Ramanathapuram

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?Ramanathapuram Tamil Nadu • India
Ramanathapuram
Coordinates: 9°23′N 78°50′E / 9.38, 78.83
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 2 m (7 ft)
District(s)	Ramanathapuram
Population	61,978 (2001)

Coordinates: 9°23′N 78°50′E / 9.38, 78.83 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.

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.

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.

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 large district in Taminadu, Later some of its portion added to sivagangai and formed as sivagangai district.

River Vaigai enters the Big Tank and the water is collected for the purpose of agriculture. The river water does not reach the Sea. The town has so many ponds, catering to the needs of the populace.Some famous engineering colleges like Syed Ammal Engineering College is exist in ramnad .

[edit] Geography & History

Ramanathapuram is located at 9.38° N 78.83° E^[2]. It has an average elevation of 2 metres (6 feet).The nearest towns include Ilaiyangudi,ramanathapuram,sivagangai.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 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.