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**Ramanathapuram**
	Ramanathapuram
	Ramanathapuram Location of Ramanathapuram; in Tamil Nadu and India
Coordinates	9°23′N 78°50′E / 9.38°N 78.83°E
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District(s)	Ramanathapuram
Population; • Density	61,978 (2001); • 16 /km2 (41 /sq mi)
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area; • Elevation	3,889.62 km2 (1,502 sq mi); • 2 m (7 ft)

Ramanathapuram pronunciation (help·info), also known as Ramnad, is a city and a municipality in Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of Ramanthapuram District.Also known as Ramnad Zamin (Tamil: ராம்நாட் ஜமீன்) (occasionally referred to as the Kingdom of the Maravars) was a permanently settled zamindari estate in the Ramnad subdivision of the Madura district of the erstwhile Madras Presidency in British India. It comprises the southern and eastern parts of Madura district.

In early 1900's, Ramanathapuram district was formed from parts of Tirunelveli and Madurai districts.

The estate was ruled by a Maravan zamindar who bore the title "Raja". The seat of administration was the town of Ramanathapuram. The Maravan zamindari had its origins in the kingdom of Ramnad established by Raghunatha Kilavan in the late seventeenth century. In 1803, the kingdom was converted to a zamindari by the British. The kings and zamindars of Ramnad also bore the title of Sethupathi or "protector of the bridge", the bridge here referring to the legendary Adam's Bridge or Rama's Bridge.

Tourists visit Ramnad to see the Raja Palace, which is still occupied by the Sethupaty Raja and his family to this day. Although no longer in power, the family contribute a great deal to the community by setting up schools and hospitals. They also welcome westerners to live in their palace who teach in their school through the Teaching and Projects Abroad organisation. One of them, the German Philip Radlanski who visited the royal family in late 2004 to contribute to their school as an English teacher, made a critically acclaimed documentary movie about the palace.^[1] Ramanathapuram is close to Rameshwaram, one of the main pilgrim centres in India. It is also close to Devipatinam which is another famous pilgrimage center in India.

[edit] History

The Ramnad kingdom was ruled by a line of Sethupathy kings along with their pradanis or ministers. One such noteworthy minister is Pradani Muthirulappa Pillai. The Sethupathies had a healthy relationship with the rulers of Madurai. They were also friendly with the British. Kattabomman visited this place. The samadhi or tomb of the Hindu saint thayumanavar is located in Ramnad. The famous Ervadi durgah of Qutb Al Hamid Gausul Majid Hazrat Sultan Syed Ibrahim Shahid Badusha Nayagam is located 27km fro here in

Thiru Uthira Kosamangai is an Ancient Temple 13 km away from Ramanathapuram, dedicated to Lord Mangalanatha Swami and Lord Mangachi.

One of the imporatant Vishnavite temple (included in 108 tirupati) known as Aadi Jegannathar temple (Dharba sayana Chetram) is in tiruppullani 15 km from Ramanathapuram

[edit] Civic administration

Ramanathapuram is a municipality. The town is now witnessing development in all spheres. After shifting of district head quarters offices from Madurai to Ramanathapuram, the town is growing well. The East Coast Road, which is under progress, will connect the town to Chennai as well as southern cities like Thirunelveli, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari. The gauge conversion of the railway from Madurai to Rameswaram and from Tiruchi to Rameswaram will connect the town to all major Indian Cities. Ramanathapuram District was a larger district in Taminadu and later some of its portions were added to Sivaganga giving raise to Sivaganga district.

The river Vaigai enters the Big Tank (periya kanmaai) and the water is collected for the purpose of agriculture. It is acclaimed that the river water does not reach the Sea, as to portray the size of the catchment area. The town has so many ponds, catering to the needs of the populace. It is a good sign to have few engineering colleges like Syed Ammal Engineering College and Mohammaed Sathak Engg. College. Though it is true that the township is growing, it has a long way to go.

Our Former Indian president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam did his scooling at Schwartz Higher secondary school, Ramanathapuram.

[edit] Geography

Ramanathapuram is located at 9°23′N 78°50′E / 9.38°N 78.83°E / 9.38; 78.83^[2]. It has an average elevation of 2 metres (6 feet). The nearest towns include Ilaiyangudi and Sivaganga.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census^[3], Ramanathapuram had a population of 61,976. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Ramanathapuram has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 74%. In Ramanathapuram, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.