Wazid at 01:52, 22 March 2026

2026-03-22T01:52:20Z

New page

{{Short description|Municipality in Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{more citations needed|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Kilakarai
| settlement_type = Municipality
| nickname =
| pushpin_map = India Tamil Nadu
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Tamil Nadu, India
| coordinates = {{coord|9.23135|N|78.7844|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[List of Taluka of India|Taluka]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Ramanathapuram District|Ramanathapuram]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Kilakarai Taluka|Kilakarai]]
| named_for =
| government_type = Second Grade Municipality
| governing_body = Municipality of kilakarai
| leader_title1 = Vice Chairman
| leader_name1 = V. S. Hameed Sultan<ref>{{cite web
|title=Vice‑Chairman – Keelakarai Municipality
|url=https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/keelakarai/vice‑chairman/
|publisher=Directorate of Municipal Administration, Tamil Nadu
|accessdate=2025-08-16
}}</ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2026|fix-attempted=yes |url=}}

| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 7.5
| area_rank = 5
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 17
| population_total = ~60,000
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank = 2
| population_demonym = Kilakaraian
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 623 517
| area_code = 91 4567
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate = TN 65
| blank1_name_sec1 = Distance from [[Chennai]]
| blank1_info_sec1 = {{convert|558|km|mi}} S
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Climate of India|Climate]]
| blank1_info_sec2 = [[Climatic regions of India|BSh]] <small>([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]])</small>
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Distance from [[Bengaluru]]
| blank2_info_sec1 = {{convert|539|km|mi}} S
| blank3_name_sec1 = Distance from [[Madurai]]
| blank3_info_sec1 = {{convert|132|km|mi}} E
| blank4_name_sec1 = Distance from [[Ramanathapuram]]
| blank4_info_sec1 = {{convert|18|km|mi}} S
| blank5_name_sec1 = Distance from [[Coimbatore]]
| blank5_info_sec1 = {{convert|365|km|mi}} W
| blank6_name_sec1 = Distance from [[Tuticorin]]
| blank6_info_sec1 = {{convert|121|km|mi}} N
| blank7_name_sec1 = Distance from [[Tiruchirappalli]]
| blank7_info_sec1 = {{convert|229|km|mi}} S
| blank2_name_sec2 = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]
| blank2_info_sec2 = {{convert|909|mm|in}}
| blank3_name_sec2 = Avg. summer temperature
| blank3_info_sec2 = {{convert|31|°C|°F}}
| blank4_name_sec2 = Avg. winter temperature
| blank4_info_sec2 = {{convert|24|°C|°F}}
| official_name =
}}

'''Kilakarai''' (alternatively spelled '''Kilakkarai''' or '''Keelakarai''') is a [[municipality]] in [[Ramanathapuram district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. As of 2021, the town has a population of approximately 60,000. Known for its rapid development, Kilakarai is one of the fastest-growing talukas in the Ramanathapuram district. The town is also home to a number of prestigious businessmen and entrepreneurs who have made their mark globally.

== History ==
Kilakarai is an eastern coastal town and a port, located in southern Tamil Nadu. It was a flourishing seaport and a gateway to places as far as [[Madurai]] until the early 20th century. The famous pearl belt known as the [[Gulf of Mannar]] in the Bay of Bengal is dotted with small islands Appa Tivu, [[Nalla Tanni Tivu|Nallathanni Theevu]], Shuli Tivu, Uppu Tanni Tivu, Talari Tivu and Musal Tivu. The coastal line of Kilakarai is formed by a series of small bays and coral reefs sheltering the town from the ocean. It was also called as "Quilicare",<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=edzW9fuOF-cC&q=quilicare&pg=PA120 |title = The Book of Duarte Barbosa: An Account of the Countries Bordering on the Indian Ocean and Their Inhabitants|isbn = 9788120604513|last1 = Barbosa|first1 = Duarte|last2 = Dames|first2 = Mansel Longworth|year = 1989}}</ref> kirkari, Sembi Nadu, Korkai, Powthira Manicka Pattinam,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://puthu.thinnai.com/?p=20958 |title = செம்பி நாட்டுக்கதைகள்…… {{!}} திண்ணை}}</ref> "Kelikkarai", "Ninathaan mudithaan pattinam", "Seppi Nadu", "lebbat pattan" (pattan mentioned in voyages of [[Ibn Battuta]] & map displayed in [[Ibn Battuta Mall]]). A strong cultural connection exists between Kayalpatnam, Adirampattinam and Kilakarai.

