Salem, Tamil Nadu

{{More citations needed|section|date=September 2021}}

Around the beginning of the common era, the existence of a culturally and economically advanced society in Salem two thousand years ago is evident from the discovery of silver coins of the Roman Emperor Tiberices Claudices Nero (37–68 CE) in Koneripatti of Salem in 1987. Later, the Pandya dynasty started ruling the region around Salem. Afterwards, the Pallava dynasty arose in Salem, followed by Mahendra Varma Pallava coming to Salem and the rise of Saivite principles. Mahendra Varma Pallava was succeeded by Narasimha Varma Pallava. Soon, the Pandya dynasty ruled over Salem. The Hoysala rule established in Salem and parts around Salem was retained under the Pandya dynasty.

The city has also been a part of the Chola Dynasty. A mosque in the city is believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore Kingdom in the present-day state of Karnataka. The town and the surrounding hilly regions were part of the Chola dynasty and were part of the trade route with the Roman Empire.{{cite web|title=Far East Kingdoms of South Asia: Cheras|url=http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaCheras.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217112250/http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaCheras.htm|archive-date=17 February 2017|access-date=25 February 2017|work=The History Files}} It was later governed by Poligars, who built temples and forts in and around the city.{{cite book|author=E. H. Warmington|title=The Commerce between the Roman Empire and India|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2014|isbn=978-1107-432-14-7|page=144}} It was part of the Vijayanagara Empire before being captured by Hyder Ali during the early 18th century, after the Mysore-Madurai war. It was ceded to the Maratha Empire in 1768 and the area became part of the struggle between Kongu Nadu, led by Dheeran Chinnamalai, and later ceded to the British Raj.{{cite news|author=Asha Sridhar|date=30 January 2015|title=Winding the clock back, anti-colonial wise|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/winding-the-clock-back-anticolonial-wise/article6835999.ece|access-date=25 February 2017}}

Salem became part of Salem district since independence in 1947. Salem district was the first district to be formed in India on 4 April 1792 that spread over 7,530 km² comprising the present-day Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri. Alexander Reed was the collector of the Salem district from 1792 to 1799.{{cite news|last=S.P.Saravanan|first=Saravanan|date=10 April 2016|title=Salem's history on a map|work=The Hindu|location=Salem|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-history-on-a-map/article8456869.ece|url-status=live|access-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909014038/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-history-on-a-map/article8456869.ece|archive-date=9 September 2017}}

Until 2008, the city was part of the Salem I and Salem II assembly constituencies. Salem is also a home to one of the earliest film studios in the country, Modern Theatres.{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp88.htm|title=Partywise Comparison Since 1977|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232527/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp88.htm|archive-date=12 May 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp89.htm|title=Partywise Comparison Since 1977|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232540/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/electionanalysis/AE/S22/partycomp89.htm|archive-date=12 May 2014|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Geography of Salem}}

File:Mookeneri(Kannakurichi) Lake.jpg

Salem is located at {{Coord|11.67|N|78.14|E|}},{{cite web |url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Salem.html |title=Falling Rain Genomic s, Inc – Salem |publisher=Fallingrain.com |access-date=10 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013121956/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Salem.html |archive-date=13 October 2012 |url-status=live }} at an average elevation of 278 m (912 ft.). The city is surrounded by hills: Nagaramalai on the north, Jarugumalai on the south, Kanjamalai on the west, Godumalai on the east and the Shevaroy Hills on the northeast. Kariyaperumal Hill is in southwestern Salem.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/people-throng-tourist-spots-on-kaanum-pongal/article6798283.ece|title=People throng tourist spots on 'Kaanum Pongal'|author=Syed Muthahar Saqaf|newspaper=The Hindu|date=18 January 2015|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205131013/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/people-throng-tourist-spots-on-kaanum-pongal/article6798283.ece|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live}} The Thirumanimutharu River flows through the city, dividing it in two.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/river-thirumanimuthar-cries-for-attention/article7804532.ece|title=River Thirumanimuthar cries for attention|author=SS.P. Saravanan|newspaper=The Hindu|date=26 October 2015|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205130548/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/river-thirumanimuthar-cries-for-attention/article7804532.ece|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live}} The fort area is the oldest part of Salem.{{cite web|url=http://www.sonatech.ac.in/about-sona/salem-district.html|title=ABOUT SALEM CITY|publisher=sonatech.in|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424005956/http://www.sonatech.ac.in/about-sona/salem-district.html|archive-date=24 April 2015|url-status=live}}

File:Salem from Yercaud.jpg

File:Salem city from Hills.jpg

Salem lies in the foothills of Shevaroy hills which houses the famous hill Station 'Yercaud'. It is located about {{convert|140|km|mi|0|abbr=}} northwest of Tiruchirappalli, {{convert|170|km|mi|0|abbr=}} northeast of Coimbatore, {{convert|206|km|mi|0}} southeast of Bangalore and about {{convert|346|km|mi|-1}} southwest of the state capital, Chennai.

Mettur Dam is the main water resource for Salem District.

