Our Village

Udangudi is a Panchayat town in Thoothukudi district near Thiruchendur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The village was once known for Vetrilai (betel leaves) and Karupatti. The name Udangudi has been derived from the two Tamil words, “Udai” means the thorny firewood tree (AcaciaSp) which is seen abundant in this area and “Kudi” refers to a village or a human settlement. As per 2001 India census, the population inUdangudi was19,347. It is famous for palmjaggery and betel leaves. Weekly markets can be seen, where all goods are brought or sold.

The first of the “Tanjore” Christian converts outside Palamcottai hailed from Kalankudiyiruppu (included in union) and the subsequent revival of mission work dates from the time of Christian. There is a famous church called St. Mark's Church which was completed in 1849 and established by Rev. Christian Samuel Kohlhoff. He was a member of the S.P.G., and gave his name to the local settlement, Christianagaram. The Church building society was formed in 1844. Four of the largest churches belonged to the society were erected within five years. One among the four churches was built in the christianagaram. From the earliest time Mudalur and Nazareth had been the two chief centre of the missionary work of the S.P.C.K. The christianagaram district was formerly attached to mudalur and in 1845 it was separated from Mudalur.

S.P.C.K mission constructed the church and the school in Udangudi during the period of Rev. Christian S. Kohloff and J.K. Best. The services of these missionaries in Udangudi area are unforgettable. Shelly lime stones are available in and around christianagaram, and also at Pannamparai. The rock of limestone is largely composed of comminuted shells. The cream coloured pannamparai stone is in great demand in the southern part of the district and is used for construction of buildings.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. Crops like paddy, plantain, coconut, groundnut and various kinds of dry grains are cultivated in and around the area. The Palmyra tree can be seen in abundance. The different castes living in Udangudi are Nadars, Kammalar, Vellalar, Parawas, Chakliyas, Kuluvas, Paraiyas and etc. Christians, Hindus and Muslims also live in different parts of Udangudi.