TIRUNELVELI, Tamil Nadu

Main Attraction: COURTALLAM WATER FALLS

Courtallam waterfalls are located at Tenkasi Taluk of Tirunelveli District. Many seasonal and few perennial rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tamirabarani River originate in this region. Courtallam has nine waterfalls. They are Peraruvi (main falls), Chitraruvi (small falls), Shenbagadevi falls, Thenaruvi(honey falls), Aintharuvi (five falls), Pazhathotta Aruvi, Pazhaya Courtalla Aruvi (Old Courtallam falls), Puli Aruvi (Tiger Falls) and there is another small falls inside the Government Horticulture Park above Five Falls.

These waterfalls provide an important tourist attraction and there is a famous health resort in Courtallam. The waterfalls flow from a height of 90 metres from top of the hills. The season commences from the month of June and ends in the month of September every year.

Brief History

The history of Tirunelveli was researched by Robert Caldwell (1814 91), a Christian missionary who visited the area. Tirunelveli was under the rule of Pandya kings as their secondary capital; Madurai was the empire's primary capital. The Pandya dynasty in the region dates to several centuries before the Christian era from inscriptions by Ashoka (304 232 BCE) and mention in the Mahavamsa, the Brihat-Samhita and the writings of Megasthenes (350 290 CE). The province came under the rule of Cholas under Rajendra Chola I in 1064 CE; however, it is unclear whether he conquered the region or obtained it voluntarily. Tirunelveli remained under control of the Cholas until the early 13th century, when the second Pandya empire was established with Madurai as its capital.

The Nellaiappar temple was the royal shrine of the later Pandyas during the 13th and 14th centuries, and the city benefited from dams constructed with royal patronage during the period. After the death of Kulasekara Pandian (1268 1308), the region was occupied by Vijayangara rulers and Marava chieftains (Palayakarars, or Poligars) during the 16th century. The Maravars occupied the western foothills and the Telugas, and the Kannadigas settled in the black-soil-rich eastern portion. Tirunelveli was the subsidiary capital of the Madurai Nayaks; under ViswanathaNayak (1529 64), the city was rebuilt about 1560. Inscriptions from the Nellaiappar temple indicate generous contributions to the temple. Nayak rule ended in 1736, and the region was captured by Chanda Sahib (1740 1754), Arcot Nawab and Muhammed Yusuf Khan (1725 1764) during the mid-18th century.

In 1743 Nizam-ul-mulk, lieutenant of the Deccan Plateau, displaced most of the Marathas from the region and Tirunelveli came under the rule of the Nawabs of Arcot. The original power lay in the hands of the Polygars, who were originally military chiefs of the Nayaks. The city was the chief commercial town during the Nawab and Nayak era. The city was known as Nellai Cheemai, with Cheemai meaning "a developed foreign town". The Polygars built forts on the hills, had 30,000 troops and waged war among them. In 1755, the British government sent a mission under Major Heron and Mahfuz Khan which restored some order and bestowed the city to Mahfuz Khan. The Poligars waged war against Mahfuz Khan seven miles from Tirunelveli, but were defeated. 

The failure of Mahfuz Khan led the East India Company to send Muhammed Yusuf for help. Khan became ruler, rebelled in 1763 and was hanged in 1764. In 1758, British troops under Colonel Fullarton reduced the Polygar stronghold under Veerapandiya Kattabomman. In 1797, the first Polygar war broke out between the British (under Major Bannerman) and the Polygars (headed by Kattabomman). Some Polygars (such as the head of Ettaiyapuram) aided the British; Kattabomman was defeated and hanged in his home province of Panchalaguruchi. Two years later, another rebellion became known as the Second Polygar War. Panchalankuruchi fell to the British, after stiff resistance. The Carnatic region came under British rule following a treaty with the Nawab of Carnatic.

After acquiring Tirunelveli from the Nawab of Arcot in 1801, the British anglicised its name to "Tinnevelly" and made it the headquarters of Tirunelvelli District. The administrative and military headquarters was located in Palayamkottai (anglicised as "Palankottah"), from which attacks against the Polygars were launched.

