View source for Pathanamthitta district

{{About|the district in Kerala|other uses|Pathanamthitta (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-move}}
{{original research|date=June 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Pathanamthitta district
| settlement_type    = [[List of districts of Kerala|District]]
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
 | photo1a      = Thiruvallakkar.jpg
 | photo2a      = KonniBoard.jpg
 | photo2b      = Aranmula Palace.jpg
 | photo3a      = Gavi, Kerala.jpg
 | photo3b      = Aranmula mirror.jpg
 | photo4a      = 33kVsubstationperunad.jpeg
 | spacing      = 1
 | color_border = black
 | color        = white
 | size         = 210
 | foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top:'''<br/>[[Thiruvalla]] town, ''[[Aranmula Kottaram]]'', ''[[Aranmula kannadi]]'', 33 Kilo[[volt]] Substation at [[Perunad|Ranni-Perunad]], [[Gavi, Kerala|Gavi]], and [[Elephant Training Center, Konni]].
}}
| image_map          = India Kerala Pathanamthitta district.svg
| image_map1         = {{maplink |frame=yes
|frame-width=275 |frame-height=275 |frame-align=center
|text= '''Pathanamthitta district'''
|type=shape |id=Q634935
|stroke-colour=#C60C30
|stroke-width=2
|title= Pathanamthitta district of Kerala
|type2=line|id2=Q1186|stroke-width2=1|stroke-colour2=#0000ff|title2=Kerala
}}
| map_caption        = '''Location in [[Kerala]]'''
| pushpin_map        = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|9.28068|N|76.86967|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{Flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Kerala]]
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   = 
| founder            = [[K. K. Nair]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Pathanamthitta Collectorate opens its walls of art for remembering K.K. Nair the Father of Pathanamthitta District|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/collectorate-opens-its-walls-for-art/article7691415.ece|access-date=29 April 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
| seat_type          = Headquarters
| seat               = [[Pathanamthitta]]
| parts_type         = Subdivisions
| parts              = Taluks
| p1                 = {{Collapsible list
 | title = 6
 | list_style = text-align:left;
 | 1 = [[Adoor taluk]]
 | 2 = [[Konni taluk]]
 | 3 = [[Kozhencherry taluk]]
 | 4 = [[Mallappally taluk]]
 | 5 = [[Ranni taluk]]
 | 6 = [[Thiruvalla taluk]]
}}
| leader_title       = [[District Collector]]
| leader_name        = Gowrishankar [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_total_km2     = 2642
| area_rank          = [[List of districts of Kerala|6th]]
| elevation_m        = 
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 1,197,412
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_density_km2 = 452
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code        = 
| iso_code           = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-KL]]
| registration_plate = '''KL-03''' [[Pathanamthitta]],<br/> '''KL-26''' [[Adoor]],<br/> '''KL-27''' [[Thiruvalla]],<br/> '''KL-28''' [[Mallapally]],<br/> '''KL-62''' [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]],<br/> '''KL-83''' [[Konni, Kerala|Konni]]
| blank_info_sec1    = {{nowrap|{{increase}} 0.795<ref name="unhdi-gdl">{{Cite web|url=https://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/library/hdr/human-development-reports/State_Human_Development_Reports/Kerala.html|title=Kerala &#124; UNDP in India|website=UNDP}}</ref> ({{color|Green| High}})}}
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2005)}}
| website            = {{URL|https://pathanamthitta.nic.in/en/}}
| official_name      = 
}}

'''Pathanamthitta district''' ({{IPA|ml|pɐt̪ːɐnɐn̪d̪iʈːɐ|IPA}}), is one of the [[List of districts of Kerala|14 districts]] in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Kerala]]. The district headquarters is in the town of [[Pathanamthitta]]. There are four municipalities in Pathanamthitta: [[Adoor]], [[Pandalam]], [[Pathanamthitta]] and [[Thiruvalla]].

According to the 2011 [[Census of India]], the population was 1,197,412, making it the third least populous district in Kerala (out of [[List of districts in Kerala|14]]), after [[Wayanad district|Wayanad]] and [[Idukki district|Idukki]].<ref name="districtcensus">{{cite web |title=District Census Hand Book: Pathanamthitta |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/662/download/2296/DH_2011_3212_PART_A_DCHB_PATHANAMTHITTA.pdf |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref> Pathanamthitta has been declared the first polio-free district in [[India]].<ref>{{cite web| title=District profile-Pathanamthitta| url=http://dic.kerala.gov.in/web/distpta.php| publisher=Department of Industries and Commerce, Kerala| access-date=2009-08-27| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407061054/http://dic.kerala.gov.in/web/distpta.php| archive-date=7 April 2010| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}</ref> The district is 10.03% urbanised.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pathanamthitta |url=http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm |publisher=Census of India |access-date=2009-08-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111052456/http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm |archive-date=2010-01-11 }}</ref> The district spans 2,652 km², more than half of which is covered by forest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vizzuality |title=Pathanamthitta, India, Kerala Deforestation Rates & Statistics {{!}} GFW |url=https://www.globalforestwatch.org/country/IND/17/11/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=www.globalforestwatch.org |language=en}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The district's name is a combination of two [[Malayalam]] words, {{Transliteration|ml|pathanam}} and {{Transliteration|ml|thitta}}, which together mean 'array of houses on the river side'.<ref name="ptahistory">{{cite web| title=History| url=http://www.pathanamthitta.nic.in/History2.htm| publisher=Government of India| access-date=2009-08-27| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729035512/http://pathanamthitta.nic.in/History2.htm| archive-date=29 July 2009| df=dmy-all}}</ref> The district capital is located on the banks of the river [[Achankovil]].

