Districts in Tamil Nadu State

How Many District in Tamilnadu?

The state was formed with 13 districts at the start. But do you know how many districts in Tamilnadu are currently in existence? Well, the number is 38. The state has 38 districts in total, each of which is headed by district collectors. Its districts are its administrative divisions while the state has other subdivisions as well.

Tamil Nadu: Overview

Tamil Nadu is a well-known southern state. It is appreciated for its ancient art as well as architecture. The same also attracts a bunch of tourists from all across the globe. The history of the state is often associated with the foundation of three big powers in the region, Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. Later, dynasties like the Chalukyas, Pallavas, and Vijayanagar Empire also enjoyed territorial control over the region for some time. Even after independence, the state took some time to get its final structure in 1968. How Many Districts in Tamilnadu?

The Biggest District of Tamilnadu

If you want to know how many districts in tamilnadu state, the answer is 38. Previously a part of Cuddalore, Viluppuram District became independent on September 30, 1993, and is currently recognized as the biggest district in Tamil Nadu. Its history is similar to Cuddalore’s, with the Cholas especially Karikala Chola and the Pallavas briefly ruling over it. The famous Chola Empire began when Vijayalaya Chola brought back Chola rule. Afterward, the Chalukyas from the East became powerful. The cultural and architectural landscape of Viluppuram is shaped by this historical narrative, which also reflects the tenacity of Tamil Nadu’s people across many dynasties and their rich heritage.

Administrative Divisions in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is divided into 38 districts which are further divided into several subdivisions like division level, taluka level, and so on. This unique administrative structure plays a crucial role in improving the state’s governance.

Before going further, let’s understand the administrative divisions of Tamil Nadu in a bit of detail:

1. District Administration of Tamil Nadu

District collectors head all 38 districts of the state. Also, they have some other officials like revenue officers who work under the guidance of a magistrate only.

2. Division-Level Administration of Tamil Nadu

Further dividing the districts into subdivisions makes administration easy and convenient. A collector or a revenue officer is the head of the division-level administrative structure.

3. Taluk Administration of Tamil Nadu

A tehsildar is the head of taluks. Furthermore, he gets assistance from other officials like deputy tahsildars and revenue inspectors.

4. Firka Administration of Tamil Nadu

The revenue inspector heads Firkas, which are the further sub-division of taluks.

5. Revenue Village Administration of Tamil Nadu

It consists of a Village Administrative officer who is responsible for village accounts, revenues, and more.

District’s role in state governance

One cannot ignore the roles of districts in improving state governance.

• They act as mediators between the local-level government and the state government.
• The unique administration of districts allows the government to deliver the desirable services to its citizens.
• Even at grassroots levels, districts ensure serving welfare.
• Districts are also important for law, order, revenue collection, and other purposes.

How many Districts in Tamilnadu

Now that we know that in total there are how many districts in Tamilnadu, let’s know the names of all and when they were formed.

S.No.	District	Year
1	Mayiladuthurai	2020
2	Tirupathur	2019
3	Ranipet	2019
4	Chengalpattu	2019
5	Tenkasi	2019
6	Kallakurichi	2019
7	Tiruppur	2009
8	Ariyalur	2007
9	Krishnagiri	2004
10	Kanchipuram	1997
11	Tiruvallur	1997
12	Namakkal	1997
13	Theni	1995
14	Karur	1995
15	Perambalur	1995
16	Virudhunagar	1995
17	Viluppuram	1993
18	Tiruvarur	1991
19	Nagapattinam	1991
20	Tiruvannamalai	1989
21	Thoothukudi	1986
22	Dindigul	1985
23	Sivaganga	1985
24	Erode	1979
25	Pudukkottai	1974
26	Dharmapuri	1965
27	Kanyakumari	1956
28	Tiruchirapalli	1947
29	Ramanathapuram	1910
30	Nilgiris	1882
31	Salem	1860
32	Coimbatore	1804
33	Cuddalore	1801
34	Vellore	1801
35	Thanjavur	1799
36	Tirunelveli	1790
37	Madurai	1781
38	Chennai	1649

Context of District Formation and Changes

Tamil Nadu once had large districts, but according to ministers, the same hindered the growth process.  The huge administration area was hard to deal with. The delay in implementing government schemes and welfare programs also resulted in the creation of new districts.

Creating new Tamil Nadu districts sped up development and enhanced employment opportunities as well.

Brief Overview of each district

Viluppuram

Viluppuram is the largest district in Tamil Nadu with an area of around 7194 sq. Kms. Viluppuram was a part of Cuddalore until 1993. Their associated history also explains the cultural similarity between the two districts.

