Nagapattinam நாகப்பட்டினம்
—  town  —
Dutch engraving showing Nagapatnam c. 1680
Nagapattinam
Coordinates: 10°46′N 79°50′E / 10.77°N 79.83°E / 10.77; 79.83Coordinates: 10°46′N 79°50′E / 10.77°N 79.83°E / 10.77; 79.83
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Nagapattinam
Population (2001)
• Total	92,525
• Density	615.99/km2 (1,595.4/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Tamil
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	611xxx
Telephone code	914365
Vehicle registration	TN 51

Nagapattinam Tamil: நாகப்பட்டினம் (nākappaṭṭinam) (previously spelt Nagapatnam or Negapatam) is a town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Nagapattinam District. It is a prominent seaport on the east coast of India and an important centre of trade and commerce.

The town of Nagapattinam dates back to the Sangam period. The Chudamani Vihara in Nagapattinam was constructed by the Medieval Cholas. Nagapattinam was settled by the Portuguese and later, the Dutch under whom it served as the capital of Dutch Coromandel from 1660 to 1781. In November 1781, Nagapattinam was conquered by the British East India Company. It served as the capital of Tanjore district from 1799 to 1845. In 1991, it became the capital of the newly-created Nagapattinam District. The town was severely damaged by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004.

Sea-borne trade and fishing are the major sources of income for the town. There are also a number of pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations, notable amongst them being Sikkal Singaravelan Temple, Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, the Nagore Dargah and Puhar.

History[link]

Ptolemy refers to Nagapattinam as Nikam and mentions it as one of the most important trade centres of the ancient Tamil country.

Nagappattinam was the headquarters of the region during Chola period and named after Kshathiriya Sigamani (Raja Raja Cholan). Nagappathinam was also known as ‘Cholakula Vallippattinam’. The heritage of the town is found in the Burmese historical text of 3rd Century B.C,and gives evidences of a Budha Vihar built by the great Ashoka.

Nagapattinam was a Buddhist centre from 4th-5thth century CE. Its stupa dates from this era. Buddhism disappeared from this city as of an unknown date, but was revided as of the 9th cent. CE. (H.P.Ray, The Winds of Change, Delhi 1994, p. 142) In the 11th century CE, Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist vihara (monastery) was built by Javanese king Sri Vijaya Soolamanivarman with the patronage of Raja Raja Chola.^[1] “Animangalam Copperplate” of Kulothunga chola notes that “Kasiba Thera” [Buddhist Monk] Renovated the Buddhist temple in 6th century AD with the help of Buddhist monks of ‘Naga Nadu’. This ‘nagar annam vihar’ later came to be known as ‘Nagananavihar'.Buddhism flourished until 15th century CE and the buildings of the vihara survived until 18th century. In Chola's Empire, Nagapattinam was the prominent port of Cholas, who used this port not only for trade but also as conquering gateway to the east. This town still has traces of Saiva temples that were built by Cholas

Permanent Shelter for Tsunami Affected Families in Nagapattinam - meant to be tsunamiproof

Nagapattinam was referred to by early writers and the Portuguese as "the city of Coromandel".^[2] In the early 16th century the Portuguese started commercial contacts with the town and 1554 they established a commercial centre. In 1658, the Dutch establish the agreement between King Vijaya Nayakkar of Thanjavoor on 05-01-1662. The following ten villages were transferred from the Portuguese to the Dutch, namely Nagappattinam Port, Puthur, Muttam, Poruvalancheri, Anthanappettai, Karureppankadu, AzhingiMangalam, Sangamangalam, Thiruthinamangalam, Manjakollai, Nariyankudi

Lighthouse[link]

Nagapattinam Lighthouse Position - 100 45.9’N 790 51.1’E, Characteristic - flash (2) White every 20 sec, Tower Colour - Black and White bands, Tower - 50m high Circular masonry, Tower Height above MSL - 50m Range - 26 NM Optical, Equip - PRB-21 inside 2.4m dia Lantern house (ANA), Illuminant - Auto head lamps with Halogen lamps 12v 100W, Source of Energy - Mains supply 440V 50 Hz (standby genset provided), Commensed year - 1846

First conventional 20 m high Lighthouse tower was built inside the port premises by the British in 1846. A wick lamp inside the 6th order optic was placed on this tower. The system worked till 1903 when a new equipment with 4th order optic and characteristic of occulting flashes was introduced. A storm warning signal hoisting mast was also erected in 1903. In 1923 complete renovation of lighthouse was carried out and the new PV equipment with 85 mm burner and first order optic assembly in two panels, revolving on mercury float was installed. The equipment was supplied by M/s. Chance Bros., Birmingham. This equipment worked up to 1985.The importance of Nagapattinam demanded improvement at continuous pace. In 1985 the PV equipment was replaced by PRB-21 equipment with sealed beam lamps supplied by M/s. ANA, New Delhi on 20 March 1985.

