Krishnagiri district



Krishnagiri District (கிருஷ்ணகிரி மாவட்டம் in Tamil) is a district in the state of,. The city of is the district headquarters.

Name
'Krishna' refers to 'black' and 'giri' refers to 'hill'. Thus, 'Krishnagiri' refers to 'Black Hill'. This district is gifted with black granite hillocks and named as 'Krishnagiri'. Also, the region came under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya and hence it might also have been named after him.

History
Krishnagiri District has a prehistoric importance. Archaeological sources confirm the presence of habitats of man kind during, and  Ages. Various rock paintings and rock carvings of and  seen in this district support the historical significance of this district. The heart of, and  were known as 'Eyil Nadu', 'Murasu Nadu' and 'Kowoor Nadu' respectively. During the period, Krishnagiri region was called 'Nigarili Chola Mandlam' and 'Vidhugadhazhagi Nallur'. Under the rule it was popular as 'Nulambadi' according to historical sources. Hero stones were erected for those whose lost their lives in pursuit of adventure. There was a tradition of erecting memorial stones for people who sacrifice their lives for the sake of their kings since age. These memorial stones were called 'Navagandam'. Plenty of memorial stones available in this district speak volumes about the valour and virtues of the people.

Part of, , and  were together named as  in Sangam age. Krishnagiri was once ruled by Adhiyaman and hence also known as Adhiayaman Nadu. Adhiayaman, considered a noble king, offered 'Karunelli' (Goose Berry) to the great Tamil poetess "Avvaiyar", who adorned his court for her long life. This region was ruled by, , , , , Emperors,  Sultans,  of Mysore and. The region of krishnagiri served as gateway of Tamil Nadu and a protective barrier for Southern region defending onslaughts from barriers with motives of imperialism and exploitation. Twelve Forts in this region were popularly known as 'Bara Mahal' Forts. These forts have withstood many attacks by the Mysore and Andhra rulers. Amongst them, Krishnagiri Fort became the first and forth most defensive place. The majestic fort built on the Krishnagiri hill by the Vijayanagar Emperors, stands as testimony even now. , a place in Krishnagiri District was once the head quarters of the Hoysala King Veera Ramanathan in the 13th Centuty AD. Jagadevarayan, a Hoysala king made 'Jagadevi' (one of the 'Bara Mahal' forts) as his capital.

During the I the British troops passed through Krishnagiri to attack  Forces at Kaveripattinam. The British army was defeated here. In the II Mysore War the entire region of and  came under Hyder Ali's control. Hyder Ali fought bravely against the English at Krishnagiri. In the II Mysore war, after the Treaty of Srirangapattinam, the entire region of Salem and Bara Mahal were surrendered to the British. In 1792 AD, Captain Alexander Reed became the first District Collector of this region. Under the diplomacy of, the then Governor of , Krishnagiri became the headquarters of Bara Mahal. A mint was established at krishnagiri in 1794 AD., and  coins were forged here. Rayakottai, once a strong hold of the British, lost its importance for defense by 1880 AD. Many soldiers from krishnagiri region took part in the and lost their lives. Even today a large number of youth from this district are in the services of the Indian army. Krishnagiri district had its fair share of freedom fighters in the Indian freedom struggle. Prominent amongst them was, who, from a small village in this district rose to become the first Governor General of independent India and also the Chief Minister of.

Till the year 2004 Krishnagiri was a part of the district. It was then separated from Dharmapuri district and formed as the 30th district separate district of Tamil Nadu in 2004.

Geography & Climate
Krishnagiri district covers an area of 5143 km². Krishnagiri district is bound by and  districts to the East, State of  to the west, State of  to the North and  to the south. This district is elevated from 300m to 1400m above the mean sea level. It is located between 11º 12'N to 12º 49'N Latitude, 77º 27'E to 78º 38'E Longitude. It basically has a mountainous terrain. The flatlands are irrigated by the South Pennar River.

The eastern part of the district experiences hot climate and the western part contrastingly has a pleasant climate. The average rainfall is 830 mm per annum. March - June is the summer season. July - November is the Rainy Season and during December - February winter prevails.

Divisions
Krishnagiri district comprises five taluks.
 * Krishnagiri
 * Hosur
 * Pochampalli
 * Uthangarai
 * Denganikotta

Demographics
The district has a population of 15,46,700. It has a literacy of 58.11%, one of the lowest in the state. It is only 16.42% urbanised as per Census 2001, while Tamil Nadu state is the most urbanized state in India.

Demographic of Krishnagiri district - Census 2001

The district exhibits the confluence of different languages and religions. Three languages namely, and  are predominantly spoken in this district. Major religions are, and.

Economy

 * Krishnagiri district is famous for es. Krishangiri district is also famous for the Industry with quarries and processing units spread around the district., one of the most industrialized places in the state is located in this district.


 * Krishnagiri is considered a backward district in the state wherein the whole revenue is generated from situated in krishnagiri district.


 * With 40% share, the district is the top producer of in Tamil Nadu.