Salem has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw). January and February are generally pleasant; the hot summer begins in March, with the year's highest temperatures during April. Pre-monsoon thunderstorms occur during April and May. The Southwest monsoon season lasts from June to September. The northeast monsoon occurs from October to December.{{cite web|url=http://www.cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/TamilNadu/Salem.pdf|title=DISTRICT GROUNDWATER BROCHURE SALEM DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU|publisher=Central Ground Water Board|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403092016/http://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/TamilNadu/Salem.pdf|archive-date=3 April 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/UserFiles/file/9_SALEM_RAINFALL.pdf|title=Ground Water Augmentation of Kannankuruchi Lake, Salem, TamilNadu Using GIS|publisher=International Journal of Emerging Trends & Technology in Computer Science (IJETTCS)|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184519/http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/WriteReadData/UserFiles/file/9_SALEM_RAINFALL.pdf|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live}}

{{Weather box

|location = Salem, Tamil Nadu (1991–2020, extremes 1901–2020)

| metric first = Yes

| single line = Yes

| width = auto

| Jan record high C = 37.2

| Feb record high C = 39.8

| Mar record high C = 41.7

| Apr record high C = 42.8

| May record high C = 42.8

| Jun record high C = 42.8

| Jul record high C = 40.6

| Aug record high C = 39.9

| Sep record high C = 38.9

| Oct record high C = 37.9

| Nov record high C = 36.4

| Dec record high C = 35.6

| year record high C = 42.8

| Jan high C = 32.1

| Feb high C = 34.5

| Mar high C = 37.0

| Apr high C = 37.8

| May high C = 37.1

| Jun high C = 35.0

| Jul high C = 34.1

| Aug high C = 33.3

| Sep high C = 33.3

| Oct high C = 32.2

| Nov high C = 30.9

| Dec high C = 30.5

| year high C = 34.0

| Jan low C = 19.3

| Feb low C = 20.3

| Mar low C = 22.6

| Apr low C = 25.1

| May low C = 25.2

| Jun low C = 24.3

| Jul low C = 23.7

| Aug low C = 23.3

| Sep low C = 23.1

| Oct low C = 22.6

| Nov low C = 21.4

| Dec low C = 19.8

| year low C = 22.6

| Jan record low C = 12.8

| Feb record low C = 11.1

| Mar record low C = 14.4

| Apr record low C = 16.5

| May record low C = 18.3

| Jun record low C = 19.3

| Jul record low C = 18.9

| Aug record low C = 18.1

| Sep record low C = 18.5

| Oct record low C = 15.5

| Nov record low C = 12.8

| Dec record low C = 12.8

| year record low C = 11.1

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 2.8

| Feb rain mm = 2.8

| Mar rain mm = 9.6

| Apr rain mm = 58.1

| May rain mm = 106.6

| Jun rain mm = 74.4

| Jul rain mm = 88.8

| Aug rain mm = 151.2

| Sep rain mm = 156.3

| Oct rain mm = 197.5

| Nov rain mm = 112.5

| Dec rain mm = 31.6

| year rain mm = 992.5

| Jan rain days = 0.2

| Feb rain days = 0.2

| Mar rain days = 0.4

| Apr rain days = 3.4

| May rain days = 5.7

| Jun rain days = 4.7

| Jul rain days = 5.5

| Aug rain days = 8.2

| Sep rain days = 8.2

| Oct rain days = 10.0

| Nov rain days = 6.4

| Dec rain days = 2.6

| year rain days = 55.6

|time day = 17:30 IST

| Jan humidity = 45

| Feb humidity = 38

| Mar humidity = 33

| Apr humidity = 41

| May humidity = 49

| Jun humidity = 54

| Jul humidity = 56

| Aug humidity = 58

| Sep humidity = 60

| Oct humidity = 67

| Nov humidity = 66

| Dec humidity = 57

|year humidity = 52

|source 1 = India Meteorological Department{{cite web

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| access-date = April 8, 2024

}}

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf

| title = Station: Salem Climatological Table 1981–2010

| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = January 2015

| pages = 679–680

| access-date = 29 March 2020}}

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = December 2016

| page = M203

| access-date = 29 March 2020}}

}}

File:Salem collector office.JPG

File:Cannon-3-salem corporation-salem-India.jpg

Salem is the headquarters of Salem district. The town was constituted as a municipality in 1867, and was upgraded to a special-grade municipality in 1979 and to a municipal corporation on 1 April 1994. The Salem municipal corporation has 72 wards,{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Salem-Corporation-to-increase-number-of-wards/article14377048.ece|title= Salem Corporation to increase number of wards|work=The Hindu|date=1 June 2016|access-date=5 February 2018}} each with an elected councillor.{{cite web|title=About the municipal corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.html|publisher=Salem municipal corporation|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525235102/https://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/about-corporation.html|archive-date=25 May 2013|url-status=dead}} The functions of the municipal corporation are divided into six departments: general administration and personnel, engineering, revenue, public health, city planning and information technology (IT). All six departments are governed by a municipal commissioner.{{cite web|title=Commissioner of Municipal Administration|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm|publisher=Commissionerate of Municipal Administration|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106103849/http://www.tn.gov.in/cma/chart5.htm|archive-date=6 November 2012|url-status=live}} Legislative power is vested in the 60-member council,{{cite web|title=Councillors of municipal corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/councilors.html|publisher=Salem municipal corporation|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116121712/http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/councilors.html|archive-date=16 January 2013}} headed by an elected chairperson and assisted by a deputy chairperson.{{citation|title=Economic and political weekly, Volume 30|pages=2396|publisher=Sameeksha Trust|year=1995}}

In 2008, the constituencies of Salem were redrawn as Salem North, Salem South and Salem West.{{cite web|title=New Constituencies, Post-Delimitation 2008|url=http://www.elections.tn.nic.in/forms/int3.pdf|publisher=Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515102633/http://elections.tn.nic.in/forms/int3.pdf|archive-date=15 May 2012}} The city elects the three members to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly once every five years.{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/Const_map/map.htm|title=List of Assembly Constituencies|year=2010|access-date=28 December 2012|work=Tamil Nadu|publisher=Tamil Nadu state government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614070155/http://www.assembly.tn.gov.in/const_map/map.htm|archive-date=14 June 2012|url-status=live}} Present MLAs are R. Rajendran (Salem North) from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Arul Ramadoss (Salem West) from Pattali Makkal Katchi and E. Balasubramanian (Salem South) from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

The city is part of the Salem Lok Sabha constituency.{{cite web|url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf|title=List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies|access-date=9 October 2008|publisher=Election Commission of India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504185928/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf|archive-date=4 May 2006}} The current Member of Parliament from the constituency is S. R. Parthiban from the DMK.

