Tiruchirapalli , India

Tiruchirapalli
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?Tiruchirapalli
Tamil Nadu • India
Tiruchirapalli
Coordinates: 10°49′N 78°41′E / 10.81, 78.69
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area
• Elevation 146.90 km² (57 sq mi)
• 85 m (279 ft)
District(s) Tiruchirapalli
Population
• Density 746,062 (2001)
• 499/km² (1,292/sq mi)
Mayor Sarubala Thondaiman
Codes
• Pincode
• Telephone
• UN/LOCODE
• Vehicle
• 620 xxx
• +91-431
• IN TRZ
• TN 45 and TN 48
Website: www.trichy.com
Coordinates: 10°49′N 78°41′E / 10.81, 78.69
Tiruchirappalli (Tamil : திருச்சிராப்பள்ளி) pronunciation (help·info) also spelt Tiruchchirapalli, commonly known as Tiruchi or Trichy (Tamil : திருச்சி) formerly also pronounced as Trichinopoly (under British rule) is the fourth largest city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu (after Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai). It is situated in the centre of the state, on the banks of the Cauvery River. Trichy is a corporation and the administrative headquarters of Tiruchirapalli District.

Trichy encompasses Srirangam, a Vaishnavite temple and the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Trichy also emcompasses "ThiruAnaikka" (ThiruvAnaikkaval), one of the five main abodes ("Panchaboodha Sthalam") of Lord Shiva. ThiruvAnaikkaval is the House of Water. Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born in Thiruvanaikaval and his house has been preserved as a museum.

The name of the town, "Tiruchirapalli", originated as a tribute (thiru in Tamil means respected) to a Jain monk called "Chira".[1] There is also a belief that Tiruchirapalli was named after a three headed demon "Trishira" (the son of Ravana) who performed penance at the Siva temple here and obtained boons.

There is yet another belief about the origins of the name Trichy. Apparently the name started out as Thiru Javvandhipuram (Place of Marigold flowers; javvandhi, the Tamil name for the flower Marigold which grew(and still does) in abundance in and around this region and the word puram refers to a place of dwelling) which over time became corrupted to Trichy.

Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Topography/Geography
3 Demographics
4 Industries
5 Connectivity
5.1 Roadways
5.2 Railways
5.3 Airways
6 Administration
7 Literacy/Education
8 Tourism
9 Places around Trichy
10 Tiruchirappalli District
11 External links
12 Notable people
13 References



[edit] History

The Rockfort Temple at Trichy.Tiruchirapalli is home to many historic temples, monuments, churches and mosques. Uraiyur (also pronounced as Oraiyur) which is the Old Tiruchy has a long tradition. With over 2,500 years of known history, it was the capital of the early Cholas. The oldest man made dam Kallanai was built by Karikala Cholan across the river Kaveri about 10 miles from Uraiyur. It was an important town in the days of the later Cholas, Nayaks as well as during the early days of the British East India Company. The Madurai Nayak rulers changed their capital from Madurai to Tiruchirapalli and back several times. The conquest of Tiruchirapalli by the British East India Company marked a major step in the British conquest of India.

One famous landmark in Tiruchirapalli is the Rock Fort, a huge outcrop of rock of 83 metres high, which is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land of the city. For this reason, the city is also called Rock City. On top of the rock is the Ucchi Pillayar Koil, a temple dedicated to Vinayaka (Ganesha), from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchirapalli. The temple was also used as a military fort by the Nayaks for some time. On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully carved cave temples of the Pallava period. On to the eastern side is Sri Nandrudayan Vinayakar Temple, with the powerful Lord Ganesha as the main deity. A big sized Ganesha and other rare deities can be seen in this temple,which hosts festivals every year during the Vinayaka Chathurthi ( birthday of the Lord)and many carnatic musicians and stalwarts have given musical concerts over 70 years in this famous shrine.Around the rock temple is a busy commercial region, specializing in textiles, known as Chatram. The Main Guard Gate is flooded on festive occasions such as Diwali, Christmas and Pongal. Trichy is famous for the number of churches in India . It has the most number of chapels in India. The most famous of them are The Holy Redeemer's Church, Lourdes Church and The Cathedral.


[edit] Topography/Geography

Kaveri in its full spate near MukkombuRiver Cauvery/Kaveri in full spate, Trichy/Tiruchirapalli is situated in the centre of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Bangalore lies in the southeast of the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is in the heart of the Mysore Plateau (a region of the larger Precambrian Deccan Plateau) at an average elevation of 920 m (3,018 feet). It is positioned at 10.81°N 78.69°E and covers an area of 146.90 km² . The topology of Trichy is flat except for the river Cauvery running WNW-SSE through the city. The river-channels Uyyakkondan carries much of Trichy's sewage. A sewerage system, constructed recently covers the newly added areas of Tiruchirappalli Municipal Corporation and connects with a sewage treatment center located in the periphery of Trichy at Panjappur. It is traversed by the river Cauvery and the river Coleeron/Kollidam, the latter forms the northern boundary of the city. There are few hills located within the city, the prominent among them are Golden Rock, Rock Fort, and the one in Thiruverambur. There are reserve forests along the river Cauvery, located to the west/north-west of the city. The southern/south-western part of the district is dotted by several hills which are thought to be an offset of the Western Ghat Mountain range and the soil here is considered to be very fertile.

