a district of British India, in the presidency of Madras, bounded N. and N.E. by that of Madura, E. and S.E. by the Gulf of Manaar, which separates it from Ceylon, S.W. and W. by the territory of Travani- Tintoreto core. Length from N. to S. 122 miles; greatest breadth, 74; area estimated at 5700 square miles. The coast, which extends for about 95 miles N.E., from Cape Comorin, is generally low and level; with many dangerous shoals, reefs, and rocks, and few good harbours. Tuticorin is the principal place on the coast, and it has a good anchorage, protected by several small islands. The western boundary of the district is formed by the Ghauts, which have an elevation of more than 4000 feet. The ground at their foot is about 800 feet above the sea-level; and from that it gradually slopes downwards to the E. In this direction most of the rivers flow; the chief of them being the Tambaravari, the Chittaur, and the Vipar, with their affluents. North of the Tambaravari the country is level and fertile, being well irrigated by canals, but further south the soil is generally light, stony, and barren. Along the seacoast there are large salt-marshes. The climate is hot and dry, but generally healthy. Tinnevelly contains many forests of large timber-trees and palms of various kinds. Cotton is the most important production of the country; a considerable amount of rice is also raised, as well as various spices. Pop. 1,269,216.

The capital is Tinnevelly, a town on the Chindinthoora, 86 miles S. of Madura. It is the residence of the revenue collector, and has a population of about 20,000.