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Salem  is a fifth largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Salem, also called as Mango city, is part of ancient Kongu Nadu and it is located in the north central part of the state about 340 km southwest of the state capital Chennai and about 200 km south of Bangalore. Salem is administered by the Salem Municipal Corporation which comprises 60 wards grouped into four zones. It is situated on the base of Yercaud and completely surrounded by hills on all sides.

Salem region is an important handloom and textile center of Tamil Nadu and has rich magnesite, bauxite, mineral reserves and also provides 90% of sago supplies to the country.

Etymology
The name Salem appears to have been derived from Cheralam(Chera Nilam- Chera Dynasty) or hai  or Shalya or Sayilam or Sailam which are found in inscriptions referring to the country around the hills.

Early History
Salem and the hilly region around it were part of the Chera and the city was ruled by Kings who were known as the Kurunila Mannargal of ancient Tamil Nadu. Inscriptions from the Ganga dynasty have been recovered from parts of the district.

Salem later became part of the Western Ganga Dynasty. With the Southern invasion of Tamil Nadu by the Vijayanagar empire, it came under the Madurai Nayaks. Later, it was ruled by Gatti Mudalis Poligars who built some temples and forts in and around the city. In the early 18th century, after a long feud known as the Mysore-Madurai war, it came under the rule of Hyder Ali. Subsequently, Salem was taken from Hyder Ali by Colonel Wood at the beginning of 1768. It was recaptured by Hyder Ali towards the end of the year 1772. Under Lord Clive in 1799, it was again occupied by a detachment of the regiment stationed at Sankagiri Durg and remained a military station until 1861 when the troops were withdrawn.

Geography and Climate
Salem city is surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of hills formed by Nagaramalai to the north, Jarugumalai to the south, Kanjamalai to the west, Godumalai to the east and the Shevaroy Hills to the north east. Kariyaperumal hill, Oothumalai ,Kumaragiri hill are few small hills which are situated within the city. It is located at 11.669437Â° N latitude and 78.140865Â° E longitude. The average elevation is 278 m (912 ft). Thirumanimutharu river flows through the city, dividing it into two parts. Ammapettai lake and Kannankurichi lake are the two major lakes situated in the city itself. The fort area is the oldest part of the town.

Salem has moderate-dry weather throughout year except during the monsoon seasons. Generally December and first two months of the year are pleasant, but in March, the mercury gains an upward trend which persists till the end of May. The highest temperature is normally recorded during May. There is a slight improvement in the weather during June–July period. During this pre-monsoon period, the mercury reverses its trend and by August, the sky gets overcast heavily but the rains are meagre. the north-east monsoon sets in vigorously only during September–November and by December, the rains disappear rendering the climate clear but pleasant.

Politics
Salem elects four members to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and one member to the Indian Parliment.Four constituencies are Salem North, Salem South, Salem West and Veerapandi. Salem Parliamentary Constituency covers above mentioned four constituencies and Omalur, Edappadi taluks of Salem district. In present day politics, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has mostly had an upper hand in the city. The Present MP of Salem is from AIADMK.

Civic Administration
The Salem Municipality which was first constituted in 1866, was upgraded from selection grade Municipality to special grade Municipality with effect from 1 April 1979 and later to City Municipal Corporation on 1 April 1994.

Salem City is administrated by Salem City Municipal Corporation, which consists of 60 Wards. It also serves as the headquarters of the district with the same name Salem District. The city represents one Member of Parliament constituency. The city is headed by a Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and several councilors representing the administrative wards as well as a Corporation Commissioner of the rank of IAS to administer the city. The district is headed by the District Collector of the rank of IAS. The District court is the highest court of appeal in Salem. The city's police force is headed by a City Police Commissioner.

Demographics
As per the 2011 census results, Salem City has population of 831,038 within Municipal Corporation limits and Salem urban agglomeration has a population of 919,150. City Population grew from 696,760 in 2001 to 831,038 in 2011.

As of the 2001 Indian Census the Salem Urban Agglomeration had a total population of 751,438, encompassing the town of Salem (696,760), Kondalampatti (16,808), Kannankurichi (14,994), Neykkarappatti (9,869), Mallamooppampatti (6,783) and Dalavaipatti (6,224). The population in 1991 was 499,024. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Salem has an average literacy rate of 84% which is higher than the national average of 64.5%; male literacy is 88%, and female literacy is 78%. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age in Salem.

