Examine individual changes

'<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox Indian jurisdiction | native_name = Kumbakonam | கும்பகோணம் type = town | latd = 10.97 | longd = 79.42| locator_position = right | skyline = Town Hall Kumbakonam.jpg| skyline_caption = Kumbakonam Town Hall| state_name = Tamil Nadu | district = [[Thanjavur District|Thanjavur]] | leader_title = Municipal Chairperson| leader_name = Tmt. Rathna Sekar<ref name="municipalelections">{{cite news|title=AIADMK sweeps municipalities in two districts|url=httphttp://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/article2562030.ece|work=The Hindu|date=22 October 2011}}</ref>| altitude = 24| population_as_of = 2001 | population_total = 140021| area_magnitude= km² | area_total = 12.58 | area_telephone = (91) 435 | region = [[Chola Nadu]] | postal_code = 612001 | vehicle_code_range = TN 68 | sex_ratio = | unlocode = | website = |www.kudanthai.info footnotes = | }} '''Kumbakonam''' ({{lang-ta|கும்பகோணம்}}) (''kūmpakōṇam''), also spelt as '''Coombaconum''' in the records of [[British India]] , is a [[town]] and a special grade [[municipality]] in the [[Thanjavur district]] in the southeast [[India]]n [[States of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. It is located 40 kilometres from [[Thanjavur]] and 273 kilometres from [[Chennai]] and is the headquarters of the [[Kumbakonam taluk]] of Thanjavur district. The town is bounded by two rivers, the [[Kaveri River]] to the north and [[Arasalar River]] to the south. According to the 2001 census, Kumbakonam has a population of 140,021 and has a strong [[Hinduism|Hindu]] majority; but it also has sizeable [[Islam|Muslim]] and [[Christianity|Christian]] populations. Kumbakonam dates back to the [[Sangam period]] and was ruled by the [[Early Cholas]], [[Pallavas]], [[Medieval Cholas]], [[Later Cholas]], [[Pandya]]s, the [[Vijayanagar Empire]], [[Madurai Nayaks]], [[Thanjavur Nayaks]] and the [[Thanjavur Marathas]]. It rose to be a prominent city between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the Medieval Cholas. The town reached the zenith of its prosperity during the [[British Raj]] when it was a prominent centre of European education and Hindu culture; and it acquired the cultural name, the "[[Cambridge]] of [[South India]]". In 1866, Kumbakonam was officially constituted as a municipality, which today comprises 45 wards, making it the second largest municipality in Thanjavur district. Kumbakonam is known as the "temple town" due to the prevalence of a number of [[Hindu temple|temples]] here and is noted for its [[Mahamaham festival]] which attracts people from all over the globe. The main products produced are brass, bronze, copper and lead vessels, silk and cotton cloths, pottery, sugar, indigo and rice. == Etymology == The name "Kumbakonam", roughly translated in English as the "Jug's Corner",<ref name="catholicp710">{{cite book|pages=710|title=The Catholic encyclopedia: an international work of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic church, Volume 8|authors=Charles George Herbermann, Edward Aloysius Pace, Condé Bénoist Pallen, Thomas Joseph Shahan, John Joseph Wynne|publisher=The Catholic Encyclopedia Inc.|year=1934}}</ref> is believed to be an [[allusion]] to the mythical pot, the [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]] ''[[kumbha]]'' of the Hindu god [[Brahma]], which according to [[Hinduism|Hindu]] legend, contained the seed of all living beings on earth. The ''kumbha'' is believed to have been displaced by a ''[[pralaya]]'' or deluge and ultimately came to rest at the spot where the town of Kumbakonam now stands. This event is now commemorated in the Mahamaham festival held every 12 years. Kumbakonam is also known as Baskarashetram<ref name="chandrasekharendrap73">{{cite book|title=Paramacharya: life of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam|author=S. Sambamurthy Sastri|publisher=Jina kalan|pages=73|year=1991}}</ref> and Kumbam<ref name="history_thehindu">{{cite news|title=History of Kumbakonam|url=http://www.hindu.com/br/2005/04/12/stories/2005041200121401.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=April 12, 2005|author=V. Gnanasundaram}}</ref> from time immemorial and as Kudanthai in ancient times.<ref name="indianadvertisingp169">{{cite book|title=The Indian advertising year book|pages=169|publisher=Our India Directories and Publications.|year=1962}}</ref> Kumbakonam is also spelt as Coombaconum in the records of British India.<ref name="sottovocep146">{{cite book|title=Sotto voce: a social and political commentary, Volume 2|author=N. Raghunathan|publisher=B. G. Paul|year=1970|pages=146}}</ref> Kumbakonam was also formerly known by the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] name of Kudamukku.<ref name="southindianshrinesp320">[[#P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar|P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar]], pp 320</ref> Kumbakonam is also identified with the [[Sangam period|Sangam age]] settlement of Kudavayil.<ref name="ancienttamilsp88">{{cite book|title=The Chronology of the Early Tamils - Based on the Synchronistic Tables of Their Kings, Chieftains and Poets Appearing in the Sangam Literature|page=88|author=K. N. Sivaraja Pillai|authorlink=K. N. Sivaraja Pillai}}</ref> Winslow, in his 1862 Tamil-English dictionary, associates negative connotations with Kumbakonam.<ref name="history_thehindu" /> However, Winslow later apologized for his erroneous claim.<ref name="history_thehindu" /> ==History== [[File:Kumbakonam1955.jpg|thumb|200px|left|A 1955 map of Kumbakonam municipality and surrounding areas]] The region around Kumbakonam was inhabited as early as the Sangam Age (3rd century BC to 3rd century AD). The present-day Kumbakonam is believed to be the site of the ancient town of Kudavayil where the [[Early Chola]] king [[Karikala]] held his court.<ref name="ancienttamilsp88" /> Some scholars identify Kumbakonam as the site of the fabled prison of Kudavayir-kottam where the Chera king Kanaikkal Irumporai was imprisoned by the Early Chola king [[Kocengannan]].<ref name="cholasp72">{{cite book | first= K.A| last=[[K.A. Nilakanta Sastri]]| authorlink= | coauthors= | origyear= 1935| year= 2000| title= The CōĻas|edition= | publisher= University of Madras | location= Madras| id= |pages=72}}</ref> Kumbakonam is identified with the town of Malaikūrram<ref name="imperialgazetteerp20">[[#Imperial Gazetteer of India|Imperial Gazetteer of India]] 1908, Vol 16, pp 20</ref> which had served as the [[Chola dynasty|Chola]] capital as early as the 7th century and with the town of Solamaligai which had also served as a Chola capital.