E.M.G. YADAVA WOMEN’S COLLEGE, Madurai-625 014 .

(An Autonomous Institution - Affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University)

Re-accredited (3rd Cycle) with Grade A+ and CGPA 3.51 by NAAC

Department of history
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN TOURISM BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

A Project Entitled DINDIGUL

Submitted by
Name : K.PAVITHRA
Reg. No : 16NAD35
Major : B.Sc. NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
S.NO CONTENTS PAGE

1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 HISTORY 2
3 CULTURE 7
4 EDUCATION AND UTILITY SERVICES 8
5 MUNICIPLE ADMINISTRATION AND POLITICS 10
6 TRANSPORTATION 11
7 TEMPLES 13
8 MARKETS 25
9 MUNICIPAL TOWNS 27
10 TOURIST PLACES 28
11 BNAZRUM AGRO EXPORTS 41
12 THE HOUSE OF NAGA 44
13 GANDHIGRAM RURAL INSTITUTE 48
14 ABOUT LEATHER FACTORY 54
15 DINDIGUL LOCKS 67
16 DINDIGUL BIRYANI 68
DINDIGUL
Introduction:

Dindigul (Tiṇṭukkal) is a city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is

the administrative headquarters of the Dindigul district. Dindigul is located
420 km (260 mi) southwest of the state capital, Chennai and 100 km (62 mi)
away from Thiruchirapalli and the nearest city (66 km) is Madurai.

Dindigul is believed to be an ancient settlement; it has been ruled at different

times by the Early Pandyan Kingdom, the Medieval Cholas, Pallava dynasty, the
later Pandyas, the Madurai Sultanate, the Dindigul Sultanates, the Vijayanagara
Empire, the Madurai Nayak Dynasty, Chanda Sahib, the Carnatic kingdom and
the British. Dindigul has a number of historical monuments, the Rock Fort being
the most prominent.

Industries in Dindigul include lock making, leather, textile spinning, administrative

services, agricultural trading, banking, agricultural machinery and educational
services. Dindigul is upgraded to a municipal corporation. The city covers an
area of 14.01 km2(5.41 sq mi) and had a population of 207,327 in 2011. Dindigul
is well-connected by road and rail with the rest of Tamil Nadu.[1] It is the 12th-
largest urban agglomeration in the state and has a population of 292,512
according to Tamil Nadu's 2011 census. Dindigul has 200,000 hectares of
cultivable land, and agriculture continues to be the main occupation of its
inhabitants. Located between the Palani and Sirumalai Hills, Dindigul has a
reserved forest area of 85 hectares..[2] Vadamadurai is one of the main towns in
dindigul district where alagar temple(Sri Ranganadha swamy) is located which a
famous temple in south india and surrounded with hills and greens and village
located nearby are Seethapati, Tennampati, etc.
History

The history of Dindigul is centered around the fort over the small rock hill
and fort. Dindigul region was the border of the three prominent kingdoms of
South India, the Pandyas, Cheras and Cholas. The Chera king Dharmabalan is
believed to have built the temples of Abirami and Padmagirinathar. The ancient
Tamil book, Silappathikaram records the city as the northern border of the
Pandya kingdom whose capital was Madurai. Historian Strabo mentions about
the city in his 20 A.D. work and Pillni, the great historian of the time described the
Pandya king in his works
During the first century A.D., the Chola king Karikal Cholan captured the Pandya
kingdom and Dindigul came under the Chola rule. During the sixth century,
the Pallavas took over most provinces of Southern India. Dindigul was under the
rule of Pallavas until Cholas regained the state in the 8th century. In the 14th
century, South India was invaded by the Delhi Sultanate. Dindigul was safe in the
hands of VijayaNagara . The commander of the Vijaya Nagar army Kampanna
Udayar played an important role in the war in capturing Madurai which was under
Madurai sultanate. In 1559 Nayaks became powerful and their territory bordered
with Dindigul in the north. After the death of king Viswanatha Nayak in 1563,
Muthukrisna Nayakka became the king of a kingdom in 1602 A.D who built the
strong hill fort in 1605 A.D. He also built a fort at the bottom of the hill.
Muthuveerappa Nayak and Thirumalai Nayak followed Muthukrishna Nayak.
Dindigul came to prominence once again during Nayaks rule of Madurai under
Thirumalai Nayak. After his immediate unsuccessful successors, Rani
Mangammal became the ruler of the region who ruled efficiently.[3]
 Image of temple in the fort

In 1736 Chanda Sahib, the lieutenant of Delhi Sultanate Seized power from
Vangaru Nayak. In 1742, the Mysore army under the leadership of Venkatarayer
conquered Dindigul. He governed Dindigul as a representative of Maharaja of
Mysore. There were Eighteen Palayams (a small region consists of few villages)
during his reign and all these palayams were under Dindigul Semai with
Dindiguls capital. These palayams wanted to be independent and refused to pay
taxes to venkatarayer.[3][4] In 1748, Venkatappa was made governor of the region
in place of Venkatarayer, who also failed. In 1755, Mysore Maharaja sent Haider
Ali to Dindigul to handle the situation. Later Haider Ali became the Maharaja of
Mysore and in 1777, he appointed Purshana Mirsaheb as governor of Dindigul.
He strengthened the fort. His wife Ameer-um-Nisha-Begam died during her
delivery and her tomb is now called Begambur. In 1783 British Army, led by
Captain Long invaded Dindigul. In 1784, after an agreement between the Mysore
province and British army, Dindigul was restored by Mysore province. In
1788, Tipu Sultan, the Son of Haider Ali, was crowned as King of Dindigul.[3][5][6][7]

In 1790, James Stewart of the British army gained control over Dindigul by
invading it in the second war of Mysore. In a pact made on 1792, Tipu ceded
Dindigul to the English. Dindigul is the first region to come under English rule in
the Madurai District. In 1798, the British army strengthened the hill fort with
cannons and built sentinel rooms in every corner.The British army, under Statten
stayed at Dindigul fort from 1798 to 1859. After that Madurai was made
headquarters of the British army and Dindigul was attached to it as a taluk.
Dindigul was under the rule of the British Until India got our Independence on 15
August 1947.

Geography

A view of Lake and paddy fields in Dindigul as viewed from Dindigul fort
Dindigul is located at 10.35°N 77.95°E and has an average elevation of 265 m
(869 ft). The town is in Dindigul district of the South Indian state, Tamil Nadu,
420 km (260 mi) from Chennai and 100 km (62 mi) south-west of Tiruchirappalli.
Dindigul is located in the foothills of Sirumalai hills. The topography is plain and
hilly, with the variation resulting in climatic changes. There are no notable mineral
resources available in and around the town. The soil type is thin veeneer soil,
which is mostly black clayey soil with red soil. Summer season is from March to
July, while December to January marks the winter season. The temperature
ranges from a maximum of 37 °C (99 °F) to a minimum of 29 °C (84 °F) during
summer and a maximum of 26 °C (79 °F) to a minimum of 20 °C (68 °F) during
winter. Dindigul receives rainfall with an average of 812 mm (32.0 in) annually.
The Southwest monsoon, with an onset in June and lasting up to August, brings
scanty rainfall. Bulk of the rainfall is received during the North East monsoon in
the months of October, November and December.
Demographics

According to 2011 census, Dindigul had a population of 207,327 with a

sex-ratio of 1,012 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national
average of 929. A total of 19,603 were under the age of six, constituting 10,126
males and 9,477 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted
for 7.58% and .07% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the
city was 81.69%, compared to the national average of 72.99%. The city had a
total of 53573 households. There were a total of 77,813 workers, comprising 387
cultivators, 366 main agricultural labourers, 5,328 in house hold industries,
68,163 other workers, 3,569 marginal workers, 46 marginal cultivators, 176
marginal agricultural labourers, 187 marginal workers in household industries
and 3,160 other marginal workers.[11] As per the religious census of 2011,
Dindigul had 69.11% Hindus, 14.17% Muslims, 16.59% Christians, 0.02% Sikhs,
0.02% Buddhists, 0.01% Jains and 0.1% following other religions.

As of the provisional population totals of 2011 census, Dindigul urban

agglomeration had a population of 292,132, with 145,438 males and 146,694
females. The sex ratio of the town was 1,009 females per 1,000 males; the child
sex ratio stood at 964. Dindigul had an average literacy rate of 89.1% with a male
literacy of 93.41% and a female literacy of 84.83%. A total of 26,169 of the
population of the town was under 6 years of age.

As of 2001, 15 slums were identified in the town and a total of 85,235 people
resided in the slums in 16,841 households. The slum population increased from
16 per cent to 43 per cent during the period of 1991–2001. The town experienced
a growth rate of 28 per cent to 40 per cent during the 70s, but declined to 11
percent in 80s and 8 percent in 90s due to lack of economic opportunities and
growth of adjacent city Madurai.

The city covers an area of 14.01 square kilometres (5.41 sq mi). The population
density of the city in the 2001 census was 153 persons per hectare, compared
with 2,218 persons per square kilometer in 1971. The density of population is
higher in the central areas and along major roads. Hindus form the majority of the
urban population, followed by Muslims and Christians. Tamil is the main
language spoken in the city, but the use of English is relatively common; English
is the medium of instruction in most educational institutions and offices in the
service sector.

