Virudhunagar Pincodes

About Virudhunagar

Virudhunagar District, situated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, serves as an administrative district with Virudhunagar town as its headquarters. Established in 1987, it emerged from the division of the former Ramanathapuram District. This transformation led to the creation of Ramanathapuram District, Sivagangai District, and the western portion known as Virudhunagar District. Historically named Karmavirer Kamarajar District, it boasted a population of 1,942,288 residents as of the 2011 census, featuring a gender ratio of 1,007 females for every 1,000 males. Within the district, Sivakasi stands out as both the most populous and largest city.

History

Legend has it that Virudhunagar’s name traces back to a warrior who triumphed in multiple battles, earning banners or “virudhu” in Tamil. He arrived in the town, issuing a challenge to its residents. One courageous local accepted the challenge, vanquished the warrior, and claimed his banners. Henceforth, the town became known as Virudhukkalvetti.

During the 16th century CE, Virudhunagar was part of the Madurai region. It gained independence from the Vijayanagar Empire in 1559, ruled by the Nayaks. However, the Nayak rule ended in 1736, and the area witnessed several shifts in control by Chanda Sahib, Arcot Nawab, and Marudhanayagam Pillai in the 18th century. In 1801, the British East India Company took direct control, annexing the region to the Madras Presidency.

Demography

As per the 2011 census, Virudhunagar boasted a population of 72,296 residents, showcasing a favorable sex ratio of 1,014 females for every 1,000 males, surpassing the national average of 929. Among the inhabitants, 6,454 were children under the age of six, comprising 3,268 males and 3,186 females. The demographic composition included Scheduled Castes at 7.06% and Scheduled Tribes at 0.08%. The town displayed a commendable literacy rate of 84.28%, significantly higher than the national average of 72.99%. Virudhunagar also featured a total of 19,841 households, reflecting its vibrant and diverse community.

Geography

The Virudhunagar municipality spans across an area of 6.39 square kilometers (2.47 square miles). Positioned at a distance of 506 kilometers (314 miles) southwest of the state capital Chennai and 53 kilometers (33 miles) south of Madurai, the city enjoys an average elevation of 102 meters (335 feet) above sea level. Situated to the east of the Kowsika River and to the west of the Madurai–Tirnelveli railway line, the town’s terrain is predominantly flat, devoid of significant geological features. The soil composition comprises black and red soils, ideal for cultivating crops such as cotton, chillies, spices, cardamom, and millet, with paddy and sugarcane thriving in areas where motorized pumps facilitate irrigation.

Economy

Virudhunagar plays a pivotal role as a marketing and service hub for its neighboring regions. It holds a prominent status as an industrial district, ranking among the top three alongside Coimbatore and Salem. The town is renowned for its production of various spices and edible oils, catering to both national and international markets. As the administrative center of the district, Virudhunagar drives its economy primarily through the service sector, employing 93% of the workforce as of 2001. The remaining labor force engages in diverse sectors such as agriculture, mining, quarrying, livestock farming, manufacturing, construction, and trade, contributing to the town’s multifaceted economic landscape.