Senthamangalam: Kolli Hills Gateway and the Tribal Heart of Namakkal - News Today

Constituency No. 93 | Namakkal District | Scheduled Tribe (Reserved)

Senthamangalam sits at the meeting point of plains agriculture and the rising slopes of the Eastern Ghats. Located in Namakkal district, the constituency functions as the principal gateway to the famed Kolli Hills, a mountainous region known for its forests, tribal settlements and ancient temple traditions. The terrain gradually shifts from fertile agricultural plains to forested hill ranges, giving the constituency a striking geographic diversity rarely seen elsewhere in the state.

The constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes, reflecting the presence of indigenous communities inhabiting the Kolli Hills and adjoining forest areas. These communities, with their long-standing cultural traditions and agricultural practices, form an integral part of the social fabric of the constituency.

Senthamangalam therefore represents a constituency where hill communities, farmers of the plains and temple traditions together define its character.

Gateway to Kolli Hills

The Kolli Hills dominate the geographic and cultural imagination of the region. Rising abruptly from the plains, the hills are known for dense forests, winding mountain roads and traditional tribal villages.

The area has long been associated with the legendary figure Valvil Ori, one of the celebrated chieftains mentioned in early Tamil literature. His rule over the Kolli Hills region forms part of the historical memory of the area.

Today the hills are known for agriculture suited to high altitudes, including jackfruit, pepper and minor millets cultivated by tribal farmers.

Temple of Arapaleeswarar

Among the most revered landmarks of the region is the Arapaleeswarar Temple in the Kolli Hills. The ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts devotees who undertake the steep hill journey to reach the temple.

The temple is closely associated with local legends and remains a spiritual centre for communities living both in the hills and in the plains below.

Festivals at the shrine draw pilgrims from across Namakkal district and neighbouring regions.

Agriculture in the Plains

The plains of Senthamangalam are largely agrarian. Farmers cultivate paddy, sugarcane, turmeric and groundnut depending on irrigation availability.

Water from tanks, wells and seasonal streams supports farming activities. Agricultural markets in nearby towns serve as trading centres where produce from villages is sold and transported to larger markets.

Agriculture therefore continues to sustain the majority of households in the constituency.

Tribal Communities and Culture
The tribal communities of Kolli Hills maintain distinctive traditions shaped by their environment and history. Farming practices, festivals and community rituals remain deeply connected to the forests and hills.

Traditional foods, herbal knowledge and folk beliefs continue to form an important part of everyday life.

Government welfare schemes and infrastructure development have gradually improved connectivity between hill villages and the plains, though preserving cultural identity remains a central concern.

Tourism and Natural Landscape
The scenic beauty of the Kolli Hills has made the region an emerging tourism destination. Waterfalls, forest trails and hill viewpoints attract visitors seeking nature and cooler climates.

Tourism has begun to generate supplementary income for local residents through small guesthouses, shops and agricultural product sales.

However, balancing tourism development with environmental preservation remains an important challenge.

Electoral Ledger
2011
Winner – C. Chandrasekaran (AIADMK) – 87,121 votes
Second – K. Ponnusamy (DMK) – 75,993 votes
Third – S. Ranganathan (PMK) – 14,606 votes
Winning Margin: 11,128 votes
2016
Winner – C. Chandrasekaran (AIADMK) – 91339 votes
Second – K. Ponnusamy (DMK) – 79006 votes
Third – Sathiya M (DMDK) – 5609 votes
Winning Margin: 12333 votes
2021
Winner – K. Ponnusamy (DMK) – 90681 votes
Second – S.Chandran (AIADMK) – 80188 votes
Third – Rohini T (Naam Tamilar Katchi) – 11654 votes
Winning Margin: 10493 votes
The constituency has often witnessed closely fought contests between the two major Dravidian parties.

Civic and Development Concerns
Residents frequently highlight several priorities:
• improved road access to hill villages
• irrigation support for farmers in the plains
• healthcare and education facilities in tribal areas
• sustainable tourism development in Kolli Hills
Ensuring balanced development between hill communities and plains villages remains an important political challenge.

Political Temperament
The electorate consists of tribal communities from the hills, farmers from the plains and small traders in town areas. Political discussions often revolve around welfare schemes, agricultural support and infrastructure development.

Candidates who maintain strong connections with both hill and plains communities often gain electoral advantage.

Closing Frame
Senthamangalam stands where the plains rise into the forests of the Eastern Ghats. Farmers cultivate the land below while tribal communities sustain traditions in the hills above.

Temple bells echo through valleys where ancient legends still linger.

When Senthamangalam votes, it reflects a constituency where mountains, agriculture and indigenous culture come together to shape the political voice of the region.