Ramanathapuram
Ramanathapuram
is most famous for Rama (Ramayanam) and the place is as old as many centuries. In
the late 12th and early 13th century, this province was ruled by Hazrat Sulthan
Syed Ibrahim shaheed of Ervadi. Later on his heirs were ruling the province following
a peace treaty with the Sethupathis. In the early 15th century, the present
territories of Ramanathapuram district comprising taluks Thiruvadanai, Paramakudi, Kamuthi, Mudukulathur, Ramanathapuram
and Rameswaram, were included in Pandyan Dynasty.
For a
short period, this area was under the Kings when Rajendra Chola I brought it
under his territory in 1063 AD. In 1520 AD, the Nayaks of Vijayanagar took over
the area under their control from the Pandiyan dynasty for about two centuries,
Marava chieftains-Sethupathis who were Lords under Pandiyan Kings and reigned
over this part (17th century). At the beginning of the 18th century, family
disputes over succession resulted in the division of Ramanathapuram.
With the
help of the King of Thanjavur in 1730 AD, one of the chieftains deposed
Sethupathy and became the Raja of Sivaganga. Acting upon the weakness of the
Nayak rules, the local chieftains (Palayakarars) became independent. Raja of
Sivagangai and Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram were prominent among them. In 1730,
Chand, a Sahib of Carnatic, captured Ramanathapuram. In 1741, the area came
under the control of the Marathas and then under the Nizam in 1744 AD, Nawab’s
rule made displeasure in the mind of those chieftains. That made them declares
the last Nayak as ruler of Pandiya Mandalam against the Nawab in 1752 AD.
By that
time, throne of Carnatic had two rivals, Shanda Sahib and Mohamed Ali, and this
district was part of Carnatic. The British and French supported Chanda Sahib
and Mohamed Ali respectively. It paved the way for series of conflicts in the
southern part of the continent. In 1795, the British deposed Muthuramalinga
Sethupathy and took control of the administration of Ramanathapuram. In 1801
Mangaleswari Nachiyar was made the Zamindar of Sivagangai.
After
passing of Queen, the Marudhu Brothers took the charge by paying regular
revenue to the East India Company. In 1803 the Marudhu Brothers of Sivaganga
revolted against the British in collaboration with Kattabomman of
Panchalankuruchi. Colonel Agnew captured Marudhu Brothers and hanged them and
made Gowri Vallbah Periya Udaya Thevar as Zamindar of Sivaganga. After the fall
of Tippu Sultan, British took the control and imprisoned the Nawab. In 1892,
the Zamindari system was abolished and a British Collector was appointed for
administration.
In 1910,
Ramanathapuram was formed by clubbing portions from Madurai and Tirunelveli district. Shri J.F. BRYANT I.C.S was the first
collector. And this district was named as Ramanathapuram. During the British
period this district was called “Ramnad”. The name continued after
independence. Later the district was renamed as Ramanathapuram to be in
conformity with the Tamil name for this region. Ramnad" is also known as
"Mugavai"(face) since it acts as the entry point for River
"Vaigai".
1.General information2.Hindu Temples
3.Chruches and Mosques
4.Historical Monuments
5.Bird Sanctuaries
6.Island
7.Beaches
8.Other Places of interest
9.Hotels
10.Connectivity