Uthamapalayam is a town and a taluka headquarters in Theni district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Uthamapalayam, a beautiful town in today's Theni district, has witnessed the influence of various rulers throughout history. In ancient times, it was under the Pandya dynasty. Later, it became an important region during the rule of the Madurai Nayaks. After the decline of the Nayaks, the area was governed by local chieftains known as Poligars (Palaiyakkara).