Sivagalai

Sivagalai is a village in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu, India.^[1] Before the separation of Tuticorin from Tirunelveli, Sivagalai came under the control of the Tirunelveli District. It is surrounded by small hamlets, including Nainarpuram, Paramboo, Pottal, Parakiramapandi, Monkottapuran, and Aavarangadu. The district capital, Tuticorin is 30 km away from the village, and Srivaikundam and Eral are 10 km and 6 km away from the village, respectively. It was ruled by Nankudi Vellalars until the proper establishment of Land Prohibition Act 1953. There were 18 villages that came under the control of Irungovel of Sivagalai.

History

Sivagalai was once called “Small Ceylon" by the British, as it was a prosperous kingdom under the rule of Nankudi Vellalars, and was surrounded by many lakes. The Nankudi Vellalars claim to be the descents of the 201st Pandya King, “Potriyadiya Irungovel Pandya Thevar”.

Demographics

The population of the village is about 11,000, including around 6000 males and 5000 females. Hinduism is followed by majority of the population, with Christians and the Muslims making up a minority. The village has a church, the St. Trinity Church, which is surrounded by many temples.

Agriculture is the major source of income for the villagers. Most of the men from this village are landlords and agriculturists.

Education

The village has one higher secondary school, one middle school and four primary schools.