At the outset I express my sincere thanks and deep gratitude to my research guide Dr.S.RAMACHANDRAN, Professor of Population Studies, Annamalai University for his resourceful and excellent supervision in bringing out this work successfully. I am extremely thankful to Dr.A.SUBBIAH, Professor and Heat, Department of Population Studies, Annamalai University, for his continuous encouragement and support to finish my Ph.D thesis. I am thankful to Dr.N.Audinarayana, Professor & Head Department of Population Studies, Bharathiyar University who taught me the subject Demography and kindled my research interest contributing to achieving my aspiration in higher studies. I am thankful to the respondents of this study for their patience and co-operation in providing information needed for the study purpose. My special thanks to my well-wisher Salai Punithavalli, Meivazhi Sengol, Correspondent of Dhava Amudham Matriculation School, Srimushnam. I would like to extend my thanks to Annamalai University which provided me an opportunity for higher learning and research. I devoted the book to my Guide Honourable Professor Dr.S.RAMACHANDRAN.