town, northwestern Tamil Nadu (Tamil Nādu) state, southeastern India. It was known in early Tamil shangam literature as the home of the poet Avvaiyar (2nd century CE). It is now an agricultural trade centre and contains some light industry. Considerable deposits of saltpetre and salts of soda are mined in the region in which Dharmapuri lies. The area's main crops are millets, but rice is extensively grown under irrigation. Cotton, sesame seed, and peanuts (groundnuts) are the chief cash crops. The area is also known for its high-quality cattle. About 30 miles (48 km) west are the Hogenakal Falls of the Kaveri (Cauvery) River (Kaveri River), a famous pilgrimage site. Pop. (2001) 64,496.