Culture:
Numerous temples, mosques and churches are found in Dindigul. The
Kalahastheeswara-Gnanambika temple was built during the 14th century. The
Seenivasaperumal temple built in the bottom of the hill was eroded by time. By
the 16th century Pandyan acquired the whole chera kingdom with the support of
Vijayanagar king Sachudevarayer. Sachudevarayer, on his visit in 1538 A.D.
ordered for the repair works of the temple of Abirami Amman and
Padmagirinathar. This is inferred from the script written over stone in the Fort
temple. Muthukrisna Nayak became the king of Pandaya kingdom in 1602 A.D.
He built the strong hill fort in 1605 to secure Dindigul from invasion. He also built
a fort at the bottom of the hill, which was later called Pettaiwall .Thirumalai Nayak
redressed the Hill fort and he built the front hall of the Kalahastheeswaraswamy
temple. Soundararaja Perumal temple in Thadikombu was erected during his
reign. During his Nayak's stay in Dindigul, he fell into sickness and believed to
have prayed Rangaperumal to relieve his sickness. Rani Mangammal built the
six hundred steps for the hill fort.[3][63] during the months of January and
February, a festival honoring Mariammanis celebrated in this temple. Begumbur
Periya Pallivasal, Dindigul, Thowheeth Masjid, Ahle Hadees Pallivasal, Bajar
Masjid, Mohammadiyapuram Pallivasal, Mandi Pallivasal, Madinah Pallivasal,
Ring Road Pallivasal and Makkah Pallivasal are some of the Islamic institutions
in Dindigul. Dindigul Biryani is a common and popular dish, and Dindigul is
sometimes called Biryani City.

Education and utility services

St. Mary's School, one of the oldest schools in the city

As of 2011, there are 19 municipal primary schools, 23 other primary schools,
eight middle schools and 13 higher secondary schools in the city. There were ten
other private schools within the town.

Electricity supply to Dindigul is regulated and distributed by the Tamil Nadu

Electricity Board (TNEB). The town along with its suburbs forms the Dindigul
Electricity Distribution Circle. A Chief Distribution engineer is stationed at the
regional headquarters.[49] Water supply is provided by the Dindigul Municipal
Corporation from Athoor Kamarajar Water Supply Scheme (9.6 MLD), Peranai
Water Supply Scheme (7.5 MLD) and Cauvery combined water supply Scheme
(6-10 MLD). As of 2001, the total water supply of the town in 14 MLD
everyday.[50] As per the municipal data for 2011, about 92 metric tonnes of solid
waste were collected from Dindigul every day by door-to-door collection and
subsequently the source segregation and dumping was carried out by the
sanitary department of the Dindigul municipality.[51] There is no underground
drainage system in the town and the sewerage system for disposal of sullage is
through septic tanks, open drains and public conveniences.[52]

The municipality maintained a total of 117.0 km (72.7 mi) of storm water drains in
2011.[53] As of 2011, the municipality maintained a total of 5,489 street lamps:
754 sodium lamps, 173 mercury vapour lamps, 4,551 tube lights and eight high
mast beam lamp. The municipality operates one daily market, namely the
Dindigul Municipal Market that cater to the needs of the town and the rural areas
around it.

The municipality maintains four dispensaries, five maternity homes, eight family
planning centres, three Siddha and one Ayurvedic centre. The Government
District Headquarters Hospital is located in Dindigul and has 350 beds. The town
has more than five private hospitals, 35 maternity centres, 15 laboratries and one
blood bank. The historic St. Joseph Mission Hospital with a bed strength of 250
beds is one of the major hospitals in the city. For all the advanced health care
systems, Madurai city is the nearest destination.
Municipal administration and Politics

On 1 November 1866, Dindigul became a municipality. It was promoted to a

special-grade municipality as of 1988 and the entire municipal area was included
in the jurisdiction of the municipality. On 10 April 2013, it was announced that
the municipality would be upgraded to a municipal corporation. On 19 February
2014, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa declared that Dindigul
Municipality has been upgraded to Corporation status with immediate effect. The
said government order was handed over to the Municipal Chairman, G.
Marudharaj. The Dindigul municipality has 48 wards and there is an elected
councillor for each of those wards.[29] The functions of the municipality are
devolved into six departments: general administration/personnel, Engineering,
Revenue, Public Health, city planning and Information Technology (IT). All these
departments are under the control of a Municipal Commissioner who is the
executive head.[30] The legislative powers are vested in a body of 48 members,
one each from the 48 wards.[31] The legislative body is headed by an elected
Chairperson assisted by a Deputy Chairperson.[32]

Dindigul comes under the Dindigul assembly constituency and it elects a member
to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly once every five years.[33] From the 1977
elections, All India Anna Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) won the
assembly seat two times (in 1984 and 1991 elections); Communist Party of India
(Marxist) (CPI(M)) six times (1977, 1989, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011) and once
by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK, 1996).[34] The current MLA of the
constituency is C.Sreenivasan from AIADMK party.[23]

Dindigul is a part of the Dindigul Lok Sabha constituency and elects its member
to Parliament once in five years. The constituency was held by the Indian
National Congress four times (1957, 1962, 2004 and 2009
elections),[24][35][36][37] Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) three times (1967,
1971 and 1980 elections),[38][39][40] Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) for
seven times (1977, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1998, 1999 and 2014
elections)[41][42][43][44][45][46] and by Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) once (1996
elections).[47]The current Member of Parliament from the constituency is M.
Udhayakumar from the AIADMK party.[24]

Law and order in the town in maintained by the Dindigul sub division of the Tamil
Nadu Police headed by a Deputy Superintendent. There are three police stations
in the town, one of them being an all-women police station. There are special
units like prohibition enforcement, district crime, social justice and human rights,
district crime records and special branch that operate at the district level police
division headed by a Superintendent of Police.

Transportation

The Dindigul city corporation maintains 131.733 km (81.855 mi) of roads.

The town has 21.66 km (13.46 mi) concrete roads, 98.311 km (61.088 mi)
bituminous roads, 9.352 km (5.811 mi) earthern roads and 2.41 km (1.50 mi) cut
stone pavements. There are three national highways, NH 7 (largest highway in
India) connecting Dindigul to Madurai and NH
45A connecting Chennai to Kanyakumari, and NH 209 Dindigul to Bengaluru via
Sathyamangalam, Bannari pass via the city. Natham road and Bathalagundu
road are the two state highways that pass via the city. Being the district
headquarters, lot of district roads also connect Dindigul to other parts of the
district.[57][58]

Dindigul is served by town bus service, which provides connectivity within the
town and the suburbs. Minibus service operated by private companies cater to
the local transport needs. There are 150 town buses operated daily across 128
different routes.[9] The Kamarajar bus stand is an A-grade bus stand covering an
area of 5.37 acres (21,700 m2) as of 2007 and is located in the heart of the
town.[59][60] The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates daily services
connecting various cities to Dindigul.[60][61][62] The State Express Transport
Corporation operates long distance buses like Chennai, Bengaluru and Tirupati.
There is significant truck transport with around 400–450 trucks entering the town
for loading and unloading activities daily. Three wheelers, called autos and Call
Taxi are also a common public transport system.[60]

Dindigul railway station was established in 1875 when rail line for Trichy to
Tuticorin was constructed.[3] Dindigul railway junction is located in the rail head
from Chennai to Maduraiand Karur to Madurai. It is also connecting Dindigul
to Palani. All south bound trains plying south to Madurai from Chennai pass via
Dindigul. There are also passenger trains running either side
from Madurai to Tiruchirapalli and Palani. The nearest local and international
airport is Madurai Airport located 70 kilometres (43 mi) away

Speciality

Natham is famous for tasty Mango and Tamarind. Also it is famous for
crispy parotta. It lies in between Madurai, and Four falls situated at
Karanthamalai hills near Natham. Dindigul and Karaikudi. It takes only an hour to
reach either Madurai or Dindigul from Natham. It is a 2-hour journey from
Natham to Karaikudi. Trichy takes about 1.45 hours journey from Natham, and
Karur takes about 2.15 hours journey from Natham. India's second largest
theatre found in Natham near KosuKurichi. Maariamman temple is the main
speciality in Natham. Every year at the end of February festival begins. For 15
days the people from many other districts celebrate this festival. Being
surrounded by hills like Karanthamalai and Karadikoodu makes the place
pleasant.
Latitude and Longitude of the Dindigul city of India

Dindigul city of country India lies on the geographical coordinates of 10° 21'
0" N, 77° 57' 0" E.

Latitude and Longitude of the Dindigul city of India in other units:

Unit Latitude Longitude

Latitude and Longitude to decimals 20.0 77.0
Latitude and Longitude to degrees minutes seconds 10° 21' 0" N 77° 57' 0" E

Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple

Moolavar : Mariamman
Urchavar :-
Amman / Thayar :-
Thala Virutcham :-
Theertham :-
Agamam / Pooja :-
Old year : 500 years old
Historical Name : Dindeeswaram
City : Dindigul
District : Dindigul
State : Tamil Nadu
Festival
The historical name of the Sri kottai mariamman temple is called as
Dhandeeswaram.There are three special entrances to the temple. The
processions are arranged through the front entrance.The main idol in the
sanctum is installed on the floor of the temple and sakthi is always desidned with
golden Kavacham during the festival. The Utsavar is taken around the streets
surrounding the temple on a chariot during festival. There is a flower chariot
festival and on that day all the people located in Dindigul come out to view the
sakthi and also they offer flowers to the deity and the streets also get decorated
with flowers. As part of the celebration the temple is decorated with floral
patterns. Carrying sprouted grains, fire pots, milk pots etc with the
accompaniments of percussion instruments is a common sight during this
festival. One admire thing was the Pookuli where a fire pit is made which is
about 8- 10 feet in length and is filled with burning charcoal and devotees walk
through the pit chanting the Amman's name.
During the 18th century, there was only a small peeta and the idol of the deity.
The army men of Tippu Sultan built a small mutt and installed the idol, which
today is the Kottai Mariamman and guardian deity of the people of Dindigul.
There are three special entrances to the temple. The processions are arranged
through the front entrance. Other entrances are close to the Fort. The temple
celebrates a 20 day festival each year.And the about the workship the Devotees
offer turmeric and salt at the foot of the post. Women perform a sacred abishek
on the flag hoisting day hoping that the Goddess would be cooled down of Her
anger and bless the people. Those seeking child boon carry fire pots.
People blessed with the child carry the child in a cradle made of sugarcane
and light flour lamps – Mavilakku. The crowd will be as high as 20 lakh
during the festival days. And the sakthi looks with graces in a sitting form
with 8 hands. She holds snake, trident, skull and bell in the right hand,
bow, a bowl and weapons on the left.The nearest Airport is Madurai, is
about 70 Kms. from Dindigul. Railway station is in the heart of Dindigul
town itself.