The Population is predominantly Hindu, and there are sizeable numbers of Christians and Muslims. Sikhs and Jains are also present in smaller numbers. The language spoken in Salem is predominantly the Kongu Tamil dialect of Tamil. Salem also has a significant number of Sourashtra Telugu and Kannada speaking people spread throughout the district. Salem is said to have the largest Kannadiga population in Tamil Nadu. There is also a sprinkling of Malayalees and North Indians in Salem.

Economy
With more than 125 spinning mills, with modern weaving units and garment units Salem established itself as one of the major textile center in Tamil Nadu .The history of handloom and spinning mills dates back to pre-independence period in Salem. But till 1960’s there were only less than 5 spinning mills. Private handloom weaving started thriving in the region along with the large scale cooperative sector handloom weaving and marketing units. Small scale hand dying units were started around the region to support the industry. Around 1980’s the textile industry saw a massive growth. Many major spinning mills and waste spinning units came up into existence. Many Handloom societies and dying houses were established. New and increased number of Power Loom units were mushroomed in the places like Gugai, Ammapet, Attayampatti, Vennandur, Magudanchavadi, Rasipuram, Komarapalayam Pallipalayam, Jalakandapuram and Ellampillai.

The Salem region also houses the Tamil Nadu largest number of Sago industries which are engaged in the production Sago Foods and Starch.In Salem District alone, 34000 hectares of land is under tapioca cultivation which is the raw material for the sago industries and there are 650 units engaged in tapioca processing.In 1981, Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers Service Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd(popularly called as SAGOSERVE) was established to promote the growth of sago industries. Nearly 80% of the national demand for Sago and Starch is being met by the Sagoserv. In and around Salem the yield of tapioca is about 25-30 t/ha, highest in the World. National average is 19 t/ha and World average production stands at 10 t/ha.

Salem Steel Plant, a special steel unit of Steel Authority of India Ltd have their plant located in Salem which produces Cold rolled stainless steel and Hot rolled stainless steel/carbon steel.Expansion and modernisation of Salem Steel Plant is presently on. The plan envisages installation of Steel Melting and Continuous Casting facilities. Southern Iron & Steel Company Ltd (JSW Steel) have their first integrated steel plant located Salem for the production of TMT corrosion resistant bars / alloy steels.

The region around Salem is rich in mineral ores.Salem has one of the largest magnesite and bauxite deposits in India. It has many magnesite factories operated by private and public sectors such as Burn Standard & Co, Dalmia Magnesites and Tata Refractories The Leigh Bazaar market in Salem is the biggest regional market for agro products. Narasus coffee one of the famous coffee in TamilNadu, Nandhi Dall Mills the oldest flour mill company , BSP refineries (Usha Refined Sunflower Oil) are other few companies have their presence in Salem.

Being one of the fastest growing tier II cities, the Tamil Nadu government and ELCOT are planning to establish an IT park in Salem covering about 160 acre. SAIL is planning a Steel SEZ inside the Salem Steel plant covering about 250 acre There is an exclusive Electrical and Electronics Industrial Estate in the Suramangalam area of Salem city. Coimbatore-Erode-Salem stretch was well known for Industries and Textile processings and it is announced as Coimbatore-Salem Industrial Corridor and further development works are carried by SIPCOT Linking Scheme.

Religious Places
Many Well Known temples are located in Vicnity of Salem City. Kottai Mariamman Temple located in town area is the historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. Yearly festival during the Tamizh month of Aadi is being celebrated for five days. The main Raja Gopuram of this temple is made up of seven tiers. Sugavaneshwarar temple is another important temple located in Salem City .This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mythology records that sage Sugha Brahmarishi worshiped the lord here. Arunagirinadhar has sung a song on Lord Muruga in Sugavaneshwarar temple. It was constructed during 13th Century by Mamannan Sundara Pandiyan .Kottai perumal temple, Skandhashram , Kothandaramar temple , Sithar Koil are other important temples located in the Salem City. OOthumali Murugan temple, Pandurangan Hill temple , Kumaragiri Hill Murugan temple , Kariperumal Karadu Hill temple are the other temples located in the small hill rocks in Salem City .ISKON has built new temple in Karuppur near Salem.