== History and formation==
{{Main|History of Pathanamthitta district}}
[[File:Travancore 1871.JPG|left|thumbnail|A map of the [[British Raj|British]] [[Princely state]] of [[Travancore]] published in 1871]]
It is presumed that the regions that form the district were formerly under the rule of [[Pandalam#History|Pandalam]], which had connections with the [[Pandya]] kingdom.<ref>{{cite web| title=History&nbsp;— Pathanamthitta| url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/pathanamthittanew/history.htm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219214536/https://www.kerala.gov.in/pathanamthittanew/history.htm| url-status=dead| archive-date=19 December 2024| publisher=Government of Kerala| access-date=2009-08-27}}</ref> When [[Pandalam]] was added to the [[Indian Princely State|princely state]] of [[Travancore]] in 1820, the region came under [[Travancore]] administration. The [[Nedumpuram Palace]] near [[Thiruvalla]] belongs to [[Kingdom of Valluvanad|Valluvanad Royal family]]. [[Pathanamthitta]] district, along with most parts of [[Alappuzha]] district, was part of the [[Kollam district|Quilon division]] of the [[Travancore|Travancore Kingdom]] until 1949.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shungoonny Menon |first=P. |url=http://archive.org/details/ahistorytravanc00menogoog |title=A history of Travancore from the earliest times |date=1878 |publisher=Madras, Higginbotham |others=University of California}}</ref>

The district was formed on 1 November 1982 as a reward to [[K. K. Nair]], who was the then Pathanamthitta MLA, by [[K. Karunakaran]]. The formation was done by incorporating various portions of the erstwhile [[Kollam district|Kollam]], [[Alappuzha district|Alappuzha]] and [[Idukki district|Idukki]] districts. While the [[Tehsil|taluk]]s [[Adoor]], [[Konni, Pathanamthitta|Konni]], [[Pathanamthitta]], [[Kozhencherry]] and [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]] were taken from [[Kollam district]]; [[Pandalam]], [[Kulanada]], [[Aranmula]], [[Kumbanad]], [[Parumala]], [[Thiruvalla]] and [[Mallapally]] were taken from [[Alappuzha district]]; and [[Sabarimala]] from [[Idukki district]].<ref name="ptahistory"/>

=== Cultural revival ===
Pathanamthitta, being a land of culture and learning, could bring together the literary talents of two centuries in a single volume called ''Desathuti: Pathanamthitta Kavithakal''. Unnikrishnan Poozhikkad collected 184 poems from different poets of Pathanamthitta starting in the 18th century.<ref>Unnikrishnan Poozhikkad, ″Desathuti: Pathanamthitta Kavithakal″, Lens Books, Adoor, 2012</ref>{{page needed|date=June 2017}}

==Geography==
Pathanamthitta is a [[landlocked]] district, located at {{coord|9.27|N|76.78|E |region:IN-KL|format=dms }}, spanning over an area of {{convert|2637|km2|sqmi|2}}.<ref name="ptadb06">{{cite web|publisher=Government of Kerala |url=http://www.kilaonline.org/documents/Disrict%20level%20database%202006/Pathanamthitta.pdf |title=District level database of Pathanamthitta |year=2006 |access-date=2009-08-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122144317/http://www.kilaonline.org/documents/Disrict%20level%20database%202006/Pathanamthitta.pdf |archive-date=2008-11-22 }}</ref> The district is bordered by the districts [[Kottayam district|Kottayam]] and [[Idukki district|Idukki]] districts in the north, [[Alappuzha district]] in the west, [[Kollam district]] in the south. To the east it borders the [[Tenkasi district]] of the [[Tamil Nadu]] state. [[Devar Mala]] is the highest point in Pathnamthitta District.<ref>{{cite web| publisher=Kerala tourism| url=http://www.keralatourism.info/infobin/ptm.html| title = Pathanamthitta information| access-date=2009-08-25}}</ref>

