Dharmapuri district is an administrative district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The district headquarters is the town of Dharmapuri. It was established on 2 October 1965, when it was carved out of the former Salem district.
Geography
The district occupies an area of approximately 4,496 km² in the north‑western part of Tamil Nadu, bordering the Indian state of Karnataka to the west and the districts of Krishnagiri (north), Salem (south‑east), and Kallakurichi (south‑west). The terrain is a mix of undulating hills and plains; the Eastern Ghats run through the western portion, and the district includes the Hogenakkal Falls on the Kaveri River.
Administrative divisions
Dharmapuri district is subdivided into several taluks, which serve as sub‑district administrative units. As of the latest reorganisation, the taluks are:
- Dharmapuri
- Palacode
- Pappireddippatti
- Harur
- Karimangalam (jointly administered with neighboring districts)
These taluks are further divided into revenue blocks and villages.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census of India, Dharmapuri district had a population of 1,506,821. The gender ratio was 946 females per 1,000 males, and the literacy rate stood at 62.5 %. Tamil is the official language, with a minority of speakers of Telugu and Kannada due to the district’s proximity to Karnataka.
Economy
The district’s economy is predominantly agrarian. Major crops include paddy, millets, groundnut, sugarcane, and mangoes; Dharmapuri is noted for the production of mangoes, particularly the “Totapuri” variety. Small‑scale industries such as textile weaving, silica sand mining, and food processing also contribute to employment.
Infrastructure
National Highway 44 (formerly NH 7), a major north‑south arterial road, traverses the district, linking it to Chennai to the east and Bangalore to the north. The district is served by the Dharmapuri railway station on the Salem–Bengaluru line, providing passenger rail connectivity. Public health and educational facilities include a district hospital, several primary health centres, and numerous government and private schools; higher education institutions are present in Dharmapuri town.
Climate
Dharmapuri experiences a tropical semi‑arid climate with hot summers, moderate monsoon rainfall, and mild winters. Average annual precipitation is around 800 mm, primarily received during the southwest monsoon (June–September).
Culture and tourism
Key points of interest include the Hogenakkal Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of India,” and several ancient temples such as the Kottai Mariamman Temple. The district’s cultural practices reflect typical Tamil traditions, with festivals such as Pongal and Deepavali being widely celebrated.
All information presented reflects data available from government publications and the 2011 Census of India; newer statistics may not be reflected.