The prime occupations of the people were pearl, conch, sea trade and transport.<ref name="Kunz Stevenson 2013 p. 113">{{cite book | last1=Kunz | first1=G.F. | last2=Stevenson | first2=C.H. | title=The Book of the Pearl: Its History, Art, Science and Industry | publisher=Dover Publications | series=Dover Jewelry and Metalwork | year=2013 | isbn=978-0-486-14274-6 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OfG7AQAAQBAJ&pg=PA113 | access-date=14 May 2019 | page=113}}</ref> The mid-20th century saw a decline in the occupations of the people of Kilakarai, with the advent of surface transport the merchant shipping fleets declined and Kilakarai aka Killikare<ref>{{cite web |author=mohammad suhaib, on 17 August 2012, said |url=https://www.panoramio.com/photo/57491312 |title=Photo of Kilakarai in an ancient map |publisher=Panoramio |date=17 August 2012 |access-date=6 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118182215/https://www.panoramio.com/photo/57491312 |archive-date=18 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> ceased to be a harbour and port. The cultured pearl industry and dragnet fishing that destroyed the coral reefs choked the once robust pearl trade, or Muthu Salabam.

Kilakarai's pearls, conch (sangu) and coral (pavazham) industries played a vital role in the local economy. However, these industries declined due to environmental regulations and conservation laws. The Indian [[Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972]] classified corals and certain conch species under protected categories, prohibiting their extraction and trade. Additionally, the establishment of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and stringent Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules further restricted traditional harvesting practices, impacting the livelihoods of pearl divers, fishermen and traders in the region.

Kilakarai is renowned for its communal harmony. The majority of the population here is Muslim with people of other faith Hindu, Christians living together. The communal harmony that always existed is best exemplified by the famous Rameswaram [[Ramanathaswamy Temple]] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdHwx35tUnU Kilakarai Jumma Pallivasal] ([[Vallal Seethakathi]] is interred here) at Kilakarai, while the architecture is the same the workforce was provided by the erstwhile ruler [[Sethupathi]] of [[Ramnad estate|Ramnad]] and most of the materials for both the edifice were supplied by the Kilakarai merchant navies. The town is reminiscent of Spanish Moorish architecture and is located about 60 km south west of the temple town of Rameswaram.

It has the oldest mosque in India known as the [[Meen Kada Palli|Palaiya Kuthba Palli]]. It has a unique pre-Islamic heritage of more than 1300 years.

The migration of the people after the decline of the marine trade and industry resulted in people exploring the other parts of the globe. Kilakarai has a large expatriate population and a high literacy rate. This has enabled the people of Kilakarai to span the globe and become active merchants in the Middle and Far East, US and European markets.

The 1970s decline of marine trade resulted in people migrating to other countries for business and jobs. Now as per the law of nature the reverse migration is all set to happen. Post-Covid, pandemic and Lockdowns job losses have become the order of the day and disruptions are all set to happen. The Gulf mission to minimise the Indian immigrants, improved and fast-developing job and business opportunities in Tamil Nadu, the native bonding, self-content nature etc. have made many people come back home for good.

