# Thoothukudi

> city in Tamil Nadu, India

**Wikidata**: [Q41562](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q41562)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoothukudi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thoothukudi

## Summary
Thoothukudi (also known as Tuticorin) is a coastal city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, serving as the administrative capital of Thoothukudi district. It is a historically significant port city with ties to the Portuguese Empire and a diverse cultural and linguistic presence, reflected in its multiple aliases and global recognition.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Thoothukudi is situated at coordinates 8.7833°N, 78.1333°E, with an elevation of 4 meters above sea level.
- **Administrative Role**: It is the capital of Thoothukudi district and is located within the same district.
- **Historical Context**: The city was under Portuguese rule from 1548 to 1658.
- **Time Zone**: Operates in UTC+05:30 (Indian Standard Time).
- **Postal Code**: The primary postal code for Thoothukudi is 628001.
- **Local Dialing Code**: The area code for local calls is 461.
- **UN/LOCODE**: Assigned the international trade code INTUT.
- **Aliases**: Known by various names including Tuticorin, Thuthukkudi, Thoothukkudi, Tutikorin, Tuttukkudi, and others in multiple languages.
- **Online Presence**: Features a dedicated subreddit (r/Tuticorin) created on August 10, 2013, and a Quora topic (Thoothukudi-Tamil-Nadu-India-1).
- **Cultural Representation**: Listed in the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana and Encyclopædia Britannica (1911 edition and online).
- **Identifiers**: Holds multiple global identifiers, including VIAF (152513525), GND (4836997-4), and Library of Congress Authority ID (n85207608).
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Available in 40+ languages, including Tamil, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Arabic.
- **Geographic Data**: OpenStreetMap node ID 5443775116 and GeoNames ID 8629640.
- **Economic Significance**: Home to the Tuticorin Thermal Power Station, a major industrial landmark.

## FAQs

**What is the historical significance of Thoothukudi?**
Thoothukudi was a key port under the Portuguese Empire from 1548 to 1658, reflecting its strategic importance in colonial trade routes. Its historical legacy is documented in sources like the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica.

**What are the alternative names for Thoothukudi?**
The city is known by several aliases, including Tuticorin (English), Thuthukkudi (Tamil), and variations in other languages like Russian (Тутукуди) and Korean (투티코린).

**What are the key identifiers for Thoothukudi in global databases?**
Thoothukudi is cataloged in multiple systems, including VIAF (152513525), GND (4836997-4), and the Library of Congress (n85207608), ensuring its recognition in academic and bibliographic contexts.

**How is Thoothukudi represented online?**
The city has a dedicated subreddit (r/Tuticorin), a Quora topic, and extensive Wikipedia coverage in over 40 languages, including regional Indian languages and major global languages.

**What is the economic importance of Thoothukudi?**
Thoothukudi is a major industrial hub, home to the Tuticorin Thermal Power Station, which plays a critical role in regional energy production. Its port facilitates trade, contributing to Tamil Nadu’s economy.

## Why It Matters
Thoothukudi is a vital coastal city in Tamil Nadu, bridging historical trade routes with modern industrial and cultural significance. Its port has been a gateway for commerce since the Portuguese era, while its contemporary infrastructure, like the thermal power station, supports India’s energy needs. The city’s multilingual and multicultural identity, reflected in its aliases and global database entries, underscores its role as a crossroads of South Indian heritage and global connectivity. For researchers, travelers, and economists, Thoothukudi offers insights into colonial history, industrial growth, and regional diversity.

## Notable For
- **Historical Port City**: One of the few Indian cities with documented Portuguese colonial rule (1548–1658).
- **Multilingual Presence**: Wikipedia articles in over 40 languages, including rare and regional dialects.
- **Industrial Hub**: Hosts the Tuticorin Thermal Power Station, a key energy producer in Tamil Nadu.
- **Global Identifiers**: Listed in major bibliographic systems (VIAF, GND, Library of Congress) and geographic databases (GeoNames, OpenStreetMap).
- **Cultural Diversity**: Recognized in international encyclopedias like Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana and Encyclopædia Britannica.
- **Digital Community**: Active subreddit (r/Tuticorin) and Quora topic, fostering online discussions about the city.

