Did you know that the ‘Delhi Gate’, the majestic structure on the banks of Palar in Arcot, was built by Daud Khan, the Nawab of Arcot, in the beginning of 18th century. What’s more interesting is that Robert Clive of the East India Company had entered this town through the gateway in 1751.
And, were you aware that the Somanatha temple of Melpadi near here was built by two kings, Paranthaka Chola I and Raja Raja Chola I, during the first century and that this village used to be the border for two kingdoms of Chola and Rashtrakuta?
The week-long on ‘Heritage of Vellore’ district expo that began on Independence Day will take you on a trip back in time and give you a glimpse into the the ancient lifestyle of people. It has a good collection of photos of monuments, inscriptions and other heritage structures of the Vellore district maintained by the ASI. As many kings from various dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, Rashtrakuta, Sambuvarayar, Nawabs of Carnatic and finally the British had ruled Vellore, the area has numerous relics that have withstood the test of time.
Take the the monolithic rock-cut cave temple at Mahendravadi village that was excavated by the ASI long back. The temple was carved out of a large boulder and inscriptions showed that the temple could have been built by Pallava king Mahendravarman I during 580-630 AD. Another excavation in Villapakkam and cave inscriptions at Vallimalai reveal that these areas could have flourished as Jain centres during the early medieval period.
The green granite carving of Bhoga Sayanamoorthy Vishnu at the Ranganatha Temple at Erukkampattu, built during the 9th century, is another classical example of art, culture and architecture. Superintending archeolo Dr G Maheswari said this was the third in the series of expos organised at Vellore since 2000. The ASI organises regular exhibitions on seven important days in a year such as the Republic Day, Independence Day, and Heritage Day, she added.