Viluppuram district

Viluppuram (also Villupuram and Vizhupuram) is one of the thirty districts which make up State situated on the southern tip of. The district headquarters are located at. Viluppuram district came into existence on  when it was created out of  district. Viluppuram is the second largest district in the state.

Early history
From the 1st to the 4th centuries CE the were the rulers of the area,  was the most famous and powerful individual of the time. The grip of Chola rule was broken when the Cholas were overthrown by Simha Vishnu Pallava and the region came under the rule. again revived Chola rule. This was the beginning of great.

Cholas regained their lost position but with the rise of Jatavarman Sundara Pandya-1 (1251), Chola supremacy came to an end. The sway of s lasted for over 50 years, followed by Muslim domination from to. By 1378, the region came under the rule of Kingdom and  were appointed as the rulers of the region.

In  took the  area with the assistance of  forces. Then came the. During the Mughal regime, both the and  acquired settlements in South Arcot. During the Anglo-French rivalry, the entire district was turned into a battleground. After sometime, the entire area came under the control of. It remained under British authority till when India became independent.

Geography
The district occupies an of 7217.

Divisions
Viluppuram district has 8 taluks.
 * Viluppuram
 * Gingee
 * Dindivanam
 * Vanur
 * Thirukoilur
 * Ulundurpet
 * Sankarapuram
 * Kallakurichi

Demographics
Viluppuram district has a of 2,960,373 as per the 2001 census. This district is listed as the first-most backward district in Tamil Nadu. It is only 14.42% urbanised.

It has a literacy of 64.68%, the second lowest in the state. It is also one of the least developed areas in the state.

Tourist places
The region has a variety of historical tourist attractions many of which are more than 100 years old. The district has temples, mosques and churches which are very old and famous. The cultural township of in the district.