COIMBATORE, Tamil Nadu

Main Attraction: AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

The third largest city of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, is one of the most industrialized cities in Tamil Nadu. It is known as the textile capital of South India or the Manchester of the South. The State Agricultural University is situated about 5 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station. Originally, it was a Agricultural College. Later on, it had its beginnings in the Agricultural Demonstration Farm that was started in 1868 in Saidapet, Chennai. 

This was shifted to Coimbatore in 1907 and became Agricultural College of repute in the course of time. Today, it is function as Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, one of the sixteen major Agricultural Universities in the country and one of the best in South Asia, from where students come to it in large numbers.

Brief History

Originally Coimbatore district formed part of the Kongu country, the history of which dates back to the Sangam age. It is found that in early days the area was inhabited by tribes, the most predominant among them being the Kosars reported to have had their headquarters at Kosampathur which probably later became the present Coimbatore. However, tribal predominance did not last long as they were over-run by the Rashtrakutas. From Rashtrakutas the region fell into the hands of the Cholas who were in prominence at the time of Raja Raja Chola. 

On the decline of Cholas the Kongu territory was occupied by the Chalukyas and then by the Pandyas and the Hoysalas from the first quarter of the 13th century A.D. Due to internal strife in the Pandiyan kingdom the Muslim rulers from Delhi happened to interfere. Alauddin Khilji, the Emperor of Delhi sent army under the command of Malik and Kajur. Vijayanagar rulers then wrestled for the region during 1377-78 after overthrowing the Madurai Sultanate. For a few years the area remained under independent control of Madurai Nayakars.

During the period of MuthuVeerappaNayakar and later during the period of Tirumalai Nayakar internal strife and intermittent wars ruined the kingdom. From 1530-1700 Kongunad remained under the Madurai Nayakars. As a consequence during the period of Tirumalai Nayakar, the Kongu region fell into the hands of the Mysore ruler Chamaraja Wodayar, from whom Hyder Ali took over the area. However, consequent upon the fall of Tippu Sultan of Mysore in 1799, the Kongu region came to be ceded to the East India Company by the Maharaja of Mysore who was restored to power by the East India Company after defeating Tippu Sultan. After defeating Tippu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the British East India Company annexed Coimbatore to the Madras Presidency in 1799.

In1804, for the sake of better administration the district which was in two parts were merged into one and was brought under the control of District Collector. In 1865, Coimbatore was established as the capital of the newly formed Coimbatore district and in 1866 it was accorded the municipality status. Sir Robert Stanes became the first Chairman of the Coimbatore City Council. In 1868, the Nilgiris District was bifurcated from the Coimbatore District. Industrialization has begun in 1888. The city experienced a textile boom in 1920s and 1930s. During post-independence peroid Coimbatore has seen rapid growth due to Industrialization and continued to be important industrial centers of the country, particularly for textile and allied industries and manufacture of motor pumps. 

Pre-independence exploration has reported urn burials and Iron Age graves at Makkinaikenpatti and Nattukkalpalayam near Pollachi. Iron Age monument at Chettipalayam near Coimbatore was excavated during 1930-34. In 1842, an earthen pot containing 522 Roman Dinari silver coins was dug up at Vellalur a small village 10 km south of Coimbatore. A pot was unearthed in 1800 at Pollachi, containing a great many Roman coins of Augustus and Tiberius (Buchanam 1807:318-319).

In 1817, a silver coin of Augustus was unearthed from a place in Coimbatore. The location of all the reported excavated sites lies on Mettupalayam-Coimbatore, Coimbatore-Pollachi and Coimbatore-Erode railway lines. The colonial administrators faithfully recorded these sites and provided a good picture on the nature of monuments that prevailed in the western part of Coimbatore region.

