Vellore Fort is a real wonder built in the 16th century by Bommu Nayakar, the emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is an architectural miracle that lies in the heart of Vellore city, Tamil Nadu, deeply embedded in the history of freedom fights in colonial India. The fort witnessed the first ever mutiny that happened against the British.
It saw the rise and fall of empires like the Vijayanagara Empire, Birajpur Sultanate, Carnatic Nawabs and Maratha rule. Today, Vellore Fort stands high and mighty as one of the strongest forts to have ever been built in India, telling the history of the region to its visitors. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu, visited by people from many parts of the world.
Vellore Fort as the Symbol of Strength
Vellore Fort is a strong fortress built from granite taken from Arcot and Chittor. It was designed to stop any invasions. The fort has walls up to 80 feet high, with sturdy towers and lookout points.
Strategic Location and Historical Significance
Vellore Fort is situated on the banks of the Palar River. It has been a key place for many rulers like the Vijayanagara Empire, Birajpur Sultanate and Maratha Empire since the location of the fort gives them military advantage over their enemies. It has hills around the fort, making it naturally defensible against attacks.
Another reason these empires chose the Vellore Fort as their key place is because of ease of access to other regions. It was a center of trade and commerce. So, having control over the Fort meant military advantage and control over trade and commerce.
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Fort Walls and Defenses
Vellore Fort, the beauty carved out of granite, situated on an area of 133 acres. The high, double walls, irregular bastions, watchtowers and huge moat surrounding the fort provide the strength and protection it needs. The moat around the Fort was very famous because it was home to 10,000 crocodiles once. It provided additional protection for the Fort. The intruders were killed and eaten by the crocodiles.
The History of Vellore Fort
Vellore Fort has a very long and interesting history to share. It has witnessed many battles, sieges, and the rise and fall of many empires. It is rich in history and heritage and the stories of the Vellore Fort are something worth knowing.
The Rise and Fall of the Vijayanagara Empire
The fort was built under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire. It served as the key domain of their rule. The fort was the military base for the Toppur War of 1920, between the two factions of the royal family to gain the title ‘Raya’. Bijapur Sultanate was the rival of Vijayanagara Empire. During the reign of Sriranga Raya, a coup breaks out in the royal family, resulting in the murder of the king and his family.
Vellore Fort Under Birajpur Sultanate
Birajpur Sultanate took control of the Vellore fort in 1956. When Sriranga allied with Mysore to attack Madurai and Gingee, Madurai requested the help of Bijapur to attack Vellore. During this battle, the Bijapur army captured Vellore Fort. This was the end of the Vijayanagara Empire. They enhanced the architectural styles and added to their defenses. Vellore Fort was under Bijapur Sultanate for the next 20 years.
Seized by Maratha
In 1678, the fort was captured by the Maratha king Shivaji’s assistant and armies when Bijapur became a threat to their rule in Tanjore. The fort was transferred to the Maratha rulers after a long siege of 14 months. Maratha rules made modifications to the Fort and increased its fortification strength.
Under the Rule of Mughals
In 1707, Daud Khan attacked Vellore with his army and defeated the Maratha ruler. The power over the fort was transferred to the Mughals after this incident. Later the fort was given as a gift to the son-in-law of Nawab of Arcot, Dost Ali in 1733.
Military Garrison to British
After the Carnatic Wars, the British took control of the Vellore Fort and used it as their major military garrison until the independence of India. During the second Anglo-Mysore War, Hyder Ali besieged Vellore Fort, but the British garrison was there. It was there for over two years before the siege was lifted.
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Tipu Sultan and Vellore Fort
Tipu sultan and his family resided in the palaces of the Vellore Fort during the British War. When Srirangapatna lost the war, Tipu Sultan’s family was detained inside the fort. It was a royal prison that held not only the family of Tipu but also the last ruling monarch of Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. They lived as prisoners for 17 years. Tombs of the Tipus family and Sri Vikrama Rajasinha can be seen inside the walls of the fort. There are Tipu Mahal, Kandi Mahal, Hyder Mahal, Begum Mahal, and Badusha Mahal. Hyder Mahal is the grand one with 200 rooms, and Tipu Mahal has 180 rooms. After the Vellore mutiny, the first mutiny against the British led by the Sepoys, the family of Tipu was transferred to Calcutta.
Architectural Marvels inside Vellore Fort
This granite fort, covering over 133 acres, has a mosque, church, temple, arsenal, military barracks, and several palaces inside. Many of these are open to visitors. These showcase the craftsmanship of the people and how skilled they are in detailing each piece of stone.
Nawab Chanda Sahib Mosque
Nawab Chanda Sahib Mosque was built during the last Arcot Nawab’s reign. The beauty of Mugal masonry and architecture is transparent in this structure. The mosque has towering minarets and an ornate dome which creates an impressive silhouette against the sky. The walls are a feast to the eye with their beautifully carved calligraphies and motifs. This is also present on the ceiling.
Nawab Chanda Sahib Mosque was built during the last Arcot Nawab’s reign. The beauty of Mugal masonry and architecture is transparent in this structure. The mosque has towering minarets and an ornate dome which creates an impressive silhouette against the sky. The walls are a feast to the eye with their beautifully carved calligraphies and motifs. This is also present on the ceiling.