The district can be divided into three natural geographical regions: the highland, the midland and the lowland. The highland stretches through the [[Western Ghats]], where the hills are tall and covered with thick forests. [[Western Ghats]] maintains an average altitude of around 800&nbsp;m. It descends to the smaller hills of midland in the centre and finally to the lowland. The lowland with its abundance of coconut trees, lies along the eastern borders of [[Alappuzha district]].<ref>{{cite web| publisher=Government of India| url=http://www.pathanamthitta.nic.in/physiography1.htm| title=Pathanamthitta- Physiograpy| access-date=2009-08-25| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729035553/http://pathanamthitta.nic.in/physiography1.htm| archive-date=29 July 2009| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}</ref> (western part of Tiruvalla Taluk)

=== Forest ===
Pathanamthitta district has a reserve forest area of {{convert|1385.27|km2|sqmi|2}}.<ref name="indiacensus">{{cite web|title=Census of India|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514045222/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/|archive-date=2007-05-14|access-date=2009-08-24|publisher=Government of India}}</ref> This is approximately 50% of the total district area. The forest area can broadly be classified as evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous. The forest is the main source of raw materials for wood based industrial units. [[Timber]] is the most important produce.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}

=== Rivers ===
Three important rivers flow through the district. These rivers originate from various mountains of the [[Western Ghats]] mountain range. The [[Pamba River|Pamba]] ({{convert|176|km|mi|abbr=on|disp=or}}), which is the third longest river in Kerala, has its origin in Pulachimala. The [[Achankovil|Achankovil river]] ({{convert|128|km|mi|abbr=on|disp=or}}) originates from Pasukida Mettu, and [[Manimala River|Manimala river]] ({{convert|90|km|mi|abbr=on|disp=or}}) originates from the Thattamalai hills. A small portion of [[Kallada River|Kallada river]] also falls in the southern border of the district. [[Pamba River|Pamba]], [[Achankovil]] and [[Manimala River|Manimala]] rivers together drain more than 70% of the total area of Pathanamthitta.<ref name="pampapollution">{{cite web| title=Pampa pollution| url=http://www.savepampa.org/pps/Pampa_Pollution.htm| publisher=Pampa Parirakshana Samithy, N.G.O.| access-date=2009-08-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=General features&nbsp;— Kerala| url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/knowkerala/generalfeatures.htm| publisher=Government of Kerala| access-date=2009-08-27| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061102072030/http://www.kerala.gov.in/knowkerala/generalfeatures.htm| archive-date=2 November 2006| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== Administration ==
{{Main|Administration of Pathanamthitta district}}
===District administration===
The district headquarters is at [[Pathanamthitta]] town. The district administration is headed by the [[District Collector]]. He is assisted by five Deputy Collectors holding charges of general matters, revenue recovery, land acquisition, land reforms and election.
[[Pathanamthitta]] town is the administrative headquarters of the Pathanamthitta district. The district is divided into two revenue divisions for land revenue administration—Thiruvalla and Adoor. Each division is headed by a Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), who is either a Sub Collector (IAS) or an officer from the Deputy Collector cadre.<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
Each revenue division consists of several taluks, each headed by a [[Tahsildar]], and each taluk comprises a group of revenue villages.
===Taluks===
{{Main|List of taluks of Kerala}}
The district is divided into two revenue divisions which together incorporate six [[List of taluks of Kerala|Taluks]] within them.<ref name="ptnrvn"/>

*Taluks in the '''Thiruvalla Revenue Division''' are:<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Thiruvalla]]
| [[Mallappally]]
| [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]]<ref name="ptnrvn">{{cite web |url=https://pathanamthitta.nic.in/en/subdivisions-taluks-and-villages/ |title=Revenue villages, Taluks, and Revenue divisions in Pathanamthitta district |last=District Administration, Pathanamthitta |website= |publisher=National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India |access-date=16 June 2022}}</ref>
|}

*Taluks in the '''Adoor Revenue Division''' are:<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Kozhencherry]]
| [[Adoor]]
| [[Konni, Kerala|Konni]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
|}

===Revenue villages===
Pathanamthitta district is divided into 70 revenue villages for the ease and decentralisation of its revenue administration.<ref name="ptnrvn"/> They are further incorporated into 6 [[List of taluks of Kerala|taluks]] as eludicated below.<ref name="ptnrvn"/>