In post-Independence era, Coimbatore region received the attention of different institutions like Archaeological Survey of India, Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, Tamil University and Pondicherry University. Between1957 and 1963, Srinivasa Desikan reported several Iron Age sites in Coimbatore and Erode regions like cairn-circles at Virapandi, Gudalur, Billichi and Vellamadai; a double-chambered port-hole cist at Kalapatti; urn-burials at Periyanayakanpalayam; the russet-coated painted ware at Vellaimedu in Kalapatti, at Nattamedu in Sircarsamakkulam and at Ottakalmantapam and two Neolithic implements, a Celt and a hammer-stone, in the 27 vicinity of an urnburial site at Sircarsamakkulam. 

Archaeological Survey of India under the direction of K.V. Soundra Rajan and B.Narasimhaiah excavated Perur in 1970-71 and 1978-79 and subsequent excavation of Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology site in the year 2001-02, yielded black-and-red ware, red ware, brick structures and terracotta objects.

VILUPPURAM, Tamil Nadu

Main Attraction: GINGEE FORT

Gingee Fort is nestled on three hills and enclosed by a rampart of 60 feet thickness in Gingee Taluk of Villuppuram district. The indomitable courage and valor of its erstwhile rulers caused Father Pimento, a Jesuit priest to call the Gingee Fort the Troy of the East. Besieged by the Mughals and battered by the British, the Fort still stands 800 ft. height, guarded by a moat, eighty feet wide. Much of the early history of this 800 year old Fort is shrouded in mystery, as the Fort seems to have changed many hands before it was annexed to the Vijayanagar Empire.

According to local legend Gingee Amman, was one of the seven virgins who were the guardian deities of the village. Legend has it that at around 1200 A.D., Ananda Kone, chief of the local shepherd community, fortified Gingee. In 1240 A.D. Krishna Kone, his successor is said to have fortified the northern hill, which later came to be known as Krishnagiri. The Kone dynasty gave way to the Kurumbars, who established their headquarters at Sendamanagalam, which later came under the powerful Chola Empire. Recorded history dates back to the 16th century, when Gingee became the seat of the Nayaka rulers, who were under the lordship of the expanding Vijayanagar Empire. Krishnadevaraya appointed Krishnappa Nayaka, and he was considered the founder of the Nayaka line of Gingee.

Gingee today, with its ruined Forts, temples and granaries, presents different pictures from the glorious splendor of its bygone days. But the remains of the valorous past, speak volumes about the numerous invasions, warfare and bravery that it witnessed.

Brief History

The Cholas were the early rulersof the region. Among these rulers, Karikala Chola was the most famous and powerful. For a short period, the Cholas were overthrown by Simha Vishnu Pallava and the region came under the Pallava rule for some time. Vijayalaya Chola again revived Chola rule. This was the beginning of great Chola Empire. The later Chola rulers were weak and the power passed on to the hands of Eastern Chalukyas.

Cholas regained their lost position but with the rise of Jatavarman Sundara Pandya-1 (1251 A.D), Chola supremacy came to an end. The sway of Pandyas lasted for over 50 years, followed by Muslim domination from 1334 to 1378 A.D. By 1378, the region came under the rule of Vijayanagar Kingdom and Nayaks were appointed as the rulers of the region. In 1677, Chatrapati Shivaji took Ginjee area with the assistance of Golkonda forces. During the Mughal regime, both the English and French acquired settlements in South Arcot. During the Anglo-French rivalry, the entire district was turned into a war land. After sometime, the entire area came under the control of East India Company. It remained under British authority till 1947 when India became independent.

The small town of Gingee was once a capital city, with its province extending from Nellore in the north to the Coleroon (Kollidam) in the south. According to local legend, Gingee Amman was one of the seven virgins who were the guardian deities of the Village. Legend has it that at around 1200 A. D., Gingee was fortified by Ananda Kone, chief of the local shepherd community. In 1240 A. D. Krishna Kone, his successor, is said to have fortified the northern hill which later came to be known as Krishnagiri. The Kone dynasty gave way to the Kurumbars, who established their headquarters at Sendamangalam, which later came under the powerful Chola empire. Recorded history goes back to the 16th century, when Gingee became the seat of the Nayaka rulers, who were under the lordship of the expanding Vijayanagar empire.

