ABOUT VELLORE
Vellore had the previlege of being the seat of the Pallava, Chola, Nayak, Maratha, Arcot Nawabs and Bijapur Sultan Kindoms. It was described as the best and the strongest fortress in the Carnatic War in the 17th Century. It was witnessed the massacre of European soldier during the mutiny of 1806.Vellore district lies between 12° 15’ to 13° 15’ North latitudes and 78° 20’ to 79° 50’ East longitudes in Tamilnadu State. The geographical area of this district is 6077 sq. k.m. The total population as per 1991 Census is 30,26,432.
Vellore is the Head-Quarters of Vellore District is well connected by Rail and bus routes to major towns of the neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. The history of the District assumes a great significance and relevance, as we unfold the glorious past. The Monuments found in the district give a vivid picture of the town through the ages. In the 18th Century Vellore District was the scene of some of the decisive battles fought in Ambur 1749 A.D., Arcot 1751 A.D. and Vandavasi 1768 A.D. as a result of the long – drawn struggle between the English and the French for Supremacy.
One of the monuments of Vellore is the Fort. A very close examination of the stone inscriptions suggests that the Fort in all probability might have been built during the rule of Chinna Bommi Nayak (1526 to 1595 A.D.). The Fort is one of the most perfect speciments of Military architecture in South India. The Jalakandeswarar Temple inside the Fort is a very fine example of Vijayanagar architecture. The Kalyanamantap on the left of the entrance, with intricate carvings and delicacy of execution bears testimony to the engineering marvel and advanced state of sculpture of the times. Another landmark that has put Vellore on the Centre stage of Medical world is the Christian Medical College & Hospital.
The outstanding performance of this district in contributing to the Military service is commendable, as more and more men have enlisted themselves to the Military service, to serve the nationa indomitable spirit and courage. The clock tower in the long bazaar, Vellore was built in 1928 A.D.. A stone inscription in the building reads "VELLORE – FROM THIS VILLAGE 277 MEN WENT TO THE GREAT WAR 1914-18, OF THEM 14 GAVE UP THEIR LIVES" . This is a recorded testimony to the Vellore and Military prowess of men of this area.
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF VELLORE DISTRICT
Vellore, the Head- Quarters of Vellore District situated in 12' 35' N and 79' 9' E , has a very interesting History of its own. A strategically located town, it is well connected by Rail and bus routes to major towns of the neighboring states like A.P. Karnataka and Kerala. The History of the district assumes a great significance and relevance, as we unfold the glorious past. It was under the sway of various dynasties and rulers, the prominent among them being the Pallavas , Cholas of Uraiyur, the Rashtrakutaa dynasty of Malkhed, Sambuvarayar, the rulers of Vijayanagarm, Mamathas, the Nawabs of the carnatic and the British. The Monuments found in the district give a vivid picture of the town through the ages. In the 18 th Century Vellore District was the scene of some of the decisive bettles fought in Ambur (1749) A.D Arcot (1751) A.D and Vandivasi (1760A.D) as a result of the long -drawn struggle between the English and the French for Supremacy.
One of the monuments of Vellore is the fort and its exact date of construction could not be established, in the absence of proper records. A very close examination of the stone inscriptions suggests that the fort in all probability might have been built during the rule of Chinna. Bommi Nayak (1526 to 1595A. D) . The fort is one of the most perfect specimens of Military architecture in S.India.
The Jalakandeswarar Temple inside the fort is very fine example of Vijayanagar architecture. The Kalyanamantap, on the left of the entrance, with intricate caring and delicacy of exaction, bears testimony to the engineering marble and advanced state of sculpture of the times. Another land mark that has put Vellore on the center stage of Medical world is the Christian Medical College Hospital. Dr . IDA Scudder, the American lady, with a missionary zeal, started her Medical work in 1900 A.D. by setting up a very small Hospital, which in the last hundred years has grown into a premier Medical Institution of international repute. The central prison in Vellore , set up in 1830 A.D. is another Historically important land mark as some eminent personalities and Freedom Fighters like Thiru. Rajaji, Thiru C.N. Annadurai, Thiru. K. Kamaraj , the former presidents of India Thiru. V.V.Giri, Thiru. R.VenkataRaman had served their prison terms here. The other note worthy monuments are the Mausoleums located in Aruganthampoodi area on the Vellore - Arcot road, where the family members of Tippu Sultan were buried and the Muthu mandapam on the banks of river of palar, a memorial raised by the Tamil Nadu Government to honor Vikarama Rja Singha , the last Tamil King who ruled Kandy (Srilanka ) from 1798 to 1815 A.D. He was imprisoned in Vellore fort for 17 years.
