About District
ORIGIN
Ranipet District is one of the districts of Tamil Nadu, located in the northern part of the State. It was formed by bifurcating the erstwhile Vellore District. The Government of Tamil Nadu announced the formation of Ranipet District, along with Tirupattur District, on 15 August 2019. The new district was officially inaugurated and started functioning on 28 November 2019, with Ranipet as its district headquarters.
ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS
Ranipet District comprises two Revenue Divisions, namely Ranipet and Arakkonam.
The district has six Revenue Taluks:
- Arcot
- Walajah
- Kalavai
- Sholinghur
- Arakkonam
- Nemili
The district has 18 Revenue Firkas and 331 Revenue Villages.
Under the Ranipet Revenue Division, there are four Revenue Taluks: Arcot, Walajah, Kalavai and Sholinghur. Under the Arakkonam Revenue Division, there are two Revenue Taluks: Arakkonam and Nemili.
The district has 7 Development Blocks:
- Arakkonam
- Kaveripakkam
- Nemili
- Sholinghur
- Walajah
- Arcot
- Timiri
These Development Blocks comprise a total of 288 Village Panchayats.
The district has 6 Municipalities:
- Ranipet
- Arakkonam
- Walajah
- Arcot
- Melvisharam
- Sholinghur
The district also has 8 Town Panchayats:
- Kaveripakkam
- Timiri
- Kalavai
- Nemili
- Thakkolam
- Panapakkam
- Vilapakkam
- Ammoor
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Ranipet District is strategically located in the northern part of Tamil Nadu. It is well connected with major cities in Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring State of Andhra Pradesh through a well-developed network of roads and railways.
Walajah Road Railway Station is one of the major railway stations serving the district. The district’s location along important transportation corridors has contributed significantly to its industrial and commercial development.
The district enjoys good connectivity, which facilitates the movement of people and goods and supports the overall economic growth of the region.
MINERALS AND MINING
Ranipet District is endowed with various mineral resources. The exploration and utilisation of mineral resources and related mining activities are carried out in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
PILGRIM CENTRES
Sholinghur Sri Yoga Narasimhaswamy Temple
The Sri Yoga Narasimhaswamy Temple at Sholinghur is one of the prominent spiritual and pilgrimage centres of Ranipet District. The temple is situated on two hills, known as the Big Hill and the Small Hill.
Lord Yoga Narasimhar is enshrined on the Big Hill, while Lord Yoga Anjaneya is worshipped on the Small Hill. The temple has considerable historical significance, with inscriptions belonging to different periods.
The temple is associated with several traditional legends and religious beliefs and attracts devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States.
Ratnagiri Balamurugan Temple
The Ratnagiri Balamurugan Temple is one of the well-known temples dedicated to Lord Murugan in Ranipet District. Situated on a hillock, the temple is noted for its religious significance and traditional architecture.
The temple complex has shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan, Lord Vinayaka and other deities. Various renovation and development works have been carried out over the years. The temple continues to attract devotees from different parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States.
Raja Rani Monument
The Raja Rani Monument is situated on the banks of the River Palar in Ranipet town. The monument is associated with the historical memory of Raja Desingh and his wife Rani Bai.
It is an important historical landmark of Ranipet and reflects the historical traditions associated with the origin and heritage of the town.
INDUSTRIES
Ranipet District is one of the important industrial centres in northern Tamil Nadu. The district has a strong industrial base, particularly in leather and leather products, chemicals, engineering, automobile components and various manufacturing sectors.
The district is well known for its leather industry. Several large- and medium-scale industrial units are engaged in the production and processing of finished leather and various leather products, including footwear, garments and other articles for domestic and export markets.
The district also has a significant number of small and medium-scale industries engaged in the manufacture of chemicals, engineering products, tools and other industrial goods.
The industrial sector plays a vital role in the economic development of the district by generating employment opportunities and contributing significantly to trade, exports and regional economic growth.
The handloom and textile sector also has an important presence in the district. There are approximately 11,000 handlooms, most of which are functioning under the cooperative sector.