangam pandyas24.

He vacated the kalabhras from the Jungle of Asurnattu Kayathar then he created

there a Brchmadeya called Thirumangalam and donated to the Brahmins25. In

the first pandya empire period kovilpatti was served as the part of Asur Nadu

division. The prominent kings of pandyas who carved their names in the pages

of history are kadungon, Maravarman Avani sulamani (600 – 620 A.D), Seliyan

sendan (620 -640 A.D) Maravarman Arikesari (642 -700 A.D), Maravarman

21
Rajayyan.K. A History of British Diplomacyl in Tanjore Mysore 1969, P.10.
22
Nilakanda sastri, K.A., A History of South India, Madras 1976. P.45.
23
Kandasamy.V., Madurai Varalarum panpadum (Tamil) Madurai 1981., pp.46.
24
Nilakandasastri K.A., The pandyan Kingdom, London, 1929, pp.45 – 50. Velvikudi copperplates lines 39 – 46.
25
Thalavaipuram copper plates.

11
Rajasimha (730 -760 A.D) Varaguna II (862 – 885 A.D) Rajasimha II

Rajasimha III and virapandya26.

When pandyas embraced defeat and paled into insignificance, Cholas

rose as a powerful force to gain supremacy over pandya country including

kovilpatti. The eminent kings among the chola rulers were parantaka I Raja

Raja chola and Rajendra Chola. During the reign of Rajendra chola (1012 –

1044 A.D) a representative was appointed to look after Madurai and Tirunelveli

region in the name of the chola pandya and Jatavarman sundara chola son of

Rajendra chola I become the first chola pandya. The post of viceroy was

abolished due to the uprising of pandya king during the period of kulothunga I

(1071 – 1129 A.D). After the decline of chola power kovilpatti including

pandya country fell in to the possession of later pandyas who were the ancestors

of medival pandyas.

Invasions:

Kovilpatti region through the ages faced many invasions like the

Vijayanagar invasion, Nayak invasion Carnatic nawabs and English invasions.

The invaders were mostly attracted by the economic prosperity of the region.

Amidst the regular invasions the rulers of pandya country established a stable

monarchial form of government from sangam period 550 A.D – 950 A.D than

1146 A.D to the mid sixteenth century. This region was entrusted to British in

26
Hussaini.S.A.Q., The History of pandya country, Kararikudi 1962, pp 36 – 45.

12
1801 by the Arcot Nawab. In 1901 Kovilpatti became one of the village of

sattur taluk. In 1901 British made kovilpatti as the head Quarters of the Revenue

Division office of kovilpatti taluk. On first April 1959 Kovilpatti became one of

the newly created Division of Tirunelveli District. Upto 1964 Kovilpatti was

served as selection Grade panchayat than Kovilpatti became third grade

Municipality. On the basis of the development of industries and increase of

population and around income, Kovilpatti became first Grade Municipality on

28.06.1983.

Adjoining places;

Kayatar Asur Thalavaipuram, Kadumbur, Ottapidaram, Panchalamkurchi,

Kalugumalai Ilavelangai, Kamanayakanpatti, Ettaiyapuram, Pandvarmangalam,

Pasuvandanai, Vanaramutti, Thirumangalakurchi Kattalangulam, Manthithoppu

and so on are the important adjoining towns and villages. Kayathar lies twenty

nine km south of Kovilpatti It is the headquarter of selection grade panchayet

union. There is a high moundopposite to panchayat union office. Which is

locally called pankottai medu. Black and redware, medival stoneage pottery,

roof tiles and burial urn edges are found on the surface Justifying its habitation

status some two thousand years ago27. The local refer to the existence on this

mound of the place of vettumperumal. This vettum perumal was considered by

the local people as one of the panchapandya References to the existence and

27
Senthil Selvakumarn, Heritage of chidambaranar District Tirunelveli, 1994. P.14.

13
subjucation of panchapandyas in the reign of Rajadhiraja I and kulotunga I are

in plenty. Col. Machenzies notes on the plaayapattu refer to many batties that

took place at kayathar. Palayapattu geneology refers to the conquest of five

pandyas by visvanatha nayak, at kayathar. Hence kayathar must have been

headquarters of five pandyas of the panchapandyas one must have had his citade

here28.