The Radio beacon equipment (400 W) supplied by MACE, Visakhapatnam, transmitting on 295 kHz was installed at the station in 1992 and the ‘Tide land’ ‘Racon’ was installed on 3 September 1996.In the year 1997 the sealed beam lamps have since been replaced by Auto head lamps. The DGPS equipment manufactured by M/s Leica Geo Systems, U.S.A. and supplied by M/s. Elcome Marine, Mumbai was integrated on 30 April 2003,converting Radio Beacon to DGPS station

European Domination[link]

Ten Christian churches and a hosptial were built by the Dutch. They also released coins with the name Nagappattinam engraved in Tamil letters. As per agreement between the first Maratta King ‘Egoji’ of Tanjore and the Dutch, Naagappattinam and surrounding villages were handed over to the Dutch on 30.12.1676. In 1690, the capital Dutch Coromandel changed from Pulicat to Nagapattinam, after work had been started on Fort Vijf Sinnen three years earlier.

Later this town fell into the hands of the British in 1781 after the two naval battles between British and French fleets were fought off the coast of Negapatam, as it was then known; the first in 1758 as part of the Seven Years War, and the second in 1782 as part of the American Revolutionary War. The town was taken by the British from the Dutch in 1781 (who had been formally brought into the war in 1780). When the Dutch and British reached a peace agreement in 1784, Nagapattinam was formally ceded to the British. 277 villages with Nagore as the Headquarters were handed over to the East India company. Gold coins bearing the names ‘Nagappattinam Varagan’ and ‘Nagappattinam chornam’ were in circulation during Tanjore Maratha Kings period. Thus the Nagappattinam has the history of over 2000 years for its credit.

From 1799 to 1845 it was the headquarters of Tanjore district. Today Nagappattinam remain the Head quarters of Nagappattinam District. Nagapattinam was one of the regions severely affected by the tsunami which followed the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

Demographics[link]

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[3] Nagapattinam had a population of 92,525. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Nagapattinam has an average literacy rate of 84.09%: male literacy is 90%, and female literacy is 78%. In Nagapattinam, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. The major language spoken in the Nagapattinam District is Tamil. The vast majority of the population are Hindus with Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains co-existing.

Economy[link]

The main occupation of Nagapattinam is fishing in the waters of Bay of Bengal and selling them in the town's fish market. There are a large number of ice factories for preserving the fishes. The fishing Industry was severely damaged by the tsunamis that struck its coast on 26 December 2004.

Away from the coast of Nagapattinam, agriculture, education, food packing, etc. are practiced with agriculture being the most important occupation in the villages surrounding the town. It has vast farmlands where rice is cultivated. These farmlands are irrigated through an extensive network of canals from the tributaries of the river Cauvery. The produce is transported by rail to other parts of the country.

Cauvery Basin Refinery, a subsidiary of CPCL is located near Nagapattinam.

Educational Institutions[link]

• E.G.S Pillai Engg., & Arts college
• A.D.M.College (for women)
• Valivalam Desikar Polytechnic college
• A.D.J.Dharmambal polytechnic college
• NIIT, Neela South Street (Opp. SBI)

Shopping/Restaurants[link]

• Krishna Super Market
• Siva Sakthi Departmental Stores
• Chettinadu Hotel,Near Railway Station
• Uma Group - Sweets and Bakery, Juice Shop, Hotel
• Vasan Sweets and Bakery, Neela South Street
• Moora Hotel, Near Velipalayam Bus Stand
• Palace Hotel
• Saravana Bhavan, Near Velipalayam Bus Stand
• Idhayam Super Market, Near Velipalayam Bus Stand
• Karpagam super market, Near Old Bus Stand

Hospitals[link]

