Uthamapalayam
Uthampalaiyam | |
|---|---|
Mullaiperiyar River | |
Uthampalaiyam Location in Tamil Nadu Uthampalaiyam Location in India | |
| Coordinates: 9°48′00″N 77°20′00″E / 9.8°N 77.3333°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Theni |
| Zone | Madurai |
| Elevation | 384 m (1,260 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
• Total | 29,050 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 625533 |
| Telephone code | +91 4554 |
| Vehicle registration | TN 60 Z |
| Distance from Chennai | 537 kilometres (334 mi) southwest |
| Distance from Madurai | 106 kilometres (66 mi) southwest |
| Website | uthamapalayam.upm@facebook.com |
Uthamapalayam is a town and a taluka headquarters in Theni district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Uthamapalayam, a beautiful town in today's Theni district, has witnessed the influence of various rulers throughout history. In ancient times, it was under the Pandya dynasty. Later, it became an important region during the rule of the Madurai Nayaks. After the decline of the Nayaks, the area was governed by local chieftains known as Poligars (Palaiyakkara Rauthers).
In the 18th century, the region experienced the impact of Marathas and the Mysore kingdom. Particularly, when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan captured the Dindigul Fort, areas near Uthamapalayam came under their influence. However, Uthamapalayam was not directly annexed by Mysore; it remained under the control of the Poligars(Palaiyakkara Rauthers)..
After the Polygar Wars (1799–1805), the British took over this region. Subsequently, Uthamapalayam became part of Madurai District under the Madras Presidency. In the late 19th century, the commencement of the Mullaiperiyar Dam project (1886) brought significant agricultural development to Uthamapalayam and the Cumbum Valley.
Today, Uthamapalayam stands proud with its historical legacy, advancing in education, agriculture, and cultural growth. Mullaiperiyar river is one of the attraction for this town.