A tombstone inscription English at this place refers to the death of an

official on his way to Quilon. This stene was erected by his colleagues. It is

dated in the 19th century. Virapandyakattabomman who rose against the Bristish

rule was hanged here in 179929. Astatue of kattabomman has been erected

recently at the place where he was hanged. The building in which kattabomman

was incarcerated is still in the village. It is in 18 th century marking having a

circular roof top. The place has one Siva temple relating to 16 th Century style. A

portriat figure in the Gopura represents a Nayak king, pointing perhabes to its

authorship. To the west of the village run supper river, on its banks lies the koth

and arameswara temple30. Tradition has it that Rama in his search of the goldan

deer took rest at kayathar for a while. He bathed in the Kayathar River and

tasted its salty water. To get pure drinking water he pierced the ground wioth

his arrow and outspouted the Ganga on wrock is engraved a mens feet and is

locally called Ramas feet. It has two records of sundara pandya each dated

28
Tholpourui Tholli Nukbapaniyelar Kalagam (pub) Chidambaranar Mavattam (Tamil)Madurai 1986.
29
Rajjayyan.K Rise and fall of the poligars of TamilNadu, Madras, 1974, p.99.
30
Ganapathy.S.M., op.cit, pp.236 -237.

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1535 and 15536 A.D. This king must have been one of the later pandyas who

ruled Tirunelveli. Astone bridge is built acroess the uppar river presentiy in a

damaged state. This bridge contains fragmentary inscription. Near the

kottaimound a dilapidated temple with thirteenth century inscriptions stands a

mute testimony to the ravages of time.

In recent time copper age period (5000 B.C – 4000 B.C) burial urns were

excavated at the southern side of south Ilanthaikulam situated on the western

side of kothandaramaeswarer shrine. This place is called as peikadu by the

people.

Asur Thalavaipuram:

Asur Thalavaipuram village is situated 19 km south of kovilpatti and 10

km north of kayathar. In 1960 a wooden box containing a copper plate was

excavated in the field at Thalavaipuram. This copper plate was issued by the

pandy king paranaka viranarayena (886 – 905 A.D) in 905 A.D. This inscription

describedabout the victories of parantakavira Narayena. He amalgamated

Thirumagalam somasikurichi and MathuRathanallur villages in the name of

Thirumangala kurichi and donated it to the Brahmins as a Brahmadeya.31

31
Thalavaipuram copper plate Lines 66 – 238.

15
Asur:

Asur is situated two km east of Thalavaipuram. It was served the head

Quarters of Asur Valanadu during the early Pandya period chola period and

second pandya period (1190 – 1310 A.D) and Later pandya period (1371A.D –

1740 A.D). Thalavaipuram copper plate, Ilayanputhar copper plate parakkai

inscription of kanyakumari district and Alagumuthu servaikkaran copper plates

of kattalankulam and Mukkudar pallo were conformed about the existence of

Asurvalanedu. From First pandya period to the eighteenth Century, Kovilpatti

was served as the part of Asurvalanadu.

Kadumbur:

Kadumbur village is situated 29 km south of kovilpatti and 40 km north

of Tirunelveli. Kadumbur was one of the earliest inhabitation of pre historic

men. From 180332 A.D to 1947 it was served as one the zamindari of Tamil

Region burialurns were excavated here by the Archaeologiste of TamilNadu

Archaeological department. This place is the seat of a Zamindar who belongs to

the Kondaiyan kottai section of the marava caste. His estate which was

permanently settled under an istimrar sanad dated 22 nd April 1803 is a small one

comprising thirteen villages with a total area of twenty eight squere miles33.

32 th
Lord Vlive in council 9 May 1803 Revenue Despatches to England Vol.7 pp. 528 -548.
33
Pate H.R., Tirunelveli District Gazetteers, Madras, 1917 p. 381.

16
Ottapidaram:

Ottapidaram is situated 15kmn from Thoothukudi. It was formerly the

headquarters of he old ottapidaram taluk abolished in 1911 and it has Just been

disinherited in favour of Kovilpatti in 1915. The village is a small one

consisting of two parallel streets of Brahmen houses a temple dedicated to siva

and one to vishnu and a few houses of sudras. In 1986 Ottapidaram became

separate taluk and bifuricated from Kovilpatti taluk. The most dearly prized

possession of the place is the temple of Ulagamman, whose power to a vert

cholera from the village is not toriously great. Just to the north of the village in

the midst of the paddy fields is an enclosure containing the tombs of four

officers and a gunner who fell in the assault made on panjalamkurchi on the

fifth September 1799. Two thousand years old, prehistoric buriallerns were

excavated here, Ottapidaram is also the birth place of veteran freedom fighter

V.O.Chidambaram pillai. Two temples dedicated to siva and Vishnu adorn this

village34.

34
H.R.Pate. op.cit., p.387.

17
Panchalamkurichi:

In 1759 it was ruled by Jegavira pandiyan dese dent of pancha pandyas

of kayattar. It was knownas Alagiyapandyapuram, panchalam kurchi is situated

three km north of Ottapidaram. It gained ascendancy in to the pages of history

towards the end of 18th century. It was the strong hold of the famous line of

poligars each of whom is known to history under the name of Kattabomman

Nayak. The earliest poligar of historical times succeeded in 1709 and it was

against him that the first of a long series of expeditions was directed in 1755.

