Erode (Kongunadu Region) - Texvalley of India

Erode district has a history of intervening with that of Coimbatore because of its close association with the erstwhile Coimbatore district. It is very difficult to separately deal with the history of the Erode region from Coimbatore. Together with the area comprising the Coimbatore district, it formed part of the ancient Kongunadu, the history of which dates back to the Sangam era. Though this region is occupied by tribes mostly, the prominent among them being the ‘Kosars’ reportedly having their headquarters at 'Kosamputhur'. It later became Coimbatore. Since they were indeginous people with no knowledge about administration, they were easily overpowered by the Rashtrakutas first. Then came the Cholas who ruled supreme during the time of Raja Raja Chola. On the decline of Cholas, the Kongunadu came to be occupied by the Chalukyas and later by the Pandyas, Hoysalas successfully. Due to internal rift within the Pandyan Kingdom, the Muslim rulers from the vicinity interfered and thus the area fell into the hands of Madurai Sultanate.

This region was later arrested by Vijayanagar rulers after overthrowing the Madurai Sultanate. For a few years, the area remained under Vijayanagar rule and later under the independent control of Madurai Nayaks. The rule of Muthu Veerappa Nayakar and later that of Thirumalai Nayakar were marked by internal strife and intermittent wars which ruined the Kingdom. As a result, the Kongu region fell into the hands of the Mysore rulers from whom Hyder Ali was the most powerful ruler. With the fall of Mysore sultans, the area was annexed to the East India Company with the help of the Maharajas of Mysore. From then till India’s independence, the area remained under British control, who initiated systematic revenue administration in the area. Erode is famous for powerloom textile products, handloom products and readymade clothes. Bed sheets, lungies, towels, cotton sarees, dhotis, carpets and printed fabrics are produced here wholesale, and in the festive season, the products are distributed all over south India. These products are also exported to other parts of the globe. The city is also popular for turmeric cultivation and is so fondly called a turmeric city.