Arulmigu Abirami Amman Temple

Arulmigu Abirami Amman temple is a holy place situated in Dindigul in Tamil
Nadu, India. This is one of the important ‘Shivasthalam’ were you can find
Badmagiriswarar – Abirami Amman and Kalahastheeswarar – Gnanambigai
Sannathi’s.

There was no shrine for Ambica in the beginning. Mother Kali came here to
destroy a demon named Analan and was very furious. Lord Shiva softened Her
fury and married Her. She looked very alluring then and therefore, was named
Abhirami Ambica. A festival remembering the furious Kali destroying the demon
and her wedding with Shiva is celebrated during Chithirai month – April-May.

Though a Shiva sthala-place, Ambicas occupy a prominent place. The temple is

popularly known as Abhirami temple. The name Abhirami contains auspicious
Mantra letters. Worshipping Mother in the name of Abhirami, naturally the
devotees chant this Mantra bring them manifold blessings.

Thousands of devotees witnessed ‘mahakumbabishekam’ of Sri Abirami

Amman Temple here on Wednesday.

The ceremony began with Vigneswara puja, followed by

punyahavajanam. After sixth ‘kaala puja’, a team of gurukkals, led by K.
Raja Bhattar and R. Selvam Bhattar, took the kalasams containing the
holy water to the main gopuram and vimanams of the main deities and to
all Parivaramurthis. During Kumbha lagnam, the mahakumbabishekam
was performed to the rajagopuram and all vimanams.
 The kumbabishekam was performed simultaneously to the sannadhis of
Sri Siddhivinayagar, Sri Kannimoolaganapathi, Sri Somaskandar, Sri
Mahalakshmi, Sri Varadharaja Perumal, Sri Gnanadhandayuthapani, Sri
Shanmuganathar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Durga, Sri Natarajar, Ambal
Palliyarai, Sri Chandigeswarar, Sri Bairavar, Navagrahas, Sri Siva Surian
and Sri Siva Chandran and 63 Nayanmargal and dwajasthamba
mandapam.

Later, special pujas and aradhanas were performed to the main deities.
The temple roof, all streets around the temple, and rooftop and terrace of
almost all multi-storey buildings and houses around the temple were filled
with devotees.

Devotees sat in Sannadhi Street on the eastern side. Around 1,500 VIPs
were allowed to go to the roof of the temple.

Entry into the temple was restricted for others. The entire temple complex
was brought under a security blanket. Annadhanam was arranged on St.
Mary’s Higher Secondary School campus.Traffic closed

Corporation Road between Periyar statue and Clock Tower, RS Road,

Main Bazaar Road between Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple and Clock
Tower, and Sannadhi streets were closed for traffic. Schools were
closed. Shops on these roads were also closed till afternoon.

Sufficient police force was deployed to regulate the crowd, which was
restricted at various points to scale down rush around the temple.

High-powered sprinklers were installed on all roads around the temple

and on Main Bazaar Road to spray the holy water on devotees after the
kumbabishekam.

Palani Temple
 Palani (or Pazhani) is a town and a municipality in Dindigul district, Tamil
Nadu, located about 100 kilometres (62 mi) north-west of Madurai, 100
kilometres (62 mi) South-east of Coimbatore, and 60 kilometres (37 mi) west
of Dindigul. The Palani Murugan Temple dedicated to Hindu war
God Kartikeya is situated on a hill overlooking the town. The temple is visited by
more than 7 million pilgrims each year. As of 2011, the town had a population of
70,467.mil
History

Tamil Inscriptions at Pazhani Temple

References to the place exist in ancient Tamil devotional texts. According to

Hindu mythology, "Sage Narada once visited the celestial court of
Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to Him a fruit, the gyana-
pazham (literally, the fruit of knowledge), that held in it the elixir of wisdom. Upon
Lord Shiva expressing his intention of dividing the fruit between his two
sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya, the sage counselled against cutting it. He
decided to award it to whomever of his two sons first circled the world thrice.
Accepting the challenge, Lord Karthikeya started his journey around the globe on
his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no
more than his parents Shiva and Shakticombined, circumnambulated
them".[2] Pleased with their son's discernment, Lord Shiva awarded the fruit to
Lord Ganesha. When Kartikeya returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts
had been in vain. He left Kailash and took up his abode in Palani hills in South
India. It is believed that Karthikeya felt the need to get matured from boyhood
and hence chose to remain as a hermit and discarded all his robes and
ornaments. He went into meditation to know about himself.[citation needed]

Palani and most of Dindigul district were part of the Kongu Nadu region of the
Tamil country. The northern part of the Palani and Oddanchatram taluks is held
to have been part of the Anda Nadu sub-region, whereas the rest of the area
constituted the Vaiyapuri Nadu. The area was under the influence of the rulers of
Madurai and Coimbatore, at various points of time. In the 18th century, Hyder
Ali and his son, Tippu Sultan ruled over the place before being annexed the
British after the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

Temples

Palani is home to one of the most sacred shrines of the Lord Muruga, as
worshiped in the Hindu sect of Kaumaram. The Thandayudhapani Temple
dedicated to Lord Murugan, and regarded one of his Arupadai Veedu (Six Battle
Camps), is situated here.[5] The temple is situated atop a hill known as Sivagiri.
The Garbagriham is surmounted by a gold gopuramand the walls of the
Garbagriham have numerous stone inscriptions describing offerings made by
devotees to the temple. Steps are hewn into the rock, besides a wide path meant
for the ascent of elephants, up the hill. In addition, a winch pulled railway with
three tracks and a rope way are operational. A temple is dedicated to Muruga
near the foot of the hill by the name of Thiru Avinankudi which actually forms a
part of the six abodes of Muruga (Arupadaiveedu).

Besides this, right at the foot of the Sivagiri is a small shrine dedicated to the
god Ganapathi, where he goes by the name Pada Vinayakar. It is common
amongst the pilgrims to pay their obeisances at this shrine before commencing
their ascent of the hill. Within the town is another temple dedicated to the
Goddess Parvathi as Periyanayaki Amman. A short distance from the town is a
temple dedicated to Shiva as Periya Avudaiyar. Near the Periya Nayaki Amman
temple are two others - the Mariyamman Temple and the PerumalTemple. The
former is particularly resorted to in times of epidemics, the goddess there being
regarded as the protector against illnesses. The Kannadi Perumal Temple,
dedicated to Vishnu, is a small temple situated on a hillock 9 km south of Palani,
a short distance from the highway to Kodaikanal

Demographics
Religious census

Religion Percent(%)

Hindu   84.71%

Muslim   12.4%

Christian   2.44%

Other   0.46%

According to 2011 census, Palani had a population of 70,467 with a sex-ratio of

1,023 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of
929.[3] A total of 6,467 were under the age of six, constituting 3,283 males and
3,184 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 16.57%
and .23% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was
78.95%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.[3] The town had a total of
19015 households. There were a total of 27,150 workers, comprising 372
cultivators, 1,277 main agricultural labourers, 763 in house hold industries,
23,478 other workers, 1,260 marginal workers, 40 marginal cultivators, 68
marginal agricultural labourers, 107 marginal workers in household industries
and 1,045 other marginal workers.[1] As per the religious census of 2011, Palani
had 84.71% Hindus, 12.4% Muslims, 2.44% Christians, 0.01% Sikhs,
0.01% Buddhists, 0.42% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion
or did not indicate any religious preference.[4]
Arulmigu Soundararaja Perumal Temple
About In Temple :

This temple in Thadikombu, a beautiful village 10 km south of Dindigul, is considered to

be as sacred as the Kallazhagar Temple near Madurai. Arulmighu Soundarraja Perumal is
found in the sleeping posture in this temple and it is said this place was previously known
as Thaalamaapuri. Though it is a Vaishnava temple, the sthala vriksha is the vilva tree.
Near the river Kudaganaru, sage Mandugar was doing penance. Thalaasuran, a demon,
tried to spoil the sage’s efforts. Lord Azhagar from Thirumaliruncholai (Azhagar temple)
destroyed the demon and protected the sage’s penance. The sage prayed to the Lord to
stay and bless the devotees and so Azhagar gives darshan as Soundarraja Perumal in this
temple. This temple is supposed to be as important as the Azhagar temple near Madurai
and history states that it was built 500 years ago by Achutha Devarayar of the
Vijayanagar Empire.

The Swarna Aakarsha Bairavar here is believed to solve people’s economic problems.The
sculptures in this temple speak of the artistic skill of the builders and it is surprising to
see even minute details like the nail tip, muscles, nerves and eyelashes sculpted with such
finesse.Chithirai Tiruvizha is celebrated for five days in an elaborate manner and
thousands participate in the ten-day Aadi Pournami Peruntiruvizha.

The temple, enjoying equal respect and importance as the Kallazhagar temple in Madurai,
is believed to have been built 500 years ago by Atchuda Devarayar, a descendant of
Krishna Deva Raya.

Greatness Of Temple :
Those weak in education, suffering from lack of memory pray to Lord Hayagriva and
Mother Saraswathi gracing from their shrines in the Prakara. On Tiruvonam star day,
they perform special pujas to Lord Hayagriva with honey, coconut and a nivedhana made
of jaggery powder and ghee and cardamom garlands.

There is a separate shrine for Lord Dhanvanthari. On new moon days, abishek is
performed with oil and herbal paste known as Lehiyam. Chakarathalwar graces with
deities attributed to Gayatri Mantra. Lord Narasimha graces with Ashtalakshmis. There
are also shrines for Vishwaksenar, Twin Vinayaka, 10 incarnation forms of Lord Vishnu,
Lakshmi Narasimha, Venugopala, Anjaneya and Swarna Bhairava.