====Thiruvalla Taluk====
{{See also|Thiruvalla}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Eraviperoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kadapra]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kaviyoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kavumbhagom]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Koipuram]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kuttappuzha]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kuttoor (Thiruvalla)|Kuttoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Nedumpuram]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Niranam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Peringara]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Thiruvalla]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Thottapuzhassery]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Mallappally Taluk====
{{See also|Mallappally}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Anicadu]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Ezhumattoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kallooppara]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kottangal]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kunnamthanam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Mallappally]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Perumpetty]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Puramattam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Thelliyoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Ranni Taluk====
{{See also|Ranni, Kerala}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Athikkayam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Ayiroor, Pathanamthitta|Ayiroor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Cherukole]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Chethakkal]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kollamula]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Perunad]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]]-[[Angadi (Kerala)|Angadi]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]]-[[Pazhavangadi (Pathanamthitta)|Pazhavangadi]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Vadasserikara]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Kozhencherry Taluk====
{{See also|Kozhencherry}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Aranmula]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Chenneerkara]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Elanthoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kidangannoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kozhencherry]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kulanada]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Mezhuveli]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Naranganam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Omallur]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Pathanamthitta]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Adoor Taluk====
{{See also|Adoor}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Adoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Angadickal]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Enadimangalam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Enathu]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Erathu]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Ezhamkulam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kadampanad]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kodumon]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kurampala]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Pallickal Nooranadu|Pallickal]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Pandalam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Pandalam Thekkekara]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Peringanadu]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Thumpamon]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Konni Taluk====
{{See also|Konni, Kerala}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Iravon|Ayravon]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Aruvappulam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Chittar, Kerala|Chittar]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Kalanjoor]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Konni, Kerala|Konni]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Konnithazham]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Koodal]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Malayalappuzha]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Mylapra]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Pramadom]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Seethathodu]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Thannithode]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Vallicode]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
* [[Vallicode-Kottayam]]<ref name="ptnrvn"/>
{{div col end}}
===Local self-government institutions===
Under the three tier system of [[Panchayati Raj|panchayat]] in rural areas, Pathanamthitta has one district panchayat, 9 block panchayat and 57 [[Gram panchayat|grama panchayats]].
Under the single tier system in urban areas, there are 4 municipalities in the district.

====Municipal towns====
{{Main|Municipalities of Kerala}}
* [[Thiruvalla]]
* [[Pathanamthitta]]
* [[Adoor]]
* [[Pandalam]]
===Legislative representation===
{{See also|Kerala Legislative Assembly|Lok Sabha}}

As per the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, Pathanamthitta has five [[Kerala Legislative Assembly|Assembly constituencies]], down from eight. However, the district was unified into a single Parliamentary constituency, thus contributing a seat to the [[Lok Sabha]]. The [[Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency)|Pathanamthitta parliamentary constituency]] is formed by including all the five state legislative assembly constituencies of the district along with two other assembly constituencies in the neighbouring [[Kottayam district]].<ref>
{{cite web
 |title       = Parliamentary Constituencies of Kerala - 2008
 |url         = http://kerala.gov.in/deli_cons_2009.htm#17
 |publisher   = Government of Kerala
 |access-date  = 2009-08-27
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090903222311/http://www.kerala.gov.in/deli_cons_2009.htm#17
 |archive-date = 3 September 2009
 |df          = dmy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |author     = Radhakrishnan KuttoorKuttoor
 |title      = Due recognition for the youngest district
 |work  = The Hindu
 |date       = 2008-01-31
 }}</ref>

There is a [[Lok Sabha]] constituency in Pathanamthitta: [[Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency)|Pathanamthitta]].

There are five [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]] seats in Pathanamthitta district.<ref>[http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/members.htm Niyamsabha official site]</ref>
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%;"
|+ [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]] Constituencies from Pathanamthitta district (5)
!width="20px" |Sl no.
!width="75px" |Constituency
!width="85px" |Member
!width="35px" |Party
!width="35px" |Alliance
|-
| 1 || [[Thiruvalla (State Assembly constituency)|Thiruvalla]] || [[Mathew T. Thomas]] || style="background:{{party color|Janata Dal (Secular)}}; color:white;"|'''JD(S)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 2 || [[Ranni (State Assembly constituency)|Ranni]] || [[Pramod Narayan]] || style="background:{{party color|Kerala Congress (M)}}; color:white;" |'''KC(M)''' || {{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}} |[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]] | border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 3 || [[Aranmula (State Assembly constituency)|Aranmula]] || [[Veena George]] || style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}; color:white;"|'''CPI(M)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 4 || [[Konni (State Assembly constituency)|Konni]] || [[K. U. Jenish Kumar]] ||style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}; color:white;"|'''CPI(M)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 5 || [[Adoor (State Assembly constituency)|Adoor]] || [[Chittayam Gopakumar]] || style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India}}; color:white;" |'''CPI''' ||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|}

== Demographics ==
{{historical populations|11=1901|12=2,76,251|13=1911|14=3,17,072|15=1921|16=3,75,935|17=1931|18=4,78,345|19=1941|20=5,76,436|21=1951|22=7,19,272|23=1961|24=8,88,272|25=1971|26=10,28,208|27=1981|28=11,25,345|29=1991|30=11,88,332|31=2001|32=12,34,016|33=2011|34=11,97,412|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901]</ref>|align=center}}