The Role Of Vellore District in the freedom struggle
Vellore District had always been on the fore - front in the struggle for freedom. In fact the Sepoy Mutiny of 1806 A.D. that broke out inside the Vellore fort against the British authority is considered to be a prelude to the Great Revolt of 1857, which is often described by some historians as the first war of Independence.
The outstanding performance of this district in contributing to the Military service is Commendable, as more and more men have enlisted themselves to the Military service, to serve the nation with indomitable sprit and courage. The clock tower in the long Bazaar Vellore was built in 1920 A.D. a stone inscription in the building reads "Vellore - From this Village 277 men want to the Great war 1914-18,of them 14 gave up their lives ". This is a recorded testimony the Velour and Military prowess of this area.
Economic, Social AND Cultural Changes in Vellore in the 20th Century
The economic condition of the district in the earlier stages was not very sound , in the absence of the major industries. Thanks to the sustained efforts and Vigorous police of the Govt . Industries like Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd Ranipet, Tamil Nadu Explosives Ltd., Katpadi. Have been set up. Besides there has been marked growth of small scale industries and Tanneries in the district. This industrial activity has not only generated employment opportunities , but also contributed. Uzhavar to economic growth the recently introduced ./ Uzhavar Sandhai., for instance has benefited the rural poor. giving much needed thrust to the economic. The innovative self help groups of woman are also playing a very useful role in building rural economy and helping rural women to be self reliant.The social scenario also has changed keeping pace with the changing times. Increased social awareness and upward social growth mark the successful story of the district . The bonded labour, the child labour, etc. Are fast disappearing giving place to new social order. A striking feature of the social change is that the district achieved cent percent literacy owing to the effective implementation of the Arivoli, Movement.
The Samathuvapurams that are being set up, in various parts of the district , herald a new era, as social harmony and peaceful co-existence of different communities are the basic concept of this scheme. The Varumun Kappom Thittam by proving basic infrastructure to rural folk for a free medical examination is indeed a milestone in the social history of Tamil Nadu.
The cultural impact in the society is also very significant same of the traditional arts of the District like the Therukoothu., an art form folk theaters, Kokkalikottai, a famous traditional dance in the district are gradually vanishing. But it is also a matter of solace to note that some of the handicrafts for which the Vellore district are renowned, are still flourishing . Mats making in Walajapet, silk weaving in Arni and the traditional art of pot making in Vellore and places around, are some of the handicrafts which are enable to successfully withstand challenges through ages. The poomalai., scheme that has been introduced by the govt. will not only preserve the traditional handicrafts, but also promote their growth.
Dating back to the 13th Century this ancient Fort is the main attraction for tourists. This historically famous fort retains the past glory with its ramparts, barlements, turrets, posts, and sally gates and with perennial water supply.Double walls fortify it and the main walls are of made massive granite blocks laid one over the other without using mortar.The fort houses a church, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, and many buildings. Many Government offices are located in these buildings.
Golden Temple (Sri Puram) is a Spiritual park situated at the foot of a small range of green hills in a place known as Malaikodi in the city of Vellore in Tamil nadu, India.The salient Feature of Sripuram is the Lakshmi Narayani temple or Mahalakshmi temple whose Vimanam and Ardha Mandapam have been coated with gold both in the interior and exterior.The temple is located on20 acres of land and has been constructed by Vellore-based Sri Narayani Peedam, headed by spiritual leader Sri Sakthi Amma. The temple, covering 55,000 sq ft, has intricate carvings and sculptures in gold. The lighting is arranged in such a way that the temple glitters even during night.The Sripuram is the biggest structure made out of gold.Even the Sadari, a crown with feet of the lord engraved on it, is made of solid gold weighing 1 kg.The outer pathway of the temple is made out in the shape of a Star. The walls of the pathway have inscriptions of teachings of Sakthi amma, Gita, Bible Quran and the {Guru Granth Sahib Ji]. Only people who believe in more than one god are allowed to enter the temple. All people have to go through the Star shaped pathway to reach the sanctum.The Inner praharam of the temple resembles the circular structure of the Parliament of India. The temple is at the southern end of the city of Vellore, at Tirumalaikodi.It is located on the way to Anaicut, on Usoor Road. It's under Corporation limits.
