Vellore Information

Vellore an Introduction

Vellore is now pulsating with more activities as a commercial, administrative and medical centre. It has the privilege of being the seat of the Pallava, Chola, Nayak, Maratha, Arcot Nawabs and Bijapur Sultans. Vellore grew into a bustling town gradually since 6th century changing the rulers and growing in importance. It has an ancient fort and a well preserved temple. The fort constructed around the seventeenth century is one of the exquisite specimens of military architecture in South India. It was described as the strongest fortress in the Carnatic in 17th century and witnessed the ghastly massacre of European soldiers during the mutiny of 1806. The temple inside the fort is said to contain sculptures which surpass even those of Madurai.

The Fort of Vellore on the bank of the river Palar is witness to many ups and downs and is made of granite stone. It has remark­able historical importance. It is constructed by Senna Bommi Nayak, a feudal king under the Vijaynagar kings in the 16th century. The fort fell into the hands of the Nawab of Arcot and the Adil Shahis of Bijapur in turn. From 1676 the Marathas. occupied it for over 100 yrs, until Dayud Khan came from Delhi in 1760 and seized it. It fell into hands of the British after Tipu Sultan's defeat in 1799. Tipu's children were imprisoned here by the British. Surrounded by a deep moat this fort of many memories was associated with Indi­a's first struggle for Independence in 1857. There is a 2-storeyed building inside it. To-day it houses govt offices. There are residential quarters as well.

The Jalakanthswara Siva Temple, built at the same time as the fort, is beautifully carved. It is a superb specimen of Vijaynagar architecture. Its carving, pillars and roof are splendid. During Adil Shahi attacks the deity was removed to the fort and the temple was turned into a garrison. As the deity is not there the door is open to everyone.

At a distence of 30 km within the Reserved Forest the Sathanur Dam has been con­structed in the most beautiful surroundings. The adjacent park with a beautiful swimming pool also has superb surroundings. In­terested persons can take a bus and see the Krishna Temple, 43 km west of Villupuram with its lovely carvings.

25 km from Vellore the son of Shiva Kartikeya or Murga Temple is at Vennamalai is worth a visit by bus. The Temple is carved out of a single piece of rock on a hill-top. Devotees hang pebbles as a symbol hoping that their wishes may be fulfilled. There is another'temple at the foot of the hill.

At Ratnagiri, 12 km from Vellore there is another Kartikeya Temple, built in the 14th century. Elagiri Hills is not very far from Vellore on Eastern Ghat side. 1000 m high Elagiri Hills should be visited as well. It is famous for its natural beauty and climate. There is also a Murugan Temple on the hill.