According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] Pathanamthitta district has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 1,197,412,<ref name="districtcensus"/> roughly equal to the nation of [[Timor-Leste]]<ref name="cia">{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison:Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070613004507/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 13 June 2007 | access-date = 2011-10-01 | quote = Timor-Leste 1,177,834 July 2011 est.
}}</ref> or the US state of [[Rhode Island]].<ref>{{cite web
 |url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php 
 |title=2010 Resident Population Data 
 |publisher=U. S. Census Bureau 
 |access-date=2011-09-30 
 |quote=Rhode Island 1,052,567 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019160532/http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php 
 |archive-date=2013-10-19 
}}</ref> This gives it a ranking of 399th in India (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).<ref name=districtcensus/> The district has a population density of {{convert|453|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.<ref name=districtcensus/> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001–2011 was −3.12%.<ref name=districtcensus/> Pathanamthitta has a [[sex ratio]] of 1129 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name=districtcensus/> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 96.93%. 10.99% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 13.74% and 0.68% of the population respectively.<ref name=districtcensus/>

[[Malayalam]] is the predominant language, spoken by 99.13% of the population. Small minorities of [[Tamil language|Tamil]] speakers live in urban areas.<ref name="languages">{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Kerala |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10209/download/13321/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-3200.XLSX |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

According to the [[Census of India]] 2001, the district had a population of 1,234,016 with a density of 467 persons per square kilometre.<ref>
{{cite web
| title=Data sheet&nbsp;— Pathanamthitta
| url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Dist_File/datasheet-3212.pdf
| publisher=Census of India
| access-date=2009-08-27
}}</ref> This is the lowest density in the State after [[Idukki]] and [[Wayanad]].<ref>
{{cite web
 |title=District profile&nbsp;— pathanamthitta 
 |url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_health/srcell/disprofile.pdf 
 |publisher=Government of Kerala 
 |access-date=2009-08-27 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030625175335/http://kerala.gov.in/dept_health/srcell/disprofile.pdf 
 |archive-date=25 June 2003 
}}</ref> Schedule tribes and castes comprise 13% of the total population. The female to male ratio is 1094:1000, which is the highest among the districts in the State.<ref>
{{cite web
| title=Demography&nbsp;— Kerala
| url=http://india.gov.in/knowindia/demography_kerala.php
| publisher=Government of India
| access-date=2009-08-27
}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
{{bar box
|title = Religions in Pathanamthitta district (2011)<ref name="religion"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Kerala|Hinduism]]|darkorange|56.93}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Kerala|Christianity]]|dodgerblue|38.12}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam in Kerala|Islam]]|green|4.60}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.35}}
}}

[[Hinduism]] (57%) is followed by the majority of population of Pathanamthitta. [[Christians]] ([[Malankara Orthodox]], [[Marthoma Church]] and [[Pentecostal]]) (38%) form significant minority.<ref name="religion">{{Cite web|date=2011|title=Table C-01: Population by religious community: Kerala |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11379/download/14492/DDW32C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

== Transportion ==
'''Air Transport'''

The nearest airports are [[Thiruvananthapuram International airport]] and [[Cochin International airport]].Aranmula International airport was proposed but cancelled in 2018.The Sabarimala International airport is proposed near Erumeli.

'''Road Transport'''

The 2 National Highways going through Pathanamthitta district are [[National Highway 183 (India)|National Highway 183]] and [[National Highway 183A (India)|National Highway 183A]].Other important roads are  [[State Highway 1 (Kerala)|State Highway 1]],[[State Highway 7 (Kerala)|State Highway 7]],[[Main Eastern Highway]] and [[State Highway 9 (Kerala)]].

'''Rail Transport'''
 
[[File:Railway Track.jpg|Railway_Track|thumb]]

The only railway station in Pathanamthitta district is [[Tiruvalla railway station]]. Other nearby railway stations are Changanserry, Chengannur and Kottayam.

==Education==
{{main|Education in Pathanamthitta district}}

==Major towns==
The major towns in the district include:
*'''Thiruvalla taluk:''' [[Thiruvalla]], Erviperoor, Kadapra, [[Kumbanad]], Pullad, Kuttoor, Kaviyoor, Nedupram
*'''Mallapally taluk:''' Vennikulam, Mallappally, Ezhumattoor, Kalloopara 
*'''[[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni taluk]]:'''  [[Ranni, Kerala|Ranni]], Vadasserikara, Athikayam, [[Vechoochira]], [[Thadiyoor]] 
*'''Kozhencherry taluk:''' [[Aranmula]], [[Kozhencherry]], Kidangannoor, [[Kumbazha]], [[Kulanada]], Elanthoor
*'''Adoor taluk:''' [[Adoor]], [[Pandalam]], Kalanjoor, Kodumon, Enadimangalam
*'''Konni taluk:''' Konni, Koodal, Chittar, Seethathode, Thannithode, Aruvapulam

== Tourism ==
[[File:Sabarimala 2.jpg|center|thumb|'''Sabarimala''']]
With a number of fairs and festivals, Pathanamthitta district is known as the "headquarters of pilgrimage tourism."<ref>{{cite web
 |title        = Places of Interest
 |url          = http://www.pathanamthitta.nic.in/Places%20of%20Interest.htm
 |publisher    = Official website&nbsp;— Pathanamthitta
 |access-date   = 2009-08-29
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090927210401/http://pathanamthitta.nic.in/Places%20of%20Interest.htm
 |archive-date = 27 September 2009
 |url-status     = dead
 |df           = dmy-all
}}</ref> The district receives an estimated 3 to 4&nbsp;million pilgrims during the festival season of [[Sabarimala]] temple.<ref>{{cite web
 |url          = http://www.pathanamthitta.nic.in/Sabarimala.htm
 |title        = Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple
 |publisher    = Official website&nbsp;— Pathanamthitta
 |access-date   = 2009-08-29
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090818162859/http://pathanamthitta.nic.in/Sabarimala.htm
 |archive-date = 18 August 2009
 |url-status     = dead
 |df           = dmy-all
}}</ref> The temple is dedicated to the [[Hindu]] deity, [[Ayyappan]].

