Kanchipuram - Demographics

Demographics

During the rule of king Narasimha Varma in the 7th century, the city had an area of four square miles and a population of 10,000. With the population increasing to 13,000 in subsequent years, the city developed cross patterned links with rectangular streets. The settlements in the city were largely caste based. During the period of Nandivarma Pallavan II, houses were built on raised platforms and burned bricks. The concept of verandah in the front yard, garden in the backyard, ventilation facilities and drainage of rainwater were all introduced for the first time. The heart of the city was occupied by Brahmins, while the Tiruvekka temple and houses of agricultural labourers were situated outside the city. There were provisions in the outskirts of the city for training the cavalry and infantry.

During the Chola era, Kanchipuram was not the capital city, but the kings had a palace in the city and lot of development were extended eastwards. During the Vijayanagara period, the population of the city went up to 25,000. There were no notable additions to the city infrastructure during the British rule. During the British census of 1901, Kanchipuram had a population of 46,164 constituting 44,684 Hindus, 1,313 Muslims, 49 Christians and 118 Jains.

As of 2011 provisional totals b, Kanchipuram had a population of 164,265, constituting 81,987 males and 82,275 females covering an area of 36.14 km2 (13.95 sq mi). As of 2001 India census, Kanchipuram had a population of 153,140 at a density of 13,428 persons per km2. Males constitute 50.37% of the population and females 49.63%. As of 2001, Kanchipuram has an average literacy rate of 74.8%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 69%. 10% of the city population is under 6 years of age. About 8 lakh pilgrims visit the city every year as of 2001.

Kanchipuram has a total of 416.04 hectares (4.1604 km2) of residential area mostly around the temples. The commercial area of the city covers 62.03 hectares (0.6203 km2), constituting 6.58% of the total area of the city. The town industrial area is around 65.37 hectares (0.6537 km2) where most of the handloom spinning, silk weaving, dyeing and rice production units are located. The total area used for transport and communication purposes is 89.06 hectares (0.8906 km2); this is the area where the bus stand, roads, streets and railways lines are located.