• District Government hospital, Nagapattinam.
• Arthur's Hospital, Nagapattinam
• Arthur's Clinic, Nagapattinam
• Dhanam Illam, Nagapattinam
• Dr. Sangamithra Clinic, Nagapattinam
• Dr.A.Ansari Hospital (P) Ltd, Nagapattinam
• Govt.Dist.Headquarters Hospital, Nagapattinam
• Nagai Hospitals Pvt Ltd., Nagapattinam
• Ram Bone & Joint Clinic, Nagapattinam
• Sakthi Nursing Home, Nagapattinam
• Seethala Nursing Home, Nagapattinam
• SMY Srinivasan Hospital, Nagapattinam
• Sri Harini hospital, Nagapattinam
• Sri Venkateswara Clinic, Nagapattinam
• Sri Venkateswara Hospital, Nagapattinam

Banks[link]

• State Bank of India, Neela South Street
• Indian Bank
• City Union Bank
• South Indian Bank
• HDFC Bank
• Indian Overseas Bank
• ICICI Bank
• Tamilnad Mercantile Bank
• Axis Bank
• UCO Bank
• Union Bank of India
• Canara Bank
• Syndicate Bank
• Repco Bank
• Corporation Bank
• Karur Vysya Bank
• Punjab National Bank

Leisure/Entertainment[link]

• Pandiyan Theatre
• Devi Theatre
• Ganesh Theatre
• Vijayalakshmi Theatre
• New Beach (Near Velipalayam Bus Stand)
• Old Beach (Near Light House)

Tourism[link]

Tourism Plays a Key Economy for the District even though Agriculture and Fishing are the Major ones. Shrines, Places of Hindu Faith, Mosques forms the Spiritual Tourism for the district. Annual Festivals and functions marks glory of the Year. Heritages like Tarangam padi Fort, Poompuhar speaks of the rich civilization of this land.

This fort was declared as a protected monument by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu in 1977 AD.The Danes constructed fortifications on the coast at Tranquebar. This was the only busy trade centre on the Coromandal coast for the Danes. This fort was a busy trade centre till 1845 AD when the Danes handed over the fort to the English. It was used as a Public Works Department Travellers Bungalow for government servants and colonials till 1977 AD.

Nagapattinam lies on the eastern coast, 350 km south of the State capital Chennai, 20 km south of Karaikal, 145 km east of from Tiruchirappalli and 90 km east of Thanjavur. It is known for having one of the best harbors in the country and is considered a major pilgrimage centre having famous shrines of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam in nearby areas. With a salt swamp near it, Nagapattinam is also considered one of the most biodiverse regions of the country.

Velankanni[link]

Velankanni is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Christians in India. It is located just about 12 km away from Nagapattinam. Declared by the Pope as a Holy City, Velankanni has a special place in the pages of Christian history in India. The Arokiya Madha Church or the Velankanni Basilica is located in this town. People of all religions offer their worship at this Church. The annual carnival that takes place in the month of August and September is very famous. Tourists flock Velankanni during that period of the year.

Temples[link]

• Thiru Soundararaja Perumal Temple (19th Divya desam)
• Thiru Kayarohana Udanurai Neelayadakshi Amman Temple (Saptha Vidanga Sthalam)
• Nellukadai Mariamman Temple
• Naduvatheeswarar Temple
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Adhibaktha Nayanar - One among 63 Nayanmars was born in this town

Politics[link]

Nagapattinam assembly constituency is part of Nagapattinam (Lok Sabha constituency).^[4]

Transport Facilities[link]

Nagapattinam is well connected to all major places of Tamil Nadu and also to cities like Bangalore by state transport corporation and private buses. The bus stand is located at Velipalayam. Private buses to places like Chennai, Bangalore, Pondicherry, Coimbatore, etc. are operated by Rathimeena, KPN, SRM, Universal, Parveen, PRN Subramanian, etc.

Nagapattinam has a Railway Station with daily trains to Chennai and Trichy. These trains originate from Nagore and pass through Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur.

Location[link]

	Mayiladuthurai / Kumbakonam	Nagore / Karaikal / pondicherry
	Thiruvarur / Thanjavur
		Nagapattinam    East
	Sikkal	Velankanni / Vedaranyam

See also[link]

• Battle of Negapatam (1758)
• Battle of Negapatam (1782)

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Nagapattinam

• Nagapattinam District website
• Nagapattinam District Administration Website

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