A Game of Thrones

The Vellore Fort is one of the most strategically constructed and historically rich forts in the country. With awe-inspiring tales associated with the fort, it stands as a landmark of architecture and holds significant importance in the history of India.

A painting of the original Vellore Fort

Situated on the side of a rugged cliff, 220 meters above sea level, lies a place of legends. Its story has only been heard through tales of heroism and fantastical adventures. From secret tunnels to twisting wars, this fort holds a marvellous narrative. It is not merely a building; it is a significant character in the history of South India.

The Vellore Fort was constructed in 1566 by the subordinate chieftains Chinna Bommi Reddy and Thimma Reddy Nayak, under the rule of King Sadasiva Raya of Vijayanagara. In 1614, the fort witnessed the brutal massacre of the Vijayanagara Royal family of Sriranga Raya. In a courageous and humane act, some supporters managed to smuggle the young son of the king, Rama Deva Raya, out of the fort. This event led to the Battle of Toppur in 1616, one of the largest South Indian wars of the century.

Renowned for its grand ramparts and sturdy masonry, the fort once had a deep and wide moat, where ten thousand crocodiles lurked, ready to seize any intruder daring to breach its impregnable walls.

Under British rule, a new chapter in the fort's history unfolded. It served as a prison for Tipu Sultan's family and the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. In 1806, the fort became the centre of the first significant military rebellion against the British. On July 10th, Indian Sepoys, angered by the new changes to their uniforms, which included a hat made of cow leather, attacked and killed 15 officers and 100 British soldiers. However, the mutiny was quelled by the afternoon.

During the British era, St. John's Church was added to the fort. Named after St. John the Evangelist, it is the oldest standing church in Vellore, built in 1846 by the Government of Madras. The church features a verandah in the west supported by columns, along with steps leading to the ground. The construction cost of the church was Rs. 5559, with an additional Rs. 500 allocated for furnishings.

Presently, the fort is jointly maintained by the government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Inside the fort, a multipurpose government facility displays various items related to anthropology, botany, geology, numismatics, prehistory, and zoology. Its walls echo a rich and awe-inspiring history. With tales of triumphs and defeats, magnificent structures, and strategic innovations, the fort proudly stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of a place that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires.

Although the fort was briefly captured by the Bijapur Army in the 1640s, it was soon reclaimed by Vijayanagara. However, this victory was short-lived. In the 1650s, the Vijayanagara King Sadasiva Raya joined forces with the Nayaks of Tanjore to defeat the Nayaks of Madurai. Faced with threats from two powerful empires, the Madurai Nayaks sought the assistance of the Bijapur Sultans to attack Vellore, diverting the Vijayanagara King's attention. After a fierce battle, the Sultan gained control of the fort and added a mosque to the compound.

Ownership of the fort then passed to the Marathas. In 1676, Ekoji, the brother of Shivaji, assumed control of Tanjore. To eliminate any potential threats, Shivaji gained control of Vellore. In 1707, after the passing of Aurangzeb, the Delhi army, under Daud Khan, seized control of the fort. The British took control in 1799 and utilized it as a garrison until India gained independence.

Spread over an area of 133 acres, the fort is constructed of granite. It consists of two outer walls with bastions projecting at irregular intervals. The compound houses the Tipu Mahal, Hyder Mahal, Chandy Mahal, Badhusha Mahal, and Begum Mahal. Additionally, it features the beautiful Jalakanteswarar Temple, meaning "Shiva Residing in Water." Situated in the middle of a lake, the temple boasts magnificent carvings. According to legend, Chinna Bommy Reddy had a dream in which Lord Shiva instructed him to build a temple at that very location.

The history of this church spans several decades. In 1773, the first church building was erected at Vellore Fort, later replaced by the Torriano Chapel in 1793. Due to the Vellore Mutiny of 1806, the Company regiment was transferred to Arcot. Consequently, plans to repair the Torriano Chapel for the European congregation were abandoned due to critical issues with the structure's walls. A new site outside the fort was chosen but objections on military grounds led to its abandonment. As an alternative, the Public Rooms within Vellore Fort were hired by the East India Company for holding church services, and it was there that the church was eventually built. However, since the site was also used for dancing, acting, and entertainment, the church was never officially consecrated.

Jalakanteshwarar Temple By Ssriram mt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73189450

Statues at Vellore fort gallery By Glsanthoshkumar - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19967650

An old photograph of the Vellore Church

A single stone water storage bowl by By Bhaskaranaidu - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19164191

Corridors of the Fort By K S Sai Krishna - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63047159

Pillars of the fort By K S Sai Krishna - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63047169

The Moat of the Fort By Manu Anthrayose - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72342215

Cover Image Caption