Jama Masjid is the oldest mosque in Salem, situated on the southern bank of the Thirumanimutharu River in the heart of the City. It was reportedly built by the Mysore ruler, Tippu Sulthan, who is said to have offered prayers here. The Masjid Inam granted to this mosque was confirmed by the British in 1862 by a special resolution in 1880.Infant Jesus Church a famous church is situated at Four Roads and The Calvary Assembly of God Church is situated at Bangalore high way, Mamangam are the important churches in Salem City.

Shopping and Recreation
The traditional shopping areas of Salem City are located in the Town area. Many big retailers have their shops located in Bazaar Street,Car Street, First Agraharam and Chinna Kadai Street of the Town.Shevapet and Fort area are famous for hardware and furniture products. Leigh Bazaar in Shevapet is the main wholesale market dealing with commodities in Salem. In recent times many retailers have their showrooms opening in Swarnapuri area of the City. All major brands such as Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Puma, Lee, Pepe Jeans, Levi's, Basics, John Players have their outlets located in the Saradha College Road.

Many shopping malls located in Salem City are relatively small in size .Few of them are Maruthi Plaza,Ramani Shopping Plaza, Pookoodai Shopping Complex,V V Shopping Plaza,Kandaswarna Shopping Mall and Chamundi Super Market. The Reliance Greenfield Mall is being constructed and expected to open by end of 2012 is the biggest mall and first of its kind in the City with total area of4 lakhs sq ft.

There are very few sources of entertainment in the City. Kurumbapatti Zoological Park and Anna Park are the two main parks run by Government.Anna Park is an entertainment centre focused on children.Panamarathupatti lake is a another recreation spot located near the City. Paravasa Ulagam and Dream Land are the two Amusement parks located around City which attracts fair amount of visitors.

Road
In Salem City ,there are six major arterial roads : Omalur Road, Cherry Road , Saradha College Road , Junction Main Road , Gugai Main Road and Attur Road. Three important National Highways pass through/originate from Salem. NH 7 (Varanasi - Kanyakumari), NH 47 (Salem - Kanyakumari via Coimbatore) , NH 68 (Salem - Ulundurpet). NH68 is the preferred route to travel from Salem to Chennai. All National Highways in four directions of the City are fourlaned. Other important roads that orginated from the City are State Highways : SH168 (Yercaud Road) and SH18 (Tirupattur Road).Salem is the headquarters of the TNSTC Division 1, Salem (SLM-DIV-I) and Division 2, Dharmapuri (SLM-DIV-II).Salem has the maximum number of buses plying to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Tirupati in Tamil Nadu only after Chennai. There are two major bus stations in Salem : MGR Integrated Bus Terminus (Central Bus Stand) located in the Meyyanoor area and Town Bus Station (Old Bus Stand) which is located in the Town Area in the heart of Salem. All mofussil ,intercity and interstate routes originate from Central Bus Stand and Town Buses are originates from town bus stand. Anna Flyover situated near GH is oldest flyover in the City.Trumpet Interchange was constructed in the new alignment of NH 47 to ease the traffic movement towards Coimbatore and Cochin.

Rail
Salem Junction is located in Suramangalam, 5 km to the west of Salem Town. The Salem Junction is well connected to major Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Rajkot, Indore, Ahmedabad, Jammu, Kanpur and Patna. Salem Town is the another important station located in town area in Virduchalam line. For better administrative control and improved development and operational reasons, the Railway Board approved the creation of a new Railway Division with Salem as headquarters in 2005 to improve railway infrastructure, facilities (lacking since several decades) and introduce better train services, thus satisfying the long felt needs of railway passengers in and around surrounding areas and thereby providing better conveniences to rail travelers.It is now the fourth largest of all the six divisions of the Southern Railway and was carved out of the Palakkad and Tiruchirapalli divisions ..

Air
Salem Airport (India) (IATA: SXV, ICAO: VOSM) (Tamil: சேலம் வானூர்தி நிலையம்) is located on Salem-Bangalore Highway (NH-7) in a place called Kaamalapuram near Omalur, which is about 20 km from the city. Though the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had spruced up the airport and made it ready for operation in 1993, airlines did not show interest to fly fearing low patronage. Kingfisher Airlines did provide a service from Chennai, but terminated the service in 2012 owing to its financial problems. In recent times however, SpiceJet has shown some interest in staring flights to Salem.

The nearest major airports are Tiruchchirapalli TRZ (135 km), Coimbatore CJB (159 km), Bengaluru BLR (202 km) and Chennai MAA (338 km).

