Vellore Fort facts for kids

Vellore Fort is a large 16th-century fort situated in heart of the Vellore city, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India built by Vijayanagara kings. The fort was at one time the headquarters of the Aravidu Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fort is known for its grand ramparts and wide moat.

The fort's ownership passed from Vijayanagara kings, to the 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. 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 erupted at this fort in 1806, and it is also a witness to the massacre of the Vijayanagara royal family of Sriranga Raya.

Images for kids

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  Stone carving of the ceiling with intricate details

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  European Burying-Ground at Vellore (MacLeod, p.142, 1871)

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  Tomb of Tippoo family, Vellore (MacLeod, p.141, 1871)

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  Vellore Fort and Jalakandeswarar temple Panorama

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  Sri Jalagandeeswarar Temple, Feb 2012

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  Swords

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  Vellore Fort in 1913

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  Vellore Fort moat

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  View of moat at Vellore Fort

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  View from the Vellore Fort

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