The region was ruled by Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century followed by the Nayaks who introduced the Palayakkarar system.

In the later part of the 18th century, the it came under the Kingdom of Mysore and following the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the British East India Company annexed it to the Madras Presidency in 1799.

The region played a prominent role in the second Poligar War (1801) when it was the area of operations of Dheeran Chinnamalai.

The textile boom in the early 20th century and rapid growth due to industrialization has seen Erode becoming a major producer of handloom and knitwear.

It might have its origin in the Tamil phrase Eeru Odai meaning two streams based on the water courses Perumpallam and Pichaikaranpallam canals.

[3] Alternatively, it might have been derived from the Tamil phrase Eera Odu meaning 'wet skull', based on the temple of Shiva in the city and the mythology associated with it.

After the Vijayanagara Empire fell in the 17th century, the Madurai Nayaks established their state as an independent kingdom introducing the Palayakkarar system.

[8][9][10] Erode has a semi-arid climate with hot to sweltering temperatures throughout the year and relatively low rainfall.

Like the rest of Tamil Nadu, March to June are the hottest and December to January the mildest months of the year.

[14] While Tamil is the main spoken language, English is common as the medium of instruction in educational institutions and in the service sector.

[29][30] Law and order is maintained by Erode sub division of Tamil Nadu Police headed by a Deputy Superintendent.

City's corporation area covers part of Bhavani, Modakurichi, Perundurai and Komarapalayam constituencies.

Its functions are devolved into six departments: general administration/personnel, Engineering, Revenue, Public Health, city planning and Information Technology (IT) under the control of a Municipal Commissioner who is the executive head.

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation has a sub-divisional headquarters at Erode (jeeva) under the Coimbatore division.

Erode Central Bus Terminus, is the second Largest main bus station complex for Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation and is well connected with the major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.

Private carriers operate long-distance buses connecting to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore etc.

[52][53] The main arterial roads include: Erode Junction railway station is a major rail junction in Salem division of Southern Railway with a diesel locomotive shed and an electric locomotive shed attached.

It also serves as a hub for water filling facilities, food provisions and cleaning services for long-distance trains that run via Erode.