Karaikal Pincodes

Karaikal, nestled in the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry, bears a rich history. Acquired by the French from the Rajah of Thanjavur in 1739, it evolved into a French Colony. Despite intermittent British interventions, French dominance prevailed until 1954. The territory seamlessly merged into the Republic of India in 1962, marking its official integration. Alongside Mahé, Yanaon, and Pondichéry, Karaikal’s transition epitomizes a blend of cultures and legacies. This historical town, carrying tales of colonial pasts, now thrives as an integral part of India, harmonizing diverse influences and embodying the essence of cultural amalgamation.

History

Pre-1739, Karaikal fell under Raja Pratap Singh’s rule from Tanjore. In 1738, Pierre Benoît Dumas sought to expand French territory in India and negotiated with Sahuji of Thanjavur for Karaikal. The French gained Karaikal town, Karakalcheri fortress, and eight villages. Thanjavur’s king increased Karaikal’s price to 50,000 chakras, requesting a loan of 150,000 chakras, reduced to 10,000 later. Villages like Kilaiyur, Melaiyur, Puduthurai, Kovilpathu, and Tirumalairayanpattinam were included. Pratap Singh demanded 100,000 chakras more, assigning Codague, Vanjiyur, Arimullimangalam, Niravi, Dharmapuram, Uzhiapathu, Mattakudi, and Polagam, later selling them for 60,000 chakras in 1740, after initially assigning them for 40,000 chakras the year before.

Demography

In the 2011 Indian Census, Karaikal housed 21,320 households with 86,838 residents. Among them, 48.7% were male, 51.3% female, and 9,516 were aged 0-6. Scheduled Castes constituted 11.3% of the population. Impressively, the literacy rate stood at 79%, reflecting the region’s commitment to education. These statistics paint a dynamic picture of Karaikal’s demographics, showcasing diversity and a balanced gender ratio. With a considerable focus on education and a blend of cultural nuances, Karaikal emerges as a community that values both tradition and progress, fostering an environment where learning thrives and societal inclusivity flourishes.

Geography

Economy

Karaikal thrives on a diverse economic landscape. Its workforce primarily comprises office professionals and industrial laborers, with a spectrum of iron, steel, spinning, tiles, and chemical industries. Agriculture and fishing reign as pivotal income sources. With a 26-kilometer coastline, 12 fishing hamlets sustain over 25,000 fishermen. Fishing, exports, and associated activities constitute their primary livelihood. The district also sees revenue from the liquor trade, benefiting from lower taxes compared to neighboring states. French NRIs contribute significantly to its elevated living costs. Notably, Karaikal hosts families with French ties. ONGC’s Kaveri rig further cements the town’s economic significance, adding depth to its commercial tapestry.