Uthamapalayam
Uthamapalayam is a town and a taluka headquarters in Theni district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Uthamapalayam, a beautiful town in today's Theni district, has witnessed the influence of various rulers throughout history. In ancient times, it was under the Pandya dynasty. Later, it became an important region during the rule of the Madurai Nayaks. After the decline of the Nayaks, the area was governed by local chieftains known as Poligars .
In the 18th century, the region experienced the impact of Marathas and the Mysore kingdom. Particularly, when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan captured the Dindigul Fort, areas near Uthamapalayam came under their influence. However, Uthamapalayam was not directly annexed by Mysore; it remained under the control of the Poligars..
After the Polygar Wars , the British took over this region. Subsequently, Uthamapalayam became part of Madurai District under the Madras Presidency. In the late 19th century, the commencement of the Mullaiperiyar Dam project brought significant agricultural development to Uthamapalayam and the Cumbum Valley.
Today, Uthamapalayam stands proud with its historical legacy, advancing in education, agriculture, and cultural growth. Mullaiperiyar river is one of the attraction for this town.
Haji Karutha Rowther
Hajee Karutha Rowther, born in 1888 in Uthamapalayam, belonged to an agricultural family. His real name was S. Mohamed Meeran Rowther, and he earned the nickname “Karutha Rowther” due to his dark complexion. Despite limited formal education, he strongly believed in the transformative power of education.Known as the “Father of Education in Theni District”, he dedicated his life to uplifting rural students. In 1956, he founded Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College, the first rural college in the then Madurai district, donating 58.81 acres of land and ₹2 lakh for its establishment. The college was inaugurated by Chief Minister K. Kamaraj. He also started a Residential Madrasa and a Primary School, offering free education and boarding for poor students. His contributions extended to other institutions like Jamal Mohamed College and The New College .
----Role in Freedom Struggle and Social Work:
Hajee Karutha Rowther actively participated in the Indian Freedom Movement, including the Khilafat Movement and Non-Cooperation Movement. He promoted Khadi, opened a Khadi shop in Uthamapalayam, and worked alongside leaders like E.V. Ramasamy Periyar. He also funded to construct at Uthamapalayam Government Hospital in 1954 and supported communal harmony.
Samanar Kovil near Uthamapalayam – Traces of History
Uthamapalayam and its surrounding areas stand as a testimony to the ancient Jain traditions of Tamil Nadu. The word “Samanar” refers to the Jain faith. In this region, caves, rock carvings, and inscriptions dating back over 2,000 years can still be found, where Jain monks once lived.“A Jain monk accepted Islam and began preaching it to the local people. He later became a Sufi saint and was buried on a small hill, which is now known as Sayabu Malai 'at' Uthamapalayam.”