Location Of Govt. Mesuem: Inside the Fort, Vellore Importance: This is a multi purpose museum maintained by the Department of Museums of Tamil Nadu Government. It treasures ancient and present day curios relating to anthropology Art and Archaeology, Botany, Geology, Numismatics, Pre-history, Zoology etc., The historical monuments of the erstwhile composite North Arcot District are gracefully depicted in the Gallery. This Museum is kept open on all days between 9.00 am 12.30 pm and 2 pm and 5 pm except on holidays and admission is free.
Kavalur in Vaniyambadi Taluk has an array to telescopes of various apertures 15 inches (38 cm) and 30 inches (75 cm) 40 inches (1metre) commissioned in 1972 and the new Computer controlled 2.3 metre aperture telescope, whose tube is mounted at the centre of a yoke attached on its North side to a massive horse-shoe. The telescope can easily resolve a 25 paise coin kept forty kilometres away. A VAZ 11/780 Computer is at hand for on-line analysis of data including image processing. The small 38 cm telescope made in the backyards of Kodaikanal observatory using a mounting borrowed from a 90-year-old telescope is the one that in 1968 brought astronomy to the sleepy little hamlet of Kavalur in the Javadu hills. From it to the sophisticated 23-metre telescope that would have done any country proud, Kavalur has indeed come a long way in a span of 18 years.
Location: Elagiri Hills in Tirupathur Taluk. 75 Kms from Vellore Considered as the Ooty of Vellore District, this stands eloquent amidst four mountains, at a height of 3500 feet above sea level is gifted with natural scenic beauty(lakes, lush green forest) cool & pleasant climate and convenient location.. A solemn summer resort, this place has comfortable lodging house, rest houses, and Government Travellers Bunglows. A church with exquisite craftsmanship and a beautiful park adorn these hills as an ideal tourist spot. Other places of interest are Poly Garden House (Lake side), Sericulture Farm (Mangalam Village), Jalagamparai Water Falls, Mangalam Fishing Pond, Nachiamman Koil, Murugan Koil and Valley View point, Thayalur Horiculture Farm (YMCA Boys camp), Telescope House.
Location Of Muthu mandapam(Pearl place):On the bed of Palar river in Vellore Town. This is a memorial built around the tombstone of Vikramaraja Singh, the last candy Tamil rule. To this memorial are going to be added an aquarium, a Children's Park, a lawn and three decorative arches.
The Temple inside the fort, is dedicated to Lord Siva named as Jalagandeeswarar and is noted for its sculptures, which speak volumes of the exquisite craftsmanship of the highly skilled artisans of that period. The sculptures in the Porch on the left of the entrance are connoisseurs. It has a big marriage hall adorned with elegant engravings and monolithic sculptures. The Temple was used for long as an arsenal and remained without deity. A few years back it has been sanctified with a deity Lord Siva which is worshipped by pilgrims and tourists.
Magnificent Jalagamparai Waterfalls is created by the River Attaaru running through the valleys of Yelagiri Hills. It is a good picnic spot as well as an ideal destination for day long trek.Waterfall's view is best in the days of November to February as they are fully loaded with water but the waterfall is little dry in the times of summers..
Mordhana Dam which is a picnic spot,where the dam is condtructed between two hills.
In 1751 Robert Clive captured this fort and named the gate, Delhi Gate, as this victory was the beginning of his capture of Delhi. The entrace was constructed with a Moghul arch. It is believed that Clive used to take strategic decisions in the upper room. There is a stone slab with the following inscription near the big doorway. The gate formed part of the fortification of Arcot during its memorable defence by Lord Clive in 1751.
Tippu Mahal.
Palar Anaicut Dam.
Amirthi forest is 25Km from Vellore and is a nice picnic spot. There is a stream that runs through semi-dense forest and a zoo with quite a few animals. For those interested in Trekking, There is a fantastic path to trek up the stream, at the end of which is a small waterfall. The Best time to visit Amirthi is soon after some rain or after the monsoon (June-August and September-November), that's when there is a lot of water in the stream.There are wild animals in the forest too, and as a protected area, hunting is banned. Visitors are encouraged to leave by sundown for their own safety. On request, rest house accommodation can be got to stay overnight for up to 5 members.
