Political activities influence every aspect of human development. Social, economic, cultural, linguistic, educational and other major areas of life are very much the result of the vision of those who rule the country and a particular region. North Arcot district has witnessed under various dynasties many historical events. To mention a few that in some way or the other, have contributed gradually to the life of the people and the history of the district.
The Pallavas of 9th century did have some political influence in this area. We have no record of early Pallavas, but the later ones. Vishnugopalan to Abbaranjidan, dated from 885-903 AD. Udayendiram, a village near Vaniyambadi, thickly populated by Catholic Christians takes its name after udayachandran, another pallava ruler. Pallava region ended in 899 AD.
The history of the Chola (8th – 13th centuries) begins from the last years of Pallava’s rule in the North Arcot district. Stone inscriptions of Visalyan (850-871) and Paranthangan confirm the rule of Cholas in the district. Pallikonda, Sozhavaram, Virinjipuram, Poigai and Madanur Vellore are the places where we find stone inscriptions that throw light on the development achieved by these kings. Sambuvaraya kings (1236-67) were petty rulers under Chola kings. Sengenimindan, Klothungan and Edirili Cholan, Sambuvarayan were important kings on this dynasty. Tiruvalam, Poigai, Virinjipuram, Puthur, Athiyur and Kanjipuram (now capital of Chingelpet district) of the present Vellore district were under these kings.
The Oisalar dynasty in 14th Century ruled Thiruvannamalai and its surroundings. Vallalan was an important king who won the battle of Thiruvannamalai in 1341 against Udaji. Vijayanagara dynasty ruled Raya Vellore and South Arcot between 1520-1652. Tamil culture and Hinduism were revived under Vijayanagara kings. Sivaji of Marathiar dynasty in 17th century had extended his kingdom when he ruled Ginji, Vellore and Thanjavoor. Towards the end of the 18th century, under Aurengazeeb the last king of the Mughal dynasty, this region saw little development. Battles that lasted for years and cunningness of Mughal kings combined, multiplied killings, robberies, and unrest become daily routine.
Robert Clive captured Arcot Fort in 1751, thus ushering in the British rule in the North Arcot District. The Nawabs lost their importance and the British established their rule successfully from this period. In 1760 the French were defeated at Wandiwash (Vandavasi) by the British and this was the major turning point not only to the British but also to the whole future political history of India.
Many historical events took place in this district. Battles due to linguistic and religious conflicts from early Sultans to Tippu Sultan took place in this district between 1646-1799. Hyderali, the one who fought against foreign rule died in this district. The battle of Wandiwash between the British and French established decisively the British rule in India. The year 1806 is politically very noteworthy in the history of India.
The British attacked Sivagangai in 1772. The Marudu Pandia brothers fought against the British and took refuge under Hyderali at Dindugal. In 1780 the British returned Sivagangai to Velunatchiyar. The Arcot Nawab and the king of Pudukkottai supported the British and planned to destroy Tamil people and the progress of Mardupandiars. On 10th, June 1801, the Marudupandiars organized the Tamil kings and began to protest against the British rule in India. This move appeared as Tiruci Chutantira Arikkai (Tirchy Independence Charter). This episode was a strong background for the Vellore Soldiers Mutiny.
In 1806 at Vellore fort, the Indian soldiers were forced to wear new turban, caps and boots made of leather. The soldiers were forbidden to wear earings and use Tirunir (holy ash) on their forehead. This infuriated the Indian soldiers who revolted against the British regime. The British handled the situation through brutal military methods. There were more casualties on the side of the Indians than that of the British. This Vellore soldier’s mutiny of 1806 was a pioneering one, and this first revolt foreshadowed the great military mutiny 1857, which took place at Meerut. An important element in the revolt of 1857 was the Hindu-Muslim unity against the British.
Irrespective of religious barrier there was a complete co-ordination among the people and their leaders. All the rebels recognized Bahadur Shah, a Muslim as their emperor. The Hindu and Muslim soldiers respected each of other’s sentiments. Leadership was mutually represented. A senior British official, later complained: “In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against Hindus”.
Right from the beginning of the 19th century a positive climate for freedom against foreign rule was felt all over India. The episode of Marudupandiars of Sivagangai in 1801, the soldiers' revolt at the Vellore fort in 1806 and the military mutiny of 1857 was preceded by a number of local rebellions. These were caused by the dissatisfaction of farmers over excessive taxes; disappointment of artisans and the handicrafts men who lost their identity due to the development of modern industries introduced by the British; the suppression of traditional landed aristocracy; and the rumours about the Government’s secret designs to promote conversions to Christianity. This was why the revolt of 1857 was called the ‘Coalition Revolt’ of the Cipay (Soldiers) and that of the civil population. The religious sentiments of the soldiers were wounded enormously as there was report of the mixing of bone dust in Atta and the introduction of Enfield rifle cartridges that had to be bitten off before loading and the grease was reportedly made of beef and pig fat.