Kilakarai has long been a destination of cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. It was constituted as a panchayat in the year 1885. As per G.O. No. 1157LN, date: 3 December 1885. It has since been upgraded as a Special Town Panchayat as per Director of Town Panchayat, Madras as per G.O. No. 1481/82/J5, Dated on 25 January 1982 and then upgraded as per G.O. No. 300 and 301 Dated on 24 August 2004 as a Third Grade Municipality.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

The Muslim community of Kilakarai is philanthropic in nature, providing continuous assistance to the downtrodden sections of society. There are more than 20 schools and colleges in this town, where education was provided irrespective of Caste, creed or religion by the community. Literacy rates in Kilakarai is much higher than the national and even State averages.

Hameedia High School founded in 1940s beside the old Arabic Madrasa Aroosiya Thaika, was a catalyst to more graduates from Kilakarai. With the arrival of [[Mohamed Sathak Engineering College]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=:: Mohamed Sathak Engineering College :: |url=http://www.sathaktrust.com/kilakariengineering/home.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811112551/http://www.sathaktrust.com/kilakariengineering/home.htm |archive-date=11 August 2011 |access-date=17 August 2011}}</ref> and then the Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women<ref>{{cite web |date=3 April 2013 |title=Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College For Women |url=http://www.thassim.in/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924193041/http://www.thassim.in/ |archive-date=24 September 2011 |access-date=6 June 2013 |publisher=Thassim.in}}</ref> the number of graduates from this traditional town has seen a steady rise.

== Demographics ==
{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=left|bars={{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslims]] | green|79.92}}{{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindus]]|Orange|17.60}}{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]] | purple|1.16}}{{bar percent|[[Sikhism|Sikh]] | yellow|0.01}}{{bar percent|[[Jainism|Jain]] | Blue|0.00}}{{bar percent|Not stated|grey|1.31}}}}

According to [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Keelakarai had a population of 38,355 with a sex-ratio of 948 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.<ref name="dashboard">{{cite web |title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html |publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |year=2013 |access-date=26 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113144743/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html |archive-date=13 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> A total of 4,391 were under the age of six, constituting 2,204 males and 2,187 females. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] accounted for 2.83% and .% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 82.63%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.<ref name="dashboard" /> The town had a total of : 7448 households. There were a total of 12,033 workers, comprising 29 cultivators, 47 main agricultural labourers, 165 in house hold industries, 10,765 other workers, 1,027 marginal workers, 15 marginal cultivators, 18 marginal agricultural labourers, 38 marginal workers in household industries and 956 other marginal workers.<ref name="2011census">{{cite web |title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Keelakarai |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=700521 |publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |year=2013 |access-date=26 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150257/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=700521 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
As per the religious census of 2011, Keelakarai had 79.92% [[Muslims]], 17.6% [[Hindus]], 1.16% [[Christians]], 0.01% [[Sikhs]], 0.01% [[Jainism|Jains]], and 1.31% following other religions.<ref name="religion2011">{{cite web |title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu |year=2011 |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html |format=XLS |publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |access-date=13 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html |archive-date=13 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Adjacent communities
| Centre = Kilakarai
| North =
| Northeast =
| East =
| Southeast =
| South =
| Southwest =
| West =
| Northwest =
}}

== Educational institutions ==
=== Schools ===
* [[Hairathul Jalaliah Higher Secondary School – East street]]
* [[Magdoomiah High School – OJM Street]]
* [[Kannadi Vappa International School – Kanjirangudi]]
* [[Hameediah Matriculation Higher Secondary School – West Street]]
* [[Islamiah Matriculation Higher secondary school – South Street]]
* [[Islamiah High School – South Street]]
* [[Mohaideeniah Matriculation Higher secondary school – North street]]
* [[Sathakathun Jariyah Middle School – Middle Street]]
* [[Hameediyah Boys Higher Secondary School – Mulluvadi]]
* [[Hameediyah Girls Higher Secondary School – West Street]]
* [[Hameediah Primary School – West Street]] . founded in 1870
* [[Nooraniah Matriculation School – New Street]]
* [[Dheeniyah Matriculation Higher Secondary School – East Street]]
* [[Pearl Matriculation School – Kilakarai]]
* [[Al Bayyinah Matriculation School – East Street]]
* [[P.s.Subramanian Jayalakshmi Nadar Matriculation School - Kilakarai]]