The leader was colonel Heron the first British commendant to enter Tirunelveli,

It was however a halfhearted affair and the troops never reached the place. As

the party approached Kattabomman Nayak sent out a part of his tribute, the

enforcement of which was the object of the campaign and the troops were

withdrawan.

During the time of Yusufkhan panchalamkurchi seems to have given no

trouble. On the recall of that powerful commander the poligars were

immediately up in arms and refused to pay their dues, fore most among them

being the Kattabomman Nayak of the day who had succeeded in 1760. In 1767

major Flint marched with a strong force against the place. An assult was made

but was unsuccessful. Having lost several men including eight Europeans killed.

In 1781 the British acquired from the Nawab of Arcot the right to collect the

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taxes of the region. Panchalamkurichi was than maintaining its independent

status as the British were yet to turn their attention towards the place.

The next attempt to reduce panjalankurichi was in 1783 the expedition

being led by colonel Fullarton. The assult was a failure and the stroming party

had to retire with considerable loss. On this occasion again the poligars men

who had also suffered heaveily. In 1786 colonel Fullarton was sent with a force

to capture panchalamkurichi Kattabomman III did not however receive Col.

Fullarton with due respect. The fort was attacked by the British and razed to the

ground. Kattaboman III however escaped took refuge in Sivagiri. Some times

between 1785 and 1790 the Nawab took over the power of tax collection. As a

result the Palayapattus became powerful. After 1790 the right of collecting taxes

were again given to the British. In the mean while Kattabomman III passed

away and his son Kattaboman IV ascended to the panchalamkurichi throne.

In September 1799 panchalamkurichi was attacked and blasted by a

force led by Major.P.Banermen. Kattabomman took refuge in pudukkottai was

handed over to the British by the Tondaman. In October 16th 1799

Kattabomman was taken to kayathar and there hanged. Kattabomman brothers

Umaithurai and Sivathaiya escaped from the palayamkottai Jail defying the

British injunction raised the razed panchalamkurichi fort within a fortnight. The

unsuccessful attempt made on March 31, by Major colin Macaulay to storm the

fort and its final capture and reduction on May 23, 1801 by colonel Agnew. The

19
ruined palace of panchalamkurichi have been exposed by excavation and is

presently preserved for posterity by the TamilNadu state Department of

Archalogy35.

Kalugumalai:

“Kalugumalai the hill of the vulture” is a well-known Jaincentre and

the biggest one in TamilNadu is situated near Kovilpatti at a 21km distance on

the main road to sankarankioil, The ancient name of the mountain is Araimalai.

In the period of Nintraseir Nedumaran, The Jains were impgabed and hence the

place was called kalugumalai which later on changed into kalugumalai. This

place is called as Thirunechchuram and the hill where Jain palli is situated is

named as Thirumalai and Araimalai in inscriptions. This place once served as

anabode of Jain monk but the natural caverns and beds have been converted

recently into Ayyanar temple. Evidences to prove the existence of Jainism at

kalugumalai during the early christian era are not known sofar.

The present Jain monuments and inscription belong to 8 – 9th century

A.D. when jainism was at its zenith at kalugumalai. On the rock of this

kalugumalaii, sculptures of Thirthankaras are carved out in three successive

rows. Almost all are in same size except one or two. In the first row twenty five

figures, in the second row eighteen and in the third row also eighteen figures are

carved. Besides these special importance is given to the figures like Araimalai

35
Senthil Selvakumaran of cit, ., p. 387.

20
Alwar, Adhinathar, Neminathar, Mahavirar, Parsvanathar, Padmavatai yakshi

and Ambikayakshi and they are well chislled with usual para pernalia. Some

more Thirthankara figures also are found carved scatterd by the Jain followers

who visited this palli. More than hundred inscriptions are engraved here all of

them are in vatteluthu dated back to ninth century A.D.36 From these

inscriptions we understand the remarkable role of this palli in the development

of Jainism. Number of Jaina teachers and students stayed here and Jaina

philosophy was taught in this palli. Landswere donated for their feeding during

the reign of Maranjadaiyan.37 Ladies also attended this school as teachers and

students. They were named as kurathi and Manakki respectively. Lands and

cattle were donated for the up keep of this palli and this was protected by

seperate security forces, they were called as Thirumalai virar and parantaka

virar. They might have been appointed by the king. Thus a greatest palli of this

kalugumalai existed atleast two hundred years continuously. Like other Jain

centres fate of this palli also ended.