In continuance of the military mutiny of 1857, two great political foundations came into existence, namely, the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. The former represented the freedom struggle of the masses, and the latter constantly discouraged Muslims from taking active part in the affairs of the Congress.
Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885 by seventy-two political workers. It was the first organized expression of Indian Nationalism on an all-India scale. A.O. Hume, a retired English ICS Officer played an important role in its foundation. A concrete shape and setting to the communal theory was set up under the leadership of Aga Khan, Nawab Salimullah of Dacca and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk. From the beginning its interest was different from the rest of the nation.
As North Arcot district and its old capital Vellore played a vital role in the nationalistic movement for freedom, many leaders from various other parts of Tamilnadu came out openly to express their feelings of freedom and Swaraj. "Veerapandia Kattabomman" refused to pay tax to the white. V.O. Chidambaram of Tuticorin burnt foreign clothes in 1922 and joined Tilak in Singing ‘Swarajyam is my birth right’. Satyamurthy protested against senior delegation in 1927. Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari took part in the Salt Satyagragam at Vedaranyam in 1930. Namakal Kavignar Ramlingam sang Kattiyinri Rattaminri in 1932 when a dhoby was beaten to death at a clash near a liquor shop in Madurai. Maha Kavi Bharathiar (1882-1992) composed songs on freedom, ran a daily called Svatesa Mitran. The earlier Tamil dramas and the Tamil films, which came into the fore from 1931, aroused in the people of Tamilnadu a desire for self-government, Vocalists and musicians like K.P. Sundarambal, Madurai Rajam, Lakshme, T.M. Soundararajan and M.S. Viswanathan through their songs enkindled the desire for independence among the masses. K. Kamaraj (former chief minister of Tamilnadu after Rajaji) took active part in freedom movement with Mahatma Gandhi.
After the foundation of the Indian National Congress, there was united effort everywhere to protest against the British regime. L. Thyagarajan in his research work had found out that in twelve years (1920-32) there was more number of participants in the freedom movement from North Arcot district than from other districts.
In 1800, the British with the help of the Arcot Nawab established political, stability in the Carnatic region. It was just six years after, in 1806, that the Vellore mutiny took place. As a result of this event, the British brought about administrative, military and revenue readjustments. As a consequence, all revolts in the south against British rule were silenced. Due to this the major mutiny took place in 1857 at Meerut, soldiers from Norht Arcot were supportive to the British as a sign of gratitude for the care they received after Vellore mutiny. The effect of 1857 mutiny on Vellore militia was thus negligible.
Between 1904-1905 under Ganapathy Sastriar, The North Arcot Congress unit was started. In 15 years its branches were established at Thiruvannamalai, Chengam, Polur, Arni, Cheyyar, Wandiwash, Arcot, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Gudiyatham and Vaniyambadi. Leaders from here co-operated with Annie Besant in her Home Rule (1916-18) Movement. This gesture brought unity between Hindus and Muslims who made public speeches together. Rajaji was kept in Vellore jail for six years when he protested against the arrival of Prince of Wales. Those who were brought to Vellore jail in connection with protests made against foreign rule, resorted to hunger strikes. In short, people from all walks of life took a zealous part in the freedom struggle to show their spirit of solidarity. Khilafat movement, which was supported by Gandhi and Hindus was started by Muslims in protest against the verdict after Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Bishop Paul Mariaselvam SDBBy the Apostolic constitution ‘Ex Primaevae Ecclesiae’ of November 13, 1952, when the Archdiocese of Madras and the Diocese of Mylapore were amalgamated and made into the Archdiocese of Madras – Mylapore, the southern portion of the Diocese of Mylapore was erected as the Diocese of Tanjavur, while North Arcot District (excluding its two taluks of chengam and Thiruvannamalai which were still under the Archdiocese of Pondicherry), a part of the District of Chittoor i.e the two taluks of Palmaner and Chittoor and the Taluk of Tiruthanni (at present in the District of Chinglepet) were detached from the old Archdiocese of Madras and were created as the ‘Diocese of Vellore’.
The new diocese of Vellore was entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco. According to the same constitution, the Most Rev. Paul Mariaselvam SDB, of sacred memory, was appointed the first Bishop of the Diocese of Vellore. He was consecrated on 19th of March 1953.
