Vellore Fort
Vellore Fort is a large 16th-century fort situated in heart of the Vellore city, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India built by the Emperors of Vijayanagara. The fort was at one time the imperial capital of the Aravidu Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fort is known for its grand ramparts, wide moat and robust masonry.
| Vellore Fort | |
|---|---|
| Vellore | |
Vellore Kottai | |
Vellore Fort | |
| Coordinates | 12°55′15″N 79°07′42″E |
| Type | Fort and Temple Complex |
| Height | n/a |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Archaeological Survey of India |
| Controlled by | Archaeological Survey of India |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Preserved as Historic Monument |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1566 |
| Built by | Vijayanagara Kingdom |
| In use | Till date |
| Materials | Granite |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Thoppur, Carnatic Wars, |
| Events | Vellore Mutiny |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | Vijayanagara Empire, Nawabs of Arcot, Maratha Empire, British India |
The fort's ownership passed from Emperors of Vijayanagara, to the Turko-Persian Bijapur sultans, to the Marathas, to the Carnatic Nawabs and finally to the British, who held the fort until India gained independence. The Indian government maintains the fort with the Archaeological Department. During British rule, the Tipu Sultan's family and the last King of Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha were held as prisoners in the fort. It is also a witness to the massacre of the Vijayanagara royal family of Sriranga Raya. The fort houses the Jalakanteswarar Hindu temple, the Christian St. John's Church and a Muslim mosque, of which the Jalakanteswarar Temple is famous for its magnificent carvings. The first significant military rebellion against British rule, the Vellore Mutiny, erupted at this fort in 1806.
Vellore Fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations for both domestic and international visitors to Tamil Nadu.