Krishnadevaraya appointed Krishnappa Nayaka, and he was considered the founder of the Nayaka line of Gingee. Most of the structures, fortification walls and temples were built during this period. The fortifications and defenses were further strengthened under Chatrapati Shivaji, the Great Maratha ruler, was captured Gingee in 1677 A. D. Gingee came under the hegemony of the Moghul emperor Aurangazeb in 1691 A. D., and Sarup Singh was appointed as the chief of Gingee by the emperor, under the control of the Nawab of Arcot. Sarup Singh’s son, Raja Desingh, revolted against the Nawab of Arcot, and was defeated and killed in the war that followed. Though Gingee became a part of the Nawabs territory in 1714 A. D., the young and courageous Raja Desingh became a legend and his heroic deeds were sung in the form of popular ballads. Thus Gingee too became quite well known. In 1750 A. D., Gingee came under the French rule and remained so till it was surrendered to the British in 1761.

Sad – at – Ullah Khan Mosque was erected by Sad – at – Ullah Khan to commemorate his victory over Desingh and the capture of the fort in 1713 A. D. It is located at the entrance of the inner fort of Rajagiri. According to a Persian inscription found here, the mosque is said to have been constructed in 1717 –1718 A. D Kalrayan Hills is one part of the Eastern ghats, lies on the western side of the Kallakurichi Taluk. This area spread over an area of 600 sq. kms. approximately with the height ranging from 1000 ft to 3800 ft from the sea level. The History of Kalrayan hills with its Jagirdars run back to the time of Krishna Deverayar, the Emperor of 'Vijaya Nagar Kingdom'. The emperor Krishna Deverayar given the rights to the tribes to enjoy this land but imposed many taxes on them. About the hill tribes it is said that warriors belonging to Karalar community had come from Kanchipuram and settled in Kalrayan hills. After sometimes they over ride the tribal people called 'Vedar' (hunter) and married their wives. The communities of Karalar and Vedar who at present are called 'Malayali' and they call themselves as 'Goundars'. The place is a veritable paradise for trekkers. It is also called as 'Poor man's hill station' of Tamil Nadu.

Auroville is an international township. This town of tomorrow now in the making - supported and encouraged by the Government of India, and endorsed by UNESCO - is sited just across the Puducherry border in Viluppuram district. Representing an experiment in international living, it was launched in 1968 at the behest of the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram at an inaugural function attended by representatives of 124 nations and all the States of India. Each inhabitant of Auroville contributes in his or her own way towards building the township.

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.

THIRUVALLUR, Tamil Nadu

Main Attraction: SRI SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE, TIRUTTANI

Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple at Tiruttani is a well-known temple in the State. The Temple is square in shape with four Prakarams. It covers an area of one acre. There are five Gopurams. Devotees have to ascend a flight of 365 steps to reach the temple.

As per legend, Lord Sri Subramanya settled at the top of Tiruttani hill after destroying Surapadma, the Asura. In addition to the Lord in the temple, are installed his consorts Sri Valli and Sri Deivayanai.

The Moolavar 3 1\2 ft. high is known as Murugar. The Uthsavamoorthy 2 1\2 ft. high known as Sri Subramanya Eswarar. Adi Kirthigai is the important annual festival. About three to four lakhs devotees visit the temple for the festival

Brief History

Tiruvallur was originally known as Tiruvallur which specifies the sleeping position of the holy lord "Balaji", in the Veeraragava temple of Tiruvallur. Later, people began to refer it by names such as Trivellore and Tiruvallur. Today, Tiruvallur is well known for one of the reasons being the Veeraragava Temple. The new moon day is very auspicious day for the lord for the people of the town and neigbouring areas.

In the far past, this region was under a chain of regimes commencing from the Pallavas. A rival of the British East India Company was a Dutch East India Company who established a settlement at Pulicat besides a factory at Masulipatam. Pulicat lay at a distance of 160 miles south of Masulipatam in the Hindu Vijayanagar kingdom. In the battle of Talikota near Raichur, the power of Vijayanagar was destroyed in 1565 by the combined effort of five Mohmmedan kings of Deccan. One of the deputies of the king took control of the Chengalpattu district (Thiruvallur was part of this district) with allegiance to the fugitive king of the dynasty who ran to Chandragiri in Chittor district of Andhra Pradesh. In 1639, the English received the site as grant on which the Fort St. George now stands, from Srirangaraya III, a later deputy of the fugitive king. Afterwards, the Sultans of Golconda conquered the whole of South India. The Naiks as deputies to the Sultans of Golconda in Chengalpattu, remained the vasals of the Golconda and dealt with the English.

