Pudumadam

Pudumadam is a village located in the Ramanathapuram district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Situated near the old National Highway 49, which connects Kochi and Dhanushkodi, Pudumadam serves as a vital gateway to the picturesque Pamban Island. The village is approximately 25 kilometers away from the city of Ramanathapuram and 37 kilometers away from the renowned pilgrimage site of Rameswaram. The nearest train station is Uchippuli, located just 4 kilometers away from Pudumadam.

History
Pudumadam, formerly known as Maṟavar māṉāṅkuṭi, was a region under the rule of King Sethupathi, who governed Ramanathapuram. During King Sethupathi's reign, Raṅkācāri from the northern region, constructed a monastery known as "Madam in Tamil" in the area, which came to be called Pudumadam, meaning "New Monastery" in Tamil. Subsequently, the remaining portion of the region was separated and formed a distinct village known as Māṉāṅkuṭi.

The early population of Pudumadam comprised families from the ruling family and a few Muslim communities. As time passed, the village experienced significant migration, with people arriving from various areas, including Teṉputuvai, as recorded in historical literature.

It is worth noting that in the past, the western region where people resided was referred to as Karuvelanakad, named after the dense Mesquite Tree jungle, that characterized the area. This region extended towards the village of Periapattinam. Additionally, historical records indicate the presence of a limestone pit in the vicinity during that era.

Geography
Pudumadam village is situated in the Ramanathapuram taluka of the Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located approximately 26 kilometers away from the district and sub-district headquarters of Ramanathapuram. The village spans an area of 783.05 hectares and falls under the jurisdiction of the Pudumadam Gram Panchayat. The nearest town for major economic activities is Ramanathapuram.

Pudumadam is located along the seashore and is known for its proximity to the Mannar Gulf, which is a sea located between Sri Lanka and India. The village is characterized by abundant coconut trees and palmyra palm. The groundwater in Pudumadam is of good quality and can be consumed without any additional treatment. The village experiences a tropical climate throughout the year.

The police jurisdiction for Pudumadam is Uchipuli, a nearby town.

Demographics
As per the Census of 2011, Pudumadam has a total population of 8,760 people, consisting of 4,454 males and 4,306 females. The village has a literacy rate of 79.32%, with 83.18% of males and 75.31% of females being literate. There are approximately 1,834 households in Pudumadam.

Here are the population details:

Total Population: 8,760 Male Population: 4,454 Female Population: 4,306 Literacy Rate: 79.32% Male Literacy Rate: 83.18% Female Literacy Rate: 75.31% Number of Houses: 1,834

Economy
Due to its coastal location on the Gulf of Mannar, fishing has traditionally been the primary occupation of the people of Pudumadam. Many residents rely on fishing as their main source of income. Additionally, a significant number of individuals from Pudumadam are employed in the Gulf countries.

The construction industry is a major source of employment for the majority of Christians in the village. They actively participate in construction projects both locally and in other regions.

In the past, some Hindus in Pudumadam were involved in the cultivation of betel-nut. However, this industry has experienced a decline in recent times.

Present-day Muslims in the village are engaged in various business activities, both locally and in different parts of India. A significant portion of the Muslim population is involved in the shoe business. Furthermore, there are individuals who are in the process of sending people abroad for employment opportunities.

Infrastructure
Transportation: The village is well-connected to nearby towns and cities through roadways. Public and private bus services are available within the village, providing transportation options for the residents. Additionally, there is a railway station located within a distance of 4 kilometers from Pudumadam, ensuring easy access to rail transportation.

Public Services: Pudumadam has basic public services such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation facilities. Efforts are made to ensure that the village has a reliable and consistent supply of electricity, clean water, and proper sanitation infrastructure.

Education: The village has educational facilities to cater to the needs of its residents. This includes primary and secondary schools that provide education to the children of Pudumadam. Additionally, efforts may have been made to promote literacy and provide access to higher education within or in nearby towns.

Healthcare: Access to healthcare services is crucial for the well-being of the residents. Pudumadam may have healthcare facilities such as primary health centers to provide basic medical services. In case of more serious medical issues, residents may need to visit nearby towns or cities with better-equipped hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Communication: Telecommunication infrastructure, including mobile network coverage and internet connectivity, is essential for communication purposes. Pudumadam may have access to telecommunication services to facilitate communication within the village and with the outside world.

Community Spaces: The village may have community spaces such as parks, playgrounds, or community centers where residents can engage in recreational activities or social gatherings.

Education
Pudumadam Higher Secondary School (previously Pudumadam High School) is located in Pudumadam, and serves the general area.

Culture and Heritage
Pudumadam is a culturally diverse village, with a predominant Muslim population comprising approximately 95% of the total population. The remaining population consists of approximately 3% Christians and 2% Hindus. This diverse mix of religious communities contributes to the rich cultural fabric of the village.

The Muslim community in Pudumadam plays a significant role in shaping the local culture and traditions. The village is home to four mosques located at South Street, North Street, Middle Street, and Tamil Nadu Thawheed. These mosques serve as important religious and community centers for the Muslim residents. The construction and maintenance of these mosques are largely community-funded initiatives.

In addition to the Muslim places of worship, Pudumadam also hosts several Hindu temples and one Christian church. These religious sites are important landmarks in the village and contribute to the religious and cultural practices of the Hindu and Christian communities respectively.

The cultural celebrations and festivals in Pudumadam reflect the diversity of its population. Major Islamic festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Muslim community. The Hindu festivals like Diwali, Pongal, and Navaratri are also observed with fervor. Additionally, the Christian community celebrates festivals such as Christmas and Easter.

The village of Pudumadam takes pride in preserving its cultural heritage and traditions. The harmonious coexistence of different religious communities and the celebration of their respective customs and festivals contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the village.

Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies
Pudumadam is home to Madurai Kamaraj University‘s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies. The facility is partially funded by the Indian government's Ministry of Earth Sciences, and assists in the development of seawater quality criteria for the Gulf of Mannar. The Institute for Integrated Coastal Area and Marine Management, an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has sought a report from the Centre regarding their findings.

Utilities
The main water supply of the village is taken from a rainwater canal called Tharavai. Community movements have organized to protect this resource, by building a small dam and planting trees.