Tamilnadu > Krishnagiri
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| Beautiful View of Krishnagiri Dam. |
The holy land of wise scholars, men of valour and courage, blessed with the green valleys, hills and hillocks and inhabited by people known for innovative farming was divided, for the formation of Krishnagiri district, carved out of Dharmapuri district as 30th district of Tamil Nadu.
'Krishna' refers to 'black' and 'giri' refers to 'hill'. This district is gifted with black granite hillocks and named as "krishnagiri". The region came under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya and hence it might have been named after this king.
Krishnagiri district is bounded by Vellore and Thiruvannamalai districts in the East, Karnataka state in the west, State of Andhra Pradesh in the North Dharmapuri District in the south. Its area is 5143 Sq. Kms. This district is elevated from 300m to 1400m above the mean sea level. It is located between 11° 12'N to 12° 49'N Latitude,77° 27'E to 78° 38'E Longitude. Eastern part of the district experiences hot climate and Western part has a contrasting cold climate. the average rainfall is 830 mm per annum.
March - June is summer season. July - November is Rainy Season and between December - February winter prevails. Three languages namely Tamil, Telugu and Kannada are predominantly spoken in this district. Major religions are Hindu, Islam and Christianity. This district stands as an ideal exhibit of National integration and religious harmony. The society exhibit the confluence of different languages and religions. Krishnagiri District has 2 Municipalities, 10 Panchayat Unions, 7 Town Panchayats, 352 Village Panchayats and 636 Revenue Villages. History of Krishnagiri District The Krishnagiri district has prehistoric importance. Archeological sources confirm the presence of habitats of man kind during Paleolithic, Neolithic and Mesolithic Ages. Various rock paintings and rock carvings of Indus Valley civilization and Iron Age seen in this district support the historical significance of this district. The heart of 'Krishnagiri', 'Hosur' and 'Uthangarai' were known as 'Eyil Nadu', 'Murasu Nadu' and 'Kowoor Nadu' respectively. During Chola period, Krishnagiri region was called 'Nigarili Chola Mandlam' and 'Vidhugadhazhagi Nallur'. Under 'Nulamba' rule it was popular as 'Nulambadi' according to historical sources.
Hero stones were erected for those whose lost their lives in pursuit of adventure. There was a tradition of erecting memorial stones for people who sacrifice their lives for the sake of their kings since 'Sangam Age'. These memorial stones were called 'Navagandam'. Plenty of memorial stones available in this district speak volumes about the valour and virtues of the people. Part of Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Mysore were together named as "Thagadur Nadu" in Sangam Age. "Adhiayaman", the noble king offered 'Karunelli' (Goose Berry) to the great poetess "Avvaiyar" who adorned his court for her long life. Krishnagiri was once ruled by Adhiyaman and hence also known as 'Adhiayaman Nadu'. This region was ruled by Pallavas, Gangas, Nulambas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijaya Nagar Emperors, Bijapur Sultans, Wudayars of Mysore and Nayaks of Madurai. This region of Krishnagiri served as gateway of Tamil Nadu and the protective barrier for Sourthern region defending onslaughts from barriers with motives of imperialism and exploitation. Twelve Forts in this region were popularly known as 'Bara Mahal' Forts. These forts have borne the funs of many attacks by Mysore and Andhra rulers. Krishnagiri Fort become the first and forth most defensive place. The majestic fortress built on Krishnagiri hill by the Vijaya Nagar Emperors, stands as testimony still now. ' "Kundani" a place in Krishnagiri District was once the Head Quarters of the Hoysala king 'Veera Ramanathan' in 13th Centuty AD. 'Jagadevarayan', Hoysala kind made'Jagadevi' (one of the 'Bara Mahal' forts) as his capital.
During Mysore war I the British troops passed through Krishnagiri to attack Hyder Ali's Forces at 'Kaveripattinam'. British army was defeated here. In Mysore war II entire region of Salem and Karnataka came under Hyder Ali's control. Hyder Ali fought bravely against the English at Krishnagiri.
