Wandiwash

Vandavasi, earlier called Wandiwash is a major town and a municipality in the Tiruvannamalai district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is well known in the Carnatic history for the Battle of Wandiwash. Vandavasi town is also the largest manufacturer of ''kora'' artefacts including mats, shawls and vessels. A

As of 2011, the town had a population o5 74,320.

Wandiwash was the site of a decisive battle in the 18th century Carnatic Wars between France and the British Empire for control over south Asia. The Battle of Wandiwash was a watershed moment in Indian history as it cemented British supremacy in India. On 22 January 1760, a British force led by Eyre Coote defeated a French force led by General Thomas Lally.

Geography and climate

Vandavasi is located at . The State Highways SH 5 connects Tindivanam and Arcot, and SH 115 connects Polur and Cheyyur passes through Vandavasi. SH 116 connects Vandavasi with Kanchipuram. It lies 110 km southwest of Chennai, 40 km south of the temple city of Kanchipuram, 80 km northeast of Thiruvannamalai, 42 km southeast of Arani & 80 km from Vellore. The town is well-connected with Chennai by road. It is situated at an average elevation of 74 metres (242 feet) above sea level.
Vandavasi's climatic condition is similar to that of Chennai, lying on the thermal equator and close to the coast, while most of the year the climate is hot and humid.

Demographics

As of the 2011 census, Vandavasi had a population of 74,320 with a sex-ratio of 1,012 females for every 1,000 males, far above the national average of 929 females per 1,000 males. A total of 3,337 were under the age of six, constituting 1,740 males and 1,597 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 13.54% and 1.31% of the population respectively. The average literacy rate was 77.3%, compared to the national average of 72.99%. The town had a total of 7326 households. There were a total of 10,553 workers, comprising 152 cultivators, 302 main agricultural labourers, 309 in household industries, 9,093 other workers, 697 marginal workers, 8 marginal cultivators, 27 marginal agricultural labourers, 52 marginal workers in household industries and 610 other marginal workers. As per the religious census of 2011, Vandavasi's population was 60.86% Hindu, 34.73% Muslim, 3.03% Christian, 1.28% Jain, 0.02% Sikh, and 0% Buddhist, with 0.08% following other religions and 0% following no religion or not indicating any religious preference.

As a capital town

According to one version of history, Chennapattanam, now called Chennai (Madras), was named after Damarla Chennapa Nayaka, Nayaka of Kalahasti and Vandavasi, and father of Raja Venkatappa Nayaka, from whom the English acquired the town in 1639. Chennapa Nayakadu granted the British permission to build a factory and warehouse for their trading enterprises, as the region at the time centered around a fishing village known as "Madraspatnam".

Places of interest

Vandavasi Fort is an important landmark in Vandavasi, which witnessed the decisive Battle of Wandiwash. The Nayak of Vandavasi, a vassal of the Vijaynagar Empire, was instrumental in helping the British secure a land grant for Chandragiri Fort on which to build the city of Madras (modern day Chennai).

Arahanthgiri Jain Math is a Jain matha that was established at the ancient Jain site of Tiruvannamalai in August 1998.
The complex includes 3 Jain caves, 4 Jain temples and a 16-meter high sculpture of Neminatha thought to be from the 12th century, that is the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu.

Sri Thavalagiriswarar Temple, Vengundram Hill, Vandavasi.

The temple is located at a height of 1500ft above the hill and it takes about an hour to climb it. A good place for a small hike and the ending steps near the temple are steep and little riskier. The view from top is worth the climb provided the climate is good, else the scorching heat of the sun may drain out the energy.
The shiva temple at top is said to be very old and sacred. It was built during the Pallavas period. And the most special festival celebrated there is Karthigai Deepam.
Good spot for Trekking. 3 Routes are there to reach top hill. New climbers has fantastic experience. Don't think so easy first stepping of 400 - 500 steps, next climbing the rocks and cutting step in rocks. Small temple come and visit in the time of Sept end and Oct mid. Don't try in summer.
For better experience try Rock route. While coming down use New steps for safety. Take some food & water with you nothing is available there. Shops are not available in around 2 kms. Good spot for Half day trip.

Politics

Vandavasi is part of Vandavasi state assembly constituency and Arni Lok Sabha constituency.

See also

* Kandiyanallur
* Vandavasi (Lok Sabha constituency)
* Battle of Wandiwash

References

External links

Vazhur, the birthplace of Seshadri SwamigalMunicipality of Vandavasi

{{Municipalities of Tamil Nadu

Cities and towns in Tiruvannamalai district