<ref name="southindianshrinesp320" /> According to the Sinnamanur plates, Kumbakonam was the site of a battle between the [[Pallava]] king [[Sri Vallabha]] and the then [[Pandya kingdom|Pandya]] king in 859<ref name="cholasp105">{{cite book | first= K.A| last=[[K.A. Nilakanta Sastri]]| authorlink= | coauthors= |pages=105| origyear= 1935| year= 2000| title= The CōĻas|edition= | publisher= University of Madras | location= Madras| id= }}</ref><ref name="saivaartp10">{{cite book|title=Saiva Art and Architecture|pages=10|author=C. Krishna Murthy|year=1985|publisher=Sundeep Prakashan}}</ref> and between the Pandya king Srimara Pandya and a confederacy of the Cholas and [[Western Ganga Dynasty|Gangas]].<ref name="southindianshrinesp320" /> Kumbakonam came into limelight during the rule of the [[Medieval Cholas]] who ruled from the 9th century AD to the 12th century AD. The town of [[Pazhaiyaarai]], 8 kilometres from Kumbakonam was the capital of the Chola Empire in the 9th century.<ref name="touristguidep73">{{cite book|title=Tourist Guide to Tamil Nadu|pages=73|publisher=Sura Books|id=ISBN 8174781773, ISBN 9788174781772}}</ref><ref name="houseofgodp178">{{cite book|title=House of God: select temples of South India|author=N. S. Ramaswami|publisher=Maps and Agencies|year=1984|pages=178}}</ref> Following the decline of the Chola kingdom, Kumbakonam was conquered by the Pandyas in 1290.<ref name="interdictp502">[[#International Dictionary of Historic Places|International Dictionary of Historic Places]], Pg 502</ref> Following the demise of the Pandya kingdom in the 14th century, Kumbakonam was conquered by the [[Vijayanagar Empire]].<ref name="interdictp502" />[[Krishnadevaraya]], the emperor of [[Vijayanagara]] visited the town in 1524 and is believed to have bathed in the famous [[Mahamaham tank]] during the Mahamaham festival.<ref name="interdictp502" /> Kumbakonam was ruled by the [[Madurai Nayaks]] and the [[Thanjavur Nayaks]] from 1535 to 1673 when it fell to the [[Thanjavur Marathas|Marathas]].<ref name="interdictp503">[[#International Dictionary of Historic Places|International Dictionary of Historic Places]], Pg 503</ref> Each of these foreign dynasties had a considerable impact on the [[demographics]] and [[culture]] of the region.<ref name="goughp30">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 30</ref><ref name="nayaksp7">[[#Vriddhagirisan|Vriddhagirisan]], pp 7</ref><ref name="metralcraftsmen">{{cite book|title=Metalcraftsmen of India Issue 44 of Memoir (Anthropological Survey of India) Memoir / Anthropological Survey of India ; no.44|author=Meera Mukherjee|publisher=Anthropological Survey of India|year=1978}}</ref><ref name="dvaitap476">[[#Krishnamurti Sarma|Krishnamurti Sarma]], pp 476</ref><ref name="salemcityp52">{{cite book|title=Salem city: an ethnohistory (1792-1992)|pages=52|authors=Ka Ilakkumi Nārāyaṇan̲, T. Gangadharan, N. Chandrasekar|year=1999|publisher=Vysya College}}</ref> When the Vijayanagar Empire fell in 1565, there was a mass influx of poets, musicians and cultural artists from the kingdom.<ref name="salemcityp52" /><ref name="nayaksp1">[[#Vriddhagirisan|Vriddhagirisan]], pp 1</ref> According to the chronicles of the Hindu monastic institution, the [[Kanchi matha]], the ''[[matha]]'' was temporarily transferred to Kumbakonam in the 1780s following an invasion of [[Kanchipuram]] by [[Hyder Ali]] of [[Mysore kingdom|Mysore]].<ref name="history_thehindu" /><ref name="southindianshrinesp325">[[#P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar|P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar]], pp 325</ref><ref name="southindianshrinesp326">[[#P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar|P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar]], pp 326</ref><ref name="kanchi">{{cite web|title=History of the Kanchi Shankaracharya matha and Acharaparampara|work=Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada And Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Sankaracharya Math Moolamnaya Sarvajna Peetham|url=http://www.kamakoti.org/peeth/origin.html#appendix2|publisher=Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam}}</ref> When [[Tipu Sultan]] invaded the east coast of South India in 1784, Kumbakonam bore the brunt of his invasion.<ref name="interdictp503" /><ref name="marathatanjorep62">{{cite book|title=The Maratha Rajas of Tanjore|author=K. R. Subramaniam|year=1928}}</ref> The produce fell sharply and the economy collapsed.<ref name="interdictp503" /><ref name="marathatanjorep62" /> Kumbakonam did not recover from the calamity till the beginning of the 19th century.<ref name="marathatanjorep62" /> [[File:Porch of Temple of Sri Rama, Combaconum.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Sri Ramamswamy temple, Kumbakonam, ca 1847]] Kumbakonam was eventually ceded to the [[British East India Company]] in 1799 by the Thanjavur Maratha ruler [[Serfoji II]]<ref name="interdictp503" /> and reached the zenith of its prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th century<ref name="tnuifslp4">[[#TNUIFSL Report|TNUIFSL Report]], Pg 4</ref> when it emerged as an important center of [[Brahminical Hinduism|Brahminism]],<ref name="goughp28">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 28</ref> [[Hindu religion]] and European education in the Madras Presidency.<ref name="interdictp503" /> The opening of the [[Suez Canal]] in 1869 fostered trade contacts with the [[United Kingdom]].<ref name="interdictp503" /> In 1877, railway lines were completed linking Kumbakonam with the ports of [[Madras]], [[Tuticorin]] and [[Nagapattinam]].<ref name="interdictp503" /> The Tanjore district court was established in Kumbakonam in 1806 and functioned from 1806 to 1863.<ref name="imperialgazetteerp21">[[#Imperial Gazetteer of India|Imperial Gazetteer of India]], pp 21</ref> Kumbakonam continued to grow even after [[Independence of India|India's independence]] though it fell behind the nearby town of [[Thanjavur]] in terms of population and administrative importance.<ref name="urbansociologyp193"> {{cite book|title=Urban Sociology in India|pages=193|id=ISBN 0861252969, ISBN 9780861252961|author=M. S. A. Rao|publisher=Orient Blackswan}}</ref> The [[population growth rate]] began to fall sharply after 1981.<ref name="tnuifslp4" /> This decline has been attributed to limited land area and lack of industrial potential.<ref name="tnuifslp4" /> On July 16, 2004, a devastating fire in the Sri Krishna school killed more than 80 children.<ref name="rediff_schoolfire">{{cite news|title=83 children killed in school fire in Kumbakonam|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2004/jul/16tn.htm|date=July 16, 2004|work=Rediff News}}</ref><ref name="schoolfire_thehindu">{{cite news|title=87 children die in school fire|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/07/17/stories/2004071707570100.htm|work=The Hindu|date=July 17, 2004}}</ref> ==Geography== [[File:Cauvery Bridge Kumbakonam.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Road bridge across the Cauvery river]] Kumbakonam is located at {{Coord|10.97|N|79.42|E|}}.