The Ariyalur district was carved out of Perambalur district on January 1, 2001 during the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regime. But, it was merged with the Perambalur district by the subsequent All India Anna Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam rule on March 31, 2002 on economic grounds. Ariyalur district reformed on Friday November 23, 2007 and Rural Development and Local Administration Minister M K Stalin will formally inaugurate that 31st district of the State in a function to be held at the ITI playground in Ariyalur.
The district is bordered by the districts of Cuddalore in the north and north-east, Nagapattinam in the east, Thanjavur in the south and south-east, Tiruchirapalli in the south-west and Perambalur in the west. The district has a total of 16 police stations.
It is famous for its cement industries in and around it. This is possible due to its immense limestone store which is the potential raw material for cement industries. In particular the Arasu cements, the Birla cements, the Sakthi cements, the Dalmia cements, the Tamil Nadu cements, etc. are situated in Ariyalur. So Ariyalur is one of the busiest transport cities. It is also familiar for the Kaliyaperumaal Temple situated at 5 km from Ariyalur. The famous Kangaikonda cholapuram is situated near to it. This town is famous for the temple which was built by the King Rajendra Cholan of Chola Empire. The King Rajendra Cholan is the son ofRajaraja Cholan who built Tanjore Temple.
This district has huge reserves of lignite.
As of 2011 it is the third least populous district of Tamil Nadu (out of 32), after Perambalur and Nilgiris
