Manapparai Murukku

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Manapparai Murukku is a variety of murukku, a traditional Indian snack from the town of Manapparai in Tiruchirappalli district in the state of Tamil Nadu. Murukku derives from the Tamil word for 'twisted', which refers to its shape.[1] Before Independence, Krishna Iyer started a cottage industry making murukku, and sold it first in Manapparai.[2][3][4] In 2010, the Tamil Nadu government applied for a geographical indication tag for Manapparai Murukku; it was approved in 2023.[5][6]

Once when Mahatma Gandhi came to the Manapparai Railway junction, he happily told his friends about its taste after eating Manapparai Murukku.[7] It was the ideal South Indian travel snack.[8] Later the industry was taken over by immigrants from Usilambatti, Madurai. Beginning in 1951, one migrant named Meesaikkarar (also known as Kasimaya Thevar) and his relatives began to apply special techniques and added more flavors. He is said to have made murukku famous as Manapparai Murukku.

Preparation

Ingredients such as rice flour, cumin seeds, gingelly, asafetida, ajwain (omam), salt, water and oil are used to make Manapparai Murukku. All ingredients are mixed with flour. Then, water is added little by little, as it is kneaded into a thick batter. Afterward, it is patted by the murukku maker and rotated to form coils. It is then set aside for two minutes. It is then fried in oil, then set aside again, and the process repeated. It has to be stored in an air-tight container. To add richness, butter or ghee can be added.[8]

Industry

Manapparai murukku is sold not only in all parts of Tamil Nadu but also exported to other states of India and overseas. Around 150 to 250 families and cottage industries and at least 10 companies make the snack.[8] In 2010, the Tamil Nadu government applied for a geographical indication (GI) tag for Manapparai Murukku, which was later approved in 2023.[9][6] The GI tag is claimed to help more than 400 families who depend on this work.[10]

See also

References

  1. "Cre-A Online Dictionary". Archived from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  2. "Heavy demand for crispy treat". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 30 October 2010.
  3. Gerald, Olympia Shilpa (18 August 2012). "In search of Manapparai Murukku". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  4. S. Annamalai (4 November 2013). "Business dynamics, supply issues have hardened the 'Manapparai murukku'". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  5. "Geographical indication tag for 'Mannapparai Murukku' sought". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 25 October 2010. Archived from the original on 29 October 2010.
  6. "GI logo for 'Manaparai Murukku' released". The Hindu. 1 September 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 June 2026.
  7. ஜெய், மணப்பாறை முறுக்கு, இந்து தமிழ் திசை, 31 மே 2014
  8. Gerald, Olympia Shilpa (2 October 2019). "In search of Manapparai Murukku". The Hindu.
  9. "Geographical indication tag for 'Mannapparai Murukku' sought". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 25 October 2010. Archived from the original on 29 October 2010.
  10. Joseph, Jose K (9 July 2018). "Manapparai Murukku of Tamil Nadu: Call for GI tag to rein in counterfeiters". The New Indian Express. Chennai, India. Retrieved 16 August 2020.