<ref name="astrop508">{{cite book|title=The Astrological magazine|pages=508|publisher=Roman Publications|year=1983}}</ref> It is situated 273&nbsp;km south of [[Chennai]],<ref name="educationworld">{{cite book|title=Education world: the human development magazine, Volume 8, Issues 7-12|publisher=D. Thakore|year=2006}}</ref> 96&nbsp;km east of [[Tiruchirappalli]], and about 40&nbsp;km north-east of [[Thanjavur]].<ref name="indianplacenames">{{cite book|title=Studies in Indian place names|author=Madhav N. Katti|publisher=Place Names Society of India|year=1980}}</ref> It lies in the region called the "Old [[River delta|delta]]" which comprises the north-western taluks of Thanjavur district that have been naturally irrigated by the waters of the Cauvery and its tributaries for centuries in contrast to the "New Delta" comprising the southern taluks that were brought under irrigation by the construction of the [[Grand Anicut]] canal and the [[Vadavar canal]] in 1934.<ref name="goughp5">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 5</ref><ref name="womenworkersp139">{{cite book|title=Limited options: women workers in rural India|pages=139|author=A. V. Jose|publisher=International Labour Organisation|id=ISBN 9221067173, ISBN 9789221067177|year=1939}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 26&nbsp;metres (85&nbsp;ft).<ref name="sindianrailwayp217">{{cite book|title=Illustrated guide to the South Indian Railway: including the Mayavaram-Mutupet, and Peralam-Karaikkal railways|year=1900|pages=217|publisher=[[Higginbotham's]]}}</ref> The town is bounded by two rivers, the [[Kaveri River]] on the north and [[Arasalar River]] on the south.<ref name="southindianshrinesp320" /> Although the Cauvery delta is usually hot, the climate of Kumbakonam and other surrounding towns is generally healthy<ref name="bayofbengalpilotp11">{{cite book|title=The Bay of Bengal pilot|pages=11|year=1910|publisher=Great Britain Hydrographic Department}}</ref> and moderate.<ref name="industrialdevelopmentp481">{{cite book|title=Industrial development potential survey of selected towns of India|pages=481|publisher=Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry|year=1977}}</ref> Kumbakonam is cooler than Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.<ref name="censusp45">{{cite book|title=Census of India, 1961: Madras|pages=45|publisher=Manager of Publications|year=1962}}</ref> The maximum temperature in summer is about 40 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius.<ref name="hydrologyp776">{{cite book|title=Hydrology and Water Resources of India|authors=Sharad K. Jain, Pushpendra K. Agarwal, Vijay P. Singh|publisher=Springer|pages=776|id=ISBN 1402051794, ISBN 9781402051791}}</ref> Kumbakonam receives an annual rainfall of 114.78 centimetres every year.<ref name="powerp7025">{{cite book|title=Gifts of power: lordship in an early Indian state|author=James Heitzman|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1997|id=ISBN 0195639782, ISBN 9780195639780}}</ref> The region is covered with mainly [[alluvial]] or [[Vertisol|black soil]] which is conducive for [[rice cultivation]].<ref name="goughp5" /> Other crops grown in Kumbakonam include [[mulberry]], [[cereals]] and [[sugarcane]].<ref name="southindiap141">{{cite book|title=Gazetteer of South India, Volume 2|pages=141|author=W. Francis|publisher=Mittal Publications|year=1989}}</ref><ref name="classp17">{{cite book|title=CASTE,CLASS,AND POWER|pages=17|author=André Béteille|publisher=University of California Press|year=1971}}</ref> The flora of the Cauvery Delta mostly comprises [[palm trees]].<ref name="goughp5" /> The town of Kumbakonam is surrounded by extensive [[paddy field]]s.<ref name="goughp5" /> Methods of irrigation were considerably improved following the opening of the [[Mettur Dam]] in 1934.<ref name="interdictp503" /><ref name="goughp5" /> The [[fauna]] of the Cauvery Delta is limited to [[cattle]] and [[goats]].<ref name="southindiap141" /> The town is situated at the western flank of the Kumbakonam-[[Shiyali]] [[ridge]] which runs along the Kollidam river<ref name="journalp31">[[#Micropalaeontology|Micropalaeontology]], pp 31</ref> basin separating the [[Ariyalur]]-[[Pondicherry]] depression from the [[Nagapattinam]] [[Depression (geology)|depression]].<ref name="journalp34">[[#Micropalaeontology|Micropalaeontology]], pp34</ref><ref name="mineralexplorationp253">{{cite book|title=Mineral exploration: recent strategies|author=S. Rajendran|pages=253|id=ISBN 8189422715, ISBN 9788189422714|publisher=New India Publishing|year=2007}}</ref> This granular ridge projects further eastwards penetrating the Pondicherry depression and forms a hard layer of [[cretaceous]] rock underneath the [[sedimentary]] [[top soil]].<ref name="mineralexplorationp253" /><ref name="geologicalsocietyp269">{{cite book|title=Journal of the Geological Society of India, Volume 46|pages=269|publisher=Geological Society of India|year=1995}}</ref> [[Residential area]]s make up 32.09% of the town's total area while commercial enterprises and [[industry|industrial units]] make up 2.75 and 1.21 percent respectively.<ref name="tnuifslp7">[[#TNUIFSL Report|TNUIFSL Report]], Pg 7</ref> The non-urban portion of the town constitutes about 44.72 percent of the total area.<ref name="tnuifslp7" /> Kumbakonam has a total of 45 [[slums]] with a population of 49,117.<ref name="tnuifslp14">[[#TNUIFSL Report|TNUIFSL Report]], Pg 14</ref> The town has around 141 kilometres of roads, 544 municipal roads<ref name="munipalityorigin">{{cite web|title=Origin of Kumbakonam Municipality|url=http://www.kumbakonam.tn.gov.in/OriginMunicipality.htm|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref> making up 122.29 kilometres.<ref name="tnuifslp13">[[#TNUIFSL Report|TNUIFSL Report]], Pg 13</ref> There are also around 18.71 kilometres of [[state highways]] running through Kumbakonam.<ref name="tnuifslp13" /> Over 87% of the municipal roads are paved.<ref name="tnuifslp13" /> The town gets its water supply mainly through the Valayapettai headworks across the river Cauvery and the Kudithangi headworks across the river [[Kollidam]].<ref name="tnuifslp8">[[#TNUIFSL Report|TNUIFSL Report]], Pg 8</ref> ==Temples== {{double image|right|Gopuras in Kumbakonam - India.JPG|180|AdhiKumbheshwararTemple trimmed.jpg|180|Left:''Gopuras'' or ornamental gateways of a Kumbakonam temple. Right:The Adhi Kumbeshwarar temple at Kumbakonam}} {{Main|Temples of Kumbakonam}} Kumbakonam is known for its [[Hindu temple|temples]] and ''[[matha]]''s. There are around 188 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam.<ref name="tnuifslp4" /> Apart from these, there several thousand temples around the town thereby giving the town the sobriquets '''temple town''' and '''City of temples'''.