In the newly erected diocese, many were the difficulties that confronted him. He did not even have a residence. He had to be in a rented house. Practically all the catechists of the diocese had to be paid; new chapels and presbyteries had to be built. The finance was at very low ebb. However, Mary Help of Christians was his guiding Star. With Zeal, he set to work. He visited most of the mission stations. His first and foremost attention was to bring a renewal in the teaching of Christian doctrine to the school children and to get good and efficient catechists for evangelization. One could say that he was burnt up by the zeal for souls. His premature death on June 25, 1954, was a severe blow to the ‘Infant Diocese’ and its flock. Within the short span of 15 months as Bishop of Vellore, he endeared himself to all. His mortal remains were placed at the sanctuary of the Assumption Cathedral, Vellore on 26th June 1954.
After the demise of the first Bishop of Vellore, his Vicar General Msgr. S. David Marianayagam SDB became the Administrator of the Diocese of Vellore from July 1954 onwards. He was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Vellore. This was informed to the councilors on October 14, 1954. On July 05, 1956 he was nominated as the Bishop of Vellore. His consecration took place on the September 09, 1956. The Most Rev. Dr. Louis Mathias SDB, Archbishop of Madras – Mylapore, was the Principal Consecrator Bishop.
During the thirteen years of his bishopric, with the motto, ‘Let Jesus and Mary Reign’, he gave his heart and soul to his flock. He gave new look to the Assumption Cathedral; drew up a programme for the social uplift of a widespread nature. Many catechists were appointed to help in the work of evangelization. Besides, he was responsible for the construction of seven churches, 50 chapels, nine presbyteries and seven convents; he renewed and remodeled many churches and institutions; he saw that a sum of money was given to each parish for social work. All this good work shows his zeal for the spreading of Christ’s Kingdom on earth. But on Wednesday, July 16, 1969 at 3.30 p.m. he died of heart failure in the Bishop’s House of Kumbakonam Diocese. The funeral service took place in the Assumption cathedral, Vellore, on Friday, July 18, 1969 at 5.00 p.m.
Bishop Rayappan Antony Muthu – Third Bishop of Vellore (1971 – 1980) Bishop Rayappan Antony MuthuThe See became vacant and Msgr. S. Lazar, SDB, as Vicar Capitular, administered the Diocese ably for 21 months.
In an effort to bring the diocesan boundaries in line with the civil district the Taluk of Tiruthani in the District of Chingleput belonging to the Diocese of Vellore was detached from it and added to the Archdiocese of Madras – Mylapore, and the Taluks of Thiruvannamalai and Chengam in the District of North Arcot till then still belonging to the Archdiocese of Pondicherry-Cuddalore were detached from it and added to the Diocese of Vellore. (Decree Prot. No.404/69 1st September 1969 of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples).
On March 06, 1971, The Most Rev. Rayappan Antony Muthu was nominated as the Bishop of Vellore. He was consecrated Bishop on April 21, 1971. In his efforts to help the priests, his co-workers in the parishes, and for the good of souls, he contacted many congregations of sisters and established not less than 24 convents in the Diocese of Vellore. To crown them all he succeeded in getting established Perpetual Adoration Monastery of Sisters of Poor Clare at Rangapuram, Sathuvachary where prayers are offered 24 hours a day for Diocese. He also erected 17 new parishes. He also saw to the needs of the retired priests in getting a house constructed at Sathuvachary, Vellore.
To provide for the needs of the people who are sick, he built about 21 dispensaries. He also developed the economic condition of the people by providing them with sewing machines, bulls, cows, goats and sheeps.
Mother and Child welfare programme was well organized with the help of CRS. It is during his time, by a Decree Prot. No.218/75 dated 20th January 1975, of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, that the five taluks of the civil district of Chittoor, namely Chittoor, Palmaner, Kuppam, Bangaupalam and Satyavedu belonging to the Diocese of Vellore were detached from it and added to the Diocese of Nellore, Andra Pradesh. From now on the old civil territory of North Arcot district which is now Vellore District and Tiruvannamalai District comprise the Diocese of Vellore. After his untiring work of ten years, Bishop Antony Muthu of sacred memory was called to eternal reward on December 19, 1980. The next day the Diocesan Council met and elected Very Rev. Msgr. S.T. Ignatius, the then Vicar General of the Diocese to the Vicar Capitular. The Diocese was ably administered by him for seven months.
Bishop Michael AugustineOn the July 10, 1981, Most. Rev. Dr. S. Michael Augustine, till then Auxiliary Bishop of Madras – Mylapore, was nominated as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Vellore. The Installation service took place on July 24, 1981 at 6.00 p.m. in the Cathedral Campus at Vellore.
Bishop S. Michael Augustine was the Bishop of Vellore for 10 years and 11 months. During his tenure of office, about 100 churches and chapels were built; seven new parishes were erected, six convents and dispensaries and three High Schools were opened, and five Elementary Schools were upgraded to middle schools.