Law and order is maintained by the Salem city subdivision of the Tamil Nadu Police, headed by a Police commissioner. Special units include prohibition enforcement, district crime, social justice and human rights, district crime records and a district-level special branch headed by a superintendent of police.{{cite web|title=Salem Police|url=http://www.tnpolice.gov.in/District_Details.php?code=29598|publisher=Tamil Nadu Police|access-date=29 December 2012|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011140954/http://tnpolice.gov.in/District_Details.php?code=29598|archive-date=11 October 2011|url-status=live}}

Salem Central Prison which is located at Hastampatti, serves as the central prison for Salem district. Constructed in 1862, it is one of the oldest prisons in India and has a capacity of 1431 inmates.{{cite web|title=Salem Central Prison classified as casual prison|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salem-central-prison-classified-as-a-casual-prison/article68224526.ece|work=The Hindu|date=28 May 2024|access-date=18 June 2024}}

{{Main|Economy of Salem, Tamil Nadu}}

File:A photo of Salem Steel Plant entrance.JPG entrance]]

Salem is a major textile centre in Tamil Nadu, with more than 125 spinning mills, weaving units and garment units. Until the 1960s, it had fewer spinning mills. Private handloom weaving began to increase in the region after the 1960s and during the 1980s, the textile industry expanded with major spinning mills and dyeing units established supporting the industry.{{cite news|date=18 December 2010|title=Salem IIHT|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/18/stories/2010121851300300.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=4 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104210204/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/18/stories/2010121851300300.htm|archive-date=4 January 2014}}

The area also houses a number of sago factories for the production starch. In Salem district, {{convert|34000|ha|sqmi}} of land are devoted to cassava and 650 industrial units are engaged in tapioca processing. In 1981, the Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers Service Industrial Co-operative Society (SAGOSERVE) was established to promote the sago industry and nearly 80 percent of the national demand for sago and starch is met by SAGOSERVE.{{cite web|title=Sagoserve|url=http://www.indcom.tn.gov.in/sagoserve.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701143717/http://www.indcom.tn.gov.in/sagoserve.htm|archive-date=1 July 2017|access-date=10 May 2016|work=indcom}} In and around Salem cassava yields are 25–30 tons per hectare, one of the highest in the world; the national average is 19 tons per hectare, and the world average is 10 tons.{{cite web|title=Sagoserve profile|url=http://www.sagoserve.com/profile1.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000313/http://www.sagoserve.com/profile1.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=Sagoserve}}

The Salem Steel Plant, a unit of the Steel Authority of India, produces cold-rolled stainless steel and a hot-rolled stainless-carbon steel alloy. The plant is being expanded and modernized, with plans for steel-melting and continuous-casting facilities.{{cite web|title=Salem Steel|url=http://www.sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=special_salem|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902132018/http://sail.co.in/pnu.php?tag=special_salem|archive-date=2 September 2013|access-date=10 May 2016|work=SAIL}} The Southern Iron and Steel Company (part of JSW Steel) have their first integrated steel plant in Salem for the production of TMT corrosion-resistant bars and alloy steels.{{cite web|title=JSW Companies:Salem Works|url=http://www.jsw.in/companies/company_siscol.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412184341/http://www.jsw.in/companies/company_siscol.shtml|archive-date=12 April 2013|access-date=10 May 2016|work=JSW}}{{cite web|title=JSW Steels Ltd :TIDCO|url=http://www.tidco.com/sisel.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516112012/http://www.tidco.com/sisel.html|archive-date=16 May 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=TIDCO}} The Salem region is rich in mineral ores, with some of the largest magnesite and bauxite deposits in India. Public and private magnesite factories include Burn Standard and Company, Dalmia Magnesites and Tata Refractories.{{cite web|title=Magnesite|url=http://www.tnmine.tn.nic.in/TN-Mining.htm#Magnesite|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033759/http://www.tnmine.tn.nic.in/TN-Mining.htm#Magnesite|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=10 May 2016|work=Dept.Geology and mining, TN}}

