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History of Tuticorin

Thoothukudi is traditionally known for its pearl fishery and shipbuilding. It was the sea port of the Pandyan kingdom. Thoothukudi was the stronghold of the Paravas, a community from the lineage of Pandyan kingdom that still continues to be a strong base of this community. This community also claims the status of uncrowned kings of the land holding a sway over power. But recently, there is a decline in the community's stonghold since most of its youth are employed abroad.The Paravas community have a unique way of living; their cultural demarcations are stronger than that of the other communities in that region.The traditional old houses of the Paravas in the city are unique; they are built out of Burmese teak wood in both Victorian style and Chettinad style. Another community in this region is the Nadars, the southern trading community.Thoothukudi became the center of the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century, with such leaders as the poet Subramanya Bharathy, Kattabomman, and V.O. Chidambaram Pillai. In 1906, one of the greatest freedom fighters of India, Mr. V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, launched the first swadeshi ship "S.S. Gaelia". The major harbour of Thoothukudi is well known as a pearl diving and fishing center. Thoothukudi was founded by the Portuguese in 1548, captured by the Dutch in 1658, and ceded to the British in 1825. (Courtesy - The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001) The lighthouse built in 1842 marked the beginning of the history of Thoothukudi harbour development Read more..