Because of the river Cauvery/Coleroon flowing through the city/district, the northern part of the district is rich in flora. There are also small pockets of forest cover located in the southern/south-western part of the district.


[edit] Demographics
As of the 2001 census,[1] Trichy or Tiruchirapalli, had a population of 8.47 lakhs. Males constitute 49.97% of the population and females 50.03%. Trichy has an average literacy rate of 91.45%(official figure). Male literacy is 94.17% and female literacy is 88.73% with 9.59%(official figure) of the population under 6 years of age.


Trichy city as seen from Rockfort with Kaveri seen flowing in middle.The city's population is predominantly Hindu, along with a sizable Christian and Muslim populations. Sikhs are also present in smaller numbers.

Tamil is the official language. The dialect of the Tamil language spoken here is often 'Neutral', although a tint of "Kongu Tamil", Madurai Tamil may be heard as one travels through the western and southern boundaries of the district/city. One may also hear elangai/srilankan tamil widely spoken in some pockets of the city. Other languages spoken here include Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. Once, Tiruchirapalli served as the headquarters of the erstwhile South-Indian Railways(which was renamed later as 'Southern Railways' with Madras/Chennai as the headquarters) during the pre-independence era for a few years. Anglo-Indians(many of them who worked in the 'South-Indian Railways') started settling in 'Golden Rock-Township' and 'Crawford' located within the city. Due to this reason one can also see a large English-speaking population in the city. Urban Population - Trichy City Corporation

Year Population Type Source
1991 711,257 census official
2001 847,131 census official
2006 937,642 estimate


[edit] Industries

Dam induced drought on Kaveri River at TiruchirapalliThere are some major industrial houses in Trichy, few among them are BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) which is a prominent Navaratna company (highly profitable PSU), Ordinance Factory, Railway Workshop and Dalmia Cements. The plant of BHEL in Trichy, manufactures High Pressure Boilers. There are a lot of BHEL-groomed small to medium scale industries notable in the national and international market like Cethar Vessels, Veesons Energy Systems etc.

Number of small scale industries have also sprung up in Trichy, mostly around Thuvakudi and Mathur. Leather tanneries are located on the way to Pudukottai. Viralimalai, considered an industrial suburb on Madurai road has the factories of TVS, India bus body building unit, MM Forgings. One can also find agro-based industries around Trichy city, especially along Karur road and Chennai. Manachanallur, famous for its numerous rice mills supplying polished rice all over Tamil Nadu and outside is located about 7 km from Main Guard gate.

There are a number of [software companies in Trichy.Prominent among them are TREC-STEP (enterpreuners forum), Pradev Software Solutions, DSM soft (P) Ltd, NHIT, GFT and Allsec.


[edit] Connectivity

[edit] Roadways
Trichy is well connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu, by private and public bus services. The Theppakulam - chathram bus station, near Rock Fort temple, runs local and mofussil (city-to-city) bus services which connect people to nearby towns and villages. Bus services are frequent, once every two to five minutes. Trichy is also well-connected to the other cities of Tamil Nadu, southern Karnataka and Kerala through private charter buses.

The central bus station runs long distance services to major cities of the State and South India such as Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Erode, Nagercoil and Tirupathi. One can get buses from Trichy to almost any part of the state, due to its geographical location in the center of Tamil Nadu.

On the road infrastructure front, with the completion of highway projects in Tamil Nadu state, Trichy will have four track highways from the city branching to destination Chennai, Madurai, Tanjore and Coimbatore.[2] The four-laning of Chennai-Trichy should be completed in mid 2008 and also Trichy-Madurai would be completed at the same time. The widening of Trichy-Tanjore, Trichy-Dindugal, Trichy-Karur and Trichy-Rameswaram should also be completed in 2 years.


[edit] Railways
Trichy is the hub of Southern Railway's operation to connect this central part of Tamil Nadu to various parts of India, notably regions in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Maharastra, Karnataka, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. Trichy Railway Junction has five branches leading to Madurai, Rameswaram, Coimbatore, Tanjore and Chennai and currently there are 7 platforms . Currently few of them are Meter gauge tracks being phased out as of 2006. After the completion of all ongoing gauge conversion projects in Tamil Nadu, Trichy is set to become one of the busiest Railway Junctions. The Electrification between Villupuram and Trichy is expected to be completed by end of 2007 or April 2008. The railway station code for Trichy Junction is TPJ.