Sculptures Of Exquisite Beauty:

The temple may well be called a treasure house of Indian sculptures of rare
workmanship. They speak volumes. Mother Soundaravalli graces from a separate shrine.
Lord Vinayaka and Vishnu Durga and deities of prosperity – Sanganidhi and Padmanidhi
graces at Her shrine. Mother’s shrine may well be called a museum of sculptures. The
sculptures include Lord Vishnu measuring the three worlds, Lord Narasimha,
Vaikundanathar, Venugopala, Lord Vishnu on Gaurda, Anjaneya carrying Lord Rama on
his shoulders, Chakarathalwar, Oordhvathandavar (cosmic dance of Lord Shiva),
Oordhvakali, Akora Veerabadra, Rathi and Karthaveeryarjuna.

Markets

Definition: A market is defined as the sum total of all the buyers and sellers in
the area or region under consideration. The area may be the earth, or countries,
regions, states, orcities.

The value, cost and price of items traded are as per forces of supply and demand
in a market. The market may be a physical entity, or may be virtual. It may be
local or global, perfect and imperfect.

A market can be called the 'available market' - that of all the people in the
area. Within the available market, there is the 'market minimum'- or the market
size, which will buy goods without any marketing effort. This is the lowest sale
that a company could get without any action on its part. In today's world, this
level is sinking ever lower.

Description:

There is also the 'market potential', which is the maximum market size that
will buy goods when subjected to the greatest marketing action that a company
can do. Beyond this market potential, the costs outweigh the gains. The market
potential is therefore the upper limit for a marketplace and sales.

The Basics

Meet Ellen. She's the president of a small country. One of her country's key
industries is consumer electronics. In fact, it leads the world in production of
computer tablets. Ellen's country is both an exporter and importer of goods.
An export is the sale of goods to a foreign country, while an import is the
purchase of foreign manufactured goods in the buyer's domestic market.

Ellen's country has successfully exported its tablets all over the world, including
Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Australia and several countries in Asia.
On the other hand, Ellen's country imports different components from Asian
countries necessary to manufacture its computer tablets. Consequently,
countries will often import goods that can be more effectively and cheaply
produced by another country and focus on producing and exporting the goods in
which it excels at producing.

Import

An import is a good brought into a jurisdiction, especially across a national

border, from an external source. The party bringing in the good is called
an importer.[1][2] An import in the receiving country is an export from the sending
country. Importation and exportation are the defining financial
transactions of international trade.

In international trade, the importation and exportation of goods are limited

by import quotas and mandates from the customs authority. The importing and
exporting jurisdictions may impose a tariff (tax) on the goods. In addition, the
importation and exportation of goods are subject to trade agreements between
the importing and exporting jurisdictions

Export

The term export means sending of goods or services produced in one

country to another country. The seller of such goods and services is referred to
as an exporter; the foreign buyer is referred to as an importer.[1]
Export of goods often requires involvement of customs authorities. An export's
counterpart is an import.

Oddanchatram

Oddanchatram is a municipal town in Dindigul district in

the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located at the base of the western ghats (the
tail end of the Palani Hills) in South India. As of 2011, the town had a population
of 30,064. It is known as the vegetable city of Tamil Nadu.

Demographics

According to 2011 census, Oddanchatram had a population of 30,064 with

a gender-ratio of 994 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national
average of 929.[2] A total of 2,676 were under the age of six, constituting 1,378
males and 1,298 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted
for 20.3% and .06% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the
town was 77.11%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.[2] The town had
a total of : 8046 households. There were a total of 12,738 workers, comprising
1,127 cultivators, 1,983 main agricultural labourers, 164 in house hold industries,
9,048 other workers, 416 marginal workers, 9 marginal cultivators, 134 marginal
agricultural labourers, 16 marginal workers in household industries and 257 other
marginal workers.[1]
Tourist Place in Dindigul

Sirumalai
Sirumalai (Tamil: சிறுமலை) is a region of 60,000 acres (200 km2) situated
25 km (16 mi) from Dindigul and 90 km (56 mi) from Madurai,Tamil Nadu, India.
There are many high hills in the area.[1][2][3][4] Hillock International School is
located in Sirumalai.[5]Sirumalai is a dense forest region with a moderate climate
throughout the year. With an altitude of 1600 metres above sea level, it contains
diversified flora and fauna. The hill has 18 hairpin bends. On the 18th bend is a
church and a view point of Dindigul city and the "Dindigul Rock Fort". The hill
contains a small waterfall as well. The famous Sirumalai banana is slowly
disappearing from disease, which scientists have been unable to prevent.[6]

Man-made fires on the hills have destroyed medicinal plants and threatened the
fauna habitat. Fires are often set to promote vegetation growth used for animal
fodder, clear land for cultivation, or improve access to timber.[7]

Attractions

In sirumalai agasthiyarpuram there is an aasram situated as the name of

agatthiyar Siva sakhi sitthar beedam ....there is a famous sivakthi temple was
created in aasram and also they are offering food for all peoples at 24hour
service.....and they are also giving siddha treatment for all peoples........

Mathamalai Annai Veilankanni Church is situated on top of one of the hills.

Residents observe the festival for "Our Lady Of Good Health" annually in
September, with a flag hoisted prior to the festival.

Sirumalai Lake contains a small lake that was artificially created in the year
2010.[citation needed]

In the region of sirumalai the Agasthiarpuram is a holy place where siddas

(monks) have lived since ancient days. The area is surrounded with medicinal
herbs and plants. In the tip of the hill there is historic Shiva Lingam, which dates
back at least 500 years.

The famous Lord Murugan temple (Vellimalai Murugan Temple) is located in the
mountain which is away from 45 minutes climbing over the valley.
Flora and Fauna

Much of the Sirumalai is covered by deciduous forests - the lower slopes by dry
deciduous and the higher slopes and riverine valleys by moist and wet deciduous
forests. Trees such as Terminalia , Shorea , Magnolia champaca are dominant in
these hills. Other rare plants such as Lianas and Orchids also occur in the higher
elevation evergreen tracts. Coffee estates form a major portion of present-day
landscape. These Reserve Forests are protected under Tamil Nadu Forest
Department.

A rich animal life including threatened animals such as Slender

loris, Gaur, Sambar deer, Sloth bear, Asian palm civet, Indian hare, Jungle
cat and Indian pangolin are to be seen in the wild. Birds such as Indian
peafowl, Asian koel, Indian grey hornbill and even the endemic Blue-winged
parakeet are found in these forests. Threatened reptiles such as the Python
molurus, Indian star tortoise, and venomous snakes such as Indian
cobra, Russell's viper, Common krait and the endemic Bamboo pit viper and the
little-known striped coral snake Calliophis nigrescens are found here. Lizards
such as the Bengal monitor, the Indian chameleon, the flying lizard or Draco
dussumieri, Calotes calotes, Ophisops minor and Cnemaspis geckoes are to be
seen here. Special mention must be made of the only endemic reptile of the hill -
the Sirumalai Shieldtail Snake Uropeltis dindigalensis, that is reportedly not found
anywhere else. Rare and endemic amphibians such
as Hylarana, Indirana, Zakerana brevipalmata and the direct-developing bush
frog Pseudophilautus wynaadensis occur here. A myriad forms of lesser-
known Insects and Moths etc. are present.

Agastya Puram

Located in Sirumalai is Agastya Puram. Named after the

prominent Agastya Siddhar. Located in Agastya Puram is Silver Hill, this is the
tallest hill in Sirumalai. It is said that the peak of the Silver hill was made up of
Silver but to avoid man's destruective actions during the Kali Yuga the hill was
transformed via Alchemy in to stone by Agastya Siddhar, hence it got the name
silver hill. The hills silver glitter can be still seen in the sun light. In the peak of
this Silver hill is a 500-year-old Shiva Lingam, walk to top of the hill is about 30 -
45 minutes.

Agatthiyar SivaSakthi Sitthar Beedam

Agatthiyar SivaSakthi Sitthar Beedam is an ashram located at the silver hill in

Agastya Puram. Food is served daily (Annadanam), lodging is available at the
ashram.The ashram aims to promote various voluntary campaigns such as
cleaning of the hills.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a city in the hills of the Dindigul district in the state of Tamil Nadu,
India.[2] Its name in the Tamil language means "The Gift of the
Forest".[3] Kodaikanal is referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and has a
long history as a retreat and popular tourist destination.

Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures

and tropical diseases of the plains.[4] Much of the local economy is based on
the hospitality industry serving tourism. As of 2011, the city had a population of
36,501.

The earliest residents of Kodaikanal were the Palaiyar tribal people. The earliest
specific references to Kodaikanal and the Palani Hills are found in Tamil Sangam
literature of the early Common era.[8] Modern Kodaikanal was established by
American Christian missionaries and British bureaucrats in 1845, as a refuge
from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains.[4] In the 20th
century a few elite Indians came to realise the value of this enchanting hill station
and started relocating here.[9]

Tourism has been impacted by industrial pollution issues including the closure of
a mercury factory owned by Unilever's Indian subsidiary Hindustan Unilever after
evidence of widespread mercury pollution.[10] To date no proper clean-up
operation has been mounted. The issue gained prominence in early 2015 when
"Kodaikanal Won't", a rap music about mercury pollution in the region went viral
globally getting more than a million views in 4 days.

Places of Interest
Kodaikanal lake

Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by its
visitors and make it a popular romantic destination for newlyweds. These are
described in order of distance from the bus-stand.

Kodaikanal Lake, is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45 ha (60 acres) lake built

in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal's most popular geographic landmark and
tourist attraction. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat
Club. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The 5
kilometres (3.1 mi) path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favourite
walk for the locals and tourists alike.

Bryant Park
Bryant Park: Just east of the lake and 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus stand,
is a wonderfully maintained 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) botanical garden. The park was
planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, H.D.Bryant, and
named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cacti, the park is a
rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season. A large section is dedicated
to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There is an 1857 Eucalyptus tree and a Bodhi
tree which adds a religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are
cultivated in a nursery for sale. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and
flower shows every summer, to coincide with the peak season. The entrance fee
to the park is nominal, and it is open all year.[40]

Coaker's Walk (1900)

Coaker's Walk, 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the bus-stand, constructed by
Lt.Coaker in 1872, is a 1-kilometre (3,300 ft) paved pedestrian path running
along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk, winding
around Mount Nebo, starts in front of the Van Allen hospital, running parallel to
the Van Allen Hospital Road and joins the main road beside St.Peter's Church,
providing a stunning panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view
as far as Dolphin's Nose in the south, the valley of the Pambar River in the
southeast, Periyakulamtown and even the city of Madurai. A fascinating rare
phenomenon called Brocken spectre can be witnessed, when a person can see
his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo. This occurs when the sun is
behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory
with a telescope halfway along the walk. Entrance fee to the walkway is nominal
and it is open all year.
Bear Shola Falls, 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from the bus-stand, is a tall waterfall in
a Reserve forest. The final approach to this quiet area is a gently climbing foot-
path.

