Wikipedia
Periyar (meaning: big river) is the longest river and the river with the largest discharge potential in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the few perennial rivers in the region and provides drinking water for several major towns. The Periyar is of utmost significance to the economy of Kerala. It generates a significant proportion of Kerala's electrical power via the Idukki Dam and flows along a region of industrial and commercial activity. The river also provides water for irrigation and domestic use throughout its course besides supporting a rich fishery. Due to these reasons, the river has been named the "Lifeline of Kerala". Kochi city, in the vicinity of the river mouth draws its water supply from Aluva, an upstream site sufficiently free of seawater intrusion. Twenty five percent of Kerala's industries are along the banks of river Periyar. These are mostly crowded within a stretch of in the Eloor-Edayar region (Udhyogamandal), about north of Kochi harbor.
Periyar E. V. Ramasamy (1879–1973) was a Tamil social reformer.
Periyar may also refer to:
- Periyar (1973 film), a Malayalam-language film
- Periyar (2007 film), a Tamil-language film
- Periyar (river), in Kerala, India
- Periyar district, now Erode district, in Tamil Nadu, India
- Periyar Maniammai University, in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
- Periyar National Park, in Kerala, India
- Periyar University, in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
Periyar is a 2007 Tamil biographical film, made about the life of the social reformer and rationalist Periyar E. V. Ramasamy with Sathyaraj who himself is a rationalist in the lead role. This movie was partly funded by the then Tamil Nadu government headed by Karunanidhi.
Periyar is a 1973 Indian Malayalam film, directed by P. J. Antony. The film stars Thilakan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, P. J. Antony and Sankaradi in lead roles. Its musical score was by KV Job and PK Sivadas.