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.
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.
Geographical position
North Latitude : Between 12-15° and 13-15°
East Longitude : Between 78-20° and 79-50°
Area
Area (Sq. K.M.) : 6077
General Information
Area :11.65 Sq.kms
Population :1,77,413 (2001 Census)
Altitude :Sea Level above MSL 204
Climate Max. Min.
Summer : 39.0ºC 29.5ºC
Winter : 27.3ºC 17.0ºC
Rainfall :1053 mm (average)
Clothing :Tropical
Languages spoken: Tamil, English and Telugu
STD 0416
History
The name Vellore is derived from the Tamil words : Vel (spear) + oore (city), means a city of spears. Ancient history shows that Vellore was basically a battle field, where the warriors used to fight. Due to the geography of the place, with high temperature and plain desert like sandy region, the place was always left with the used weapons like spears all around the year, and the fences made of the spears which are made for the animals like elephants and horses, to prevent them from running off during night times, so it is called as velaioore and in later called as velai managaram.[citation needed]. In another version, name vellore is supposed to have been derived from some form precious stone which had similar sounding name. There are megalithic, proto-historical evidences in and around vellore for such a semi-precious stone industry being prevalent in ancient times.
Vellore has the blend of rich heritage and culture representing the ancient Dravidian civilization. Vellore had the privilege of being the seat of the Pallavas, Cholas, Nayak, Marathas, Arcot Nawabs and Bijapur Sultan Kingdoms. Vellore was once capital city of Vijayanagar empire during 1606-1672. It was described as the best and the strongest fortress in the Carnatic War in the 17th Century. The Vellore Mutiny of 1806 was one of the earliest upsurges against the British rule in India. Vellore District had always been on the forefront in the struggle for freedom. 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 The First Indian War of Independence.This part of history is not well known to the people but adds to the rich heritage of Vellore.
The monuments found in the district give a vivid picture of the town through the ages.
Geography
Vellore is located at 12.93° N 79.13° E.[1] It has an average elevation of 216 metres (708 feet).
The ideal city limit would be,
North : Christianpet
South : Adukkamparai
East : Pillaiyar kuppam
West : Abdullapuram
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