SALEM, Tamil Nadu

Main Attraction: YERCAUD

Yercaud is a hill station in Salem District in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats; the Yercaud hill area is called the Shevaroy Hills. It is situated at an altitude of 1515 metres (4970 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple at 5,326 feet (1623 m). It is so named owing to the abundance of trees categorised as a forest near the lake, the name signifying Lake Forest.

As a popular tourist destination, Yercaud is also called as Jewel of the South. Yercaud is connected to the city of Salem by State Highway of 28 km. The temperature never rises above 29 °C (84 °F) or goes below 13 °C (55 °F). Coffee and citrus fruits, notably oranges, are grown in abundance, as well as bananas, pears and jackfruit. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Eastern Ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable experiences. The total extent of Yercaud Taluk is 382.67 sq.km, including Reserve Forests.

Brief History

The date of human civilization in this district reaches far back to the stone ages. The existence of prehistoric culture in Salem is evident from the discovery of Paleolithic and Neolithic stone implements and dung ash heaps in and around Salem. A concise chronology of the district is presented below.

Third Century BC had witnessed the period of Bogar, a Tamil Siddhar. Buddhism and Jainism spread over in Salem during this period. First Century AD was the beginning of Christian era. The existence of a culturally and economically advanced society in Salem around 2000 years ago is evident from the discovery of silver coins of the Roman Emperor Tiberices Clavdices Nero in Koneripatti of Salem in 1987. Second Century AD witnessed the rule of Pandian dynasty in Salem. Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan Kanaikal Irumporai ruled Kollimalai of Salem in this period.

The rise of Pallava dynasty in Salem was during 4th Century AD. Mahendra Varma Pallava ruled Salem during the 6th Century AD. In the 7th Century AD, during the reign of Narasimha Varma Pallava, Buddhism and Jainism started weakening in Salem. In 8th Century AD Pandiyan Dynasty occupied their power in Salem. In 9th Century AD, the region witnessed the rise of “Saiva Samayam” and fading away of Jainism and Buddhism in Salem. Pallava dynasty again rose during this period.

Rise of Chola dynasty in 10th Century AD resulted in the decline of Pallava dynasty.The rule of Chozha dynasty continued till the rise of Hoysala dynasty in 12th Century AD. Hoysala rule was very well established during 13th Century AD. But, some parts of Salem still remained under Pandiyan dynasty. During 14th Century, i.e. in 1368, Salem came under Vijaya Nagar Empire. Vijaya Nagar Kings ruled Salem till 1565 AD. During 15th Century, the Chalukya ruled and seen rise of Palyakarars. It was the spell of Princely ruling when the Madurai Nayakas came to power in 1623 AD. During this period, Emperor Krishna Deva Raya was ruling in some parts of Salem including Attur. Rise of the local Chieftains Gatti and Nayakas were in 17th Century. Palayakara rule was also in 17th Century AD. The Gatti Mudaliars were said to have built the Taramangalam temple, noted for its sculptural excellence.

In 18th Century AD, the district came under the rule of Hyder Ali, who was a very famous King during the ancient India, who took over the parts of Salem and the hills around after the Mysore-Madurai war fought with Tipu Sultan. Later during British rule, Salem was headed by many Governors and Colonels till it came under the rule of Lord Clive. Lord Clive transformed Salem into a Military regiment and this was situated at a place in the district still known as Sankagiri Durg till 19th Century. In 1856, British East India Company’s rule came to an end and the power was taken over by the British Crown. In 1860, Salem city became the capital of Salem district. A series of famines and epidemics occurred during 1866-67. Developmental activities in Salem like construction of Railways, ghat roads and construction of Mettur Dam were during the 20th Century. In 1947 Salem became a part of free India. The formation of Salem District in its present form may be noted from the following chronological events.

In 1885, about 124 square miles were transferred from Salem to North Arcot (Vellore) and South Arcot (Villupuram) districts. There were only the following nine taluks in the district such as Attur, Dharmapuri, Hosur, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, Salem, Tiruchengode, Tirupattur and Uttangarai in 1901. The number of Taluks reduced to eight consequent to the transfer of Tirupattur to North Arcot District (Vellore) and Namakkal to Tiruchirapalli district. Omalur taluk was created from parts of Salem and Tiruchengode taluks. The number of taluks increased to ten consequent to the transfer of Salem Taluk from Tiruchirapalli district and formation of new taluk of Rasipuram, which was framed from parts of Salem and Attur Taluks.

The number of taluks increased to eleven consequent to the transfer of an area of about 137 sq. miles from Coimbatore district after 1931. The transferred areas were formed into a separate taluk of Mettur. Consequent on the transfer of Kuppam area from Chittoor district to Salem, the boundaries of Krishnagiri and Hosur taluks got slightly modified.

The new taluk of Yercaud was formed from Salem Taluk. Slight changes in Krishnagiri and Hosur taluks also took place during the decade 1931 – 41. Mettur taluk was abolished and portions of it were added to Dharmapuri and Omalur taluks. Some portion of Rasipuram taluk were taken away from it and added to Salem taluk. Exchange of villages between Mysore and Madras State took place under the Provinces and States (Absorption of enclaves) Order, 1950.Sankari taluk was formed from Tiruchengode Taluk. Transfer of a few villages from Krishnagiri taluk to Andhra Pradesh also took place during the decade 1951 - 61.