Pudumadam is a village located in the Ramanathapuram district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Situated near the old National Highway 49, which connects Kochi and Dhanushkodi, Pudumadam serves as a vital gateway to the picturesque Pamban Island. The village is approximately 25 kilometers away from the city of Ramanathapuram and 37 kilometers away from the renowned pilgrimage site of Rameswaram. The nearest train station is Uchippuli, located just 4 kilometers away from Pudumadam.
History
Pudumadam, formerly known as Maṟavar māṉāṅkuṭi, was a region under the rule of King Sethupathi, who governed Ramanathapuram. During King Sethupathi's reign, Raṅkācāri from the northern region, constructed a monastery known as "Madam in Tamil" in the area, which came to be called Pudumadam, meaning "New Monastery" in Tamil. Subsequently, the remaining portion of the region was separated and formed a distinct village known as Māṉāṅkuṭi.
The early population of Pudumadam comprised families from the ruling family and a few Muslim communities. As time passed, the village experienced significant migration, with people arriving from various areas, including Teṉputuvai, as recorded in historical literature.
It is worth noting that in the past, the western region where people resided was referred to as Karuvelanakad, named after the dense Mesquite Tree jungle, that characterized the area. This region extended towards the village of Periapattinam. Additionally, historical records indicate the presence of a limestone pit in the vicinity during that era.
Geography
Pudumadam village is situated in the Ramanathapuram taluka of the Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located approximately 26 kilometers away from the district and sub-district headquarters of Ramanathapuram. The village spans an area of 783.05 hectares and falls under the jurisdiction of the Pudumadam Gram Panchayat. The nearest town for major economic activities is Ramanathapuram.
Pudumadam is located along the seashore and is known for its proximity to the Mannar Gulf, which is a sea located between Sri Lanka and India. The village is characterized by abundant coconut trees and palmyra palm. The groundwater in Pudumadam is of good quality and can be consumed without any additional treatment. The village experiences a tropical climate throughout the year.
The police jurisdiction for Pudumadam is Uchipuli, a nearby town.
Demographics
As per the Census of 2011, Pudumadam has a total population of 8,760 people, consisting of 4,454 males and 4,306 females. The village has a literacy rate of 79.32%, with 83.18% of males and 75.31% of females being literate. There are approximately 1,834 households in Pudumadam.
Here are the population details:
Total Population: 8,760
Male Population: 4,454
Female Population: 4,306
Literacy Rate: 79.32%
Male Literacy Rate: 83.18%
Female Literacy Rate: 75.31%
Number of Houses: 1,834
Economy
Due to its coastal location on the Gulf of Mannar, fishing has traditionally been the primary occupation of the people of Pudumadam. Many residents rely on fishing as their main source of income. Additionally, a significant number of individuals from Pudumadam are employed in the Gulf countries.
The construction industry is a major source of employment for the majority of Christians in the village. They actively participate in construction projects both locally and in other regions.
In the past, some Hindus in Pudumadam were involved in the cultivation of betel-nut. However, this industry has experienced a decline in recent times.
Present-day Muslims in the village are engaged in various business activities, both locally and in different parts of India. A significant portion of the Muslim population is involved in the shoe business. Furthermore, there are individuals who are in the process of sending people abroad for employment opportunities.
Infrastructure
Transportation: The village is well-connected to nearby towns and cities through roadways. Public and private bus services are available within the village, providing transportation options for the residents. Additionally, there is a railway station located within a distance of 4 kilometers from Pudumadam, ensuring easy access to rail transportation.
Public Services: Pudumadam has basic public services such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation facilities. Efforts are made to ensure that the village has a reliable and consistent supply of electricity, clean water, and proper sanitation infrastructure.