The place bears witness to excavated monolithic temple, rock cut temple

and structural temple. The rock was excavated to form a central shrine, Lord

Muruga is seated on a peacock. Contrary to usual practice of carving Murugas

image bears only six hands, a rare feature. Besides this rock temple a structural

Temple for siva has been erected in the same complex. On grounds of style and

36
S.I.I. Vol.-V, Nos. 307 – 406.
37
S.I.I. Vol. – V. Nos.405 and 406.

21
palaeography of inscription this temple may be assigned to the 13 th century. The

place is deservedly famous for its rock cut temple on the hillock called

vettuvankoil. Vettuvankoil is a classic example of the art idiom of the Early

pandyas. It is stands incomplete. The sanctum contains a laterday Vinyaka

image. The vimanna is in the octagonal shape and belongs to Dravida class

which is decorated with fish and floral motifs alternating. A beautiful kudu

features on each phase.38

Beneath the sikhara on the foursides are four outstanding scuiptures. On

the eastern side siva is with his Consort parvathi, on the southern siva as

Dakshinamurthi playing mirdengam is portrayed, On the west is sculptured

Narasimhar and on the north Brahma. It is interesting to note on the four corners

of the vimana carved with Nondi. Yali frieze Kapotham the Gadharva frieze,

carved near kodungai portion is more attractive. The row of Butaganas is a

pointer to the scuiptors talent. They express different sentiments, like happiness,

valour, piety, anger etc, in their true colour. Figures of dancing damseis

captivate the connoisseur. Probably it might have been the hand work in the

period of parantaka Nedun Jadaiyan.39

Ilavelangai:

Ilavelangai village in kovilpatti Taluk in Thoothukudi district, lies forty

km from Tirunelveli and is in the Tirunelveli – Puliyampatti Kadambur road. It


38
H.R.Pate, Op. Cit., p.379.
39
Santhalingam.C Studies in Archaelogy, Chennai, 2011. P. 91.

22
bears testimony to the worship of hero stones in the pandimandala during the

16th Century. On a private land ten hero stones are found in memory of heroes

who laid down their lives in a war on the side of Tirunelveli perumal

vettumperumal Raja40.

The heroes are portrayed with bow, sword, shields and fighting against.

Soliders on horseback. By the side of the stain hero two women are portrayed in

the pose of garlanding the departed hero. In one instance, is portrayed a warring

hero and on other one stones bear inscriptions which are now highly mutilated.

They refer to the battles between Vengalaraja and vettum perumal. Soldiers

belonging to kandaiyankottai maravan fought on the side of Tirunelveli perumal

alias vettum perumal and killed many cavalry men. The inscriptions disclose a

record of the deeds that took place in saka 1469 (A.D 1547) The place where

the hero stones are located must have been the battle field.

Two images of Jain Tirthankara are found infront of Karuppaswamy

Temple. The Tiruthankaras are sculptured in Ardha paryanka sona post flanked

on either side by chauri bearers and wafting the fly whisko. In the Karuppasamy

Temple are several black stones in the shape of ilngas and they bear inscriptions

too.

40
Ibid., p. 127.

23
Kamanayakkanpatti:

Kamanayakkanpatti is situated fifteen km south of Kovilpatti. It was

sunder the Suzerainty of Ettayapuram Zamindar. Our Lady of Assumption

church was initially built by st.Johm Brito about 400 years back. And after that

it had crossed several stages of renovations and finally it has transformed into a

beautiful chapael as today. The Rev Father content Joseph Beschi known as

rever entially veeramamunivar served as priest in this paris. There are two big

teek wooden cars in the church were built by him. This church is one of the

parish in Roman catholic Diocese, Palayamkottai. An inscription in this church

throw light on the protection offered to the church by the Ettayapuram

Zamindar. Jagavira Ettappa Nayaker in 1865 against on slought of other faiths41.

Ettayapuram:

Ettayapuram is situated fifteen km east of Kovilpatti. The beginnings of

the present Ettayapuram Zamin dates back to the first half of sixteenth Century.

With the defeat of then Vijayanagar king Ramadeva Raja at the hands of

Muslims, the ancestor of present Ettayapuram Zamin one Mutu Ettappa

Nayakar sought refuge in the Ativiraparakrama pandya at Madurai.The pandya

king gave the latter some villages and also the task of eradicating the kallar

menance. The event took place sometime between 1423 and 1443. The 20 th

41
Senthil Selvakumaran M. cp.clit., p.11.

24
Zamindar Jagavira Ramacumara Ettappa Nayakar shifted his headquarters to

Ettayapuram.