[edit] Airways
Main article: Tiruchirapalli Airport
Trichy has an international airport about seven kilometres from the city, which operates flights to Indian cities, territories, and neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the Gulf. Nowadays, flights are operated to Gulf countries such as Sharjah, Dubai, Fujairah, and Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, and to Kuwait.

Plans are being made to upgrade it to a full international airport in the next three years [3]. The extended runway (8000ft) was commissoned and further expansion to 12500 ft has started. Also, the construction of new terminal building is expected to be completed in 2008.

Various airlines including Malaysian airlines, Oman Air, Mihin Lanka, Air Asia will soon operate international flights while Kingfisher Airlines is planning to connect various Indian cities. Air India Express will make Dubai and Singapore flights a daily service as soon as the corrections in the extended runway is completed.

Airlines and Destinations Domestic
Carrier Destination
Air Deccan Chennai
Indian Chennai, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram
Kingfisher Airlines Bangalore
Air-India Express Chennai
International
Carrier Destination
Indian Al-Fujairah, Kuwait, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah
SriLankan Airlines Colombo
Air-India Express Dubai,Singapore
Mihin Lanka Colombo
Air-India Express Abudhabi, Kulalampur
Air Arabia Sharjah **
Malaysian Airlines Kulalampur **
** Starting soon


[edit] Administration
The city is a Municipal Corporation. It also serves as the headquarters of the district with the same name. The city has one Members of Parliament representing the Trichy constituency, but the southern part of the district including the manapparai town has been merged with pudukkottai parliamentary constituency for administrative reasons. The city is headed by a Mayor, under whom are the Deputy Mayor and several councillors elected by people representing administrative wards; as well as a corporation Commissioner of the rank of IAS to administer the city. The district is headed by the District Collector of the rank of IAS. The District court is the highest court of appeal in Trichy/Tiruchirappalli. The city has seen moderate to high development inspite of funds constraint.

The city's police force is headed by the City Police Commisioner of the rank of IPS. One of the 5 Central prisons of the state is located here.


[edit] Literacy/Education
Main article: List of colleges in Trichy
Considered an educational town, Tiruchirapalli has schools and colleges that are hundreds of years old. College Road in Chatram has three colleges and five schools. Prominent among the educational institutions in Tiruchirapalli are Bharathidasan University, National Institute of Technology, Trichy and SASTRA. The Government Law College, Tiruchirapalli was founded in 1979. Bharathidasan Institute of Management, a top-20 Indian B-school is also located in Tiruchirapalli, adjacent to NIT-T. K.A.P.V. Medical College is located close to the Central Bus Stand.

Former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, writer Sujatha (Rengarajan) studied at St Joseph's College in Trichy. R.Venkataraman (former Indian President) studied at National College in Trichy.


[edit] Tourism
The spectacular Rock Fort Temple, the landmark of the city, is on the shores of the Kaveri. It is perched on a massive rocky outcrop at an altitude of 83 m above sea level. The Thayumanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated halfway to the top. It has a 100-pillar hall and a vimana covered with gold. On the southern face of the rock are several beautifully carved rock-cut cave temples of the Pallava period.


Photograph from 1927The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, situated 6 km north of the city, is among the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in South India, and is the largest temple complex in the world. Shrouded in a haze of coconut palms away to the north, the temple is built on an island in the middle of the Kaveri and covers an area of 2.5 km². Enclosed by seven rectangular walled courtyards, this temple has 21 gopurams, the largest of which was completed in 1987 and measures 73 m in height. Srirangam is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The temple is replete with excellent carvings and numerous shrines dedicated to various gods.

The Jambukeshwara Temple (Thiruvanaikaval), dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated just 2 km east of Srirangam and houses five concentric walls and seven gopurams. Legend has it that an elephant once worshipped the Lord under the holy Jambu tree, and hence the name Jambukeshwara. The principal deity is the Shiva lingam, almost submerged in water, which flows from the subterranean spring in the sanctum sanctorum.

The Samayapuram Mariamman Temple is located 12 km north of the city junction on Trichy-Chennai NH 45.The Maariamman Temple is one of the most visited shrines in Tamilnadu, dedicated to Maariamman, a manifestation of the primeval energy Shakti as the mother Goddess. The offerings are in various forms. The most common offering is the Mavilakku Mavu made of jagery, rice-flour, dhal and ghee. Mariamman is believed to be a form of Shakti associated with prosperity and health. Local beliefs associate the deity with cures for diseases such as small pox and chicken pox. Samayapuram was a local capital of the Vijayanagar rulers in the vicinity of Tiruchirappalli, and was known as Vikramapuram.

