Black Gum – Nyssa sylvatica

Mudukulathur is a Municipality in the Ramanathapuram district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu

As of 2001 India census,^[1] Mudukulathur had a population of 13,130 with males and females each constituting 50% of the population. The town had an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy was 76%, while female literacy was 65%. 12% of the population was under 6 years of age.

Historically, the town was called Mutthukulathur, meaning "the town with pearls in its lakes" in Tamil, referring to the three ponds, "oorani". Over time, the name of the town changed to Mudhukulathur meaning "town of oldest ponds," ironically referencing the absence of pearls and the drying up of the ponds.

The local economy produces rice, chilli, cotton and seasonal vegetables. It is largely dependent on remittances from the Gulf, government salaries, agriculture, labour and trade. Agriculture remains the major economic activity.

Mudukulathur is a part of the Mudukulathur state assembly constituency. In 2021, R.S.Rajakannappan from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was elected.

Water have been scarce in this town for many decades and the local administration supplies drinking water to homes daily for few hours in the morning, primarily used for drinking and cooking. During the summer season, supply of water is reduced to 2–4 days in a week and some residents purchase water from local vendors.

This town has a well-developed road network connecting it to nearby towns and villages, but only the road to Paramakkudi is of notable quality

Most homes are connected to the state electricity network, TNEB.

Transport is primarily by Road using public transport services operated by state transport corporation and private players like Jayavilas and Shanmugam Bus Transport companies. In the recent years, people use taxis and autos for local commute. A newly constructed bus stand, which has statues of leaders of two communities reflecting the social arrangement of present times, serves the commuters.

As a taluk headquarters,Mudukulathur has a government hospital and several private clinics including Parvin clinic, run by a long-servinglady doctor.