Uthamapalayam

Hajee Karutha Rowther, born in 1888 in Uthamapalayam (present-day Theni district, Tamil Nadu), 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 (1914) and a Primary School, offering free education and boarding for poor students. His contributions extended to other institutions like Jamal Mohamed College (Trichy) and The New College (Chennai).

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.

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 (derived from the Sanskrit word Śramaṇa, meaning ascetic). In this region, caves, rock carvings, and inscriptions dating back over 2,000 years can still be found, where Jain monks once lived.

Shri Kalatheeswarar Temple, 500 years old, is a Sivan Temple located in Uthamapalayam, Theni District. Located 29 km from the Theni. This temple is named "THEN KALAKASTHI" (South Kalakasthi). Kalatheeswarar Temple placing statues of the other god in identical roles as the Temple of Kalakasthi, Andhra Pradesh. East facing Kannappar Shrine, Grahas Raghu & Kedhu also has an individual shrines there. Every Sunday Pooja darshan for Moolavar (Lord Sivan) happens at Raghu time.^{[citation needed]}

Shri Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple, 50 years old, is a Vishnu Temple located in Uthamapalayam.

Shri Muthu Karuppana Swami Kovil, is located in Uthamapalayam. It is Locally named for the Karuppa Samy Temple at the foot of the Tirukunnagiri hills.

As of 2011^[update] India census,^[2] Uthamapalayam had a population of 29,050. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. Uthamapalayam has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: The literacy rate of male and female is 80 and 66% respectively. Uthamapalayam is the headquarters of Uthamapalayam Taluk and Uthamapalayam Panchayat Union.

Subordinate judge court along with one judicial magistrate court, one judicial magistrate fast track court and one district munsif court.

Southwest Monsoon and Northeast Monsoon contributes to the rainfall significantly. Being part of Theni it is one of the lush places in Tamil Nadu with high rainfall in most months. The place has a tropical climate with warm weather throughout the year.