Adirampattinam

Demographics

As of 2011 population census of India, Adirampattinam has a population of 31,066 Males constitute 47.95%(14897) of the population and females 52.04%(16169). Adirampattinam has an average literacy rate of 74.21%. Children under 6 years of age make up 13.08% of the population. Islam is the major religion with an estimated 75% of the population being Muslim and over 40 mosque within the town. Tamil is the official language and is predominantly spoken. The most commonly used dialects is the Central Tamil dialect. And fourth populated largest Town in Thanjavur District.

Geography and Climate

Adirampattinam is located on 10.20°N 79.24°E / 10.20; 79.24 on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Being close to the equator, Adirampattinam enjoys Tropical wet and dry climate. Summer prevails in the months of April and May, while days in mid-May are the hottest (Agni) period during a year - with temperatures regularly reaching 100 °F. December and January are winter months, with temperatures dropping to 17 °C. Monsoon occurs in October and November. Adirampattinam normally receives rainfall of 125 cm per annum. Most of the rainfall is received by the North East monsoon.

Köppen-Geiger climate classification system classifies its climate as Tropical Savanna (Aw).

Economy

Traditionally Adiraites (natives of Adirampattinam) are a trading community. Previously, the community was widely engaged in trading through country boats (in Tamil it is called Marakkalam) to neighbouring Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaysia and Singapore. Those who navigated the Marakkalam (country boat) were called Marakkalarayar and thus, the surname Maraikayar evolved.

In the pre-independent era the community fled to neighbouring countries for doing lucrative business. The oil boom opened new vistas and in the late 1970s Adiraites went to the Arab countries in Arabian Peninsula through AMA TRAVELS for search of greener pastures.

At present, the local economy mostly depends on remittances from migrants in foreign countries especially in the Middle East. Agriculture is the second most important source of income for the townsfolk and coconut is the major crop followed by paddy and other crops. Domestic business is the source of income for a significant number of families.The number of Adiraites who work in Chennai and engaged in business there is increasing.

Arab connection

There are historical evidences that Arab traders from Egypt landed at the port of Korkai (the present Kayalpattinam) in the Pandia Kingdom of Tamil Nadu way back in the year 1120 A.D.

These traders married the local Tamil ladies and thus Tamil speaking, Muslim community emerged.

This community migrated to Kilakarai in Ramanathapuram District and Adirampattinam as it is evident from the socio cultural similarities of these three places. The first migrant from Kayalpattinam to Adirampattinam in A.D. 1180 was a wealthy Dhahla Maraikayar, who built the most ancient mosque in Adirampattinam named after him as Marica Pillai mosque which is now called as Al Masjidthul Aqsa.

Culture

Adirampattinam culture is strongly influenced by Islamic thoughts. Life in Adirai revolves around the prayer calls (Adhan). The people, particularly women heavily depend on Adhan to keep their regular activities in track. The Adhan for early morning prayer well before sunrise acts as a wake up call. It is followed by four prayer calls at various intervals on a day. Friday is observed as public and commercial holiday in Adirai like many gulf countries.

White or colored Lungi is widely used as Male clothing instead of wearing pants. However, school/College Students wear Pants. Muslim ladies observe purdah and significant number of women do wear niqab(An extra cloth which veils all the face but eyes).

Like any other Marakkar society, It is a close knit society where people in general do not want to have marital relationships outside the town.

Transport and Communication

This town is well connected via road and rail with major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu. The East Coast Road (ECR) from Chennai to Kanyakumari connects this town as well. Frequent bus services are available to the nearby town, Pattukkottai. There are 14 Private omni buses runs daily night services for passengers as well as freight to Chennai in addition with the state owned SETC regular passenger services.

Adirampattinam has a Railway Station of its own. Train services from the town have become less popular and less frequent as the gauge conversion(from meter gauge to Broad gauge) is taking place on the Karaikudi-Villupuram stretch.

The Tiruchirapalli is the nearest International airport, located around 113 km away from Adirampattinam.

Adirampattinam itself had been a small seaport during British period. The old customs building near the coast stands as a landmark site in Adirampattinam.

Distance from major cities / towns via rail

Distance via road

Auto rickshaws act as major mode of private transportation for short distance travels. For long travels, people prefer private run taxis.

Infrastructure

The Adirampattinam bazaar was once a busy bazaar which served not only the town, but also its suburban villages. But now, with sophisticated transport facilities, people go to the nearby town Pattukkottai for lot of shopping centers. Adirampattinam had oldest fish market in middle of the town for sea foods,vegetables,fruits,meat and poultry, now in full swing and attracts people from neighboring villages too. The town gets power from its own 33/11 KV substation run by TNEB

Adirampattinam has four Petrol bunks which sell petrol, diesel and oil to the public. Adirampattinam has a good mobile phone network as well. Operators like BSNL, Airtel, Aircel, Idea and Reliance provide their services. BSNL also provides land line phones and Broadband internet connection to its subscribers. In addition, the town also has sufficient number of internet browsing cafes.

Adirampattinam has commendable number of educational institutions right from elementary schools to Colleges for higher studies. It houses a government hospital along with enough number of private hospitals/clinics. The Adirampattinam police station serves the town as well as the surrounding villages. Government establishments like the post office, the Sub-registrar office, the Meteorological(Weather) observatory and the Government library have their base in the town. The town has 7 ATMs from the Bank of India, the Canara Bank, the Indian Bank, the SBI Bank, Dhanalakshmi Bank, the Union Bank of India and the Indicas ATM.