=== Colleges ===
* [[Mohamed Sathak Engineering College]]
* Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women<ref>{{cite web |title=Thassim Beevi Abdul Kader College for Women |url=https://thassim.ac.in/ |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref>
* Syed Hameedha Arts and Science College
* [[Mohamed Sathak Polytechnic College]]
* [[Mohamed Sathak I.T.I (Industrial Training Institute)]]
* [[Arusiyyah Madrasah|Arusiyyah Arabic College]]
* [[Syed Hameedha Arabic College]]
* [[Bukhari Aalim Arabic College]]

== Photo gallery ==
<gallery>
File:KILAKARAI BEACH.jpg|alt=KILAKARAI KADAL|KILAKARAI STONE BEACH
File:I LOVE KILAKARAI.jpg|alt=KILAKARAI TEA SPOT|I LOVE KILAKARAI
File:KILAKARAI STREET VIEW.jpg|alt=MOTTA MADI|KILAKARAI STREET VIEW
File:KILAKARAI PALLIVASAL.jpg|alt=KILAKARAI PALLIVASAL|KILAKARAI MOSQUE
File:KILAKARAI L PAALAM.jpg|alt=KILAKARAI PERNAL MANALMEDU|EID CELEBRATION AT KILAKARAI
KILAKARAI OLD BRIDGE.jpg|alt=KILAKARAI OLD PALAM|KILAKARAI OLD BRIDGE
KILAKARAI LIGHTHOUSE.jpg|KILAKARAI LIGHTHOUSE
Interior of Odakarai palli.jpg|Interior of Odakarai Palli (masjid)
ConservationOttakaraMasjid.jpg|Odakarai Palli (masjid) under conservation
Masjid ul Jamiah.png|Masjid ul Jamiah
JamiahMasjid2.jpg|Masjid ul Jamiah (3rd oldest masjid of Kilakarai)
KilakaraiJummaMasjid.jpg|Masjid ul Jamiah
Jamaiah Masjid Corridor.jpg|Corridor in Masjid ul Jamiah
JummaMasjid02.jpg|Interior of Masjid ul Jamiah
Palaiya Jumma Palli.jpg|Interior of [[Meen Kada Palli|Palaiya Jumma Palli]] or [[Meen Kada Palli|The Old Jumma Masjid of Kilakarai]], the oldest masjid of India
AMABSMasjid.jpg|Amir ul Muminin Abu Baker Siddiq Palli (masjid)
Kilakarai Arabic tombstone.jpg|Tombstone with Arabic & Tamil ([[Arwi]]) inscription (at [[Meen Kada Palli|The Old Jumma Masjid of Kilakarai]])
Masjid200.jpg|Kulangarai Appa Palli (masjid), East Street, Kilakkarai
Interior of Kulangarai Appa Palli.jpg|Interior of Kulangarai Appa Palli (masjid), East Street, Kilakarai
TypicalStreet01.jpg|Typical street
</gallery>

== Notes ==
{{Reflist}}

== References ==
* {{cite web |url=http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-news-status-2-newsID-30739.html |title=Tamil Nadu's Kilakarai – the birth place of world famous Indian conches |publisher=onlypunjab.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523170709/http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-news-status-2-newsID-30739.html |archive-date=23 May 2007}}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/07/stories/2005080707620100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050809001555/http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/07/stories/2005080707620100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 August 2005 |work=[[The Hindu]] |title=An oasis in a desert A district bridging the gulf |date=7 August 2005 }}

{{Commons category|Kilakarai}}
{{Ramanathapuram district}}

{{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Ramanathapuram district]]

Kilakarai - Revision history

Wazid at 01:52, 22 March 2026