The Cherukolpuzha Hindu convention, [[Kadammanitta]] devi temple, the 10th century [[Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple|Kaviyoor mahadeva temple]], Parthasarathi temple at [[Aranmula]] and [[anikkattilammakshethram]]<ref name="anikkattilamma">{{cite web|url=http://www.anikkattilamma.com|publisher=anikkattilamma.com|title=Anikattilamma Temple Mallappally :: Siva Parvathy Temple ::anicadu::pathanamthitta|access-date=2017-01-03}}</ref> are some of the Hindu religious places of interest. [[File:Anikkattilammakshjethram.jpg|thumb|[[anikkattilammakshethram]]]]

Pathanamthitta district has places known for its historical importance. Among them are, ancient Valiyakoickal Temple and Palace at [[Pandalam]], monument of [[Velu Thampi Dalawa]] at [[Mannadi]] and the [[Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker|Muloor]] Smarakom (Muloor memorial). Pandalam was the capital of the ancient [[Travancore]] kingdom.

The [[Cherukolpuzha Convention]], in Pathanamthitta is an important religious convention of the Hindus. It is held at [[Cherukole]] on the sand banks of [[Pamba River]], usually in February every year. It is organized by the Ayroor-Cherukolpuzha Hindumatha Maha Mandalam at Vidyadhiraja Nagar at Ayroor village.<ref>[https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/cherukolpuzha-pathanamthitta/52 Cherukolpuzha], Kerala Department of Tourism</ref>

The district is a host to Asia's biggest and the world's second largest Christian convention, the [[Maramon Convention]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Maramon|url=http://www.keralatourism.org/destination/destination.php?id=159|publisher=Department of tourism, Kerala|access-date=2010-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103123432/http://www.keralatourism.org/destination/destination.php?id=159|archive-date=3 January 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is an eight-day Christian gathering in the month of February, conducted by the [[Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church]] and dedicated to gospel preaching by renowned Christian missionaries from all over the world, and held at [[Maramon]] on the sand-bed of [[Pamba River]]. The three-day Christian gathering is held at Makkamkunnu, Pathanamthitta known as [[Makkamkunnu Convention]] by [[Malankara Orthodox Church]]. 
{{wide image|MaramonConvention 2009.JPG|500px|[[Maramon Convention]]: Asia's biggest Christian gathering}}

The most important and famous Christian center is Parumala St Peters, St Paul's and St Gregorios Orthodox Church (http://parumalachurch.org) famous for the tomb of Saint Gregorios (Parumala Thirumeni). Millions of Pilgrims visit this church annually.

[[St. George Orthodox Church, Chandanapally]] or Chandanapally Valiyapalli is one of the biggest churches in South India, located at a village named Chandanapally, Pathanamthitta District. [[File:Chandanappally Valiyapally.jpg|thumb|right|[[St. George Orthodox Church, Chandanapally]] or Chandanapally Valiyapalli is one of the biggest churches in South India, located at a village named Chandanapally, Pathanamthitta District in Kerala state of India.]]

[[St. George Orthodox Church, Mylapra]] or Mylapra Valiyapalli or Chakkittayil palli (ചക്കിട്ടേൽ പള്ളി) is one of the famous Georgian pilgrim centre which is very close to Pathanamthitta District headquarters. [[File:Mylapra Valiyapalli.png|thumb|left|[[St. George Orthodox Church, Mylapra]]]]

Some of the other Christian places of interest are St. Mary's Orthodox church at [[Niranam]], [[Nilackal St. Thomas Church|St. Thomas Ecumenical Church]] at [[Nilackal]], the [[Mor Ignatius Dayro Manjinikkara]] of the Syriac Orthodox Church of India, St Stephen's Jacobite Church, [[Parumala Seminary]] and St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, [[Thumpamon]] also known as [[Thumpamon Valiya Pally]], headquarters of Thumapmon Diocese of [[Malankara Orthodox Church]]. The churches at Niranam and [[Nilackal St. Thomas Church|Nilackal (Chayal)]] are believed to be among the seven churches founded by [[Thomas the Apostle|St. Thomas the Apostle]].<ref>{{cite web
 |url          = http://stthomaschurch-sa.org/santhome.aspx
 |title        = St Thomas the Apostle of India
 |publisher    = St.Thomas Syro Malabar Mission of San Antonio
 |access-date   = 2009-09-15
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20100913040738/http://stthomaschurch-sa.org/santhome.aspx
 |archive-date = 13 September 2010
 |url-status     = dead
 |df           = dmy-all
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.syromalabarqatar.org/syro_church_history_pg1.html
|title=Syro Malabar Church History
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080604031512/http://www.syromalabarqatar.org/syro_church_history_pg1.html
|archive-date = 2008-06-04
|publisher=St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church of the Catholic Parish
|access-date=2009-09-15
}}</ref> The [[Muslim]] colourful Chandanakkudam festival of the Jama&nbsp;— Al Mosque at [[Pathanamthitta]] town attracts many visitors. Although these places are religious in nature, they attract people from all faiths.