Salem Mango{{Cite web|title=Salem Mango |url=https://www.salemmango.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173453/https://www.salemmango.com/|archive-date=22 December 2018|access-date=2018-12-22|website=Salem Mango}} belt contributes the economy in large scale by exporting mangoes to foreign countries and supplying mangoes all over India. The Leigh Bazaar is the region's largest market for agricultural products. The Tamil Nadu government and the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu are planning a {{convert|160|acre|ha|adj=on}} IT park in the city.{{cite news|title=Tamilnadu Elcot Website|work=Elcot|url=http://elcot.in/it-parks.php?page=2#4|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918053613/http://www.elcot.in/it-parks.php?page=2#4|archive-date=18 September 2008}}{{cite news|title=Site for IT Park ideally situated|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090103810500.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=9 January 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235245/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090103810500.htm|archive-date=30 September 2007}} The Steel Authority of India is planning a {{convert|250|acre|ha|adj=on}} steel special economic zone in its Salem plant,{{cite news|title=Site for IT Park ideally situated|work=processingregister.com|url=http://www.processregister.com/Salem_Steel_S_E_Z/Project/pid20353.htm|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202164304/http://www.processregister.com/Salem_Steel_S_E_Z/Project/pid20353.htm|archive-date=2 February 2009}} and an electrical and electronics industrial estate is in the Suramangalam area of the city.{{cite web|title=Electrical and electronics industries|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/policynotes/archives/policy2001-2/pbrsi6-e-2001-2.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421030716/http://www.tn.gov.in/policynotes/archives/policy2001-2/pbrsi6-e-2001-2.htm|archive-date=21 April 2009|access-date=10 May 2016|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu}}

File:MultiSpeciality Hospital salem.jpg

{{Historical populations

|state=collapsed

|align=right

|1871 |50012

|1881 |50667

|1891 |67710

|1901 |70621

|1911|59153

|1921|52244

|1931|102179

|1941|129702

|1951|203052

|1961|249145

|1971|

|1981|

|1991|366712

|2001|696760

|2011|829267

}}

{{bar box

|title=Religions in Salem (2011){{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: Tamil Nadu |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11392/download/14505/DDW33C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

|titlebar=#Fcd116

|left1=Religion

|right1=Percent

|float=left

|bars=

{{bar percent|Hindu|Orange|89.79}}

{{bar percent|Muslim|Green|7.48}}

{{bar percent|Christian|dodgerblue|2.36}}

{{bar percent|Jain|pink|0.11}}

{{bar percent|Other|grey|0.26}}

}}

{{Pie chart

|caption = Languages of Salem City (2011){{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Tamil Nadu (Urban) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10259/download/13371/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-3300.XLSX |website=Census of India |publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India}}

|label1 = Tamil |value1 = 73.84 |color1 = royalblue

|label2 = Telugu |value2 = 10.77 |color2 = brown

|label3 = Kannada |value3 = 5.83 |color3 = darkslateblue

|label4 = Urdu |value4 = 5.00 |color4 = green

|label5 = Gujarati |value5 = 2.52 |color5 = skyblue

|label6 = Hindi |value6 = 0.88 |color6 = Orange

|label7 = Malayalam |value7 = 0.68 |color7 = cornflowerblue

|label8 = Others |value8 = 0.47 |color8 = gray

|thumb=right

}}

Salem had a population of 826,267 in the 2011 census. There were 987 females for every 1,000 males, significantly higher than the national average of 929. The main language spoken is Tamil. Kannada is spoken among Devayanga community.{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113144743/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/index.html|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}} A total of 79,067 were under age six: 40,570 males and 38,497 females. The city's literacy rate was 76.37 percent, higher than the national average of 72.99 percent. Salem had 215,747 households and a total of 332,147 workers: 1,599 farmers, 3,040 agricultural laborers, 32,597 in household industries, 278,892 other workers, 16,019 part-time workers, 165 part-time farmers, 544 part-time agricultural workers, 1,937 part-time workers in household industries and 13,373 other part-time workers.{{cite web|title=Census Info 2011 Final population totals – Salem(05740)|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=684822|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|year=2013|access-date=26 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144330/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=684822|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}} As per the religious census of 2011, Salem had 89.79% Hindus, 7.48% Muslims, 2.36% Christians, 0.11% Jains, 0.02% Sikhs, 0.01% Buddhists, 0.2% following other religions and 0.02% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live}}

{{Clear}}

File:Sundaraja perumal temple entrance.jpg]]

File:1008 SHIVA TEMPLE, KAILAYA SIVALAYAM, Kanchamalai, Salem - panoramio (32).jpg

Salem has several Hindu temples. The Kottai Perumal koil is present in centre of the city (also called as Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Salem). This temple is one of the Pancha Bhrigu Kshethram and the rest are Tirupathi, Sarangapani temple, Nachiyar Koil and Oppiliappan temple. The Kottai Mariamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, has an annual five-day festival during the Tamizh month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August).{{Cite news|url=http://www.maalaimalar.com/Devotional/Worship/2016/08/01092553/1029756/Salem-Kottai-Mariamman-Temple-aadi-festival.vpf|title=SalemKottaiMariamman Aadi Festival|publisher=Maalaimalar|date=1 August 2016|access-date=24 January 2018|language=ta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125015206/http://www.maalaimalar.com/Devotional/Worship/2016/08/01092553/1029756/Salem-Kottai-Mariamman-Temple-aadi-festival.vpf|archive-date=25 January 2018|url-status=live}} The temple's gopuram is made up of seven tiers. Sugavaneshwarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, and according to mythology the sage Sugha Brahmarishi is worshiped there. Arunagirinadhar sang a song about Muruga in the temple, which was built during the 13th century by Mamannan Sundara Pandiyan.{{cite web |url=http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=780 |title=Dinamalar Temple | News | Thuligal | Information | Story | Purana Kathigal |publisher=Dinamalar |access-date=10 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405030939/http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=780 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |url-status=dead }} Kottai Perumal Temple, Skandhashram,{{Cite news|url=https://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/114652-5-persons-drowned-in-salem.html|title=5 persons drowned in salem|publisher=Vikatan|date=27 January 2018|access-date=29 January 2018|language=ta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129195559/https://www.vikatan.com/news/tamilnadu/114652-5-persons-drowned-in-salem.html|archive-date=29 January 2018|url-status=live}}