<ref name="brihadiswarap2">{{cite book|title=Sri Brihadisvara: the great temple of Thānjavūr|author=E. K. Sashadri|publisher=Nile Books|year=1998|pages=2}}</ref> The most important temples present in Kumbakonam are the [[Sarangapani temple]], the [[Adi Kumbeswarar Temple|Kumbeswara temple]] and the Ramaswamy temple. The Sarangapani temple was constructed by Nayak kings in the 15th century and is twelve storeys high. The Ramaswamy temple, which has scenes from the Hindu epic ''[[Ramayana]]'' depicted on its walls, was constructed by the Nayak ruler Raghunatha Nayak in the 16th century.<ref name="southindianshrinesp324">[[#P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar|P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar]], pp 324</ref> Its principal idol of [[Lord Rama]] is made from a single piece of ''[[saligrama]]''. The Kumbeswara temple is considered to be the oldest [[Saivite]] shrine in the town.<ref name="templesofsouthindiap57">[[#Ambujam Anantharaman|Ambujam Anantharaman]], pp 57</ref> It was constructed by the Medieval Cholas in the 7th century AD.{{cn|date=October 2011}} At the centre of this temple, lies the Mahamaham tank where pilgrims from all parts of India bathe once every 12 years during the Mahamaham festival.<ref name="tnuifslp4" /><ref name="templesofsouthindiap57" /> The temple of Nagesvara has a separate shrine for the Sun god [[Surya]] who is believed to have worshipped the Hindu God [[Shiva]] at this place.<ref name="southindianshrinesp323">[[#P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar|P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar]], pp 323</ref> Kumbakonam has one of the few temples dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma. Kumbakonam also has a number of Hindu monastic institutions or ''mathas''. The Sri Sankara matha of Kanchipuram was moved to Kumbakonam during the reign of [[Pratapsingh of Thanjavur|Pratap Singh]]<ref name="southindianshrinesp325" /> and remained in Kumbakonam until the 1960s. There are also two [[Vellalar]] mathas in the nearby towns of [[Dharmapuram Adheenam|Dharmapuram]] and [[Thiruppanandal Adheenam|Thiruppanandal]]<ref name="goughp42">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 42</ref> and a Raghavendra matha in Kumbakonam.<ref name="sagesp105">{{cite book|title=e Sages Through Ages - Volume II: India's Heritage|author=K. K. Nair|publisher=AuthorHouse|year=2007|id=ISBN 1420878026, ISBN 9781420878028|pages=105}}</ref> There is also a branch of the Vaishnavite [[Ahobila mutt]] in Kumbakonam.<ref name="castesandtribesp349">{{cite book|title=Castes and Tribes of Southern India, Volume I|pages=349|author=Edgar Thurston|publisher=Clarendon Press|authorlink=Edgar Thurston|year=1909}}</ref> The Thirupureswarar temple of [[Patteeswaram]],<ref name="lonelyplanetp1069">[[#Lonely Planet|Lonely Planet]], pp 1069</ref> the [[Oppliyappan Sannadhi]],<ref name="lonelyplanetp1069" /> the [[Swamimalai Murugan temple]]<ref name="lonelyplanetp1069" /> and the [[Airavatesvara Temple|Airavateswarar temple at Darasuram]]<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068">[[#Lonely Planet|Lonely Planet]], pp 1068</ref> are located in the vicinity of Kumbakonam. ==Demographics== {{Historical populations |1871 |44444 |1881 |50098 |1891 |54307 |1901 |59673 |1911|64647 |1921|60700 |1931|62317 |1941|67008 |1951|91648 |1961|92581 |1971|113130 |1981|132832 |1991|139449 |2001|140021 |footnote=Sources: * 1871 - 1901:<ref name="imperialgazetteerp20" /> * 1911 - 1961:<ref name="censusofindia1969">{{cite book|title=Census of India, 1961, Volume 9|author=India. Office of the Registrar General|publisher=Manager of Publications|year=1969}}</ref> * 1951 - 2001:<ref name="tnuifslp4" /> }} [[File:Mahamahamfestival1921.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Mahamaham festival at Kumbakonam, c.a. 1921]] According to the 2001 census, Kumbakonam has a population of 140,021.<ref name="tnuifslp4" /><ref name="census">{{GR|India}}</ref> The male population is 69,607 while the female population is 70,414.<ref name="census" /> Kumbakonam has a literacy rate of 86.36% with a female literacy rate of 76.76%.<ref name="tnuifslp4" /> Kumbakonam town and its suburbs constitute the 15th largest urban agglomeration in Tamil Nadu<ref name="pop_status_tn">{{cite web|title=India: Tamil Nadu|publisher=Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner (web), Delimitation Commission of India (web)|year=2001|url=http://www.citypopulation.de/India-TamilNadu.html}}</ref> and the 290th in India.<ref name="manorama2007p711">{{cite book|title=Manorama Yearbook 2007|publisher=Malayala Manorama|year=2007|pages=711}}</ref> Kumbakonam has a strong Hindu majority; but it also has sizeable Muslim and Christian populations.<ref name="goughp33" /> Among Hindus, [[Kallars]],<ref name="goughp30" /><ref name="goughp31">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 31</ref> [[Thondaimandala Mudaliars]],<ref name="goughp29" /> [[Tamil Brahmin|Brahmins]]<ref name="goughp19">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 19</ref><ref name="goughp27">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 27</ref> and [[Dalits]]<ref name="goughp33">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 33</ref><ref name="goughp32">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 32</ref> are the numerically dominant Tamil-speaking groups.<ref name="goughp19" /> Brahmins are more numerous and affluent in Kumbakonam than in other parts of Tamil Nadu.<ref name="goughp28">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 28</ref><ref name="goughp27" /><ref name="goughp103">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 103</ref> There are also large populations of [[Moopanars]],<ref name="goughp30" /> [[Vanniyars]],<ref name="goughp30" /> [[Konar (caste)|Konar]]s<ref name="goughp31" /> and [[Nadars]].<ref name="goughp31" /> Amongst Muslims, the [[Sunnis]] are dominant. However, there is also a significant [[Shia]] minority. Most of the Muslims are [[Marakkar|Marakkayars]] or [[Labbays]].<ref name="goughp33" /> The majority of Muslims in Kumbakonam are involved in commerce or maritime trade.<ref name="morep40">{{cite book|title=Political Evolution of Muslims in Tamilnadu and Madras 1930-1947|pages=40|author=J. B. Prashant More|publisher=Orient Blackswan}}</ref> Kumbakonam also has a large population of [[Protestant]] [[Christians]] largely due to the efforts of the German missionary [[Christian Friedrich Schwarz]].<ref name="goughp33" /> The Catholics in Kumbakonam are mainly affiliated to the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Kumbakonam]] which was separated from the Archdiocese of Pondicherry in 1899.<ref name="stthomasp261">{{cite book|title=The St. Thomas Christian encyclopaedia of India, Volume 1|pages=261|author=Edward René Hambye|year=1982}}</ref><ref name="catholicencyclopaediap229">{{cite book|title=The Catholic encyclopedia: an international work of reference on the constitution, doctrine, discipline, and history of the Catholic church, Volume 12|publisher=Universal Knowledge Foundation|author=Charles George Herbermann|year=1913|pages=229}}</ref> The population of Kumbakonam is predominantly Tamil-speaking. The commonly used dialects is the [[Central Tamil dialect]].