In January 1567 he constructed a fort at Ilampuvanam near kovilpatti in

memory of his ancestor Ettappan42. During the time of Tirumalai Nayak some

poligars rose in revolt against king and it was ascribed to the Ettayapuram

poligar who spear headed the campaign. In 1803 the estate received its

permanent settlement as a zamindari. Poet subramania Bharati who was then the

Zaminspoet laureate composed and enocated many of his poem in the Darbar

Mandapa of Ettayapuram palace. The house where poet Bhareti was born is

now maintained and preserved by the TamilNadu state Department of

Archaeology.

Pandavarmangalam:

Pandavarmangalam is in the Kovilpatti Taluk. A copper plate Charter

about this village is presently in Madras Museum. This charter is dated in the

tenth regnai year of Jatavarman sundara cholapandya. The place is referred to as

pandavarmangalam alias panchvanmadevichaturvedimangalam in

venbaikudinadu. This village was donated to a group of Brahminis in 1030

A.D.43

42
Ganapthy pillai W.E., Ettayapuram pastand present, Madras. 1890. P.24.
43
A R E 1958 – 59. Intreduction p. 6.C.P. No.130 & 1958 – 59.

25
Pasuvandanai:

This village is 34 Km away from Kovilpatti and it lies on Tirunelvelli

Kadambur- Ettayapuram road. A Siva temple called kailasanathar Temple is a

distinguishing land mark of the place. The central shrine and the subramanya

sub shrine bear testimony tochola. The temple belongs to the period of RajaRaja

I as evidenced by architectural features. Recently a burialurn has been unearthed

in the village and is kept in the village high school. It indicates the ancientness

of the village.

Vanaramutti:

This place lies on the Kovilpatti – Kalugumalai road way. Tradition has it

that the mon key hoard not being able to face up to Ravana might retreated and

stayed here, hence its present name. An ancient siva temple, with inscription

refers to the place as urrantur alias sundarapandiya Nallur.44 The presiding deity

is called Thiruviramesvara udaiyar. The gomukha found on the north side is

attractively carved. Makarathoranas are carved on top of the Devakoshtas which

have miniature images of Brahma, Yoga Narasimha Dakshina murthi. A

Butagana friezlines up in the uttara. The earliest epigraph of the temple is dated

to the 12th regnal year of Maravarmasundara pandya (1228 A.D) The gomukha

inscription dated the 13th regnal year of kulasekhara deva records the gift of this

komukha by sokkan prusottamon alias Desia siriya uttattan of urrandur in

44
A R E., 1940 – 1941, No.314.

26
nerchura Nadu45 An inscription of sundara Pandya mentions that one

Kandiyadeva the original holder of temple lands did not pay the dues to the

temple. Hence an officer of the king Devendravarmen, had sold the land of

Kandiyadeva to Several individuals in the form of shares Another inscription

dated in kollam 934 records the construction of sopana Mandapa.

Thirumangalakurichi:

This place is situated about 10 km from kayathar on Kalugumalai

Kayathar road. During the first pandya period three Brahmadeya villages were

created in the Jungle of Kayathar. Pandyakadungan evacuated the kalabhras

from the jungle of kayathar and created Thirumangalam Brehmadeya. Pandyan

Arikesari Maravarman created Brehmadeya at Ilayanputtar.Pandya srimara

Srivallaben created a Brehmadeya at somasikurchi. A sutra katatirkaikilavan

captured somesikurichi and made it as a vellalan type village. In 905 pandya

parantakaviraNarayanan. Created a new Brahmadeva in the name of

Thirumangalakurichi, consists of Thirumangala Somesikurichi and Mathur

Nallur.

Kattalankulam:

In 1557 Alagappa sarvaikarar of Asur valanadu created a palayam

kattalankulam near Kovilpatti. According to the copper plate of Thirumalai

Nayak some villages were granted to the Alagumuthu servaikaran by


45
A R E , 1940 – 41, No. 313.

27
Thirumalai Nayak.46 Alangulam was included as they twenty third palayam

during the British period. In 1636 26th poligar of Ettayapuram Jagaveera Rama

katchila Ettappanayak was Introduced to Alagumuthuservaikarer by

Vadamaliyappa pillai, Tirunelvelli officer of Thirumalai Nayakar.47

Alagumuthu servaikkaran send an army to the surankudi under the leader ship

of his brotherinla. Wetchilan servaikan in support of the Ettayapuram army

Ketchilan was shot dead. His country cholapuram was inear purated to the

kattalankulam. In 1750 last poligar of Kattalanklulam. ViranAlagumuthukon

son of periyaAlagumuthu and Algumuthammal as cended the thron of

kattalankulam. In 1742 Jagavirarama Ettapa Nayak Sent an army against the

pollapandya kattabomman in support of Kuppanayaker of Athanur. Kuppa

Nayak was killed and histerritory Athanur was annexed by polla pandya

Kattabomman than pollapandya kattabomman invaded to the Ettayapuram and

killed the Muthalugu servaikkaran of cholapuram the budy guard of

Alagumuthukon. In retart of this incident Alagumuthkon killed the seven

soldiers of pollapandya kattabomman at Manachanayakan patti. In meantime

colonal keron, kansahib, and maapuzhan brother of Arcot Nawab Muhammnd

ali were camped at Ellainayakanpatti near vallanadu. Pollapandya

Karrabomman arrived here and paid the tributary to them.