Village view

Green Valley View, (formerly called Suicide Point) 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) from
the bus-stand and near the golf course, has an excellent panoramic view of the
plains and a sheer drop of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) overlooking the Vaigai Dam to
the south. The stairway leading up to it is highly commercialized and lined with
rows of shops to tempt tourists.[41]

Pine forests, In 1906, with a view to growing valuable timber, Mr. Bryant started
the Kodaikanal pine plantations in the south-west of Kodaikanal.[42]

Shembaganur Museum of Natural History, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the bus-
stand, founded in 1895, is open to the public (except Tuesdays) for viewing their
outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and
insects and a living collection of over 300 exotic orchid species. The museum is
affiliated with Loyola College in Chennai and exhibits artifacts of the
ancient Palaiyar tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.[43]

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the bus-stand on

Observatory Road, at 2,343 metres (7,687 ft) is the highest location near Kodai.
The first observations were commenced here in 1901.[44] Former Director John
Evershed discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots, now known
as the Evershed effect. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view a grand
panorama including: Sothupparai Dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha
river. This Indian Institute of Astrophysics facility has a
comprehensive Astronomical Science museum with organized public tours,
access to the astronomy library, and scheduled night-time telescopic sky viewing.
It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the
rest of the year.[45]
Silver Cascade Waterfall is formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake

Pillar Rocks
Pillar Rocks, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus-stand, is a set of three giant rock
pillars which stand 122 metres (400 ft) high.[46] Managed by the Tamil Nadu
Forest Department, The viewpoint can be crowded but is not commercialized.
There is an excellent public garden adjacent to the viewpoint.

Guna caves,[47] made popular by the Tamil movie Gunaa, previously

called Devil's Kitchen, are deep bat-infested chambers between the three
gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves
are now closed to public due to the tragic deaths of twelve youths there.[48] These
dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see sections of the
cave system from afar.[49] In the late 1970s the inside of the caves was
well photographed.

Silver Cascade, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long
and winding Laws Ghat Road, at altitude 1,800 metres (5,900 ft), is a 55-metre
(180 ft) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake.[50] The water quality
is reportedly poor and not good enough for bathing.[51] This impressive waterfall
is a popular stop for first-time visitors. There are a few souvenir and fruit vendors
and many monkeys here. There is also a smaller but more serene waterfall
below the bridge which crosses the stream here.
Dolphin's Nose

Dolphin's Nose, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting
over a breathtaking chasm 6,600 feet (2,000 m) deep. It is an undisturbed area 1
kilometre (0.62 mi) down a very steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar
Bridge. Orange juice vendors along the trail offer a welcome rest stop. Beautiful
views of steep rocky escarpments rising from the plains can be seen. The old
village of Vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here. A short
paved walkway leads from the road here to Pambar falls (which is also locally
addressed as 'Liril Falls' after the famous Liril Soap Advertisement filming in
1985).

Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the bus-stand, is
famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12
years. The deity here is called Sri Kurinji Easwaran, who is Lord Murugan. This
temple was built in 1936 by a European lady, who on coming to Ceylon,
converted to Hinduism.She changed her name to Leelavathi and married
Mr.Ponnambalam Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This
temple was handed over to Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil,
Palani by Devi Prasad Bhaskaran (also known as Padmini, niece and adopted
daughter of S Natesan Pillai, son in-law of Lady Ramanathan) and her husband
R. Bhaskaran.

Berijam Lake is surrounded by nature at a distance of around 20 km from

Kodaikanal. Boating is prohibited as the lake is a source of water for villages.
Forest department permission is required and limited number of vehicles (up to
80) are allowed to enter the forest area where the lake is situated. Entry is
restricted into the Berijam Lake area to between 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bison,
deer, panthers and snakes are often spotted in this area. The fire tower, Silent
Valley, Medicine Forest, and Lake View are other attractions around the lake.
Psilocybin mushrooms which produce hallucinogenic effects when consumed,
and other poisonous mushrooms grow around Berijam. Medicine Forest has a
certain species of trees whose fragrance is believed to be having hallucinogenic
effects. To enter into the Berijam Lake permission must be obtained from the
Forest Department. Usually they give permission around 8 a.m. every day except
on Tuesdays. They give permission to about 80 to 100 vehicles per day and
collect the entry fee of around Rs.150 depending upon the vehicle.

Bnazrum

Bnazrum Agro Exports is based at Dindigul, a fast growing industrial city in

Central Tamil Nadu, in South India. A decade of flawless performance in the
export of top-quality gherkins has given it a respectable position among the agro-
based industrial units of the State. With a significant annual turnover of over six
million dollars, it is steadily climbing up the ladder of success every year. The
factory is situated at the foot of the cool green Sirumalai Hills, just 7 KMs from
the city, with all infrastructural facilities and communication links for
transportation of products from the contract farmlands into the factory and from
there to the shipping facilities.
 The ever increasing demand for Bnazrum gherkins is the greatest
assurance of our quality. It is through maintenance of unvarying high quality that
the Company grew from its humble beginnings to its present position of a good
name abroad and an impressive turnover of 8 million dollars. Constant
monitoring of all the processes from the preparation of the soil for sowing to the
labelling of the barrels for export is what ensures a quality that is appreciated by
the discerning and educated customers of the developed nations.

History

The word 'gherkin' may have come from the Swedish word 'gurka' or the
German word 'gurke' both meaning 'cucumber'. Gherkin is cucumber pickled or
preserved in brine or vinegar. It is the fruit of the plant cucumis sativus from the
cucurbit family. There are two types of cucumber: those with smooth epidermis
and those with spiny epidermis. Only the type with spiny epidermis is made into
gherkin. It is a cucurbitaceous vegetable crop of 90 days duration whose raw
young fruits are harvested and pickled immediately after harvesting in brine,
natural vinegar or acetic acid.
Though gherkin originated in India, the first ever mention of it, in the recorded
history, is related to Mesopotamia. It is believed to be the first ever pickle in
recorded history, enjoyed by the people of Mesopotamia four and half millennia
ago. Cleopatra was fond of pickles as she thought that pickles helped in
enhancing her beauty. Roman soldiers and Napoleon's troops were given pickles
as part of their food supplies. Gherkins were thought to be a sacred food of the
Yaskxia people of Russia.
Pickled gherkin is mentioned in English in the 17th century. Virginia Gazette of
1792 carries an advertisement for sale of gherkin to the American public, thus
introducing it to the Americans. It conquered the American palate so quickly that
it became 'the pickle' to the American within a century. During the Second World
War, 40% of all pickles manufactured in the US were allocated for the soldiers
engaged in war as a delicacy they would like and remind them of their homes.
Pickles would make up for the lack of appetizers and tasty side dishes that would
be lacking in the makeshift kitchens on the warfront. Gherkin pickle in glass jar
became a commercial product in France in the 1820s.

Products

Gherkins are properly graded, sorted, soaked and washed before being
put into the packing medium in barrels of High Density Polyethylene allowed for
food products with an adjusted mechanism (compensator) that pushes the
gherkins down under the cover liquid which fills the barrels entirely. Lid with
gasket and O-ring is used to avoid any external contact. The 3 categories
according to the media of packing are 'in brine', ' in natural alcoholic vinegar'
and 'in acetic acid'. Acidity of gherkins packed in acetic acid and natural
alcoholic vinegar is 3.2%, with an allowance for 0.2% (+) or (-) and its salinity is
4%, with an allowance for 0.2% (+) or (-). Salinity of gherkin preserved in brine
(as sodium chloride) is 15%, with an allowance for 1% (+) or (-), acidity (as lactic
acid) >0.6 % and pH <3.5%. These specifications may be slightly modified
according to the specific requirements of the targeted buyers.

Quality controls

Quality controls are strictly exercised at all stages of farming and

processing of the products according to the quality standards prescribed by the
purchasers/importers. Besides, the standards enforced by American and
European laws have to be complied with. The production units have implemented
the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in which the
product quality can be traced to all critical control points.
The specifications regarding the grades of gherkin fruit, ingredients that should
go into the pickle, quality and category of the packing medium, size and material
of the container, etc. are all decided by the importers, who constantly analyse the
preferences of the end consumers.

Values and Cultures

We believe in growth-oriented ethical business practices which include

providing genuine value through flawless products and services, owning up
responsibility and accountability for any shortcoming, honouring at any cost all
commitments to all the stakeholders including the consumers, harnessing
technical know-how and scientific research to implement original and innovative
ideas, ensuring prompt response to issues and problems and encouraging
freedom of expression among all our employees and farmers and all with whom
we come into contact or interact

The House of Naga

With a foundation in the wheat flour trade and flour milling, Naga Limited has
spent the last 50+ years growing into a diversified company with divisions that
serve the detergents, minerals, power, retail, property, logistics, and food
businesses.
Throughout Naga’s history, its flagship company has been and remains Naga
Limited Foods.

The Naga Mills division has 4 wheat flour mills with a totally daily milling
capacity of 800 tonnes per day. The company`s milling activities have been
consolidated into a single strategically located campus in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu,
India.

When kollur Sreenivasan started his trading business, wheat flour was either
imported or brought a great distance from Mumbai, India. Sreenivasan was the
local agent of the “Anchor” brand of wheat flour. Due to some misunderstanding
with the promoter, he decided to build a flour mill himself.