Jamia Masjid is Salem's oldest mosque and lies on the southern bank of the Thirumanimutharu River in the heart of the city. It was reportedly built by the Kingdom of Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan, who is said to have prayed here. The Masjid Inam granted to the mosque in 1862 was confirmed by the British with a special resolution in 1880.{{cite news | last = Muthahar Saqaf | first = Syed | title = One of the tallest minarets in South India| location = Salem | work = The Hindu | date = 5 July 2018 | url = https://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/the-new-minaret-here-is-one-of-the-tallest/article24339163.ece | access-date = 6 July 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180903082154/https://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/the-new-minaret-here-is-one-of-the-tallest/article24339163.ece | archive-date = 3 September 2018 | url-status = live}}{{cite web|title=Mosque Details in Corporation|url=http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Temples.php|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113173225/http://www.salemcorporation.gov.in/Temples.php|archive-date=13 January 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Mosque Details in Salem District Govt Site|url=https://salem.nic.in/tourist-place/temples/|access-date=8 December 2020}}

Christ Church is located on Fort Road and the church was consecrated in 1875.{{cite news|last1=Saravanan|first1=S P|title=Christ Church celebrates 140 years of service in Salem|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/christ-church-celebrates-140-years-of-service-in-salem/article6667276.ece|access-date=14 August 2015|place=Salem|newspaper=The Hindu|date=6 December 2014}} The other popular churches in and around the city include the Lechler Memorial Church, which is the oldest church in Salem, was built in 1856 by a German missionary in Fort Salem.{{cite web|title=Church and Temple Details in Salem Local Planning Authority Website|url=http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/slpa/heritage-vital.htm/|access-date=8 December 2020|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211002934/http://salem.tn.nic.in/slpa/heritage-vital.htm|url-status=dead}}

File:Mookeneri lake islands.jpg

File:Ghat road-3-yercaud-salem-India.jpg

File:Kurumambapatti Zoological park entrance.jpg

Salem's traditional shopping areas are in the Town area, with major retailers in Bazaar Street, Car Street, First Agraharam and Chinna Kadai Street. Shevapet and the Fort area are noted for hardware and furniture, and Leigh Bazaar in Shevapet is the main wholesale market.

Reliance Shopping Mall, the city's largest shopping complex is situated near Five Roads. Other malls in the city are Nirmal Skywin mall and Kandaswarna Mega mall.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3814959.ece|title=Reliance mall getting ready|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=30 July 2015|date=24 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104213041/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3814959.ece|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=live}}

Kurumbapatti Zoological Park and Anna Park are government-run parks.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/the-only-two-amusement-spots/article7524338.ece|title=The only two amusement spots|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=9 January 2018|date=11 August 2015}} Paravasa Ulagam{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Newly-married-youth-drowns-in-amusement-park-pool/articleshow/20470114.cms|title=Newly married youth drowns in amusement park pool|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=31 January 2018|date=7 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601190511/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Newly-married-youth-drowns-in-amusement-park-pool/articleshow/20470114.cms|archive-date=1 June 2018|url-status=live}} and Dream Land are amusement parks in the city. Mookaneri (Kannankurichi) lake within the city limits is a popular tourist place and bird watching destination.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-a-major-tourist-attraction/article8647514.ece|title=Mookeneri Lake|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=9 January 2018|date=26 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109182043/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mookaneri-lake-a-major-tourist-attraction/article8647514.ece|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/kumaragiri-lake-gets-a-facelift/article18663267.ece|title=Kumaragiri Lake|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=9 January 2018|date=26 May 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|title=Mookeneri Birds|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=9 January 2018|date=19 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109182148/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rare-migratory-birds-spotted-in-kannankurichi-lake-in-salem/article5744860.ece|archive-date=9 January 2018|url-status=live}}

Yercaud, a major hill station in Tamil Nadu is about {{convert|20|km}} from Salem City. The Ghat Road starts at the end of the Salem City limits. The Ghat Road is a picturesque spot and attracts a lot of early morning walkers and joggers. Yercaud is also a famous weekend getaway for the people of Salem and nearby districts and states.

Thattu vadai Set (or simply called as settu) is a savory snack and popular street food, which originated in Salem and is now available in other cities in Tamil Nadu like Chennai. It is a very famous street snack available at almost every small stall set up on the streets of Salem. The sandwich consists of two crunchy thattai discs with fillings such as crispy beetroot, carrot and other vegetables smeared with green and red chutneys. Norukkal Mix, another popular snack is smashed murukku mixed with chutney, groundnut, coconut, sliced tomatoes and Chillipowder (Molagapodi). Egg Settu, Murukku Settu and Maanga Settu are the different varieties of Thattu vadai Set. Salem has a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian hotels which offer good food at a reasonable price.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|title=Salem's own evening Snack|last=Saravanan|first=S.P.|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611014604/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|archive-date=11 June 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Food/chaat-with-a-southern-twist/article7522307.ece|title=Chaat with a local flavour|last=Sripathi|first=Apoorva|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430025249/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Food/chaat-with-a-southern-twist/article7522307.ece|archive-date=30 April 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/Cooking_Detail.asp?Nid=397&Cat=502|title=This is Salem special Thattuvadai set|publisher=Dinakaran|date=19 February 2010|access-date=2 February 2018|language=ta|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190152/http://www.dinakaran.com/Cooking_Detail.asp?Nid=397&Cat=502|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Ever Tried 'Thattaivadai Settu'? This Iconic Salem Street Snack Is a Must-Have!|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/142412/thattaivadai-settu-salem-iconic-street-food/|access-date=28 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528215112/https://www.thebetterindia.com/142412/thattaivadai-settu-salem-iconic-street-food/|archive-date=28 May 2018|url-status=live|date=22 May 2018}}{{cite web|title=17 Chennai Street Foods That'll Make Other City People Feel Bad That They Don't Have These|url=http://www.chennaimemes.in/17-chennai-street-foods-thatll-force/|publisher=chennaimemes.in|access-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064132/http://www.chennaimemes.in/17-chennai-street-foods-thatll-force/|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|title=Salem's famous 'thattu vadai' comes to Madurai|last=Basu|first=Soma|work=The Hindu|access-date=21 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611014604/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/salems-own-evening-snack/article7812120.ece|archive-date=11 June 2018|url-status=bot: unknown}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tredyfoods.com/products/vennai-thattuvadai|title=Type of Thattuvadai in Salem|last=Foods|first=Tredy|website=Tredy Foods|access-date=2019-12-03}}

