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.
Development of Collegiate Education
in the district
The Vellore District is one
of the leading districts of the state., where the development
of the education has been consistently good and commendable. The
American Arcot mission, which was established in vellore center in 1853,
has the distribution of pioneering the cause of higher education by
establishing The American Arcot mission Collage./ afflilated
to the University of Madras as early as 1898. This later come to be
known as Voorhees Collage. The Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur the
Auxilium Collage, ( for women) at Katpadi are other Christian
institutions dedicated themselves to the cause of education. The Govt
.of Tamil
Nadu with an ambitious scheme and ardent desire to promote higher
education , setup series of Arts Collages
throughout the state. The Muthurangam Govt. Arts Collage, Vellore .
Thirumagal mills Govt Arts collage, Gudiyatham Arigar Anna Arts collage
for women, Walajah have been established in the rural end poor students.
The private participation in the growth of higher education
in the District is also over whelming. The D.K.M. Collage for women
Vellore is a fine Example.
Some Muslim Philanthropists
and educationists, realising the need to wide open opportunities for the
muslim youth to learn higher education, have established educational
centers. The Islamiah collage , Vaniayambadi, C. Abdul Hakeem collage,
Melvisharam, Mazhrul -uloom collage, Ambur, the Muslim minority
Institutions are also contributing their mite in promoting higher
education in the District. The Arabic Collage in Vellore town is another
important educational center for higher education.
The district is not Lagging behind in providing
professional education. The Christian Medical Collage, Vellore. Which is
of international repute, is offering even P.G. courses in some
specialised branches. By starting an Engineering Collage, the Govt. also
has fulfilled the aspiration of the student community of this district.
In view of the financial constraints , in the Last few years, the
Govt., has encourage self financing Institutions. The Vellore
engineering Collage, Vellore , which has many academic distinction
to its credit, The Priyadershini engineering college., Vaniyampadi,
have come into existence as a result. And there is also Govt
. Teachers Training Collage, in Vellore offering both U.G.&P.G.
courses. The phenomenal growth of these educational institution in the
district only testify the growing demand and the keen interest evinced
by the student community for higher and professional Education.