In Mysore war II after the "Treaty of Srirangapattinam" entire region of Salem and Barah Mahal were surrendered to the British. In 1792 AD, Captain Alexander Reed became the first District Collector of this region. Under the diplomacy of Robert Clive, the then Governor of Madras Presidency, Krishnagiri became the headquarters of Bara Mahal.
A mint was established at Krishnagiri in 1794 AD. Gold, silver and copper coins were forged here. Rayakottai once the strong hold of British lost its importance for defense by 1880 AD. Many soldiers from Krishnagiri region took part in the world war and lost their lives. Even today a large number of youth from this Krishnagiri district are in the service of our Mother Land. Many patriots and sons of this soil participated in the nations freedom struggle. One among them was the "Wise Old Man, Dr .C. Raja Gopalachari", who hailed from a small village in this district rose to the highest position in the nation as the first Governor General of independent India and also as Chief Minister.
The historical importance and potential growth in education, economy and tourism of present Krishnagiri made it necessary to create a separate district. Krishnagiri was formed as 30th district by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Krishnagiri district was carved out of Dharmapuri district on 09th February 2004 with five taluks and ten blocks. Thiru. Mangat Ram Sharma, I.A.S. has administered the office as first Collector of Krishnagiri District.
Other Informations of Krishnagiri Agriculture The important crops of Krishnagiri District are Paddy, Maize, Ragi, Banana, Sugarcane, Cotton, Tamarind, Coconut, Mango, Groundnut, Vegetables and Flowers. The district has an excellent scope for agri business. Regional Agricultural Research Center of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is functioning efficiently at Paiyur in Kaveripattinam union since 1973 AD. This center is functioning in 18.5 hec. of land. It helps the peasants to develop and adopt the modern technique of cultivation. It has developed hybrid seeds by research which yields more tonnage and good quality. Horticulture Krishnagiri District is more suitable for cultivation of Horticulture crops. Other Plantation crops, medicinal plants, Fruits, Vegetables, Spices, and flowers are grown well by way of its moderate climate, high altitude and fertility of the soil. Sericulture 5069 acres of land is under mulberry cultivation in Krishnagiri District. This has the employment opportunity for about 24,345 persons at the rate of 5 per acre. Training in Mulberry farming, Rearing Silk Worms is done through a large network of Govt. Departmental Institutions of Sericulture such as Silk quality development farms 75, Govt. Sericulture training center 1, Govt. Sericulture Farm 1 Base seedlings (grain age) development farms 9, Govt. Bi-voltine grain age centers 5, Govt. Cocoon markets 5, Silk Reeling Unit 1, Silk Twisting unit 1, Technical support and service center for rearing silk worm 17, with the above maintained facilities sericulture industry has good scope in this district. Natural Resources Krishnagiri is one among the districts of Tamil Nadu, which with natural resources having 2,024 Sq. Kms of forest cover is its unique feature. The hill ranges of this district are called by the name 'Melagiri'. The major type of forest seen here are Tropical, Deciduous forests, thorny shrubs and bamboo forest. Dense forest cover Denkanikottai region. The other region contains shrubs, hills and hillocks with bushes. Transportation of Krishnagiri
This district is connected by Prime Minister's Golden Rectangle Project executed by National Highways Authority of India. This district has a network of National Highways converging.
- NH-7 (Kanyakumari-Kashmir)
- NH-46 (Chennai-Bangalore)
- NH-66 (Pondicherry-Bangalore)
- NH-207 (Sarjapur-Bagalur-Hosur)
- NH-219 (Krishnagiri-Kuppam)
Apart from this state highways and district highways are linking almost all the towns and villages of the district. Four National highways converge at the Head Quarters of this district is unique.
People of Krishnagiri District belong to various racial groups. People from Kashmir, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andra have settled in this District. Hence it can be rightly called a Cosmopolitan society. Ancient Art & Culture is preserved and maintained by inhabitants. The major entertainment for rural folk form the 'Street Play' (theru koothu) and 'Sevai Attam'.
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