46
Tylors Historical MSS Vol. II. Pp. 21 and 161.
47
Ganapathiyapillai W. E. Op.Cit., pp. 21 – 23.

28
In 1739 A.D. Ettayapuram Palayam was divided into three parts namely,

Ettayapuram of Jegavirarma Venkateswara Ettappanayakar Aiyan ( 1739 –

1755 A.D) south east part of Ettayapuram was ruled by Puthalaipuram Ettaiya,

and Gurumalai was ruled by Gurumalai DuraiEttappan. On the advaise of

Vaithiling Mudaliyar of Kovilpatti colonel keron and kanshahbi invaded to

Ettayapuram and besieged the Eastern entrance of Ettayapuram fort. Jagavira

Ramavenkateswara Ettappa Nayakkar Aiyan refused to pay the tributary to the

English and sought the support of Algumuthukon so English General kansahib

and vaithilinga mudaliar attacked the Ettayapuram fort and demolished the siva

temple and Pujai mandapa then English forces attempted to attack the perumal

temple. ChinaAlagumuthu perumal uncle of Algumuthukon of kattallangkulam

prevented the English force but he was shot dead by the English soldier in front

of the perumal temple. By that time kattalangulam ruler Alagumuthukon, send

the Jegavira Ramavenkateswara Ettappa Nayakan family to the perunali forest

through,southern entrance of the Ettayapuram fort. In the middle of April 1755,

kansahib received the tributary from puthalaipuram Ettaiya and nominated him

as the poligar of Ettayapuram than by the suggestions of mapuzkham. Kansahib

invaded to nelkattanseval on 25th May 1755 and he was defeated by the puli

thevar and returned to Madurai.48 Colone keron hand over the Tirunelvelli

seemai to the mapuzkhan as 15 lakhs annual rent than the English East India

company changed the rentership from mapuzkhan Thittarappa mudaliyar.

48
Ganapathiya pillai op.cit, pp. 35 – 36.

29
On 5th June 1755 Colonel keron and kansahib arrived to the Tiruchirapalli

Pulithevar, the poligar of Nelkattonsevel and leader of western Marava poligar

invited polla pandya Kattabomman of panchalamkurichi to join his alliance. He

refused to joined the alliance. Ettayapuram puligar puthalaipuram Ettaya wanted

to joined the alliance with pulithevar. On 21st Marcvh 1756. Mapuzkhan

defeated the army of puithever and killed his muslim General Mudomia at

Alanthakulam near Kayathar. Muhamed Ali the Nawab of Arcot recalled his

elder brother Mapuzkhan from Tirunelveli and posted kansahib on Tirunelvelli

affairs on 06.04.1756.

Kansahib proceded from Tiruchirapalli with English forces then he went

to Madurai on the way to Tirunelveli Kansahib captured the fort of melapidakai

than he met mapuzkhan at Kayathar. Both were entered to the Ettayapuram and

depused puthalaipuram Ettaya and posted Gurumalai Durai Ettappan as the

poligar of Ettayapuram on 30.04.1756. Kanshaib captured brothers and son of

pallapandy Kattabomman of panchalankurichi. Puthalaipuram Ettaiya and

KandaNyakkar at kolarpatti and produced to Srivilliputtar. Pulithevar and

poligas of Elaiyiran ponni were surrendered to kansahib. The Kansahib captured

kollam Kondan and went to Madurai with his captives.

In 1756 Jagavira Ramavenkateswara Ettappa Nayakar died in the

Perunali forest. His son Jagavira Rama Ettappa Nayakar was crowned as the

30th poligar of Ettayapuram in perunali forest by viran Alagumuthukon servai of

30
Kattalangulam with the help of Alagumuthukon Jagaviora Rama EttappaNayaka

tried to captured the Ettayapuram from the Gurumalai Durai Ettapan but his

forces were drieven out by the Sivasankaran pillai son of Vempathur

Muthupillai and Valleru Nayakkar at Ramanurttuwar. In 1757 November

Sivasankarpillai, Valleru Nayakkar of Ettayapuram and Kansahib were prepared

to attack the viran Alagu Muthukon at Petha Nayakkanur fort. Petha Nayakanur

fort was captured by kansahib. He arrested Alagumuthukan and his six Genarls

namely Ketchilanservai. Muthalaguservai, Venkateswara Ettuservai, Porivaram

Muthuirulam. Jagavira Rettu Lakshmanan and Mayilvpillai of Thalai

kattupura49 Kansahib brought them to Nadukkattu seemai and gundown by the

tank. Viran Alagumuthkon of Katalangulam was considered as the first freedom

fighter of India.

