Dharmadom
# Dharmadom

Dharmadom or Dharmadam is a census town in Thalassery taluk of Kannur district in the state of Kerala, India. This town is located in between Anjarakandi River and Ummanchira river, and Palayad town and Arabian sea. It is known for the 100-year-old Government Brennen College, Dharmadam Island, Government Boat Jetty and adjoins famous Muzhappilangad beach

## History

Dharmadom is a scenic coastal town that was earlier known as "Dharmapattanam". It was an active Buddhist area in ancient times.

Dharmadom is also home to famous Andalurkavu temple. The annual festival here draws thousands of devotees. A variety of Theyyam is performed at this event. India’s premier circus Academy, Circus Academy Thalassery is also located in Dharmadom.

Dharmadom was selected as location for the prominent British Thalassery fort that was built in 1703 but landowners did not want to sell the land.

According to Qissat Shakarwati Farmad, a Masjid at Dharmadam was built during the era of Malik Dinar.

The island of Dharmapattanam was claimed by all of the Kolattu Rajas, Kottayam Rajas, and Arakkal Bibi in the late medieval period. The island of Dharmadam was ceded to East India Company in 1734, along with Thalassery.

## Demographics

As of 2011 Census, Dharmadam had a population of 30,804. Males constitute 45.4% of the population and females 54.6%. The average sex ratio was 1202 higher than state average of 1084. Dharmadam census town has an area of 10.66 $km^2$ (4.12 sq mi) with 6,751 families residing in it. Dharmadom had an average literacy rate of 97.2%, higher than the state average of 94%: male literacy was 98.4% and, female literacy was 96.3%. In Dharmadam, 9.2% of the population is under 6 years of age.

## Notable citizens

* Pinarayi Vijayan- Chief Minister of Kerala 2016 to present
* M.N. Vijayan - Critic, writer and orator
* N Prabhakaran - Writer
* Valsalan Vathussery - Writer
* M.P. Kumarn - Historian, translator.
* DR.Ayyathan Gopalan - Renaissance leader and socialreformer of Kerala, Doctor, Writer.
* DR.Ayyathan Janaki Ammal - First female doctor&Surgeon of Kerala (Malabar), First Malayali Lady Doctor
* Moorkoth Ramunni - First malayalee fighter pilot