File:Salem NH47 trumpet exchange.jpg

File:Salem Junction.jpg]]

Salem has six arterial roads: Omalur Road, Cherry Road, Saradha College Road, Junction Main Road, Trichy Road and Attur Road. Three National Highways originate from or pass through Salem: NH 44 (Srinagar via Madurai and Tirunelveli Kanyakumari), NH 544 (Salem – Kochi via Erode and Coimbatore and Tiruppur )and NH 79 (Salem – Ulundurpet).{{cite web|url=http://www.indiamapped.com/highways-in-india/|title=List of National Highway, National Highways of India, National Highways|publisher=Indiamapped.com|access-date=10 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414025828/http://www.indiamapped.com/highways-in-india/|archive-date=14 April 2012|url-status=live}}

Salem is the headquarters of the Salem division of TNSTC. The city has two major bus stations: the MGR Integrated Bus Terminus in Meyyanoor and the Town Bus Station (Old Bus Stand) in the town area. Intercity and interstate routes and private buses originate at the Central Bus Stand (New Bus Stand), and local buses originate at the Old Bus Stand. The Anna Flyover is the oldest in the city, and the Trumpet Interchange was built in the realignment of NH 544 to ease traffic towards Coimbatore. A new double-decker flyover runs within main city centres like New bus stand, 5 roads, saratha college road, 4 roads to ease congestion on these roads. It is the longest double-decker flyover in Tamil Nadu covering a length of 7.87 km.

The Town Bus terminus is being upgraded into a double decker bus terminus, the first of this kind in the state under the smart City scheme

.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/two-tier-bus-terminal-to-come-up-in-salem/article26925087.ece|title= Two tier bus terminal to come up in Salem|website= The Hindu|access-date=2020-07-19}} The terminal building of the New Bus terminus is also reconstructed under the smart City scheme.

A new bus port has also been proposed for the city at Jagirammapalayam near IT park with an area of about 61 acres. This includes a bypass road to connect the Ayothiapattinam area of the city with the bus port.{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/amp/new-bus-port-to-come-up-near-salem-cm/1550559|title=New bus port to come up at salem|access-date=2020-07-19}}

Other bus stands include the Omalur bus station and Attayampatti bus station in the outskirts of the city.

Salem Junction is an A-1 category ISO-14001 certified{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/5-rly-stations-in-salem-division-bag-iso-14001-certification/articleshow/70984599.cms|title=Salem junction gets ISO 14001 certification|last=ISO|first=Salem|work=The Times of India|access-date=2020-07-05}} railway junction located in Suramangalam area, {{convert|5|km}} west of the city. In 2005, the Railway Board approved the creation of a Salem railway division from Palakkad and Tiruchirapalli divisions. It is the fourth-largest of the six Southern Railway zone divisions. Salem Railway Junction has been rated as the cleanest station among the divisional headquarters railway stations and also the ninth cleanest railway station in the entire country, according to a survey report published in June 2017.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/Salem-among-top-10-cleanest-railway-stations/article14511979.ece|title=Salem among top 10 cleanest railway stations|last=Cleanest|first=Salem|work=The Hindu|access-date=2017-06-21}} Other major railway stations catering to the city include Salem Town,{{Cite news|url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/03/09021006/1064469/Proposal-to-make-Salem-Town-an-allwomen-railway-station.vpf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225111819/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2018/03/09021006/1064469/Proposal-to-make-Salem-Town-an-allwomen-railway-station.vpf|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2020|title=Proposal to make Salem Town an all-women railway station|last=Cleanest|first=Salem|work=DTnext|access-date=2020-02-25}} Salem Market, Omalur Junction, Karuppur railway station and Ayothiapattinam railway station.