<ref name="languagesp730">{{cite book|title=The World's major languages|publisher=Oxford University|year=1987|pages=730|author=Bernard Comrie|id=ISBN 0195205219, ISBN 9780195205213}}</ref> There are significant minorities speaking [[Thanjavur Marathi (language)|Thanjavur Marathi]],<ref name="dvaitap544">[[#Krishnamurti Sarma|Krishnamurti Sarma]], pp 544</ref>[[Telugu language|Telugu]],<ref name="goughp30" /><ref name="dvaitap476" /> [[Kannada language|Kannada]]<ref name="goughp30" /><ref name="dvaitap544" /> and [[Saurashtra language|Saurashtrian]] as their mother tongue.<ref name="goughp30" /><ref name="goughp29">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 29</ref><ref name="1971censusp89">{{cite book|title=Census of India, 1971: Tamil Nadu|pages=89|publisher=Manager of Publications|year=1979|author=India. Office of the Registrar General, K. Chockalingam}}</ref> {{Clear left}} == Municipal administration and politics == {|cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="float:right; border-collapse:collapse; border:2px white solid; font-size:x-small; font-family:verdana;" |- |style="background:#659ec7; color:black;"|<div class="center">'''Municipality officials'''</div> {| cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="background:white; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px #747170 solid; font-size:x-small; font-family:verdana;" |- |Chairperson |<div class="center">'''Tmt. Rathna Sekar'''<ref name="municipalelections" /></div> |- |Municipal Commissioner |<div class="center">'''Dr. M.Elangovan'''<ref name="commissioner_history">{{cite web|title=Commissioner History|url=http://www.kumbakonam.tn.gov.in/CommHistory.htm|publisher=Kumbakonam Municipality, Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref></div> |} |} The Kumbakonam municipality was officially constituted in the year 1866.<ref name="interdictp503" /><ref name="munipalityorigin" /> Initially, the municipality exercised its jurisdiction over an area of 7.68&nbsp;km² and its affairs were administered by a town-level committee or municipal committee.<ref name="munipalityorigin" /> Later it was constituted special-grade municipality<ref name="municipalities">{{cite web|title=List of municipalities in Tamil Nadu|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/list_of_municipalities.htm|publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration, Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref> and currently, exercises its authority over an area of 12.58&nbsp;km²<ref name="munipalityorigin" /> out of the town's total area of 64.02&nbsp;km².<ref name="tnuifslp7" /> It comprises 45 wards <ref name="munipalityorigin" /> and is the second biggest municipality in Thanjavur district.<ref name="tnuifslp4" /> [[File:Communist Hammer and Sickle - Near Darasuram - India.JPG|thumb|left|200px|A flag mast with the [[CPI (M)]] electoral symbol at Darasuram near Kumbakonam]] The functions of the municipality are devolved into six departments: General, Engineering, Revenue, Public Health, Town planning and the Computer Wing.<ref name="organizationalchart">{{cite web|title=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm|publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration}}</ref> All these departments are under the control of a Municipal Commissioner who is the supreme executive head.<ref name="organizationalchart" /> The legislative powers are vested in a body of 45 members, one each from each of the 45 wards.<ref name="munipalityorigin" /> The legislative body is headed by an elected Chairperson who is assisted by a Deputy Chairperson.<ref name="economicweeklyp2396">{{cite book|title=Economic and political weekly, Volume 30|pages=2396|publisher=Sameeksha Trust|year=1995}}</ref> Kumbakonam is a part of the [[Kumbakonam (State Assembly Constituency)|Kumbakonam Legislative Assembly constituency]] and elects a member to the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] once every five years.<ref name="delimitationcommission">{{cite web|work=Delimitation Commission of India Circular No.282/TN/2007-IV|title=Order No. 52|publisher=Delimitation Commission of India|date=August 13, 2007|url=http://eci.nic.in/delim/Final_Publications/Tamilnadu/Final%20Notification%20&%20Order%20.pdf}}</ref><ref name="goughp141">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 141</ref> Despite being a hub of militant [[Communism]] in the 1950s,<ref name="interdictp503" /> Kumbakonam voted for the [[Indian National Congress]] in the first five state elections held between 1952 and 1977.<ref name="goughp141" /><ref name="1952electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1951/STATISTICALREPORTS_51_MADRAS.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1952 to the Legislative Assembly of Madras|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="1957electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1957/StatRep_Madras_1957.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1957 to the Legislative Assembly of Madras|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="1962electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1962/StatRep_Madras_1962.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1962 to the Legislative Assembly of Madras|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="1967electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1967/Statistical%20Report%20Madras%201967.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1967 to the Legislative Assembly of Madras|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="1971electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1971/StatReport_TN_71.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1971 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="1977electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1977/StatisticalReportTamil%20Nadu77.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1977 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref> The [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] won the elections in 1977<ref name="1977electionresults" /> and between 1977 and 1989, the seat was alternatively held by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] or the Indian National Congress.<ref name="1977electionresults" /><ref name="1980electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1980/StatisticalReportTamil%20Nadu%201980.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1980 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="1984electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1984/StatisticalReportTamilNadu84.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1984 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref> Since 1989, barring an interregnum of five years between 1991 to 1996,<ref name="1991electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1991/Stat_Rep_UP_91.