Jalakandeswarar Temple
The captivating design and the sculptures of the temple often attract several visitors to it. The temple is a symbol of the highly skilled artisans and their proficiency in sculpting and constructing. Jalakandeswarar Temple was used as an arsenal for several years and did not have a deity. Later it was sanctified by Lord Shiva.
St. John’s Church
The church was built by the government of Madras when the Fort was a military station for East India Company. The church was named after St. John the Evangelist. St. John’s Church is the oldest church in Vellore.
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The Vellore Fort Museum
Vellore Fort Museum exhibits the relics of a bygone era. Inside the museum is military equipment used for battles, like swords, daggers, cannons, spears, and guns. Sculptures from the Vijayanagara period, Cholas, and Pallavas are also exhibited here. Among them, the belongings of the royal family and the fort’s former rulers can also be seen. This gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of the people living inside the walls of the fort. Visiting the Vellore Fort Museum is equal to visiting the past of the Fort, and it showcases the story of it to the visitors.
Vellore Fort: The Symbol of Religious Harmony
Vellore Fort is a symbol of religious harmony. It is important to the believers of Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. The Jalakandeswarar Temple is visited by many every day, and St. John’s Church is the oldest church in Vellore. Muslims stopped praying in the mosque in respect to the reopening of Jalakandeswarar Temple. People of various beliefs come and visit this art of a fort and take blessings from Shiva.
Practical Tips for Visiting Vellore
Vellore Fort is the historical remnant of India that deserves to be explored. It is a must-visit place for those who love visiting historical architecture. When you visit the fort, remember these tips for a better experience.
Best Time to Visit
The Vellore Fort timings are key when planning your trip. The fort is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. So, keep in mind to visit during this time. Vellore has a tropical climate and experiences less rainfall throughout the year.
The summer heat will be merciless to the visitors. So visiting during the winter period is recommended. Here, winter starts in October and lasts till March. So visiting these months will be perfect for enjoying the beauty of the Fort and sightseeing its nearby attractions.
Transportation and Entry Fee
Chennai International Airport is the closest airport to Vellore, approximately 133 kilometers away. Vellore is a place easily accessible to the nearby states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka because of its strategic location. You can travel via bus or train to reach Vellore and visit Vellore Fort.
The Fort will be open all week, and its entry fee is very cheap, costing 5 rupees per person.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Vellore has several other destinations loved by tourists. Those who visit Vellore also visit its nearby locations to have fun by taking part in adventurous activities.
Pallikonda Fort
Pallikonda Fort, the outpost used to guard the trade routes by the Vijayanagara Empire, is only 25 KM away from Vellore. It is a military stronghold that has historical value. But most of its parts have deteriorated today. It is one of the lesser-known monuments in Tamil Nadu. Visitors of Vellore Fort visit Pallikonda Fort as well.
Amirthi Zoological Park
Amirthi Zoological Park is the longest forest in Tamil Nadu, covering 25 hectares of land. It has waterfalls and a one-kilometer trekking trail. Amirthi Zoological Park is often visited by visitors of Vellore Fort. This wildlife sanctuary is the best for nature walks, trekking, and animal watching.
Yelagiri Hills
Yelagiri Hills is one of the most visited places near Vellore. Its 14 hairpin bend, Swami Malai Hill, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and Punganoor Lake Park attract many. The lush greenery of this place is considered a heaven for nature lovers. Trekking, paragliding and rock climbing facilities are available here.
Exploring beyond Vellore Fort reveals many historical, cultural, and natural wonders. These experiences will deepen your understanding and love for Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion
Learning about the past of Vellore Fort shows how important it is in India’s history. It is a cultural and historical treasure that has several stories of battles, sieges and victories to tell its visitors. The architecture and carvings on the Fort show the skilled craftsmanship possessed by each era.
The Fort is worth visiting for its walk through history. It is a symbol of religious harmony, with a temple, mosque and church inside. Vellore Fort stands proud in the land of Vellore, the land of Velan trees, as the remains of history, reminding us about its glorious past. Visiting this remarkable fortress is a must-see that promises to leave a lasting impression on everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the significance of Vellore Fort?
Vellore Fort is an important historical structure built by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century. It is famous for its strong walls and complex designs. It is used as a military stronghold by many empires including the Marathas, Bijapur Sultanate, Mughals and British.
- Who was Tipu Sultan, and how did he influence Vellore Fort?
Tipu Sultan used to reside in the Fort during the conflict with the British. Even though he never directly ruled Vellore, his influence can be seen here. His family was detained here for several years by the British till the Vellore Mutiny happened in 1806.
- What can visitors expect to see at Vellore Fort?
Visitors can see the architectural beauty of Jalakandeswarar Temple, Nawab Chanda Sahib Mosque, and St. John’s Church. Tipu Mahal, Bakshi Mahal, Hyder Mahal, and many more. In the museum, there are several pieces of war equipment and the belongings of the old rulers of Vellore.
- What is the best time to visit Vellore Fort?
Vellore has pleasant weather during the months of October to March because of the winter season. This is the perfect time to visit Vellore Fort and its nearby places including Sripuram Golden Temple, Amirthi Zoological Park, Yelagiri Hills and Jalagamparai waterfalls.
- How can I get to Vellore Fort?
Vellore Fort is approximately 133 kilometers away from Chennai International Airport. Private and public buses, taxis and Uber services will be available from there to reach the Fort.