Dharmapuri District - General Information

Dharmapuri district, which came into existence from 2.10.1965 is situated in the North western Corner of Tamil Nadu and is bounded by Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram Districts on the east, Salem District on the South, Krishnagiri District on the north and Kaveri river on the west. It is located between latitudes N 11 47’ and 11 57’ and longitudes E 78 02’ and 78 40’. The total geographical area of Dharmapuri District is 4497.77 Sq Kms, i.e. 3.46% of Tamil Nadu.

The climate of the Dharmapuri District is generally warm. The hottest period of the year is generally from the months of March to May , the highest temperature going up to 38 C in April. The Climate becomes cool in December and continuous so up to February, touching a minimum of 17 C in January. On an average the District receives an annual rainfall of 895.56 mm.

The Soil type ranges from black to mixed loam; Red sandy soils are seen in Harur Taluk. Black and loam soil are found in Dharmapuri Taluk. Generally the soil is low in Nitrogen and Phosphate content with no marked variation between Taluks.

The District economy is mainly agrarian in nature. Nearly 70% of the workforce is dependent on agriculture and allied activities. The district is one among most backward and drought prone area in the state.

Dharmapuri district forms a major horticultural belt in the state. As the area is drought – prone it has become essential to switch over to cultivation of drought tolerant perennial fruit crops in this district.

Mango is the main horticulture crop of this District. It has the highest area under the fruit crops . The district accounts for nearly one-third area under mango and nearly one-half of the mango yield in the state.

Almost all types of fruits and vegetables are cultivated in Dharmapuri District.

Dharmapuri District is very famous for mango. Nearly 80% of the products are of Thottapuri variety (Banglora) commonly referred as Kilimukku.

The district has the 2nd highest area under tomato and accounts for 22% of the area in the state. Palacode is the main area where tomato is cultivated.

Chilli is cultivated mainly at Pennagaram.

Dharmapuri being an inland district , fishing is restricted to inland only here. Main varieties of fish available are katla, rogu, mirgal, common and corp.

Dharmapuri district is endowed with sizeable reserves of granite. High quality black granite is available in Pennagaram, Harur and Palacode blocks.

Quartz is available at Kendiganapalli Village of Pennagaram Taluk, A.Velampatti of Harur taluk and Pethathampatti of Pappireddipatti Taluk.

Another High value mineral available here is Malibdinum, which is identified as a good conductor. It is available in Harur.

The inhabitants of the district speak different languages. The Balaghat area consisting of Hosur and North Western portion of Krishnagiri taluk is a multi-lingual area where Tamil, Kanarese, Telugu and Hindi speaking people are living.

The predominant communities found in this area are the Kapus, Lingayaths, Okkaligas, Baliya Chetties, Oddars and Scheduled Castes like Holeyas and Madigas. The weavers of this area mostly belong to Sali Chetties.

The Baramahal area comprising eastern part of the Krishnagiri, Hosur and Dharmapuri taluks constitutes Telugu and Tamil speaking communities majority of whom belong to Vanniars, Kongu Vellalas and Gollas. Telugu Chettiars Okkaligas and Senaikudyars.

The Malayali tribe is inhabited in the Chitheri Hills areas. Among the Scheduled Caste population Adi-Dravidars and Arunthathiars form major share who scattered throughout the district.