He noticed that Catholics do not hold high positions. To achieve this, He started summer coaching classes for the students who finished school. This coaching classes helped many people to go for medicine, nursing, engineering and other technical trainings. He has also established a scholarship fund for professional studies. The children should have strong foundation in their education. So he started coaching classes for High School children. The coaching classes were conducted for a month. The whole expenses were met by the projects and Diocesan contributions.
The future of the Diocese depends upon the priests we get. To foster local vocations, he started a minor seminary at Pathiavaram. As the Tamil Nadu Bishops decided to have the college education as minimum qualification for major seminary admission, a seminary was started at Koviloor. The students attend Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur. At present, The minor seminary is at Vepur. Only students who have finished their plus two (+2) studies are admitted. After two years of minor seminary course, the students are sent to Tirupattur College for degree course. Home for Homeless: with this view, he built houses for the poor people. A loan scheme was started to help the teachers to build their houses. About 300 teachers have benefited by this scheme. With the help of Austrian youth, four dispensaries were started in interior villages. A Retreat House was started by ‘Foyer de Charite’. This is one of the Power Houses. Several Retreats and Seminars are conducted here. The separated brethren too come here for their spiritual renewal. He was transferred as Archbishop of Pondicherry – Cuddalore on March 24, 1992. He remained administrator of Vellore Diocese till June 25, 1992. When Bishop Michael Augustine took charge of Pondicherry Archdiocese, the Diocese of Vellore became vacant. The Diocesan Consultors had their meeting and elected, Rev. Msgr. A. Nambikairaj as the Administrator of the Diocese of Vellore. The diocese was ably administered by him for 20 months.
After 18 months of vacancy, Very Rev. Fr. A. Malayappan Chinnappa SDB, M.A. B.Ed, from K. Pudur, Madurai Archdiocese was appointed Bishop of Vellore. This good news was announced on December 16, 1993. He is the fifth bishop of Vellore and the third Salesian Bishop. The Episcopal Ordination was held on January 25, 1994. Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy was the main consecrator. All the Bishops of Tamilnadu were present. More than 400 priests were present. A good number of Sisters, Religious and lay people were present for the Episcopal Ordination.
In 1911, North Arcot District was erected and Vellore was named as its headquarters. In 1989, North Arcot was bifurcated into two Districts Vellore and Thiruvannamalai. From that time onwards, Vellore Diocese comprises of two districts namely Vellore and Thiruvannamalai. These two districts get less rain; Most of the fields are dry lands. There are two rivers and a few tributaries; they are dry throughout the year. There are no factories or industries. Once upon a time, Vellore district was famous for tannery works. Now the tanneries are mechanized and so no work; Matchbox works and Beedi (country cigars) works are done here. In this situation, only education can help these people.
When he was appointed Bishop of Vellore, his main priority was “Education for everybody”. He tried his best to educate all children, raised funds by scholarship and sponsorship etc. and put up good buildings for the schools. He also upgraded several schools that the children may study in the local school. This has helped to reduce the dropouts.
To cater to the needs of more people in rural areas, 17 new parishes and two mission stations with resident priests are erected. In 1997, his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee was celebrated. All that time, the Tamilnadu Bishops’ Council meeting was held in Vellore. As a remembrance, Rs. 2.5 million was collected and the interest is used to help as medical aid to the poor people and widows received proper care. Care of souls is done with Pastoral Plans. Administrative and Cultural buildings are put up. In 2001, He defended a thesis at Madras University – Chair of Christianity and obtained a Ph.D. (on the Pastoral Methods of missionaries especially Paris Foreign Missionaries and the Salesians of Don Bosco). To provide opportunities for higher education, he has invited Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary to start University Study Centre, Carmelite Sisters to similar work and the Sisters of Gonzague to start Teachers Training College in different parts of the diocese. Priests, Religious and Laity do receive periodical animation programmes. To cater to the socio-economic developments of the people, one more Social Service Society is established at Thiruvannamalai. Eradication of Casteism is one of its landmarks. The diocesan synod is to be celebrated between September 9 and 13, 2003 with “Building relationships in Dialogue” as the main theme.
In July 10, 2002, one of the Diocesan Priests Most Rev. Dr. L. Thomas Aquinas was appointed Bishop of Coimbatore. He is the first one to be raised from Vellore Diocesan clergy to the Bishopric. His Episcopal Ordination was well attended by the Priests, Religious and laity. The new Assumption Cathedral (as said earlier) stands as a historical and an architectural monument.
There is a saying that North Arcot District faces famine every third year and flood in the seventh year. For the past four years, we are facing less and less rain. Yet we carry on to do the work of God.