As Viluppuram is the largest district in Tamil Nadu, it has a large number of subdivisions as well. For example, it has 2 divisions, 9 taluks, and 928 revenue villages.

Chennai

Contrary to Villupuram, Chennai is the smallest district in Tamil Nadu. It covers an area of around 426 sq. Kms. Additionally, Chennai is not only the capital city of the state but is also a metropolis and a culturally rich land.

This smallest district in Tamil Nadu caters to a population of 67, 48, 026 in total. It has 3 divisions, 16 taluks, and 122 villages.

Earlier known as Madras Patnam, Chennai has Kancheepuram as its capital.

Dindigul

Dindigul is the second largest district in Tamil Nadu with an area of over 6266. 64 sq. Kms. Dindigul was earlier a part of Madurai district and was separated from it in September 1985.

The region is well known for its iron lock and its amazing quality. It also has a manufacturing unit of the same. Additionally, the area is also reputed for its skills in leather tanning. Textiles like silk from Chinalapatti make a mark all over the country.

Evolution of Districts

Tamil Nadu districts have been evolving over the years, but their roots date back to British times. Only then, even the largest district in Tamil Nadu was divided into smaller administrative units to make governance easy.

These units were reorganized into districts with further git subdivided into smaller divisions.

Madras was the first district to be born in Tamil Nadu in 1801. Slowly and eventually, several new districts were created because of a variety of factors.

For instance, 26 districts were carved out of Madras alone.

The major factors influencing these district boundaries were:

1. Language and cultural differences.
2. Administrative Convenience
3. Population Growth
4. Political Changes
5. Economic growth

Districts in Tamil Nadu’s Governance

When it comes to Tamil Nadu’s Governance, the role of districts cannot be simply overstated. These administrative units consist of divisions, taluks, frikas, and villages, and are responsible for their adequate functioning.

Role of districts in state administration

Maintenance of law and order

Collectors and other officers, such as revenue officers, hold responsibility for maintaining law and order in the region within districts. They also ensure citizens’ safety.

Collection of revenues

Revenue officers and other officials in the district administration ensure proper management of all land data and records. They also collect revenues periodically.

Stairs of Development

The government launches a bunch of schemes and welfare programs every year. However, at times they don’t reach the needy. To eliminate the same problem, districts play a major role in state administration.

The district officers ensure that the benefits of these programs rightly reach the needy for their development of them and the state as a whole.

District-Level Government Offices and Services

• District Collector
• District Revenue Officer
• Sub collector/ Revenue Divisional Officer
• Taluk Tahsildar
• Head Quarters Deputy Tahsildar
• Zonal Deputy Tahsildar
• Revenue Inspector
• Village Administrative Officer
• Village Assistant
• District Adi-Dravida Welfare Officer
• District Backward Classes Welfare Officer
• District Supply and Consumer Protection Officer
• Assistant Commissioner ( Excise)
• Inspection Cell Officer

District Collector and Responsibilities

The District Collector is the head of district-level administration and performs several important duties.

• establishing law and order
• Planning and development
• Organizing elections and so on.

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Importance of Knowing Districts

Understanding the district structure in Tamil Nadu can help an individual in several ways.

1. Better insights into Governance

Understanding how a state is governed becomes easier when you know about the district structure. It can also help in understanding the different divisions and their roles and powers.

2. Enhanced participation of citizens

Understanding the district structure can increase citizens’ awareness, leading to a higher level of participation in local-level planning and development programs.

3. Better Decision Making

Understanding the district structure can help an individual know about the government, its plans, and policies in detail. Such information and awareness can prove quite beneficial in decision-making. For instance, one can choose better representatives and officers.

4. Acknowledgement of State History

Knowing the district structure can help an individual appreciate his state’s history. By understanding the changes in district boundaries and the factors responsible for the same, one can know all about the state’s evolution and development. This can also help increase patriotism and appreciation for one’s state.

Districts in Economic Development and Planning

We already know that districts play quite an important role in administration. But one cannot forget their role in economic development as well. There are several ways in which a district contributes to economic growth.

1. Districts serve as a bridge to implement local-level plans and development strategies. This helps improve regional growth and development.
2. Districts also act as a platform to ensure the equitable distribution of resources.
3. Districts are also important for the promotion of local-level industries. For instance, Dindigul is famous for its iron locks. District-level administration also improves infrastructure additionally.
4. Industries and infrastructure development also create several employment opportunities at the district level.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s )