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1991 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref> the seat has been held by [[Ko. Si. Mani]] of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.<ref name="1989electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1989/StatisticalReportTamilNadu89.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1971 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="1996electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_1996/StatisticalReport-TN96.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 1996 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="2001electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2001/Stat_Rep_TN_2001.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 2001 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref><ref name="2006electionresults">{{Cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/StatisticalReports/SE_2006/StatReport_TN_2006.pdf|format=PDF|title=Statistical Report on General Election 2006 to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu|accessdate=|publisher=Election Commission of India}}</ref> Kumbakonam was a part of the [[Kumbakonam (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kumbakonam Lok Sabha constituency]] from 1952 till 1977, when the constituency was disbanded.<ref name="goughp141" /><ref name="goughp142">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 142</ref> The assembly segments in the erstwhile Kumbakonam Lok Sabha constituency were included in the [[Mayiladuthurai (Lok Sabha constituency)|Mayiladuthurai Lok Sabha constituency]] and have remained so ever since.<ref name="delimitationcommission" /> ==Economy== The important products of Kumbakonam include brass, bronze, copper and lead vessels, silk and cotton cloths, sugar, [[indigo]] and pottery.<ref name="imperialgazetteerp21" /> Kumbakonam is considered to be the chief commercial centre for the Thanjavur region.<ref name="roughguidesouthindiap475">{{cite book|title= The Rough Guide to South India|pages=475|author=David Abram|publisher=Rough Guides|year=2003|id=ISBN 1843531038, ISBN 9781843531036}}</ref> As of 1991, around 30% of the population was engaged in economic activity.<ref name="tnuifslp5">[[#TNUIFSL Report|TNUIFSL Report]], pg 5</ref> Rice production is an important activity in Kumbakonam.<ref name="tnuifslp5" /> Of 194 industrial units in Kumbakonam, 57 are rice and flour mills.<ref name="tnuifslp5" /> Kumbakonam is also a leading producer of [[betel leaves]] and [[betel nuts|nuts]]; the betel leaves produced in Kumbakonam are ranked amongst the best in the world in terms of quality.<ref name="tnuifslp5" /><ref name="fodorp506">{{cite book|title=Fodor's India|authors=Eugene Fodor, William Curtis|year=1971|publisher=D. McKay}}</ref> The A. R. R. Agencies, a leading manufacturer of arecanut slices has its factory in Kumbakonam.<ref name="arrp445">{{cite book|title=Large industrial establishments in India|pages=445|publisher=Manager of Publications|year=1958}}</ref> The main administrative offices of T. S. R. & Co., a cosmetic company, are also based in Kumbakonam.<ref name="indianpressp218">{{cite book|title=The Indian press year book|pages=218|year=1954|publisher=Indian Press Publications|author=K. P. Vishwanatha Ayyar}}</ref> Kumbakonam is also famous for its metal works.<ref name="tnuifslp5" /> The Tamil Nadu Handicraft Development Corporation had been established in the nearby town of Swamimalai in order to train bronze artisans.<ref name="tnuifslp5" /> Kumbakonam is an important silk-weaving centre and more than 5,000 families were employed either directly or indirectly in silk weaving.<ref name="tnuifslp5" /> Silk weaved in Kumbakonam is regarded as one of the finest in the subcontinent.<ref name="britannicap45">{{cite book|title=Students' Britannica India: Select essays|pages=45|authors=Dale Hoiberg, Indu Ramchandani|publisher=Popular Prakashan|id=ISBN 0852297629, ISBN 9780852297629}}</ref> They are largely used in the manufacture of [[Thirubuvanam]] silk sarees.<ref name="tnuifslp5" /> Kumbakonam was also an important salt-manufacturing area during British rule.<ref name="cataloguep866">{{cite book|title=Official descriptive and illustrated catalogue, Volume 4|pages=866|publisher=Spicer Brothers|year=1851|author=Robert Ellis}}</ref> In recent times, Kumbakonam has emerged as an important manufacturer of fertilizers.<ref name="interdictp503" /> Apart from its manufactures, tourism is also a major source of income for the town. The Hindu temples<ref name="reviewp20">{{cite book|title=Indian and foreign review, Volume 17|pages=20|publisher=Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India|year=1979}}</ref><ref name="tnuifslp6">[[#TNUIFSL Report|TNUIFSL Report]], Pg 6</ref> and colonial-era buildings have been recognised for their tourism potential.<ref name="tourismp270">{{cite book|title=Introduction To Tourism|pages=270|author=N. Jayapalan|publisher=Atlantic Publishers and Distributors|id=ISBN 8171569773, ISBN 9788171569779|year=2001}}</ref> The 12th-century Airaveswarar temple in the town of Darasuram near Kumbakonam is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.<ref name="unesco">{{cite web|title=Great Living Chola Temples|url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250/|publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre}}</ref> Kumbakonam is also frequented by art collectors interested in handloom cloth and other curios.<ref name="speakingstonesp194">{{cite book|title=Speaking stones: world cultural heritage sites in India|pages=194|author=Bill Aitken|publisher=Eicher Goodearth Limited|year=2001|id=ISBN 8187780002, ISBN 9788187780007}}</ref> Banks such as the [[Bank of Baroda]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres">{{cite web|title=ATM Centres and Banks in Kumbakonam|url=http://www.kumbakonam.tn.gov.in/ATMCenter.htm|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref> [[State Bank of India]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Tamilnad Mercantile Bank]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Canara Bank]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Indian Bank]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Indian Overseas Bank]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Bank of India]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Union Bank of India]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Corporation Bank]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Lakshmi Vilas Bank]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[ICICI Bank]],<ref name="icicibank">{{cite web|title=Specified Branches/Locations of ICICI Bank/Correspondent Bank for issue of demand drafts|publisher=ICICI Bank|url=http://www.icicibank.com/pfsuser/icicibank/ibank-nri/money2india_listdd.html#listdd_tn.htm}}</ref> [[ING Vysya Bank]],<ref name="ingvysya">{{cite web|title=Access Points|publisher=ING Vysya Bank|url=http://www.ingvysyabank.com/scripts/Access_branch1.aspx#a197}}</ref> [[Karur Vysya Bank]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Punjab National Bank]],<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> [[Syndicate Bank]]<ref name="kumbakonam_atmcentres" /> and [[Vijaya Bank]] have their branches in Kumbakonam. The [[City Union Bank]] was founded in Kumbakonam in 1904 as the Kumbakonam Bank Limited<ref name="sunejap380">{{cite book|title=Suneja's banking year book and who's who|year=1973|pages=380|publisher=Suneja Publishers}}</ref> and is based in Kumbakonam. {{clear left}} == Transport and communication == Kumbakonam is well-connected by road and rail with the rest of India. The nearest international airport is at [[Tiruchirapalli]], which is 94 kilometres from Kumbakonam.