File:AIRPORT SALEM INDIA.jpg

Salem Airport (IATA SXV, ICAO VOSM) is located on the Salem-Bengaluru Highway (NH44) in Kaamalapuram about {{convert|15|km}} from the city. Airports Authority of India (AAI) opened the airport in 1993 for commercial operations. Kingfisher Airlines flew from Chennai but ended its service in October 2011 due to low occupancy. Trujet started services to Chennai in March 2018 as a part of the Udaan scheme by Government of India as well as Air Odisha gives connectivity to Bengaluru and Pondicherry from June 2018.{{cite web|url=https://airodisha.com/eng/flight-schedule|title=Air Odisha – Flight Schedule|date=2 May 2018|access-date=28 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042534/https://airodisha.com/eng/flight-schedule|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/More-flying-schools-land-in-Salem-airport-as-commercial-flights-shut/articleshow/11274658.cms?referral=PM|title=More flying schools land in Salem airport as commercial flights shut|work=The Times of India|access-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612010920/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/More-flying-schools-land-in-Salem-airport-as-commercial-flights-shut/articleshow/11274658.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=12 June 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/efforts-underway-to-revive-salem-airport/article7804366.ece|title=Efforts underway to revive Salem Airport|last=Ananth|first=M.K.|work=The Hindu|access-date=2 March 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/mar/26/chennai-flight-puts-salem-on-aviation-map-1792567.html|title=Chennai flight puts Salem on aviation map|work=The Indian Express|access-date=29 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329184201/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/mar/26/chennai-flight-puts-salem-on-aviation-map-1792567.html|archive-date=29 March 2018|url-status=live}}

Flight services resumed from October 2023. Now, Salem is directly connected to Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Cochin.{{Airport-dest-list|Alliance Air|Bangalore, Kochi{{cite news|last=Sivapriyan|first=E.T.B.|title=Salem Airport resumes operation with inaugural flight from Bengaluru|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/salem-airport-resumes-operation-with-inaugural-flight-from-bengaluru-2729001|work=Deccan Herald|date=16 October 2023|access-date=16 October 2023}}

|IndiGo|Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad{{cite news|last=Sengupta|first=Joy|title=IndiGo commences operations from Salem|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indigo-commences-operations-from-salem/articleshow/104827375.cms|work=The Times of India|date=30 October 2023|access-date=30 October 2023}}}}The other nearest major airports are Tiruchirappalli (152 km) and Coimbatore (148 km).

Gandhi Stadium, built originally for cricket, also hosts athletic meets, football, Volleyball and basketball.{{cite news|title=Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Salem to be renovated|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/mahatma-gandhi-stadium-in-salem-to-be-renovated/article4682469.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=20 February 2020}} Salem District Cricket Association (SDCA) has 47 teams in league cricket. The city has 2 international standard turf grounds. The Green Valley Sports club Cricket ground is on the outskirts of Salem city.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/salem-in-search-of-ground-reality/articleshow/60323769.cms|title=Salem in search of "ground reality'|last=Prasad|first=Bagawati|work=The Times of India|access-date=20 February 2020}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/salem/salem-to-soon-have-a-cricket-stadium-of-intel-stature/articleshow/59613797.cms|title=Salem to soon have a cricket stadium of international stature'|work=The Times of India|access-date=20 February 2020}} The state chief minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami inaugurated the Salem Cricket Foundation Stadium with international standards on 10 February 2020 in the presence of former cricketer Rahul Dravid and former ICC and BCCI president N. Srinivasan built at a cost of {{INRConvert|3|c}} in Karivepilapatti near Vazhapadi.{{cite news|title=Salem gets new cricket ground|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/salem-gets-new-cricket-ground-at-a-cost-of-rs-3cr/articleshow/74051732.cms|work=The Times of India|date=10 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}{{cite news|title=Dravid believes next generation of cricketers emerge from smaller cities and towns|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/rahul-dravid-inauguration-cricket-ground-in-salem-edappadi-palaniswami-n-srinivasan/article30776233.ece|work=The Hindu|date=9 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}} This newly inaugurated ground is the home ground for Salem Spartans, a TNPL team and also the second home ground for the Indian Premier League team of Chennai Super Kings.{{cite news|title=TNPL Season-5 draft today|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/tnpl-season-5-draft-today/article30865361.ece|work=The Hindu|date=10 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}{{cite news|title=Coimbatore, Salem on TNPL map this season|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/feb/19/coimbatore-salem-on-tnpl-map-this-season-2105419.html|work=The New Indian Express|date=19 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020}}

T. Natarajan, who hails from Salem, made his international debut for the India cricket team in December 2020{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/802575.html |title=T. Natarajan |access-date=8 December 2020|publisher=ESPNcricinfo}} He plays in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad and is nicknamed as "Yorker King" for his accurate Yorkers at death overs in T20 games.{{Cite web|title=From Salem and TNPL, IPL exploits to India cap – The inspirational journey of T Natarajan |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/photo-gallery-from-salem-and-tnpl-ipl-exploits-to-india-cap-the-inspirational-journey-of-t-natarajan-2859598|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Daily News and Analysis}} In the 2020 IPL season, delivered a whopping 96 yorkers in 16 IPL matches this year. He played a major role for India to win the Dettol T20 Series 2020 in Australia.{{cite news|title=Natarajan's rise – a triumph of the spirit|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/natarajans-rise-a-triumph-of-the-spirit/article33234308.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=8 December 2020}}

Mariyappan Thangavelu from Salem is an Indian Paralympic high jumper. He represented India in the 2016 Summer Paralympic games held in Rio de Janeiro in the men's high jump T-42 category, winning the gold medal in the finals.{{Cite web|url=https://sportscafe.in/articles/sports/2016/sep/10/paralympics-2016-mariyappan-thangavelu-wins-indias-first-gold-in-rio|title=Paralympics 2016 {{!}} Mariyappan Thangavelu wins India's first gold in Rio|date=2016-09-10|access-date=2016-09-14}}

File:Vinayaka Mission University,Salem.JPG

File:ST. LOUIS MONTFORT SCHOOL CHURCH, Yercaud, Salem - panoramio.jpg

File:Periyar university, Salem.jpg

File:Women at an all women's school in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg

{{See also|List of educational institutions in Salem, India}}

Salem has several educational institutions with Arts and Science colleges affiliated to Periyar University founded in 1997.