In 1962, with the commencement of operations at his first flour mill in Chennai,
India, Sreenivasan made the transition from a trader to an industrialist. He was
quick to capitalize on the misfortune of the local competition and flexible enough
to take advantage of business opportunities. Within the first 25 years of business,
he expanded his production to seven mills in three locations. Over the next 25
years, the company diversified into solvents extraction, pasta, spinning mill,
detergents, minerals and much more. Flour mills are completely automated
plants supplied by Buhler, Switzerland.

Wheat storage is done in silos. Silo complex stores 64,000 tonnes of wheat,
largest in india increasing efficiency in wheat handling.

Naga Foods finished products include sooji, maida, whole wheat flour and
bran. Naga's portfolio includes brands such as Naga, Amman, Perumal, Kovil,
Diamond, Jupiter, Mercury and Redhills.

Naga's sales are structured through five channels: retail, bulk, institutional,
export and government. Retail covers the small packages ranging from 200
grams to 10 kilograms, which are sold for household consumption through the
retail outlets. Whereas Bulk covers the packages from 10 Kgs, 25 Kgs, 50 Kgs,
90 Kgs, which are sold for Hotel, Bakery, etc. Consumption through its Strong
250 Plus Stockist Network .
Presently, Naga's distribution is reaching the top 25,000 retail outlets in the
A&B segments.

NAGA Foods Division uses its own 100% captive power from windmills.

Naga Detergent

Our factory was inaugurated in 1992, is located in Vedasandur. This division is

one of the largest manufacturers of high quality detergents, laundry soaps
and toilet soaps. The machinery used is of sophisticated nature with excellent in
house technical expertise for backing up. Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) is one
of the leading multinationals who are in long association being a prime customer
since inception. This Division exclusively caters to the regular requirement of
HUL for some of their leading detergent brands

Naga minerals

Naga’s Minerals Division was founded in 1994 under the leadership of

Mr.K.S.Kamalakannan to Process white minerals of supreme quality. We are
South India’s largest producer of white minerals offering innovative products in
the field of Functional fillers, Extenders. Based on a profound understanding of
diverse industrial requirements, the company has empowered its clients with
customized products based on their specific requirements.

Team
We owe to the success of company with qualified and experienced team, who is
well versed with the production of natural minerals. They are well aware of the
national and international mineral market requisites, thus always strive to
improve the quality.
Quality
Quality is the forte of the company, thus we always endeavor to maintain the
quality of natural minerals. We have skilled quality control executives, who keep
strict vigil on quality production. Their diligent efforts are directed towards to
assure the quality of the natural minerals and provide highly efficacious minerals
to clients.

Warehouse
Backed by spacious warehouse, we are able to meet small and bulk orders,
within the stipulated time frame. Our huge warehouse is well equipped with all
essential facilities, so that minerals can store safely without any degradation in
the quality and properties. Quality raw material is used in production of our
mineral powder to enhance its performance. Thereby backward integration to the
mining industry, known for precise and environment friendly composition, purity
and luster; the mineral powder is popular among the clients belonging to various
industries in India.

Our Captive Mines

We have captive mines producing quality minerals at Natham, Thogamalai,
Nagamarai and Kayathar.

Packing
Standard packing available in 50 kg. HDPE bags & 1 or 1.25 MT Jumbo bags
with liner inside, or as per customer requirement.

Applications
Calcite: As a filler in rubber, plastic, linoleum paper in paper coating, canvas
white, shoe dressings, white ware, sealant, making of cement, as a flux in
smelting metallic ores or alloys, as a fertilizer glass manufacturing, ceramics-
glazes and enamels, cattle feed etc

Gandhigram Rural Institute

 Gandhigram Rural University[1], founded in 1956, is situated
near Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, India. Dr.T.S.Soundaram and Dr.G.Ramachandran
developed the institute. The Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI) was founded there
in 1956 to carry on Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Nai Talim’ system of education. In 1976 it
was declared as Deemed University, by University Grants
Commission (UGC), New Delhi, Under Section 3 of UGC Act 1956.[1] It is fully
funded by UGC. In 2006 it was renamed Gandhigram Rural Institute as per the
guidelines of UGC.[2] Again, as per UGC guidelines, the name of the institute
has been changed to Gandhigram Rural Institute in 2009.

With devotion to Mahatma Gandhi’s revolutionary concept of ‘Nai Talim’ system

of education, Gandhigram Rural Institute has developed academic programmes
in Rural Development, Rural Economics and Extension Education, Rural
Oriented Sciences, Cooperation, Development Administration, Rural Sociology,
English and Foreign Languages, and, Tamil and Indian Languages.

The work of the institute invited national attention and the Government of
India (Ministry of Education), on the recommendation of the University Grants
Commission, conferred the status of a Deemed University on the institute under
Section (3) of the UGC Act of 1956, on 3 August 1976.

The institute has developed into a major educational complex, comprising seven
faculties, offering in 50 programmes. It awards Doctoral, Master’s and Bachelor’s
Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates through its seven academic faculties: Rural
Development, Rural Social Sciences, Rural Oriented Sciences, English and
Foreign Languages, Tamil, Indian Languages and Rural Arts, Rural Health and
Sanitation, and, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.

It has 3000 students and 150 teaching and 250 non-teaching staff.

Gandhigram Rural University is 100% funded Government of India through

University Grants Commission, New Delhi. It is not managed by the Gandhigram
Trust. This University is a Deemed University and delivers Diploma,Under
Graduate, Post Graduate programs, M.Phil. and Ph.d. in various disciplines of
Science, Social Science, Agriculture,Public health,Rural Industries etc.

Demographics[edit]

As of 2001 India census,[1] Gandhigram had a population of 10,666. Males

constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Gandhigram has an average
literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is
79%, and female literacy is 69%. In Gandhigram, 11% of the population is under
6 years of age.

Kasthuriba Hospital[edit]

Gandhigram Trust also operates a hospital in the name of Mahatma Gandhi's

wife Kasthuribai. This hospital is one of the largest hospital in the district. But
unlike other private hospital, this hospital is service centric. Here many poor
people from surrounding villages get quality care and treatment with well
established infra-structure. At present Dr. Kousalya Devi is governing the
hospital. She is well known for her service as Mother Teresa of Tamil Nadu.in
this hospital specially they are manufacturing jaipur foot.

Chinnalapatti

Chinnalapatti is a municipal town in Dindigul district in the state of Tamil

Nadu, India.
Demographics[edit]

As of 2011 India census[1] Chinnalapatti had a population of 26,285. Males

constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Chinnalapatti has an average
literacy rate of 87.06, higher than the state average of 80.09%; with male literacy
of 93.12% and female literacy of 81.23%. 8.51% of the population is under 6
years of age. The town not only has textile business but also into agriculture. The
people in North Chinnalapatti are mainly into agricultural activities.

Chinnalapatti Town Panchayat has total administration over 6,981 houses to

which it supplies basic amenities like water and sewerage. It is also authorized to
build roads within Town Panchayat limits and impose taxes on properties coming
under its jurisdiction.

The Chinnalapatti city is divided into 18 wards for which elections are held every
5 years

Economy

Chinnalapatti is a clean and neat town known for suitable residential area in
Dindigul district. Chinnalapatti's economy mainly depends on handloom weaving
industry and is known for it. Weaving has been a way of life in Chinalapatti since
time immemorial. Now people are producing Cotton (sungudi) saris with Zari
borders, these are ideal for daily wear. Sungudi saree industry contains looming,
weaving, dyeing and printing units. Sungudi industry is providing livelihood for
more than 10,000 people in Chinnalapatti. Although weaving is a significant
profession in the town, the textile export and import is the next popular business
in the town. Sungudi sarees from Chinnalapatti are being exported to countries
like Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. The town also has
industries which are involved in Wet Grinder assembling, Wire Chair production,
Alimarh production, dyeing, etc.

Sarees

Silk sarees (famously known as "Chinnalappattu") and sungudi sarees are made
here in traditional way. Chinnalapattu sarees are well known in South India.
Many traders from Chinnalapatti export/sell these sarees and other handloom
garments all over Tamil Nadu and countries in Far-East, Africa, Sri Lanka and
Middle-East. Saree business is the major business in this upcoming city. Since
saree usage is reduced in these days, Chinnalapatti weavers are involved in
making sungudi chudithars, which is getting popularity. Many wholesales shops
buy the sarees and other garments from Surat and sell it in South Tamil Nadu.

Festivals and Carnivals

Most of the people in Chinnalapatti are conservative Hindus and retain their
traditional festivals.

Alagar festival is celebrated every year.* Another notable celebration is Veedhi

Devru Mokku(Street worship of god in Kannada).

Transportation

Chinnalapatti is on National Highway 7 (NH7) which

connects Madurai with Dindigul. It has well connected bus facility. Town buses
operated by Government and Private sectors serve the need of this emerging
town. The mofussil buses flying in NH-7 also serves the need.
Ambathurai is the nearest railway station. All the passenger trains and some
express trains stop at this station.

Madurai Airport is the nearest airport for this town.

Education:
Schools

 Devangar Higher Secondary School

 Devangar Girls High School

 Thambithottam Higher Sec School

 Cheran Vidyalaya Matric Higher Secondary School

 Victory Matriculation Higher Sec School

 Govt. High School (Near Market)

 Kalaimagal Nursery and Primary School

 Siriyamalar Secondary School*

 Thilagam Secondary School

 luxor world school

 anugraham international school

 PRISM MATRIC SCHOOL

 Best Teacher

In Devangar hr sec school at chinnalapatti Mr.A.Rajasekar the physical education

teacher and the N.C.C.Officer had been working from 1966 to 1997. He was a
very significant person both as a teacher and a social worker.He set a noble
examble for the students of the school and also for the youth of the town. His
hard work ,disciplined approach towards the students and the care he had given
to them were undoubtedly ,a main reason for the school getting a good name in
Dindigul District. He was like a friend to his students.they learned to become a
self-disciplined persons.They were able to acquire good habits and helping
tendency in his care. They could develop into a responsible and respectabale
citizens.