In the year 1687, the Golconda rulers were defeated and the region came under the Mughal Emperors of Delhi. The towns and villages of this region became the scene of the Carnatic war. Battles were believed to be fought in this region during the struggle for supremacy between the English and French.

In 1763, the district along with certain villages which now form part of Chennai city was given in perpetuity as a Jagir to the East India Company by the Muhammed Ali, the Nawab of Arcot in consideration of the services rendered to him by the English. In turn the English leased the district which was referred to as Jagir in the old records annually to the Nawab himself for the next fifteen years. Haider Ali, the sovereign authority in Mysore, devastated the district twice in 1769 and again in 1780. In 1781, when the Nawab of Arcot assigned the revenue of the carnatic to English it was placed under the charge of Committee called the committee of Assigned Revenues. On the cession of the carnatic in full sovereignty to the company by the Nawab in 1801, it became part of British dominion in India. The town of Pulicat was the earliest Dutch possession in India founded in 1609 which was ceded to the British in the year 1825. The district continued to be under British rule till India became independent.

VELLORE, Tamil Nadu

Main Attraction: Vellore Fort

The Vellore Fort was built during 13th century which attracts large number of tourists. This Fort retains the past glory with its ramparts, basements, turrets, posts, sally gates and with perennial water supply. It is fortified by double walls and the main walls are made of massive granite blocks laid one over the other without using mortar. It was described as the strongest fortress in the Carnatic war in 17th century and witnessed the revolt of Indian soldiers during the mutiny of 1857.

The Fort houses a Hindu Temple, a Church and a Mosque. There are many buildings that are now used as Public Offices.

Brief History

Vellore became an important provincial centre of Vijayanagara Empire with a strong Fort and Nayakas to rule the region from here. Of this family, important ruler was Chinna Bomma Nayaka, who patronized the Javarakandesvara (Jalakandeswara) temple. His son Lingama Nayaka unsuccessfully rebelled against the Vijayanagara ruler Venkata II (A.D. 1586-1614) in A.D. 1604 when the power of Vijayanagara was waning.

Venkata II shifted his residence from Chandragiri to Vellore for some time. In his court were present few Jesuit priests, who were allowed to build a Church within the Fort. Vellore remained the seat of later Vijayanagara rulers in their precarious existence till A.D. 1681.

However, the fort was captured by Mir Jumla in A.D. 1646 from the Vijayanagara rulers. It changed hands to Sivaji in A.D. 1677 after a protracted siege. The fort remained with the Marattas till the Mughal captured it in A.D. 1708.

In the early decades of the 18th century Vellore was under Mutaza Ali, a relative of the Nawab of Arcot. It was converted into a British garrison by A.D. 1760 during the intense conflict between the British and Hyder Ali for Carnatic regime. Hyder Ali seized the Fort in 1780 A.D. and the British had to struggle hard to lift the siege. Vellore was the base of Lord Cornwallis in his campaign against Tippu Sultan. It was here the family of Tippu was kept under the arrest after his fall. In A.D. 1806, the Sepoys of Vellore rose heroically in mutiny against the British army officer which was promptly quelled.

KANCHEEPURAM, Tamil Nadu

Main Attraction: Shore Temple

At a distance of 55 kms from Chennai lies Mamallapuram on the seashores of the Bay of Bengal. This town is situated in Kancheepuram District. Here one can see Pagodas, Rock cut Caves, single stone crafted Rathas and bas- reliefs. Shore Temple is also one of the beautiful sites located in Mamallapuram. 

