History of Coimbatore
Popularly known as Kovai, Coimbatore is one of the well developed cities
that is located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This heritage city
was a part of Kongu and it served as the principal trade
route between the west coast and Tamil Nadu.
It is important to know
that the history of the city dates back to the 12th century of Sangam
age. Being the second largest city, Coimbatore is the major industrial
hub for textile, mechanical, small scale and automobile industries.
Moreover, the capital city of the Chola dynasty is referred as
“Kovaiputhor”, “Kovan”, “Koniamma” and much more.
Origin of Coimbatore
Ruled
by Sangam Cheras, the areas of the region were largely inhabited by
tribes (Kosars) and later they came under the control of Rashtra Kutas.
After some years, the rule of Rashtra Kutas fell into the hands of the
Cholas.
The ancient city of Coimbatore was considered to be the birth
place of the Cholas in which a large number of cultural and traditional
activities took place every year. Few reports estimated that the entire
region was conquered by the medieval cholas in the 10th century BC.
In order to offer good service to the people, the rulers constructed a highway named “Rajakesari Peruvazhi". It is believed that the Konkunattu region (Coimbatore) had large quantities of Roman coins and other artifacts during the early period.
In order to offer good service to the people, the rulers constructed a highway named “Rajakesari Peruvazhi". It is believed that the Konkunattu region (Coimbatore) had large quantities of Roman coins and other artifacts during the early period.
Out of many Chola rulers, Kulothunga
Chola was the powerful leaders of the Chola Empire. The kingdom of the
legendary ruler consists of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Further, the rule of Chola Kings has enabled the city to reach great
heights in the history.
Medieval Period
During the medieval
period, the Kongu region was completely occupied by a number of
dynasties such as Cheras and Pandyas. The rulers of the Chola Kingdom
has taken great efforts in constructing beautiful temples using the
Chola style of architecture in all the areas of the building.
Popular
literacy works were also composed by the famous poets such as
'Perumkatai', Venbamalai' and Purap-porul'. Later, the Chola kings lost
the control over the region and the Pandya rulers annexed the city of
Kongu. Vijayanagar Rulers were much powerful during the period and they
started to extend their boundaries by capturing the Kongu region.
Vijayanagar Dynasty
Under
the control of Vijayanagar dynasty, the city became popular with a
large group of settlers from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. After few
successful years of their rule, the entire region was administered and
controlled by the Madurai Nayaks.
Moreover, the Madurai Nayaks
established the region as an independent kingdom and they occupied the
areas of Vellore, Chandragiri, Mysore, Tanjore and Gingee in the next
few years. These rulers introduced the Palayakarar system where they
divided the city into 24 Palayams.
Anglo-Mysore Wars
During
the Anglo-Mysore War period, the ancient city was coveted by the Mysore
sultans and the British troops. The British East India Company took
control of the entire city in the year of 1768. Some of the popular
leaders who played an important role in the city include Colonel
Fullarton, Tipu Sultan and much more. After the completion of third
Mysore war, the city was declared as the capital of Coimbatore district
in 1865.
The aim to govern the city, the Government of Tamil Nadu
established the Coimbatore Municipality Corporation as per the Town
Improvements Act (1865). The heritage city has started to commence a
large number of textile mills in the prime areas of the region.
Rapid Growth of Coimbatore
Growth
of the city has enabled the higher authorities to construct the Mettur
Dam for the benefit of the people.
Various modes of transport such as
road and rail have been developed to facilitate easier transportation of
goods and commodities.
Apart from this, the city became the home for
some of the popular cinema studios such as Central Studios and
Pakshiraja Studios.
The city was able to develop several textile mills
in the city due to the cheap power offered by the Pykara power station.
It is essential for the people to know that the heritage city played a
significant role in the Indian Independence Movement.