He had been very strict to the students who misbehaved.But was kind enough to
help them to correct themselves. He took efforts to do basic facilities,in and
around chinnalapatti.He influenced the students to work for the poor and needy
and also initiate adult education .With the help of the N.C.C.team he helped in
laying roads and the plantation.Even to-day we can see the trees grown around
the town,those planted by him.

He helped,many poor and the tribal students to get educated through contributing
a portion of his salary for that purpose. His perseverance in training the students
in games and sports,resulted in getting many state and national awards for the
school.There are students trained by him ,now working as P.E.T s.. His voice
controlled the whole school.He looked majestic in his NCC uniform.The people in
those days called him fondly as ‘’Thangapathakkkam Sivaji””the famous
character of the film “Thangapathakkam” in which the legendry actor shivaji
ganesan did the role.

He was convinced of the importance of both sports and education .He was
honoured by the people of chinnalapatti and others. In 1983 he was awarded the
Best N.CC. OFFICER OF INDIA by the then prime minister Mrs.Indra
Gandhi.This great occasion brought glory to not only the school,but also to the
town. The Alumini of the school are placed in and out of india,in respectable
jobs,who are helped and guided by Mr.Rajasekar .I am one among them Even
today.I follow his advice in helping the poor and the needy , to the best of my
ability..

About LEATHER FACTORY:

 Leather industry in Dindigul received a shot in the arm on Saturday when
the user certificate issued to the Geographical Indication Registry for
‘East India Leather’ was handed over to representatives of Dindigul
Tanners’ Association at a function here on Saturday. The Geographical
Indicator, ‘East India Leather,’ can be used by 46 tanning units in
Dindigul and nine in Tiruchi. The leather produced in tanning units of
Dindigul and Tiruchi have traditionally been referred to as ‘East India
Leather.’

The certificate was handed over by B. Chandrasekaran, Director, Central

Leather Research Institute, and P. Sanjai Gandhi, Intellectual Property
Rights Attorney. Those present at the function included Muhamed Abdul
Gani, A. Mohaideen, R. Kannan and Mahaboob Subahani, office-bearers
of Dindigul Tanners’ Association, and Varusaimaideen of Tiruchi
Tanners’ Association.

Later, speaking to newsmen, Mr. Sanjai Gandhi said that the GI, ‘East
India Leather,’ could now be used by 55 tanning units in Dindigul and
Tiruchi while exporting their goods. The other tanneries in places like
Vaniambadi, Ambur and Chennai should use the place names for the
leather produced by them. He said that efforts were on to get GI tag for
Dindigul lock, Srivilliputtur milk kova and Thoothukudi macroon.

Leather
Leather is a durable and flexible material created by tanning animal rawhide and
skin, often cattle hide. It can be produced at manufacturing scales ranging
from cottage industry to heavy industry.

People use leather to make various goods—including clothing (e.g., shoes, hats,
jackets, skirts, trousers, and belts), bookbinding, leather wallpaper, and as a
furniture covering. It is produced in a wide variety of types and styles, decorated
by a wide range of techniques.

A variety of leather products and leather-working tools

Form

Several tanning processes transform hides and skins into leather:

 Chrome-tanned leather, invented in 1858, is tanned using chromium

sulfate and other chromium salts. It is more supple and pliable than
vegetable-tanned leather and does not discolor or lose shape as drastically in
water as vegetable-tanned. It is also known as wet-blue for its color derived
from the chromium. More exotic colors are possible when using chrome
 tanning. The chrome tanning method usually only takes a day to finish, and
the ease and agility of this method make it a popular choice. However there
are environmental concerns with this tanning method. It is reported that
chrome-tanned leather adds up to 80% of the global leather supply.[citation
needed]

 Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using tannins and other ingredients

found in different vegetable matter, such as tree bark prepared in bark
mills, wood, leaves, fruits, and roots. It is supple and brown in color, with the
exact shade depending on the mix of chemicals and the color of the skin. It is
the only form of leather suitable for use in leather carving or stamping.
Vegetable-tanned leather is not stable in water; it tends to discolor, so if left to
soak and then dried it shrinks and becomes harder. This is a feature of oak
bark tanned leather that is exploited in traditional shoemaking. In hot water, it
shrinks drastically and partly congeals—becoming rigid, and eventually
brittle. Boiled leather is an example of this, where the leather has been
hardened by being immersed in hot water, or in boiled wax or similar
substances. Historically, it was occasionally used as armourafter hardening,
and it has also been used for book binding.

 Aldehyde-tanned leather is tanned

using glutaraldehyde or oxazolidine compounds. This is the leather that most
tanners refer to as wet-white leather due to its pale cream or white color. It is
the main type of "chrome-free" leather, often seen in shoes for infants and
automobiles.

 Formaldehyde tanning (being phased out due to danger to workers and

sensitivity of many people to formaldehyde) is another aldehyde tanning
method. Brain-tanned leathers fall into this category, and are exceptionally
water absorbent.
 Brain tanned leathers are made by a labor-intensive process that uses
emulsified oils, often those of animal brains such as deer, cattle, and
buffaloes. They are known for their exceptional softness and washability.

 Chamois leather also falls into the category of aldehyde tanning, and like
brain tanning, produces a porous and highly water-absorbent leather.
Chamois leather is made using marine oils (traditionally cod oil) that oxidize
easily to produce the aldehydes that tan the leather to color it.

 Rose-tanned leather is a variation of vegetable oil tanning and brain tanning,

where pure rose otto replaces the vegetable oil and emulsified oils. Rose-
tanned leather tanned leaves a powerful rose fragrance even years from
when it is manufactured. It has been called the most valuable leather on
earth, but this is mostly due to the high cost of rose otto and its labor-intensive
tanning process.

 Synthetic-tanned leather is tanned using aromatic polymers such as

the Novolac or Neradol types (syntans, contraction for synthetic tannins). This
leather is white in color and was invented when vegetable tannins were in
short supply during the Second World War. Melamine and other amino-
functional resins fall into this category, as well, and they provide the filling that
modern leathers often require. Urea-formaldehyde resins were also used in
this tanning method before people realized the hazards that formaldehyde
presents to tanners and consumers.

 Alum-tanned leather is transformed using aluminium salts mixed with a

variety of binders and protein sources, such as flour and egg yolk. Alum-
tanned leather is technically not tanned, as tannic acid is not used, and the
resulting material reverts to rawhide if soaked in water long enough to remove
the alum salts.

 Rawhide is made by scraping the skin thin, soaking it in lime, and then
stretching it while it dries. Like alum-tanning, rawhide is not technically
"leather",[citation needed] but is usually lumped in with the other forms.[citation
 needed]
Rawhide is stiffer and more brittle than other forms of leather; it is
primarily found in uses such as drum heads and parchment where it does not
need to flex significantly; it is also cut up into cords for use in lacing or
stitching and for making many varieties of dog chews.

Leather, usually vegetable-tanned, can be oiled to improve its water resistance.

This currying process after tanning supplements the natural oils remaining in the
leather itself, which can be washed out through repeated exposure to
water. Russia leather was an important international trade good for
centuries.[citation needed][1] Frequent oiling of leather, with mink oil, neatsfoot oil, or a
similar material keeps it supple and improves its lifespan dramatically.[citation
needed][2]

Leather with the hair still attached is called "hair-on".[citation needed]

Types[edit]

In general, leather is sold in these four forms:

 Full-grain leather refers to hides that have not been sanded, buffed, or
snuffed (as opposed to top-grain or corrected leather) to remove
imperfections (or natural marks) on the surface of the hide. The grain remains
allowing the fiber strength and durability. The grain also has breathability,
resulting in less moisture from prolonged contact. Rather than wearing out, it
develops a patina during its expected useful lifetime. High quality leather
furniture and footwear are often made from full-grain leather. Full-grain
leathers are typically available in two finish types: aniline, semi-aniline.

 Top-grain leather (the most common type in high-end leather products) is the
second-highest quality. It has had the "split" layer separated away, making it
thinner and more pliable than full-grain. Its surface has been sanded and a
finish coat added, which produces a colder, plastic feel with less breathability,
and it does not develop a natural patina. It is typically less expensive and has
greater stain resistance than full-grain leather if the finish remains unbroken.
 Corrected-grain leather is any leather that has had an artificial grain applied
to its surface. The hides used to create corrected leather do not meet the
standards for use in creating vegetable-tanned or aniline leather. The
imperfections are corrected or sanded off, and an artificial grain embossed
into the surface and dressed with stain or dyes. Most corrected-grain leather
is used to make pigmented leather as the solid pigment helps hide the
corrections or imperfections. Corrected grain leathers can mainly be bought
as two finish types: semi-aniline and pigmented.

 Split leather is leather created from the fibrous part of the hide left once the
top-grain of the rawhide has been separated from the hide. During the
splitting operation, the top-grain and drop split are separated. The drop split
can be further split (thickness allowing) into a middle split and a flesh split. In
very thick hides, the middle split can be separated into multiple layers until the
thickness prevents further splitting. Split leather then has an artificial layer
applied to the surface of the split and is embossed with a leather grain (bycast
leather). Splits are also used to create suede. The strongest suedes are
usually made from grain splits (that have the grain completely removed) or
from the flesh split that has been shaved to the correct thickness. Suede is
"fuzzy" on both sides. Manufacturers use a variety of techniques to make
suede from full-grain. A reversed suede is a grained leather that has been
designed into the leather article with the grain facing away from the visible
surface. It is not considered a true suede.[3]

Less-common leathers include:

 Buckskin or brained leather is a tanning process that uses animal brains or

other fatty materials to alter the leather. The resulting supple, suede-like hide
is usually smoked heavily to prevent it from returning to a rawhide state, if
wetted. It is easier to soften, and helps repel leather-eating bugs.
 Patent leather is leather that has been given a high-gloss finish.
Inventor Seth Boyden developed the original process in Newark, New
Jersey in 1818. Patent leather usually has a plastic coating.

 Fish leather is popular for its motifs and its pigmentation. Mainly used for
making shoes and bags, the fish skin is tanned like other animal skins.[4] The
species used include salmon, perch, sturgeon, etc.