<ref name="templesofsouthindiap56">[[#Ambujam Anantharaman|Ambujam Anantharaman]], pp 56</ref> The nearest seaport is located at [[Nagapattinam]] whch is about 50 kilometres away. There are regular government and private bus services to Chennai,<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068" /><ref name="roughguidesouthindiap475" /> Thanjavur,<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068" /><ref name="roughguidesouthindiap475" /> Tiruchirapalli,<ref name="roughguidesouthindiap475" /> [[Chidambaram]],<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068" /> Nagapattinam,<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068" /> [[Coimbatore]],<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068" /> [[Madurai]],<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068" /> Pondicherry,<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068" /><ref name="roughguidesouthindiap475" /> and [[Tirunelveli]].<ref name="munipalityorigin" /> The [[Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation]] (KSRTC) operates daily services from [[Bangalore]] to Kumbakonam.<ref name="roughguidesouthindiap475" /><ref name="touristguidebangp82">{{cite book|title=Tourist Guide to Bangalore|publisher=Sura Books|pages=82|id=ISBN 8174780211, ISBN 9788174780218}}</ref><ref name="ksrtc">{{cite web|title=KSRTC Bus Tickets Booking Online|url=http://www.ksrtconlinebooking.in/|publisher=KSRTC}}</ref> On March 1, 1972, the Cholan Roadways Corporation was established by the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]<ref name="cholanroadways">{{cite web|title=Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (KUM DIV-I) Ltd., Kumbakonam|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/transport/kumdivone.htm|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref> with its headquarters in Kumbakonam in order to improve transportation facilities in the districts of central Tamil Nadu.<ref name="tnstc_manual">{{cite web|title=Tamil Nadu State Transportation Corporation (Kumbakonam) Limited - Manual of Information|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/rti/proactive/transport/handbook-tnstc-kmb.pdf|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref> The organisation acquired the fleets of buses earlier owned by private operators - Sri Ramavilas Service, Raman and Raman Limited and Sathi Vilas.<ref name="cholanroadways" /> On July 1, 1997, the organization was renamed Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Kumbakonam and presently forms division no. 1 of the [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]].<ref name="cholanroadways" /><ref name="tnstc_manual" /> The corporation runs a reconditioning unit and a tyre re-threading unit in Kumbakonam.<ref name="tnstc_manual" /> Kumbakonam is connected by rail with most important towns and cities in South India.<ref name="roughguidesouthindiap475" /> The Mysore-Kumbakonam Express which has been recently extended to [[Mayiladuthurai]] connects Kumbakonam with [[Mysore]].<ref name="esip16">{{cite book|title=ESI|author=V. V. K. Subburaj|pages=16|publisher=Sura Books|id=ISBN 8172543069, ISBN 9788172543068}}</ref> The train also halts at Bangalore on its way to Mysore and back.<ref name="touristguidebangp105">{{cite book|title=Tourist Guide to Bangalore|publisher=Sura Books|pages=105|id=ISBN 8174780211, ISBN 9788174780218}}</ref> The Tiruchirapalli-Kumbakonam passenger train connects Kumbakonam with Tiruchirapalli<ref name="esip16" /> while the Chidambaram passenger train runs regular services between Kumbakonam and Chidambaram.<ref name="lonelyplanetp1068" /> The traditional modes of transportation are [[bullock cart]]s. It is recorded that as late as the 1950s, landlords and rich farmers travelled mostly by bullock carts with the exception of rare long journeys which they undertook by buses or motor vehicles.<ref name="goughp6">[[#Gough|Gough]], Pg 6</ref> Kumbakonam has an efficient local bus transportation system. The mofussil bus stand is located in the south-east of Kumbakonam and is situated just opposite to the Arignar Anna Bus Stand where the long-distance buses are stationed.<ref name="roughguidesouthindiap475" /> There are occasional [[ferries]] that transport people and goods across the Cauvery.<ref name="watertransportp94">{{cite book|title=Water Transport Origns & Early Evolution|pages=94|publisher=Cambridge University Press Archive}}</ref> Till the beginning of the 20th century, students of the Government Arts College used to cross the Cauvery on [[coracle]] ferries in order to attend college.<ref name="watertransportp94" /> Since the construction of a bridge in 1944,<ref name="calendarp5">{{cite book|title=Calendar|publisher=Government Arts College (Kumbakonam, India)|year=1975-76|pages=5}}</ref> the practice of transporting men and goods by coracles has greatly diminished.<ref name="watertransportp94" /> ==Education== [[Image:Kumbakonam College.jpg|300px|thumb|right|[[Government Arts College, Kumbakonam]]]] Kumbakonam emerged as an important centre of education in the late 19th century and was known as the "Cambridge of South India".<ref name="sindianrailwayp217" /> The [[Government Arts College, Kumbakonam|Government Arts College]], established in Kumbakonam in 1867, is one of the oldest educational institutions in the Madras Presidency.<ref name="hopkinsp260">{{cite book|title=Mr Hopkins' Men: Cambridge Reform and British Mathematics in the 19th Century|author=AlexD. D. Craik|year=2008|pages=260|publisher=Springer|id=ISBN 1848001320, ISBN 9781848001329}}</ref> It began as a provincial school on October 19, 1854, before being upgraded to a government college in 1867.<ref name="hopkinsp260" /><ref name="calendarp157">{{cite book|title=The University of Madras Calendar|pages=157|year=1933|publisher=University of Madras}}</ref> It was affiliated to the [[Madras University]] in 1877.<ref name="imperialgazetteerp21" /> One of the early principals of the college was [[William Archer Porter]], a [[Cambridge University|Cambridge]] [[Wrangler (University of Cambridge)|Wrangler]], who, along with [[T. Gopala Rao]], was instrumental in its elevation to a government college.