Erode district is situated on the extreme northern portions in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is having its borders as the state of Karnataka and the Palar River covers pretty long distance. The district of Erode is bounded by Namakkal, Karur, Dindigal, Coimbatore and Nilgiri districts. This district is mainly a land-locked area having no sea-cost of its own. The region comprised in the district can be depicted as a long undulating plain mildly sloping towards the Kaveri River in the south-east. The three major tributaries of the Kaveri River viz. Noyyal, Bhavani and Amaravathy drain the long stretch of mountains in the north. A portion of the eastern boundary of this district is formed by Kaveri River, entering the district from Salem and flowing in the southern direction.
History of Erode District
The district`s history is integrally related to that of Coimbatore district. The district of Erode came into being after the bifurcation of Coimbatore district, through the G.O.Ms.No.1917, Revenue dated 31st August 1979. It is quite difficult to deal separately with the history of Erode from that of Coimbatore. Together with the area comprised in the district of Coimbatore, it formed part of the ancient Kongu country called `Kongu Nadu`, the history of which dates back to the Sangam Age. In the early days, the area was occupied by tribes, most prominent among them were the `Kosars` having their headquarters at `Kosamputhur` which is believed to have become Coimbatore. These tribes were overpowered by the Rashtrakutas from whom the region went under the rule of the Cholas who ruled supreme during the time of Raja Chola.
Geography of Erode District
The district of Erode is surrounded by land from all sides and does not have a sea coast of its own. This district is situated on the northern Tamil Nadu state. It is bounded mostly by Karnataka and also River Palar which covers a long distance. The district is having its borders as Namakkal district and Karur district to the East, Dindigul district to the South, Coimbatore district and Nilgiris district to the West. The district`s region can be portrayed as a long undulating plain sloping towards the Kaveri River in the south-east. The three major tributaries of Kaveri River are Bhavani River, Amaravati River and Noyyal River which drain the long stretch of mountains in the north. A part of the eastern boundary of Erode district is formed by Kaveri River, entering the district from Salem and flowing in the southern direction. The district of Erode is situated between 10 degrees 36 minutes and 11 degrees 58 minutes to the North Latitudes and 76 degrees 49 minutes and 77 degrees 58 minutes to the East Longitudes.
Administration of Erode District
The district of Erode is having the collector as the head of the district. The district collector is assisted by a number of subordinate officers in his general work of administration. Erode district comprises of 7 taluks which are Bhavani, Sathyamangalam, Erode, Gobichettipalayam, Perundurai, Kangayam and Dharapuram. There are 5 municipalities in the district which include Sathyamangalam, Gobichettipalayam, Erode, Bhavani and Dharapuram. There are 59 town panchayats and 3 village panchayats declared as Census Town as per Census 2001 and 539 revenue villages. Apart from these, there are 20 Community Development Blocks in the district.
Education in Erode District
In the field of education, this district has recorded remarkable achievement. There are a number of well-developed schools and colleges preparing students for the usual degree and post-graduate degree courses in various branches of humanities and science. The Mahajana College of Erode was the pioneer in the field of higher education in the district. Apart from these institutions, there are a number of Polytechnic and other institutions which provide technical education.
Economy of Erode District
Economy of this district depended on its trade and industry. However the district is also advanced in the field of agriculture. Close association and link with the district of Coimbatore which has the advantage of two premier agricultural Institutions like the Agricultural College and the Research Institute have helped the farmers of Erode district to keep pace with the developments in agricultural methods and practices and also improved strains of seeds. The developmental and publicity activities launched by the agricultural institutions in Coimbatore penetrated far and wide in the Erode district. Irrigation facilities and the awareness of improved methods of farming helped the agriculturists to move ahead. Though the soil is not so good, use of improved methods of cultivation and improved strains of seeds helped the district`s agriculturists to maximize their output.
Tourism of Erode District
The district of Erode is a suitable tourist destination in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temples in Erode district are the major attractions in the entire state. There are nearly 487 temples in this district. These temples are located in four taluks; Erode, Gobichettipalayam, Dharapuram and Bhavani. Out of the 207 places recognized as Padal Petra Sthalam, there are two temples found in Erode District viz., Bhavani and Kodumudi. There is one Jain Temple at Vijayamangalam which is 25 kilometers from Erode. The temple was constructed by Jain King Konguvelir some 1,800 years back. Towards the construction of temples in the district of Erode popularly known as Kongunad, Hoysalas, Cholas and Pandyas have contributed their mite. Some of the other well-known temples in this district are Veerakumarasami temple, Natturayaswami temple, Bhagavan temple, etc. Even if Lord Muruga is worshipped in the Veeramumaraswami temple, no woman is permitted to enter the temple and worship the God there. The Bhagavan temple at Ponnivadi is well-known to cure epidemics like cholera, plague and smallpox.
The district of Erode in the state of Tamil Nadu is a very important market centre for turmeric. Turmeric is received, not only from the Erode district, but also from other parts of Tamil Nadu and adjoining Mysore district in the state of Karnataka. Erode is very famous for marketing of textile products of Power loom, Handloom and readymade garments. The Power loom and Handloom products like cotton sarees, bed spreads, carpets, lungi, printed fabrics, towels, dhoti, etc are marketed in this district in bulk.