Dharmapuri

Tamilnadu > Dharmapuri

Cauvery river enters into Tamilnadu at Hogenakal.

Dharmapuri district, which came into existence from 02.10.1965 is situated in the North western Corner of Tamil Nadu and is bounded by Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram Districts on the east, Salem District on the South, Krishnagiri District on the north and Kaveri river on the west. The total geographical area of Dharmapuri District is 4497.77 Sq Kms, i.e. 3.46% of Tamil Nadu.

The District economy is mainly agrarian in nature. Nearly 70% of the workforce is dependent on agriculture and allied activities. The district is one among most backward and drought prone area in the state.

Dharmapuri being an inland district , fishing is restricted to inland only here. Main varieties of fish available are katla, rogu, mirgal, common and corp.

Dharmapuri district forms a major horticultural belt in the state. As the area is drought - prone it has become essential to switch over to cultivation of drought tolerant perennial fruit crops in this district. Mango is the main horticulture crop of this District. It has the highest area under the fruit crops . The district accounts for nearly one-third area under mango and nearly one-half of the mango yield in the state. Palacode is the main area where tomato is cultivated. Chilli is cultivated mainly at Pennagaram.

Dharmapuri district is endowed with sizeable reserves of granite. High quality black granite is available in Pennagaram, Harur and Palacode blocks. Quartz is available at Kendiganapalli Village of Pennagaram Taluk, A.Velampatti of Harur taluk and Pethathampatti of Pappireddipatti Taluk. Another High value mineral available here is Malibdinum, which is identified as a good conductor. It is available in Harur.

History of Dharmapuri

The earliest known chieftain who ruled Tagadur (present Dharmapuri) during the Sangam era, is Adigaman Naduman Anji, whose patronage sustained the famous poetess Avvaiyar. The next we hear in the 8th century when the northern parts of Salem District were probably under the Pallavas regime. Subsequently, we hear of the Ganga Pallavas having sway over the Western parts of the Salem District. The Western Gangas are also mentioned as having ruled Baramahal during the end of the 8th century.

In the beginning of the 9th Century, the Rashtrakutas gained power and influenced the history of the district for the next two centuries. During the period, the Cholas also rose to power in the south and Aditya-I conquered the Kongunadu in 894 A.D. During 949-950 A.D., the Cholas suffered a defeat from the Rastrakuttas whose decline started later after the death of their king Krishna-III. Subsequently, the entire area in Salem District came under the rule of the Cholas. The Gangavadi was then annexed to the Chola territory and placed in charge of an Adigaman Tagadur. The 12th century witnessed the decline of the Chola empire when the Hoysalas rose to power and routed the Cholas from Gangavadi. They are said to have captured Kolar, sacked Kotayur and over ran the western parts of Kongunadu. The Baramahal and Talaget areas apparently still remained with the Cholas. But the Adigaman seems to have practically become free and owed only nominal allegiance to the Cholas. Soundrapandia-I assisted the Yadavas in driving out the Hoysala king, Vira Someswara from the Chola territory.

The history of the 13th Century revolve itself between the Hoysalas and the Pandyas. This portion may be added after when they were attacked from the North by the Yadavas, the Hoysalas retreated towards the South in Kongunadu. It is known that Jatavarman Soundrapandian-I assisted the Yadavas in driving out the Hoysalas king, Vira Someswara, from the Chola territory. But it is doubtful whether he made himself master of the Talaghat area as there are records to show that Vira Someswara's son Vira Ramanatha later ruled the whole of Salem District and the Pandiyas were then eclipsed by the Mohammadan emissaries of the Delhi Sultanate.

Climate and Rainfall of Dharmapuri

The climate of the Dharmapuri District is generally warm. The hottest period of the year is generally from the months of March to May , the highest temperature going up to 38 C in April. The Climate becomes cool in December and continuous so up to February, touching a minimum of 17 C in January. On an average the District receives an annual rainfall of 895.56 mm.

Best Time To Visit Dharmapuri

The hottest period in Dharmapuri usually occurs during the months of March to May when the temperature ranges around 38 degrees Celsius. Decembers are cool with the pleasant weather continuing till February when the mercury touches a happy minimum of around 17 degrees Celsius. Thus, the best time to visit Dharmapuri would be during the months of winter.

Fairs & Festivals of Dharmapuri

The festivals of Dharmapuri are varied and add an extra spark of life to the town's daily lives. Notable among these are:

• Pongal : Like all the other regions of Tamil Nadu, Pongal is one of the most important festivals of Dharmapuri.
• Mahashivaratri : If you are planning a tour to Dharmapuri, one of the best times to visit would be during February when the festivities of Mahashivaratri promise to add a dash of special flavor to your vacation.

How to reach Dharmapuri

Dharmapuri is well Connected with road and train transportation, Anyone can access to this place.

• By Road: Dharmapuri is well connected to a number of neighboring cities by an efficient network of roads.
• By Rail: Dharmapuri is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities via important rail heads. These cities include Chennai, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Madurai, Tirupathi, Tuticorin, Tenkasi, Quilon as well as Rameswaram Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi, Kanyakumari and Mangalore.