Tharuvaikulam

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tharuvaikulam
Tharuvaikulam
State - District(s)	Tamil Nadu - Thoothukudi
Coordinates	8.53° N 78.10° E
Area
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Population (2001) - Density	9058 - 16.75/km²
Codes - Postal - Telephone - Vehicle	- 628105 - +91 461 - TN 69

Tharuvaikulam (Tamil: தருவைக்குளம்) is a Village in Thoothukudi District of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is a symbol of unity in diversity consisting 4 important areas with different community people including Melatheru, Keelatheru, anainthamadan pacheri and Thevarmar theru. It is village formed by the people from varous other places in south TamilNadu during 18th Century. There are about 3000, mostly Catholic families living there. It boasts of some of the best Prawn hatcheries and salt pans in Tamil Nadu. It falls under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Thoothukudi and the feast of St.Michael is a popular religious festival.

1 Geography and Location
2 Places of interest
3 Economy
4 Education
5 Prominent People
6 External links

[edit] Geography and Location

Tharuvaikulam is located 10 Km from the city Thoothukudi in sea shore of Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu.

[edit] Places of interest

[edit] Church of St.Michael

This Roman Catholic church, with its towering steeple, was built in 1936 and symbolizes the faith of the people living there. During the month of September, the church attracts huge crowds for the feast of St.Michael which is celebrated with religious pomp and gaiety.

[edit] Church of St.Nicholas

Famous for its 13 day festival.

[edit] Church of St.Anthony

Famous for its 13 day festival. Traditionally, newly-weds visit this church for blessings.

[edit] Beach

Calm and sandy beach. In olden days people walked all the way to Thoothukudi by the shore.

[edit] Statue of Kamaraj

It has the most realistic look and feel than any other Kamaraj statues. It is situated in Tharuvaikulam Bus Stand.

[edit] Economy

Fishing is the major industry. Tharuvai fishermen use both mechanized and non-mechanized country boats for fishing. Prized catch include Tiger prawns and lobsters which are mostly exported. Coral mining and diving for conches is also found here, though mostly the trade is declining. It should be noted that the government actively discourages these activities as Tharuvaikulam falls under the Gulf of Mannar marine national park.

A number of prawn hatcheries had sprouted up since 1990, but most shut down by 2000. However, still there are a few profitable hatcheries operating here.

Salt mining is another lucrative industry. Production is mostly for industrial use.

In olden times there was a flourishing trade in palm tree products which has gradually declined over a period of time.

Agriculture is practiced on a small scale. Tharuvaikulam tomatoes are quiet popular in the region. Red chilies are another favorite from the region. The vagaries of weather, however do not permit regular cultivation.

[edit] Education

1. St.Anne's Primary school 2. St.Michael Primary School 3. Government High School

[edit] Prominent People

Chevalier Father S.Navamani who was a popular parish priest; Maria Singarayar in whose honor the only public library is named after.

[edit] External links

	State of Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Topics \| History \| Politics \| Tamil people
Capital	Chennai
Districts	Chennai • Coimbatore • Cuddalore • Dharmapuri • Dindigul • Erode • Kanchipuram • Kanyakumari • Karur • Krishnagiri • Madurai • Nagapattinam • Namakkal • Perambalur • Pudukkottai • Ramanathapuram • Salem • Sivaganga • Thanjavur • The Nilgiris • Theni • Thoothukudi • Tiruchirapalli • Tirunelveli • Tiruvallur • Tiruvannamalai • Tiruvarur • Vellore • Viluppuram • Virudhunagar
Major cities	Alandur • Avadi • Ambattur • Chennai • Coimbatore • Cuddalore • Dindigul • Erode • Kancheepuram • Karur • Kumbakonam • Madurai • Nagercoil • Neyveli • Pallavaram • Pudukkottai • Rajapalayam • Salem • Tiruchirapalli • Tirunelveli • Tambaram • Thoothukudi • Tiruppur • Tiruvannamalai • Thanjavur • Tiruvottiyur • Vellore