History

Introduction :

Cuddalore District is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the ancient, historic district. Present Cuddalore district was newly bifurcated from South Arcot district on 30Th September 1993. The city of Cuddalore is the district headquarters; The district was named after it. History says in the year 1801 Captain Graham was took charge of the District lying between Palar and Portonovo rivers and become the first Collector South Arcot. Historic evidence available from madras district gazetteers south arcot published in 1962 reveals that the name ‘Arcot’ derived from Tamil ‘Aaru kadu’ i.e. six forests which was said to be the abode of six rishis.

Now Cuddalore district has three divisions, ten taluks, thirty two fircaks, and 883 revenue villages in revenue administration. This district has 14 panchayat unions and 683 village panchayats as rural development administration. In urban it has five Municipalities and 14 town panchayat. This District consists of nine legislative and two parliamentary constituencies. Total Geographical area of the district is 3678 Sq.km with coastal line of 68Km. stretching. Five major rivers are running in this district. The district has some small deposits of lignite that helps in production of electricity etc,. The district is also one of the most robust fishing areas in the state of Tamil Nadu, and home to a large number of fisher population. Agriculture and industries are also main profession of this district peoples. Jackfruits and Cashew nuts are also famous in this district. World famous sugar and chocolates are beeing manufactured in this district.

The month of April marks the start of summer season and it lasts till June. Temperature ranges between 23°C to 40°C during these months. Cuddalore experiences monsoons between the months of July to October. Heavy rainfall is the characteristic of this season. The Month of November marks the start of winter season in Cuddalore. Temperature ranges between 12°C to 30°C. Winters last will be in January here. This is one of the best seasons to visit Cuddalore. The cold weather extends upto early in February and hot weather begins after the middle of March.

Cuddalore district has been classified as a multi-hazard prone district. Since the District has a long coastline, therefore the district is vulnerable to the cyclonic depressions and the resultant rains which causing floods. Cyclones and flood have wreaked havoc in the district several times in the past few centuries. Cyclone “ Nisha” in 2008 and the cyclone “ Thane “ in December 2011 were caused heavy damage to this district in many respect, in recent years. This Cuddalore district experienced a worst impacts of Tsunami during the year 2004 . The devastation caused by this Tsunami was billions of dollars worth infrastructure, economic assets and materials, more than this, the proportion of devastated precious human loss was more.