This is one of the oldest temples in South India standing on the edge of the sea, enclosed by a row of bulls carved out of rock. It is said to have been built by King Rajasimha in the later half of the 7th Century A. D. It is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in the Dravidian style. It has two shrines, one dedicated to Vishnu and another to Shiva. The monuments are flood lit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty after sunset too.

Brief History

Kancheepuram District was a part of ancient Pallava Kingdom up to the middle of eighth century with their capital at Kancheepuram. The famous monolithic temples and rathams at Mahabalipuram located within the district are the contributions of the Pallavas to the cultural heritage of the country. After the end of Pallava’s regime in 760 AD., the district came under the control of the rulers of Mysore. The Rastra kings had invaded the district in the beginning of the ninth century and again in the middle of the tenth century.

Sometimes later, the district came under the Cholas. Due to the supremacy in the battle with Kurumbars, Kulthunga Chola and his son Adondai conquered the Kurumbars’ country which contained forest lands and twenty four forts, thirteen of which can be identified as falling within the jurisdiction of the present Kancheepuram district. The country was recommended to be called as Thondamandalam (the land of slaves) but the king preferred to be called as Thondamandalam. The king gave away the conquered land to his son Adondai who was accordingly crowned in Kanchi. On the decline of Cholas rule over Kanchipuram and surrounding areas as the vassals of the Kakatiyas. The district was absorbed during 1393 by Vijayanagar Kingdom who held sway all over southern India at that time. The district continued to be part of the reign for over a century and half.

After the Vijayanagar dynasty was over thrown by the Mohmmadan kings of the Deccan at the battle of Talikota near Raichur in 1565, one of the deputies of the king took control of the district with allegiance to the fugitive king of the dynasty who ran to Chandragiri in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. In 1639, the English received the site as grant on which the Fort St. George now stands, from Srirangaraya III, a lager deputy of the fugitive king. Soon after, the Sultans of Golconda conquered the whole of South India. The Naikas as deputies to the Sultans of Golconda in Chengalpattu, remained the vassals of the Golconda and dealt with the English.

Kancheepuram along with the Carnatic region came under the rule of the Mughal Emperors of Delhi after the fall of Golconda in 1687. During the 18th Century, the district was repeatedly attacked and figured frequently in the history of these critical times. The district witnessed a number of battles during the test for supremacy between the French and the English. In 1763, the district along with certain villages which now form part of Madras City was given in perpetuity as a Jagir to the East India Company by the Muhammed Ali. The Nawab of Arcot, in consideration of the services rendered to him by the English. In turn, the English leased the district which was referred to as Jagir in the old records annually to the Nawab himself for the next fifteen years.

Haider Ali, the sovereign authority in Mylapore in Madras, devastated the district twice in 1769 and again in 1780. In 1781, when the Nawab of Arcot assigned the revenue of the Carnatic to English, it was placed under the charge of a committee called the Committee of Assigned the Revenues”. On the acession of the Carnatic in full sovereignty to the company by the Nawab in 1801, it became part of British domain in India. Besides, the territory thus acquired the town of Panchayat, the earliest Dutch possession in India was also added to Kancheepuram district in 1825. The district continued to be under British rule till India became independent.

CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu

Main Attraction: MARINA BEACH

Marina Beach, the pride of Chennai, is the second longest beach in the world and has a wide sandy foreshore. Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR memorials for the former Chief Ministers of the State. They attract thousands of visitors every day. An aquarium is also located on the Marina Beach. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras, Senate House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College and Vivekanandar Illam are located on the beach drive.

Brief History:

The Chennai City has undergone an historical metamorphosis during the past and re-crystallized as one of the cosmopolitan cities, laying many more mile stones for its achievements. It has played an important, responsible and successful role in the field of culture and intellectual development of South India. The history has seen the supreme role of Chennai during the time of crisis and challenging periods. Along with the growth of national spirit, the population of Chennai, according to the First Census conducted in 1871, was only 39,785 and the Madras Presidency then was third in population growth along the cities of British Empire during 1871. Though there was a low population growth during fifty years prefixing 1921, there was rapid population growth from 1921 to 2001, conspicuously due to immigration from time to time.