MANTHITHOPPU

Manthithoppu is situated five kilometers south of Kovilpatti.

Manthithoppu is famous for ManikattiThailam. This village has many groves

with monkeys. So this village is called as Monthithoppu. Sankara bharathi mutt

situated in this village has a copper plate is used by Kulasekhara pandya in 1030

A.D described about Kovilpatti.50

49
Subashervaikkaren S.P.S. Kattalankulam servaikarar Alagumuthukon (Tamil) viruduthunagar. 2007.pp.30-36.
50
Manimegalaipirasuram. Op.cit., p.94.

31
AREA AND PERIOD OF STUDY

The present study describes the history of Kovilpatti from ancient period

to present day. This period is significant in the history of Kovilpatti. The study

starts with prehistoric period, in which the reference of Thalapurana, Shenbaga

Mannan the ruler of Vempakottai built the Shenbagavalli Amman temple and

around which Kovilpatti town came into existence.

SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To provide a historical study of Kovilpatti in its various dimensions in

detail about political, social, cultural and religious life of the people of

Kovilpatti.

To analyses the social History of Kovilpatti with special reference to the

cross section of the society and the economic status of women through Self

Help Groups.

To narrate the role of the freedom fighter Kattabomman of

Panchalankurichi.

To illustrate the different religious centers with special reference to

Poovanathaswamy and Shenbagavalliamman temple. To study the educational

institutions of the town. To concentrate on various Government departments

functioning in this area.

32
To describe the transport facilities of this taluk. To explain the

functioning of voluntary organizations of the town.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology employed for the study is descriptive and narrative. All

effort shave been made to make the procedure uniformed consistent.

HYPOTHESIS

The thesis is an attempt to bring out the whole history of Kovilpatti. The

historical, Sociological, Political, Religious, Architectural and Cultural

dimensions along with a geographical description of the town of Kovilpatti as

such will be included in this area of study.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This Thesis is mainly based on primary as well as secondary source. The

primary sources are classified into archival sources, archaeological materials

and published Government documents and the contemporary literary works

published. The Government documents include census Reports. Administrative

reports, Departmental, Annual reports, Manuals Annual statistical abstracts.

Acts and proclamations, regulations, Departmental publications and periodicals

published by the Government.

33
The Sthala Puranam of Poovanatha Swamy, and Shenbagavalli Amman

temple. Provides valuable information regarding the origin and growth of the

temple, Pujas and Festivals.

Archaeological survey of India’s Annual Report of Indian Epigraphy

1914 -1915 and South Indian inscription also give more general information

about Kovilpatti.

The Madras presidency inscriptions have been deciphered by eminent

TamilNadu Archeologists like V.Rangacharya and T.V.Mahalingam. These

records say about rulers and the offerings made to the temple.

The records of the Madras Government from the most important of the

sources for the thesis. The Military public and Revenue Consultations contain

the correspondence exchanged between the local powers and the Government as

well as the intercepted letters of enemies. The despatches which passed between

the Madras Government and the Board of Directors in England provide valuable

review of the situation from time to time. The reports of the collectors,

commissions and committees appointed by thye Government then and there

deal elaborately with the problems that confronted the people and Government.

In addition to the sources mentioned above following records are also

utilized for the preparation of research work. Census of India, Administrative

Report of the Kovilpatti Municipality, Reports of the Joint Director of Animal

34
husbandry, Thoothukudi, the commissioner of Handloom and textiles. The

Assistant Director of land survey Thoothukudi Deputy Director of Health

services, the election commission of India, the district revenue and general

administration 1973, the collector of Tirunelveli and the Director of Town

Panchayats Chennai.

Popular literary works sthalapurana, slogam, and Kovirpuri purana are

also utilized for the preparation of the research work.

The secondary sources used substantially to corroborate data supplied by

primary sources include contemporary and semi contemporary writing in the

form of books, published thesis, newspaper reports, and periodicals both

contemporary and back volumes. The veracity of the sources was tested through

cross examination. The sources were analyzed both intensively and exhaustively

so as to eliminate the chances of bias.

History of Tirunevelly by Bishop R.Cald Well and Tirunelvelli District

Gazetter by H.R,Pate form and important secondary source.

The other important works which deserve to be mentioned here are as

follows. M.Senthilseivakumarans. Heritage of Chidamaranar District

S.kadhirvels History of Maravas and N.SomayaJulus, Nellai Mavatta

Sudanthira Poratta Varalaru.