<ref name="hopkinsp260" /> He is also credited with framing the college's acclaimed educational policy.<ref name="hopkinsp261">{{cite book|title=Mr Hopkins' Men: Cambridge Reform and British Mathematics in the 19th Century|author=AlexD. D. Craik|year=2008|pages=261|publisher=Springer|id=ISBN 1848001320, ISBN 9781848001329}}</ref> In 1881, it became a full-fledged college and high school courses ceased to be taught.<ref name="hopkinsp261" /> Notable faculty members included [[U. V. Swaminatha Iyer]]<ref name="coffeep91">{{cite book | last = Vēṅkaṭācalapati | first = Ā. Irā | title = In Those Days There was No Coffee | publisher = Yoda Press | year = 2006 | pages = 91 | isbn = 9788190227278}}</ref> while the Indian mathematician [[Srinivasa Ramanujan]] who studied from 1904 until 1906 when he dropped out, was one of its noted pupils.<ref name="hopkinsp260" /> The Government Arts College for Women was started in 1963<ref name="univhandbookp161">{{cite book|title=Universities handbook, Volume 1|pages=161|publisher=Association of Indian Universities|year=2006}}</ref><ref name="commonwealthunivp1117">{{cite book|title=Commonwealth universities yearbook, Volume 2|publisher=Association of Commonwealth Universities|year=1993|pages=1117}}</ref> and had a total strength of 2,597 pupils in February 2006.<ref name="naacindia">{{cite web|title=DRAFT REPORT OF THE PEER TEAM ON THE ASSESSMENT AND E-ACCREDITATION OF THE GOVERNMENT COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, KUMBAKONAM, TAMIL NADU|url=http://naacindia.org/Reports/06%20Govt.%20College%20for%20Women,%20Kumbakonam,%20TN.doc|publisher=National Accredition and Assessment Council}}</ref> The college offers various undergraduate courses and one post-graduate course and is affiliated to the [[Bharathidasan University]].<ref name="naacindia" /> Other colleges in Kumbakonam include Idhya Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Annai College of Arts and Sciences,Government College Of Fine Arts and Arasu Engineering College.<ref name="colleges_tngov">{{cite web|title=Educational Institutions in Kumbakonam - Colleges|url=http://www.kumbakonam.tn.gov.in/EDUCATIONAL%20INSTITUTIONS.htm|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref> The [[Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy]] has a satellite campus based in Kumbakonam where arts and sciences are taught.<ref name="colleges_tngov" /> The Native High School, founded in 1876,<ref name="indianreviewp210">{{cite book|title=The Indian review, Volume 27|pages=210|publisher=[[G. A. Natesan]]|year=1926}}</ref> and the [[Town Higher Secondary School]], one of whose students was [[Srinivasa Ramanujan]], were some of the oldest schools in the Madras Presidency.<ref name="jubilessp222">{{cite book|title=Jubilee yearbook and educational directory of Madras|pages=222|year=1934|publisher=South India Teachers' Union}}</ref> At present, there a total of 36 government and private schools in Kumbakonam.<ref name="schools_tngov">{{cite web|title=Educational Institutions in Kumbakonam - Schools|url=http://www.kumbakonam.tn.gov.in/EDUCATIONAL%20INSTITUTIONS.htm#|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}}</ref> == See also == *[[2004 Kumbakonam school fire]] == Notes == {{Reflist|2}} == References == * <cite id="International Dictionary of Historic Places">{{cite book|title=International Dictionary of Historic Places: Asia and Oceania, Volume 5 of International Dictionary of Historic Places|id=ISBN 1884964052, ISBN 9781884964053|authors=Trudy Ring, Robert M. Salkin, Sharon La Boda|publisher=Taylore & Francis|year=1996}}</cite> * <cite id="Imperial Gazetteer of India">{{cite book|title=The Imperial Gazetteer of India 1908, Vol 16|publisher=Clarendon Press|year=1908}}</cite> * <cite id="P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar">{{cite book|title=South Indian shrines: illustrated|author=P. V. Jagadisa Ayyar|publisher=Madras Times Printing and Pub. Co.|year=1920|pages=}}</cite> * <cite id="Krishnamurti Sarma">{{cite book|title=A history of the Dvaita school of Vedānta and its literature: from the earliest beginnings to our own times|author=B. N. Krishnamurti Sharma|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|year=2000|id=ISBN 8120815750, ISBN 9788120815759}}</cite> * <cite id="Vriddhagirisan">{{cite book|title=The Nayaks of Tanjore|author=V. Vriddhagirisan|year=1942|publisher=Annamalai University}}</cite> * <cite id="TNUIFSL Report">{{cite web|url=http://municipality.tn.gov.in/kumbakonam/CCP/Kumbakonam%20CCP-BP%20-%20Final%20Report.pdf|publisher=Commissioner of Municipal Administration, Government of Tamil Nadu|title=Conversion of City Corporate Plan to Business Plan for Kumbakonam municipality}}</cite> * <cite id="Gough">{{cite book|title=Rural Society in Southeast India|publisher=Cambridge University Press|author=Kathleen Gough|authorlink=Kathleen Gough|year=1981}}</cite> * <cite id="Micropalaeontology">{{cite book|title=Proceedings of the Indian Colloquium on Micropalaeontology and Stratigraphy|publisher=Dept. of Geology, University of Lucknow|year=1972}}</cite> * <cite id="Ambujam Anantharaman">{{cite book|title=Temples of South India|author=Ambujam Anantharaman|publisher=East West books|year=2006|id=ISBN 8188661422, ISBN 9788188661428}}</cite> * <cite id="Lonely Planet">{{cite book|title=Country Guides - India|publisher=Lonely Planet|year=2007|id=ISBN 1741043085, ISBN 9781741043082|authors=Joe Bindloss, Sarina Singh}}</cite> == Further reading == * {{cite book|title=Students' Britannica India, Volume 1|publisher=Popular Prakashan|year=2000|id=ISBN 0852297602, ISBN 9780852297605|pages=259}} == External links == {{Commons category}} * *{{Wikitravel|Kumbakonam}} * {{cite web|title=Kumbakonam To Chennai |url=http://distancebetween.info/chennai/kumbakonam}} * {{cite web|title=Kudamookku |url=http://www.kudamookku.com}} * {{cite web|title=KUMBAKOANAM NGO site Online|url=http://kumbakonam.org.in}} *{{cite web|title=Kumbeshwarar temple in Kumbakonam|url=http://holyindia.org/shiva/thevaram_temple/0089_thirukkudamooku_kubeswarankoil_kumbakonam_kumbeswarar.jsp/|publisher=Holy India|language=Tamil}} * {{cite web|title=kumbakonam.info|url=http://www.kumbakonam.info/|publisher=Logic Research Labs}} * {{cite web|title=Kumbakonam Online|url=http://www.kumbakonamonline.com/}} {{Tamil Nadu}} {{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}} {{Thanjavur district}} {{Good article}} [[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites]] [[Category:Cities and towns in Thanjavur district]] [[ca:Kumbakonam]] [[cy:Kumbakonam]] [[de:Kumbakonam]] [[es:Kumbakonam]] [[hi:कुंभकोणम]] [[bpy:কুম্ভকোনম]] [[it:Kumbakonam]] [[pam:Kumbakonam]] [[ml:കുംഭകോണം]] [[new:कुम्बकोनाम]] [[nn:Kumbakonam]] [[pl:Kumbakonam]] [[ru:Кумбаконам]] [[scn:Kumbakonam]] [[sv:Kumbakonam]] [[ta:கும்பகோணம்]] [[te:కుంభకోణం]] [[vi:Kumbakonam]] [[war:Kumbakonam]]'