Newspapers
All major Tamil newspapers like Dina Thanthi, Dinakaran, Dina Malar, Dinamani, Malai Malar etc., are published from Salem. A popular Tamil daily, Kalaikathir, has its head office in Salem. English newspapers read in Salem are The Hindu (Tiruchchirapalli Edition), The New Indian Express (Coimbatore Edition) and The Times of India (Coimbatore Edition).

Radio
All India Radio (Yercaud), All India Radio (Chennai), All India Radio (Trichy),FM Rainbow (Kodaikanal), Suriyan FM (Coimbatore), Radio Mirchi (Coimbatore) etc. are a few FM Broadcasting stations popular among people in Salem. They play exclusively Tamil music.

Television
In addition to popular satellite Tamil TV Channels, many local TV Channels such as Thanigavel TV, Nila TV, Polimer Channel, CTN, Maruthi TV, Krishna TV, Raajam TV,nila TV,King channel,thendral TV,AARA TV,SUPER TV,PCC channel,etc. are also popular among people in Salem.

Cinemas
Salem was once said to have the largest number of cinema theatres in Tamil Nadu, only after Chennai. However in recent times, some of them have made way for shopping complexes. But Salem still has a significantly large number of theatres, which show mostly Tamil films and also English and Hindi films, dubbed in Tamil. Many of these theatres are concentrated in a locality called Kitchipalayam in the southeastern part of Salem. Some of the popular theatres in Salem are Gowri, Rathna, Shanthi, Rajeswari, Modern, Palace etc.

In recent times, multiplexes also have come up. Salem's first multiplex is the ARRS Multiplex which is near New Bus Stand and is popular among young families and youth. BIG Cinemas, a large Indian theatre group owned by Reliance, also has a significant presence in Salem, running theatres like KS, Keerthana & Ramana and Kailash & Prakash, and providing a world class movie watching experience.

Healthcare
Salem Super Speciality Hospital, built from both State and Central funds on the lines of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has become fully operational.There are several MultiSpeciality Hospitals such as Gokulam Hospital, Manipal Hospital, Soodamani hospital, Global Medical Center & Urology Hospital, Shanmuga Hospital, SKS Hospital, Sellapa Hospital etc. In addition to MultiSpeciality Hospitals there are number of Clinics, General Medicine, Ayurvedic, Siddha, Homeopathic Hospitals present in Salem.

Cuisine
Salem cuisine is predominantly South Indian, with rice as its base. Salem flavours are generally fairly mild to spicy. Salem people still retain the traditional flavour, with many restaurants serving food on a banana leaf. North Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines are also available in the city restaurants.

Hotels and restaurants
Some of the famous hotels/restaurants in Salem are Hotel GRT Grand Estancia, Hotel Cenneys Gateway, Hotel Ganesh Mahal, Hotel Pearls, Hotel Pride Biznotel, Sri Saravana Bhavan Classic, Royal choice, Munchiyappar, Hotel NNR, Ponram Restaurant, Hotel Adhiparasakthi, Hotel Mangalam, Thalapakattu Biriyani, Blue Moon etc. There are also modern restaurants in the city such as Domino's Pizza, Pizza Corner, Big Chick, Yummy (Cafe), Boomerang Ice Creams and Marry Brown, which have come up in recent times.

Education
Salem has large number of public and private schools. Govt schools are run by corporation and private schools are run by charity or trust.

Salem has several reputed higher educational institutions.Government Arts College(Seven Arts) at Maravaneri is the oldest college in Salem started in 1879. Saradha College and Govt Women's Arts College are two prominent institutions for women in Salem .Colleges for science, arts and commerce degrees are typically affiliated with the Periyar University which has campuses in the Bangalore Highway .Government College of Engineering (GCE)is one of the three institutions offering Metallurgical Engineering as a full time course in Tamil Nadu.GCE-Salem was started in 1966 and it was the third Government Engineering Institution formed in Tamil Nadu .There are many private engineering colleges ,polytechnic colleges, teacher training institutes located in Salem.

Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in Salem offers Diploma in Handloom Technology and Post Diploma in textile Chemistry is the one of the two institution located in entire India .Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College is the Govt run medical college started in 1986 for the benefit of Salem and adjacent districts. .Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospitals (VMKVMCH) was established in 1995 is the private medical college located in Salem.

Sister cities

 * - Salem, Massachusetts (USA) 1995