[[File:perunthenaruvi01.jpg|thumbnail|Perunthenaruvi water falls]]

The [[Maramon Convention]], one of the largest Christian [[Convention (meeting)|convention]] in Asia, is held at [[Maramon]], Pathanamthitta, [[Kerala]], [[India]] annually during the month of February on the vast sand-bed of the [[Pampa River]] next to the [[Kozhencherry]] Bridge. It is organised by Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, the missionary wing of the [[Mar Thoma Church]].

The [[Church of God (Full Gospel) in India]], Kerala State, holds its annual convention in Tiruvalla town center. This is usually held in the month of January and is a large gathering of Pentecostal Christians.
[[File:Aranmula-palace-pathanamthitta-1-20230506121817418593.webp|thumb|Aranmula Palace]]
The district has other tourist attractions. [[Aranmula]] is a major attraction for its famous [[Aranmula kannadi|metal mirrors]] and [[Aranmula Boat Race|snake boat race]]. The school of traditional arts attracts foreign visitors. Founded by French artist Louba Schild, the school teaches [[kathakali]], classical dance, classical music as well as [[kalarippayattu]]. The palace at Aranmula [[Aranmula Mangattu Palace|Aranmula Palace]] has a history of 100 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://exploreruralindia.org/Aranmula.php?site=Aranmula |title=Aranmula |publisher=Ministry of Tourism, Government of India |access-date=2010-10-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531034143/http://www.exploreruralindia.org/Aranmula.php?site=Aranmula |archive-date=2010-05-31 }}</ref>

The district is known for its reserve forest and wild life. [[Perunthenaruvi Water Falls|Perunthenaruvi water falls]], [[Kakki Reservoir|Kakki reservoir]] surrounded by forest and wild animals, dam sites at Moozhyar and [[Maniyar, Pathanamthitta|Maniyar]], elephant training centre at [[Konni, Pathanamthitta|Konni]], Charalkunnu hill station are ideal locations for nature enthusiasts. Trekking to the Sabari Hills during January to March is also organized by Pathanamthitta District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).

== Flora and fauna ==
The forests of the district have excellent wild life habitats. A variety of animals and birds can be found. [[Bengal tiger|Tigers]], [[Indian elephants|elephants]], [[gaur]], [[deer]], monkeys and other wild animals are found in the forest. [[Giant squirrel]], [[lion-tailed macaques]], [[barking deer]] and [[bear]] can also be spotted in the reserve. [[Malabar grey hornbill]] and [[great Indian hornbill]] are found. Wide variety of other birds such as [[sunbirds]], [[woodpeckers]] and [[kingfishers]] can also be seen.<!-- blocked reference http://travel.sulekha.com/india/kerala/pathanamthitta/travelogue/roads-less-travelled-on-the-other-side-of-sabarimala/3017.htm -->

The existence of the wildlife habitat is under threat from various areas. [[Pollution]] from [[fertilizer]] and industries and [[illegal sand mining]] are the major threats. Issues connected to [[Sabarimala]] pilgrimage such as clearing of forest land and large amount of waste discharged also threatens the habitat.<ref name=pampapollution /><ref>
{{cite news
| title=TDB to get forest land at Nilackal today
| url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/06/16/stories/2005061608210300.htm
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106020106/http://www.hindu.com/2005/06/16/stories/2005061608210300.htm
| url-status=dead
| archive-date=2012-11-06
| date=2005-06-16
| work=[[The Hindu]]
| access-date=2009-08-27
}}</ref>