Thirunedungalanathar Lord Shiva temple (Thirunedungulam), is located 6 km east of BHEL, & 4km from NIT Trichy , dedicated to Lord Shiva , bears witness to the glory of Chola architecture. It has been referred in one of the Alvars-Thirugnana Sambanthar poetry.

Other temples in and around the city include Vayalur Subramniya Temple, Anbil, Appakudathan and Thiruvallarai Vishnu Temples, Uraiyur Nachiyaar Temple, Uraiyur Vekkali Amman Temple, Thiruppaigeeli Siva Temple, Gunaseelam Vishnu Temple, Cantonment Iyyappan Temple,Kaatazhagiya Singar Perumal Koil at Srirangam, Brahma temple at Thirupattur and Thirupparaithuraishiva temple.

The Architecture of the St. Joseph's College Church situated within the St. Joseph College Campus on College road is awe inspiring

Kollam pond in Crawford lies along the Trichy-Madurai Railway line. This pond is home to different types of bird varieties including ducks and Kingfisher. One could also see few fisherman spreading nets naviagating with the help of vehicle tyre tubes.

The Anna Science Centre-Planetarium is 5 km from Trichi Bus Terminal. Anna Science Centre/Planetarium is located on Pudukkottai Road by th Airport.


[edit] Places around Trichy

Kaveri in its full spate near MukkombuThe capital of the imperial Chola dynasty, Thanjavur is situated 54 km from Trichi. The magnificent Brahadeeswarar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, bears witness to the glory of Chola architecture, sculpture, and painting. A museum in the temple courtyard has interesting Chola artifacts. The Thanjavur Art Gallery has priceless collection of bronze icons and granite sculptures dating from the 9th century AD. Thanjavur is famous for souvenirs like Thanjavur Art Plates, handicrafts, hand-woven silk, bronze icons, intricately inlaid brass work and bejeweled paintings.

Pudukkottai town (58 km) was once a princely state also famously known as Pudukkottai Samasthanam. The area, which comprises the district of the same name, is of absorbing interest to historians, anthropologists, archaeologists, and lovers of art. The numerous dolmens, stone circles, and other forms of megalithic burials in the district indicate the antiquity of this region dating back to pre-historical times. The rulers of Pudukkottai have built several beautiful palaces and constructed tanks and canals. Sri Brahadambal temple is one of the famous cave temple buit 900 years before by Pallavas. The rulers of Pudukkottai often called in the name of Brahadambal Das as a tribute to the native deity Sri Brahadambal. As the district was a dry place, the erstwhile rulers built lots of water tanks and improved the state much. Other sights include a Museum at Thirugokarnam, Pudukkottai, and famous temples like Bhuvaneswari Temple, Thiruvappur Mariamman Temple, and Santhanatha Sivan Temple. The Bhuvaneswari temple lies near Pudukulam and is an Adishtanam developed by Judge Swamigal. The Bhuvaneswari deity is considered more powerful and huge numbers of people pay obeisance on important days.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram is located at a distance of 100 km from Trichy. The Siva temple called Gangaikondacholesvaram here was conceived and constructed by the Chola king Rajendra I after his victory over the kingdoms in the region of the river Ganges. Apart from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful sculptures including a dancing Ganesha, a lion-headed well, and a stunning piece depicting Rajendra being crowned by Shiva and Parvati.

The Grand Anicut at Kallanai (24 km) is an ancient dam built (according to legends) by Karikala Chola across the river Cauvery in the 1st century CE. is still in use as part of the district's irrigation system.

Mukkombu (18 km) is a wonderful picnic spot where the river Kollidam branches off from the Cauvery.

At Viralimalai (30 km) is a temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya, perched atop a hill. It is also the site of a peacock sanctuary.

Sittanavasal (58 km) is the site of an ancient Jain monastery with exquisite fresco paintings in a cave. It is also noted for its pre-historic burial grounds.

Puliancholai (72 km) is water falls on the foot hills of Kolli hills. It is a nice picnic spot.

Pachamalai (Green) hills is a low lying hill station with gentle plateau falls inside Trichy district. Though the altitude of these hills is only average, it always has a pleasant climate and many parts of the hills are heavily wooded. The presence of other remarkable hill stations in Tamil Nadu has led to less improvement of this place.

Kodumbalur (42 km) and Avudayar Kovil are some other nearby sites worth visiting.


[edit] Tiruchirappalli District
Tiruchirappalli District has an area of 11,075 square kilometres. It is bounded to the north by Namakkal District, to the northeast by Perambalur District, to the east by Thanjavur District, to the southeast by Pudukkottai District, to the south by Sivaganga and Madurai districts, to the southwest by Dindigul District, to the west by Karur District, and to the northwest by Namakkal District.