 Salmon : farmed in Iceland and Norway, salmon skin has fine scales. Its
strength and elegant look make it the most popular fish leather.

 Perch : from the Nile, its skin is recognizable with large, round and soft
scales

 Wolffish : smooth, without scales, with dark spots, and stripes due to the
friction of marine rocks

 Cod : finer scales than salmon, but more varied texture, sometimes
smooth and sometimes rough

 Sturgeon : known for its eggs (caviar), its leather is quite expensive

 Eel : without scales, its skin is shiny

 Tilapia : originally from Africa and farmed in many places, tilapia leather is
beautiful, with resistant qualities similar to salmon and perch[5]

 Shagreen is also known as stingray skin/leather. Applications used in

furniture production date as far back as the art deco period. The word
"shagreen" originates from France. It is known as the most difficult leather
to work due to dished scales of the animal, and it is one of the most
expensive leathers.

 Shark is covered with small, close-set tubercles, making it very tough.

Shark skin handbags were once in vogue, but interest has fallen as the
material and production costs is very high. Moreover, this skin is more
difficult to work. (Do not confuse with sharkskin, a woven textile product.
 Vachetta leather is used in the trimmings of luggage and handbags. The
leather is left untreated and is therefore susceptible to water and stains.
Sunlight makes the natural leather darken in shade (develop a patina).

 Slink is leather made from the skin of unborn calves. It is particularly soft and
is valued for making gloves.

 Deerskin is a tough, water-resistant leather, possibly due to the animal's

adaptations to its thorny and thicket-filled habitats.[citation needed] Deerskin has
been used by many societies, including indigenous Americans. Most modern
deerskin is no longer procured from the wild, with deer farms breeding the
animals specifically for the purpose of their skins. Large quantities are still
tanned from wild deer hides in historic tanning towns such
as Gloversville and Johnstown in upstate New York. Deerskin is used in
jackets and overcoats, martial arts equipment such as kendo bogu, as well as
personal accessories such as handbags and wallets.

 Goatskin is soft but tough, and is used for items such as thorn-resistant
gardener's gloves.

 Nubuck is top-grain cattle hide leather that has been sanded or buffed on the
grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibers, producing a
velvet-like surface.

 Russia leather is a particular form of bark-tanned cow leather. It is

distinguished by an oiling step, after tanning, where birch oil is worked into the
leather to make it particularly hard-wearing, flexible and resistant to water.

There are two other types of leather commonly used in specialty products, such
as briefcases, wallets, and luggage:

 Belting leather is a full-grain leather originally used in driving pulley belts and
other machinery. It is found on the surface of briefcases, portfolios, and
wallets, and can be identified by its thick, firm feel and smooth finish. Belting
leather is generally a heavy-weight of full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather.
 Napa leather is chrome-tanned and is soft and supple. It is commonly found
in wallets, toiletry kits, and other personal leather goods.

The following are not "true" organic leathers, but are materials that contain
leather fiber. Depending on jurisdiction, they may still be labeled as "Genuine
Leather", even though the consumer generally can only see the outer layer of the
material and can't actually see any of the leather content:

 Bonded leather or reconstituted leather is an economical material that uses

leftover organic leather (from tanneries or workshops) that are shredded and
bonded together with polyurethane or latex on to a fiber sheet. The varying
degree of organic leather in the mix (10% to 90%) affects the smell and
texture. Its reduced cost makes it popular for furniture upholstery, especially
for commercial furniture that requires durability—though durability can vary
widely depending on the formulation.

 Bycast leather is a split leather with a layer of polyurethane laminated to the

surface and then embossed. Bycast was originally made for the shoe
industry, and later adopted by the furniture industry. The original formula
created by Bayer was strong but expensive. The result is a material that is
slightly stiffer but cheaper than top-grain leather but has a much more
consistent texture. Because its surface is completely covered in plastic, is
easier to clean and maintain, but is not easily repaired.

From other animals[edit]

Phone cases in ostrich leather

Today, most leather is made of cattle skin, but many exceptions exist. Lamb and
deerskin are used for soft leather in more expensive apparel. Deer and elkskin
are widely used in work gloves and indoor shoes. Pigskin is used in apparel and
on seats of saddles. Buffalo, goat, alligator, snake, ostrich, kangaroo, ox, and yak
skins may also be used for leather.

Kangaroo leather is used to make items that must be strong but flexible. It is the
material most commonly used in bullwhips. Some motorcyclists favor kangaroo
leather for motorcycle leathers because of its light weight and abrasion
resistance.[6] Kangaroo leather[7] is also used for falconry jesses, soccer
footwear,[8] and boxing speed bags.[9] At different times in history, leather made
from more exotic skins has been considered desirable. For this reason, certain
species of snakes and crocodiles have been hunted.

Although originally raised for their feathers in the 19th century, ostriches are now
more popular for both meat and leather.[10] Different processes produce different
finishes for many applications, i.e., upholstery, footwear, automotive products,
accessories, and clothing. Ostrich leather is currently used by many major
fashion houses such as Hermès, Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Ostrich leather
has a characteristic "goose bump" look because of the large follicles where the
feathers grew.

In Thailand, stingray leather is used in wallets and belts. Sting ray leather is
tough and durable. The leather is often dyed black and covered with tiny round
bumps in the natural pattern of the back ridge of an animal. These bumps are
then usually dyed white to highlight the decoration. Stingray rawhide is also used
as grips on Chinese swords, Scottish basket hilted swords, and
Japanese katanas. Stingray leather is also used for high abrasion areas in
motorcycle racing leathers (especially in gloves, where its high abrasion
resistance helps prevent wear through in the event of an accident.)
Production processes

Drying of leather in East Timor

Leather tanning in Fes, Morocco

Tanned leather in Marrakech

Main article: Leather production processes

The leather manufacturing process is divided into three fundamental

subprocesses: preparatory stages, tanning, and crusting. All true leathers
undergo these subprocesses. A further subprocess, surface coating, can be
added into the leather process sequence, but not all leathers receive surface
treatment. Since many types of leather exist, it is difficult to create a list of
operations that all leathers must undergo.

The preparatory stages are when the hide/skin is prepared for tanning.
Preparatory stages may include: preservation, soaking, liming, unhairing,
fleshing, splitting, reliming, deliming, bating, degreasing,
frizing, bleaching, pickling, and depickling.

Tanning is a process that stabilizes the protein of the raw hide or skin so it does
not putrefy, making it suitable for a wide variety of end applications. The principal
difference between raw and tanned hides is that raw hides dry out to form a hard,
inflexible material that, when rewetted (or wetted-back) putrefy, while tanned
material dries to a flexible form that does not become putrid when wetted-back.

Many tanning methods and materials exist. The choice ultimately depends on the
end application for the leather. The most common tanning material is chromium,
which leaves the tanned leather a pale blue color (due to the chromium). This
product is commonly called wet blue. The hides, when finished pickling, are
typically between pH 2.8 and 3.2.[citation needed] At this point, tannery workers load
the hides into a drum and immerse them in a float that contains the tanning
liquor. The hides soak while the drum slowly rotates about its axis, and the
tanning liquor slowly penetrates through the full thickness of the hide. Workers
periodically cut a cross-section of a hide and observe the degree of penetration.
Once the process achieves even penetration, workers slowly raise the float's pH
in a process called basification, which fixes the tanning material to the leather—
and the more tanning material fixed, the higher the leather's hydrothermal
stability and shrinkage temperature resistance. Chrome-tanned leather pH is
typically between pH 3.8 and 4.2.[citation needed]

Crusting is a process that thins, retans, and lubricates leather. It often includes a
coloring operation. Chemicals added during crusting must be fixed in place.
Crusting culminates with a drying and softening operation, and may include:
Dindigul Locks:
Iron-lock steel safes made in Dindigul are known for good quality and
durability. The lock manufacturing in Dindugul is operated as a co-
operativesector. Dindugal locks are sold to local, national,International
markets.

Dindigul Biryani:
 Biryani (pronounced [bɪr.jaːniː]), also known as biriyani, biriani or
briyani, is a South Asian mixed rice dish with its origins among
the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.[1][2][3][4] It is popular throughout the
subcontinent and among the diaspora from the region. It is generally
made with spices, rice, and meat.

Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant

Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant (also known as Thalappakatti

Biriyani)[1] is a restaurant chain that operates primarily in the Indian state
of Tamil Nadu. The first outlet was opened in 1957 at Dindigul. Since then, it
operates over 37 restaurants
in Dindigul, Chennai, Madurai, Bathlagundu, Coimbatore, Karur, Oddanchatram,
Kanchipuram, Ambur, Kodaikanal, Namakkal, U.A.E, France and Malaysia. The
Thalappakatti restaurants focus on biriyani.
History

The founder, Mr. Nagasamy Naidu, initially started Thalappakatti

restaurant by the name of Anandha Vilas Biriyani Hotel in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
In 2013 the chain won a trademark lawsuit about the use of the word
"thalappakatti" (meaning "turban" in Tamil).[

Dindigul biryani
The Dindigul town of Tamil Nadu is noted for its biryani, which uses a little curd
and lemon juice to get a tangy taste

Ingredients vary according to the type of meat used and the region the biryani is
from. Gosht (of either chicken or mutton) is the prime ingredient with rice. As is
common in dishes of the Indian subcontinent, some vegetables are also used
when preparing biryani. Corn may be used depending on the season and
availability. Navratan biryani tends to use sweeter richer ingredients such as
cashew, kismis and fruits such as apples and pineapples.[12]

The spices and condiments used in biryani may include ghee (clarified
butter), nutmeg, mace,[22] pepper, cloves,[22] cardamom, cinnamon, bay
leaves, coriander, mint leaves, ginger, onions, tomatoes, and garlic. The
premium varieties include saffron.[22] In all biryani, the main ingredient that
accompanies the spices is the chicken and mutton; special varieties also
use beef and seafood. The dish may be served with dahi
chutney or raita, korma, curry, a sour dish of aubergine (brinjal), boiled
egg (optional), and salad.