35
The sources mentioned above relating to Kovilpatti are preserved in the

TamilNadu Archives and Madras University Manuscript library, a part from

these the data found in Various other libraries and information collected by

eminent scholars who did research on this particular field form good deal of

useful sources.

CHAPTERISATION

This thesis is organized in five chapters besides introduction and

conclusion. The introduction chapter deals with etymology of Kovilpatti,

physical features get the neighbouring places. The primary and secondary

sources available for this study are also mentioned.

The first chapter traces the ‘Political History’ of the region. The Pandya

dynasty ruled over this region from the sangam period. Around 275 years

following the sangam age the Tamil country was ruled by kalabhras and

kadungon. (575 – 600 A.D) the Pandya ruler of Korkai had released the entire

Pandya country froim the clutches of Kalabhras, he was succeeded by

Maravarman Avanisulamani (600 – 620 A.D). His son was sezhiyan sendan

alias Maransendan one of his inscriptions found in Malaiyadi Kurichi.

His successors were MaravarmanArikasari (642- 700 A.D) Kocdhadayam

Ranandheron (700 – 730 A.D) Arikesari parankusavarma aliasRajasimha I (730

– 760 A.D) and Varaguna II (862 – 885) Pandya country was divided in to four

36
Valanadus namely Thiruvalthivala Nadu, Keralasinga Valanadu, Srivallabha

Valanadu, Amithekuna Valanadu. Parataka chola I captured Madurai and its

different parts again the pandya ruler Rajasimha III was defeated by Sundara

Chola and his son Adithya III in 926 and 960 A.D. Rajaraja Chola (985 – 1016

A.D) and Rajendra Chola 1012 – 1044 A.D

During the rule of Rajendra Chola, Shenbaga Mannan a petty ruler of

Vembakottai built the Poovananatha swamy temple at Kala forest and around

which Kovilpatti town came in to existence. Maravarman Srivallabha (1132 -

1163 A.D) and Sadyavarman kulasekara (1162 – 1177 A.D) ruled the

Tirunelveli District including Kovilpatti between, 1132 and 1177 A.D.

Maravarman Sundarapandya (1216 – 1239) captured entire pandya Nadu from

Cholas. Though Malikafar invasion Madurai Sultanate and the Vijayanagar

expendition wiped only the Pandya rule in and around Madurai and actually

moved southwards and ruled small principalities with headquarters at

Tirunelveli and Tenkasi from 14th to 17th century. Then Tirunelveli region

including Kovilpatti was ruled by the Madurai Nayaks. Arcot Nawab and the

English. In 1927 Kovilpatti became one of the village Panchayats. In 1964

Kovilpatti become third grade municipality, with effect from 28th June 1983 it

was further upgraded as a first grade Municipality.

The second chapter deals with the social conditions of the people of

Kovilpatti. The first few pages are allotted for a various castes and their

37
coexistence amidst mutual discrimination; the other aspects discussed are social

habits and customs, ornament, food habits, superstition, feudalism, Slavery, and

Devadasi system. A discussion of the social conditions shows that the two new

religious namely Christianity and Islam did much to change the people.

The third chapter deals with the “Economic life of the people”. The

following features highlight the economic conditions of this region, agriculture,

measurement of the land, tax system occupations like spinning and weaving

lace work, Match industry, crackers, trade and commerce and transport and

communication.

The fourth chapter deals with Religion, Culture, and Education. The first

few pages are allotted for the description of three major religions of this region

namely Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, with the advent of Islam first in the

fourteenth century and Christianity next around the 17th century. An accounts

given on Hinduism with an emphasis on the temples, similarly the mosque of

Islam and its coming to this region have been dealt with at some length. The

Christianity of this region too is discussed with special reference to their

missionary activities. The second half of this chapter deals with the culture of

the people. Here various festivals are described so as to bring out these three

cultures. Thus this chapter discusses three vital aspects of the life of the people

namely religion culture and Education.

38
The fifth chapter deals with the “Temples in Kovilpatti”. An account of

the architecture of Kovilpatti and other temples of this town is given.

This chapter establishes the greatness of the rulers through their feats in

art and architecture.

The concluding chapter summaries and sums up the views and argument

put forth in earlier chapters. The research findings have also been carried out

this study has its own dynamism. As research is a continuous process this study

paves new for further exploration in this area. For the development of economic

resources of our nation. Tourism is one of the main resources. Hence it is

essential that new tourist place must be identified so as to promote tourism. As

the place has a long history through different ages, people should know the

importance of this place. Many tourist spots in India have historical importance

in many ways. In TamilNadu Kovilpatti stands as a historically important place.

If the tourism department takes measures to convert Kovilpatti in to a tourist

spot it become a prime spot for tourists in the South India.

39

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