==Sports==
[[File:Kerala boatrace.jpg|thumb|Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race]]
The [[Aranmula Boat Race]] is part of a festival celebrated during the month of September. Though the snake boat race is also performed at nearby places, the race held at [[Aranmula]] is unique because of the boats' shape and design. Maramadimatsaram (Ox Race) is another such seasonal sport. This is held as part of the largest annual cattle fair of [[Central Travancore]] region. The race is held in three categories.<ref>{{cite web| title=Maramadimatsaram| url=http://www.keralatourism.org/event/festival/maramadimatsaram-6187776.php| publisher=Department of tourism, Kerala| access-date=2009-08-27| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301004610/http://www.keralatourism.org/event/festival/maramadimatsaram-6187776.php| archive-date=1 March 2012| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{Main|List of people from Pathanamthitta district}}
<!---♦♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦♦---> <!---♦♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦♦--->
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
* [[Thomas Athanasius]]
* [[Fathima Beevi]]
* [[Benyamin (writer)|Benyamin]]
* [[Adoor Bhasi]]
* [[Adoor Bhavani]]
* [[Blessy]]
* [[Baselios Cleemis]]
* [[Kuriakose Clemis]]
* [[Baselios Marthoma Didymos I]]
* [[K. G. George]]
* [[T. J. S. George]]
* [[Adoor Gopalakrishnan]]
* [[P. K. Gopi]]
* [[Geevarghese Ivanios]]
* [[Meera Jasmine]]
* [[Parvathy Jayaram]]
* [[S. Jithesh]]
* [[Kailash (actor)|Kailash]]
* [[K. Kumar]]
* [[Vennikkulam Gopala Kurup]]
* [[C. J. Kuttappan]]
* [[P. K. Manthri]]
* [[Mohanlal]]
* [[George Alexander Muthoot]]
* [[Mathai George Muthoot]]
* [[Mythili]]
* [[K. K. Nair]]
* [[Nayanthara]]
* [[Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker]]
* [[Adoor Pankajam]]
* [[Kadammanitta Vasudevan Pillai]]
* [[Rajeev Pillai]]
* [[Aranmula Ponnamma]]
* [[Kaviyoor Ponnamma]]
* [[Adoor Prakash]]
* [[Prathapachandran]]
* [[C. K. Ra]]
* [[Captain Raju]]
* [[Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan]]
* [[V. C. Samuel]]
* [[K. V. Simon]]
* [[Sidhartha Siva]]
* [[Kaviyoor Sivaprasad]]
* [[M. G. Soman]]
* [[Sugathakumari]]
* [[Pandalam Sudhakaran]]
* [[Thilakan]]
* [[Abraham Mar Thoma]]
* [[Alexander Mar Thoma]]
* [[Joseph Mar Thoma]]
* [[Juhanon Mar Thoma]]
* [[Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma]]
* [[Mathew T. Thomas]]
* [[Urmila Unni]]
* [[B. Unnikrishnan]]
* [[Sadhu Kochoonju Upadesi]]
* [[V. S. Valiathan]]
* [[Aju Varghese]]
* [[George Varghese]]
* [[Pandalam Kerala Varma]]
* [[Samyuktha Varma]]
* [[Nitya Chaitanya Yati]]
* [[Poykayil Yohannan]]
* [[Militos Yuhanon]]
}}

==See also==
* [[List of people from Pathanamthitta district]]
* [[Alappuzha district]]
* [[Idukki district]]
* [[Kottayam district]]
* [[Kollam district]]

==Further reading==
* {{Citation
 | author = U. Sivaraman Nair | year=1952
 | title= 1951 Census Handbook- Quilon District | publisher=Travancore-Cochin Government Press
 | location = Trivandrum
 | url= http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5607/1/20626_1951_QUI.pdf
}}
* {{Citation
 | author = M. K. Devassy | year=1965
 | title= 1961 Census Handbook- Quilon District | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala and The Union Territory of Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands
 | url= http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5666/1/22613_1961_SQI.pdf
}}
* {{Citation
 | author = Sheela Thomas | year=2003
 | title= 2001 Census Handbook- Pathanamthitta District (Part-A&B) | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala
 | url= http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5815/1/46628_2001_PAT.pdf
}}
* {{Citation
 | author = Government of India | year=2014–15
 | title= District Census Handbook - Pathanamthitta (Part-A) 2011 | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala
 | url= https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3212_PART_A_PATHANAMTHITTA.pdf
}}
* {{Citation
 | author = Government of India | year=2014–15
 | title= District Census Handbook - Pathanamthitta (Part-B) 2011 | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala
 | url= https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3212_PART_B_PATHANAMTHITTA.pdf
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Pathanamthitta district}}
* {{wikivoyage inline|Pathanamthitta}}
* [https://pathanamthitta.nic.in/ Pathanamthitta district official website]
* [http://www.pta.kerala.gov.in Pathanamthitta District administration] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710015546/http://www.pta.kerala.gov.in/ |date=10 July 2013 }}

{{Geographic Location
| Centre    = Pathanamthitta district
| North     = [[Idukki district]]
| Northeast = 
| East      = [[Tirunelveli district]], [[Tamil Nadu]]
| Southeast = 
| South     = [[Kollam district]]
| Southwest = 
| West      = [[Alappuzha district]]
| Northwest = [[Kottayam district]]
}}

{{Pathanamthitta district}}
{{Kerala}}
{{Central Travancore}}
{{Hindu temples in Kerala}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pathanamthitta District}}
[[Category:Pathanamthitta district| ]]
[[Category:Districts of Kerala]]
[[Category:1982 establishments in Kerala]]