Vellore Fort - Tamilnadu

Vellore Fort is a historical fort located in the city of Vellore, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The fort is situated on a hillock and is surrounded by a deep moat, making it a formidable fortification. It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century and has since served as a military stronghold, a prison, and a residence for several ruling dynasties. The fort is made up of a number of structures, including a number of temples, mosques, and a Christian church. One of the most notable of these structures is the Jalakanteswara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its ornate carvings and sculptures. The temple is located within the fort's central courtyard and is a popular spot for worship and exploration. Another important structure within the fort is the Tipu Sultan Museum, which is dedicated to the life and reign of the famous 18th-century Indian ruler, Tipu Sultan. The museum features a number of artifacts and exhibits related to Tipu Sultan, including weapons, coins, and clothing, as well as a replica of his famous Tiger Striped Pavilion. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Vellore Fort is also an important site for those interested in Indian military history. The fort was the site of several important battles during the Carnatic Wars of the 18th century and was used as a military prison during the British colonial period. Today, the fort is home to the Indian Army's Vellore Cantonment, which serves as a base for several military units.

History of Vellore Fort

The fort was first built by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century and was later expanded and strengthened by the Bijapur Sultanate and the Marathas. In 1678, the fort was captured by the Kingdom of Mysore, and it remained under Mysorean control for the next century. During the British colonial period, the fort served as a military barracks and a prison. It was the site of several significant events in Indian history, including the Vellore Mutiny of 1806, which was one of the earliest recorded instances of Indian resistance to British rule. The mutiny was led by a group of Indian sepoys (soldiers) who were stationed at the fort, and it was brutally suppressed by the British. In the decades that followed, the fort continued to be used as a military barracks and a prison. During the Indian independence movement, many freedom fighters were imprisoned at the fort, including V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, who led the Indian Independence League in the early 20th century.

Architecture Vellore Fort

The fort is divided into two main parts: the upper fort and the lower fort. The Upper Fort houses the main palace, which was the residence of the rulers of Vellore. Vellore Fort is a beautiful example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, with tall pillars, intricate carvings, and lush gardens. The palace also has a Durbar Hall, where the rulers held their courts, and a mosque, which was built by the Nawab of Arcot in the 18th century. The Lower Fort, on the other hand, was used for military purposes. It has several buildings, including a church, a hospital, and an armory. The church, built in 1846, is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, with stained glass windows and intricate carvings. The hospital, built in 1798, was used to treat the soldiers of the British East India Company. The armory, built in the 18th century, was used to store weapons and ammunition. One of the most notable features of Vellore Fort is its water system. The fort has a complex network of channels, tanks, and wells, which ensured a constant supply of water even during times of siege. The fort also has several temples, including the Jalakandeswarar Temple, which is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Special features of Vellore Fort

Vellore Fort has played a significant role in India's history. It was the site of several battles, including the Vellore Mutiny of 1806, which was one of the first instances of rebellion against British rule in India. The fort was also used as a prison, and several freedom fighters, including Veerapandiya Kattabomman, were imprisoned here.

How to reach Vellore Fort?

By Air- Chennai airport is the nearest to reach Vellore Fort covering 130 Km
By Train – Vellore railway station is the nearest junction to reach Vellore Fort covering 7 Km
By Road – Driving through Vellore via NH38 is the best way to reach Vellore Fort covering 1 Km