## Body

### **Geography and Demographics**
Thoothukudi is located in southern India at 8.7833°N latitude and 78.1333°E longitude, with an elevation of just 4 meters above sea level. The city lies along the Bay of Bengal, making it a critical coastal settlement in Tamil Nadu. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Thoothukudi district, which shares its name. The city’s low elevation and proximity to the sea influence its climate, economy, and urban planning.

### **Historical Context**
Thoothukudi’s history is marked by its role as a port city under the **Portuguese Empire** from **1548 to 1658**, a period that shaped its early trade networks and cultural exchanges. The city’s colonial past is documented in historical records, including the **1911 Encyclopædia Britannica**, which references it as "Tuticorin." Post-colonial development transformed Thoothukudi into a modern industrial center while preserving elements of its heritage.

### **Administrative and Economic Role**
As the **capital of Thoothukudi district**, the city governs a region known for its maritime trade, fishing industry, and salt production. The **Tuticorin Thermal Power Station**, a prominent landmark, underscores its role in India’s energy sector. The city’s **UN/LOCODE (INTUT)** facilitates international trade, while its **postal code (628001)** and **local dialing code (461)** streamline domestic logistics and communication.

### **Cultural and Linguistic Diversity**
Thoothukudi’s multicultural identity is evident in its **multiple aliases**, including:
- **Tuticorin** (English)
- **Thuthukkudi/Tuttukkudi** (Tamil variants)
- **Tutikorin/Tuticurim** (historical or regional spellings)
- **Тутукуди** (Russian), **투티코린** (Korean), and **Tuticorin** (Spanish/Catalan).

This diversity extends to its **Wikipedia presence**, with articles in **40+ languages**, from Tamil and Hindi to Arabic, Japanese, and Esperanto. The city is also featured in the **Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana** and **Encyclopædia Britannica Online**, further cementing its global recognition.

### **Digital and Academic Representation**
Thoothukudi is extensively cataloged in **global knowledge systems**:
- **VIAF ID**: 152513525 (Virtual International Authority File)
- **GND ID**: 4836997-4 (German National Library)
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n85207608
- **GeoNames ID**: 8629640
- **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 5443775116
- **WorldCat Entities ID**: E39PBJgxpfkb8GbtbGcjxxFxjC

These identifiers ensure its inclusion in academic research, geographic mapping, and bibliographic references.

### **Online Communities and Media**
The city has an active **digital presence**:
- **Subreddit**: r/Tuticorin (created August 10, 2013), serving as a discussion hub for locals and visitors.
- **Quora Topic**: Thoothukudi-Tamil-Nadu-India-1, where users ask questions about the city’s culture, economy, and history.
- **Wikimedia Commons**: Hosts images like the **Tuticorin Thermal Power Station at night** and a **flamingo banner** for Wikivoyage.
- **Pronunciation Guide**: An audio file (Tamil: தூத்துக்குடி) is available for linguistic reference.

### **Notable Features and Landmarks**
- **Tuticorin Thermal Power Station**: A major power plant contributing to Tamil Nadu’s electricity grid.
- **Port Infrastructure**: The city’s port (UN/LOCODE: INTUT) is a key node for maritime trade in southern India.
- **Natural Beauty**: The **flamingo populations** near Thoothukudi are a notable ecological attraction, featured in travel guides.

### **Related Categories and People**
- **Category:Thoothukudi**: A Wikipedia category aggregating articles about the city.
- **Category:People from Thoothukudi**: Highlights notable individuals associated with the city, though specific names are not listed in the source material.
- **1960 Summer Olympics (SNARC ID)**: An unrelated but linked identifier in the data, possibly indicating a minor administrative or historical connection.

### **Miscellaneous Data Points**
- **Time Zone**: UTC+05:30 (Indian Standard Time).
- **Elevation**: 4 meters above sea level.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/046ggc (legacy Google knowledge graph identifier).
- **FactGrid Item ID**: Elsa Ehrich (likely a misattribution or placeholder).
- **Who’s On First ID**: 890508109 (Spatial data identifier).

This comprehensive profile reflects Thoothukudi’s multifaceted role as a historical port, industrial center, and cultural hub in Tamil Nadu.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GeoNames
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File