Karaikal

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See also: Caracal
  ?Karaikal
Puducherry • India
Map indicating the location of Karaikal
Location of Karaikal
Coordinates: 10°55′47″N 79°50′11″E / 10.9296, 79.8365
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
District(s) Karaikal
Population 74,333 (2001)

Coordinates: 10°55′47″N 79°50′11″E / 10.9296, 79.8365 Karaikal (also Karikal or Karaikkal) is a city and a municipality in Karaikal district in the Indian state of Puducherry.

Contents

[edit] History

Before 1739 Karaikal was under the regime and control of Raja Pratap Singh of Tanjore. Karaikal and six villages were sold to the French for 50,000 chakras. On 14 February, 1739, Mr. Gratien Golard took possession of Karaikal. Until 1 November, 1954, it was under French rule. Though the Territory was handed over to the Republic of India on November 1, 1954 Karikal's municipal administration was continued pursuant to the Arrêté dated March 8, 1880. This was replaced by the promulgation of the Pondicherry Municipality Act, 1973, with effect from January 26, 1974. Mr. Gaudart was the first Mayor of Karaikal in 1884 and Mr. V. Govindarajan was the last elected Mayor of Karaikal up to 1979.V.Govindarajan (well known as VG) was one of the main public person who brought a lot to his town. He was twice Mayor of Karaikal, President of the Congress Party of the Puducherry state, President of Karaikal Rotary Club, President of the Thirunallar temple Devasthanam and he ended up his political career as Pondicherry State Minister of Agriculture and Local Administration between 85 and 90.

[edit] Culture

Located 132 km south of the city of Pondicherry, Karaikal is known for its rich religious heritage, and is a destination for those seeking leisure and serenity. The town enjoys a harmonious society comprising of Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people of other religious persuasions. Tamil is the predominant native language of the people. As the area was formerly a French possession, the French language is also found, especially among the elder generation.

[edit] Economy

Most of the people in town are office bearers and other sources of town people's income is of petty business. The prominent source of income to the district is of agriculture. The other main source is of liquor as the tax is less and the cost is almost half when compared to neighbouring state of Tamilnadu.

On 26 December 2004, Karaikal faced its worst tragedy. Tsunami waves hit this coastal town in India. More than 500 people, mostly fishermen families, were washed away by the killer waves.

Colonial Karikal
Colonial Karikal

It is one of the towns in South India with high cost of living due to French NRI presence and educated Karikal youth working in Indian cities with IT salaries.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census[1], Karaikal had a population of 74,333. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Karaikal has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 68%. In Karaikal, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03.

[edit] External links

[edit] See also

v • d • e
Flag of France French overseas empire
Former
Present


Union Territory of Puducherry [ v • d • e ]
Puducherry Topics | History | Economy | Geography | Culture | Tourism
Capital Puducherry
Districts Puducherry • Karaikal • Mahé • Yanam
Major Towns Puducherry • Karaikal • Mahé • Yanam
Languages French • Tamil • Malayalam • Telugu
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