• The Government College of Engineering was founded in 1966{{cite web|url=http://www.gcesalem.edu.in/node/231|title=Genesis of GCE|website=Government College of Engineering, Salem|access-date=30 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021044/http://www.gcesalem.edu.in/node/231|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}
• The Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College was established in 1986{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/mbbs-distribution-of-forms-begins-in-salem/article24140490.ece|title=MBBS: distribution of forms begins in Salem|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=18 June 2018|date=12 June 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://collegedunia.com/college/10493-govt-mohan-kumaramangalam-medical-college-gmkmc-salem|title=GMKMC, SALEM|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618102532/https://collegedunia.com/college/10493-govt-mohan-kumaramangalam-medical-college-gmkmc-salem|archive-date=18 June 2018|url-status=live}}
• The Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT), Salem was established in 1960 by Ministry of Textiles{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/textiles-mininistry-decides-to-continue-diploma-courses-at-iiht/|title=Textiles Mininistry decides to continue diploma courses at IIHT|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=29 August 2018|date=26 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829160939/https://indianexpress.com/article/education/textiles-mininistry-decides-to-continue-diploma-courses-at-iiht/|archive-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/anna-university-ranking-2017-top-10-affiliated-colleges-tnea-ac-in-annauniv-edu-based-on-november-december-semester-results-4712928/|title=Anna University ranking: Top 10 affiliated colleges based on last year's results|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=29 August 2018|date=20 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829114752/https://indianexpress.com/article/education/anna-university-ranking-2017-top-10-affiliated-colleges-tnea-ac-in-annauniv-edu-based-on-november-december-semester-results-4712928/|archive-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live}}
• The Government Law College was opened in August 2019{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/govt-law-college-inaugurated-in-theni/articleshow/70900705.cms|title=Govt law college Inaugurated in Theni|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=7 September 2019|date=29 August 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/permanent-building-for-law-college-to-come-up-on-salem-coimbatore-nh/article29163833.ece|title=Permanent building for law college to come up on salem|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=7 September 2019|date=19 August 2019}}
• Sona College of Technology founded 1997
• Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College founded 1987{{cite news|url=http://www.vmkvec.ac.in/aboutus.asp|title=Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College about us}}
• Thiagarajar Polytechnic College founded 1958{{cite news|url=http://www.tpt.edu.in/about-us/tpt-momentous.php|title=Thiagarajar Polytechnic College, History}}

Historically, Salem has had one sister city, Salem, Oregon, USA.

As of 2014, there was talk of reviving the now-stagnant Sister City project launched in 1964 with Salem in Oregon, USA.{{cite news|author=Syed Muthahar Saqaf |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sister-city-project-revived-in-salem/article6657099.ece |title=Sister City Project revived in Salem |newspaper=The Hindu |date=3 December 2014 |access-date=1 June 2015}}

• Sasi — film director
• S. D. Sundharam — Indian Tamil playwright, dialogue writer and lyricist
• Arivazhagan Venkatachalam — Tamil film director
• Arthur A. Wilson — cinematographer
• Taj Noor — music director
• Satish — actor

• A. R. Rao — Indian mathematician
• Tiruvadi Sambasiva Venkataraman — botanist, agronomist and plant geneticist

• P. Varadarajulu Naidu — founder of The Indian Express

• Edappadi K. Palaniswami — former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (Feb 2017 to May 2021)
• Veerapandy S. Arumugam — Indian politician
• P. Dhanapal — Indian politician
• Rangarajan Kumaramangalam — Indian politician
• K. Rajaram, Indian politician
• T. V. Rajeswar, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh — Indian politician
• Vazhappady K. Ramamurthy — Indian politician
• T. M. Selvaganapathy — Indian politician
• P. Subbarayan (1889–1962) — Indian politician

• Thangarasu Natarajan — Indian cricketer
• M. R. Srinivasaprasad — cricketer, represented Young India in Zimbabwe (1983/84)
• Mariyappan Thangavelu — Indian Paralympic high jumper, India's first Paralympian gold medalist since 2004
• P. V. Nandhidhaa — Indian chess player, India's 17th Woman Grandmaster{{Cite web|url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2017/08/01015652/1040337/TN-Chief-Minister-honours-Chess-champion-Nandhidhaa.vpf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128232743/https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2017/08/01015652/1040337/TN-Chief-Minister-honours-Chess-champion-Nandhidhaa.vpf|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 November 2020|title= TN Chief Minister honours Chess champion Nandhidhaa|date=2017-08-01| website=dtnext.in |access-date=2020-11-20}}

• Arthanareesa Varma (1874–1964) — freedom fighter, poet, author and journalist

• Salem metropolitan area
• Economy of Salem, Tamil Nadu
• Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Salem
• Largest Indian Cities by GDP

{{Reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Salem, Tamil Nadu}}

{{EB1911 poster|Salem (India)|Salem, Tamil Nadu}}

• {{Wikivoyage inline|Salem (India)|Salem, Tamil Nadu}}

• [http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/ NIC website for Salem, Tamil Nadu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126103856/http://www.salem.tn.nic.in/ |date=26 January 2021 }}
• [http://www.tn.gov.in/police/PROFILE/SALEM%20DISTRICT.htm Police and prisons]
• {{Cite NSRW|wstitle=Salem|short=x}}

{{Salem District}}

{{Tamil Nadu}}

{{Municipal corporations of Tamil Nadu}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities and towns in Salem district

Category:Smart cities in India