The diocese covers 7,823 square kilometers, including 18 civil administration units called taluks in five civil districts. Kumbakonam is the largest town in the diocese. Srigangam and Perambular are other important towns in the diocese.
In 2016, the total population was 5,366,256 in the diocese. Tamils form the major ethnic group.
The diocese of Kumbakonam was carved out of the archdiocese of Pondicherry and was erected on Sept. 1, 1899, by the apostolic letter of Pope Leo XIII. The first two bishops were from Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP): Monsignor Hugo M. Bottero led the diocese from 1899 to 1913 and Monsignor Marie Augustine Chapuis headed the diocese from 1913 to 1930.
After a year of able guidance by Monsignor M. A. Xavier as its apostolic administrator, Monsignor Peter Francis became the first indigenous bishop in 1931 and was followed by Monsignor D. Paul Arulsamy in 1955. In his tenure of 33 years (1955-1988), the diocese witnessed the liturgical and theological renewal of the Second Vatican Council. After his resignation in 1988, Monsignor Antony David led the diocese. The fifth bishop, Monsignor Peter Remigius, was ordained bishop on Jan. 3, 1990.
The towns are managed by municipalities. The villages and small towns are administered by elected local bodies called panchayats.
The diocesan area is well connected in terms of transport infrastructure by roads and railway. The nearest airport is in Trichy city.
The diocese covers 7,823 square kilometers, including 18 civil administration units called taluks cutting across five civil districts. Kumbakonam is the largest town in the diocese. Srigangam and Perambular are other important towns in the diocese.
Per capita income in the diocesan territory is Rs 17,339 ($375) as of September 2006. Farming, especially paddy cultivation, is the most common occupation. The diocese is part of an area called the "rice bowl of Tamil Nadu." Kumbakonam is also famous for its betel nuts.
Government and private operators provide extensive telecommunication facilities in the diocesan area. The diocese is well connected by local cable TV networks.
The diocese has a literacy rate of 66.07 per cent.