During the 17th Century, the establishment of East India Company with its headquarters at Fort St. George as a trading center was the root cause for the imperial change in Chennai, by which time the City came into being, due to strategic necessity and historical events, with the inclusion of a few scattered villages like Mylapore, Triplicane and Chennaipatnam and developed into a modern metropolitan city as Madras Presidency retaining its rich tradition, custom and religion. This presidency has been the seat of learning art, architecture and great sears and Siddhars of the spiritual gurus.

Chennai City has been an important centre historically for various purposes, specifically on strategic point of view, trade and commerce. Chennai was originally known as Chennai Patnam (in Tamil language), which was a part of Thondaimandalam. The information of the institution of a Mayor and Corporation of Chennai City was begun during 1687-1692. This status was given to this city after the Chennai Patnam was brought under different rulers like Golgondas, Mughal and Europeans. The status of Government of Chennai in 1698 continued for 11 years in whose period was granted with the towns of Tondiarpet, Purasaiwakkam and Egmore from the local Nawab. This period also gained remarkable development in trade and commerce as Chennai was an important and historical centre. The war between French and English resulted with a significant change in which England lost its authority in 1744 over Chennai to French rulers. Between 1755 and 1763, Chennai City was developed with trading corporation, incorporated isolated towns, established ports and factories. In 1781, Chennai City was added with a naval base which made South India secure in all respects. The supremacy of English over South India was further strengthened without break. From 1799 onwards, the villages and other places scattered around Chennai get agglomerated gradually with Chennai City.

Consolidation and development of institutions in Chennai were held between 1803 and 1827. A judicial Commissions with Lord Munro as chief in 1814 took place for administrative reform in Chennai. To improve the literacy, various steps were taken between 1820 and 1827, specifically by creation of board of public instructions for imparting English education in Chennai; various institutions of professional and technical education have been established in the beginning of 19th century in Chennai. The educational institution of higher learning like School of Industrial Arts was begun in 1850, Civil Engineering college in 1834, Chennai Medical College in 1835 and Chennai Medical University in 1857.

After 1850, some praise worthy events happened in Chennai. The Chennai harbor work was initiated between 1872 and 1875. While the Session of Indian National Congress held in 1887 at Chennai. From 1900 onwards, several establishments of different nature started functioning in Chennai which helped socio- economic development of the city. From time to time, the area under Chennai City kept enlarging due to population growth and expansion of industrial development. In 1991, “beautification of Chennai-2000” (i.e. Ezhilmigu Chennai 2000) was taken up.

Mylapore has been from time immemorial famous for Hindu Religious lore. It is the place where Goddess Parvathi, Consort of Lord Siva, is said to have performed penace having taken the form of a peacock, called “Mayil” in Tamil. Mylapore is said to have derived its name from this. The place is noted for the famous temple of Sri Kapaleeswarar, one of the ancient temples of South India. Saint Thiruvalluvar, author of “Thirukkural”, the universal code of human conduct, was either born or lived in Mylapore. Mylapore was also considered as a centre of commerce and seaport of the Pallavas (575-582 A.D). This was as important as Mamallapuram port (Mahabalipuram). The Pallava ruler, Nandi Varman III, bore the title of “Mylai Kavalan” or the protector of Mylapore.

With the increase in the availability of power and the possibility of cheap labour, more and more industries were started in and around Madras City. The most important one was the group of Buchingham and Carnatic Mills. Tanneries have played an important role in the development of Madras. Integral Coach Factory was also located in Madras City. Establishment of several manufacturing units engaged in car making, automobile workshops, industrial estate both in Guindy and Ambattur, the Surgical Tool Factory have given a new look to Madras City and its suburbs. A number of Arts Colleges, Medical Institutions, Engineering Technological Institutions, Veterinary Law and Teaching have been established. Indian Institute of Technology and Central Leather Research Institute have also come up. These have added to the development of the Madras City. Its growth has played an important role in the development of neighbouring states of Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The name ‘Madras’ has been replaced with ‘Chennai’ at present and it is the headquarters of the Tamil Nadu State.