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KRISHNAGIRI
History
of Krishnagiri District
Krishnagiri District has prehistoric
importance. Archeological sources confirm the presence of
habitats of man kind during Paleolithic, Neolithic and
Mesolithic Ages. Various rock paintings and rock carvings of
Indus Valley civilization and Iron Age seen in this district
support the historical significance of this district. The heart
of 'Krishnagiri','Hosur' and 'Uthangarai' were known as 'Eyil
Nadu', 'Murasu Nadu' and 'Kowoor Nadu' respectively. During
Chola period, Krishnagiri region was called 'Nigarili Chola
Mandlam' and 'Vidhugadhazhagi Nallur'. Under 'Nulamba' rule it
was popular as 'Nulambadi' according to historical sources.
Hero stones were
erected for those whose lost their lives in pursuit of
adventure. There was a tradition of erecting memorial stones for
people who sacrifice their lives for the sake of their kings
since 'Sangam Age'. These memorial stones were called 'Navagandam'.
Plenty of memorial stones available in this district speak
volumes about the valour and virtues of the people. Part of
Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Mysore were together named as
"Thagadur Nadu" in Sangam Age."Adhiayaman", the noble king
offered 'Karunelli' (Goose Berry) to the great poetess "Avvaiyar"
who adorned his court for her long life. Krishnagiri was once
ruled by Adhiyaman and hence also known as 'Adhiayaman Nadu'.
This region was ruled by Pallavas, Gangas, Nulambas, Cholas,
Hoysalas, Vijaya Nagar Emperors, Bijapur Sultans, Wudayars of
Mysore and Nayaks of Madurai. This region of krishnagiri served
as gateway of Tamil Nadu and the protective barrier for
Sourthern region defending onslaughts from barriers with motives
of imperialism and exploitation. Twelve Forts in this region
were popularly known as 'Bara Mahal' Forts. These forts have
borne the funs of many attacks by
Mysore
and Andhra rulers. Krishnagiri Fort become the first and forth
most defensive place. The majestic fortress built on Krishnagiri
hill by the Vijaya Nagar Emperors, stands as testimony still
now. ' "Kundani" a place in Krishnagiri District was once the
Head Quarters of the Hoysala king 'Veera Ramanathan' in 13th
Centuty AD. 'Jagadevarayan', Hoysala kind made'Jagadevi' (one of
the 'Bara Mahal' forts) as his capital.
During I Mysore war the British
troops passed through Krishnagiri to attack Hyder Ali's Forces
at 'Kaveripattinam'. British army was defeated here. In II
Mysore war entire region of Salem and Karnataka came under Hyder
Ali's control. Hyder Ali fought bravely against the English at
Krishnagiri.
In II Mysore war after the "Treaty
of Srirangapattinam" entire region of Salem and Barah Mahal were
surrendered to the British. In 1792 AD, Captain Alexander Reed
became the first District Collector of this region. Under the
diplomacy of Robert Clive, the then Governor of Madras
Presidency, Krishnagiri became the headquarters of Bara Mahal.
A mint was established at
krishnagiri in 1794 AD. Gold, silver and copper coins were
forged here. Rayakottai once the strong hold of British lost its
importance for defense by 1880 AD. Many soldiers from
krishnagiri region took part in the world war and lost their
lives. Even today a large number of youth from this krishnagiri
district are in the service of our Mother Land. many patriots
and sons of this soil participated in the nations freedom
struggle. One among them was the "Wise Old Man, Dr .C. Raja
Gopalachari", who from a small village in this district rose to
the highest position in the nation as the first Governor General
of independent India and also as Chief Minister.
The holy land of wise scholars, men
of valour and courage, blessed with the green valleys, hills
and hillocks and inhabited by people known for innovative
farming was divided, for the formation of Krishnagiri
district, carved out of Dharmapuri district as 30th
district of Tamil Nadu.
'Krishna'
refers to 'black' and 'giri' refers to 'hill'.
This district is gifted with black granite hillocks and named as
"krishnagiri".
The region came under
the rule of Krishna Deva Raya and hence it might have been named
after this king. |
