CHAPTER III

46

CHAPTER-III

PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA

Introduction

A brief analysis of the profile of the study area is necessary to

understand the details regarding the developments and importance of the
area chosen for this research study. This chapter portrays the history of the
district and a brief presentation of its physical aspects such as geographical
location, demography, infrastructural facilities, topography, climate and
administrative set up of the study area. This chapter is divided into three
sections namely:

o Profile of Tamil Nadu.

o Profile of Veil ore District.
o Profile ofVellore Town.

A brief profile of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, which holds in itself a land, language and culture, has
existed since the prehistoric times. Human settlement here is said to have
existed contemporary to the civilisations in other parts of the world. The
existence of ports such as Arikamedu, Karipattinam, Korkai were proof of
the Tamilian advancement in establishing relations with other regions of the
world. The Tamilians were said to be of Dravidian origin and they originally
originated in the North West part of India. 1 With the advancement of the

1
COLUMBIS ENCYCLOPEDIA, The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth
Edition, New York, 2003.
TAMIL NADU ANDHRA PRADESH

District Map

KARNATAKA

State Capital
- - District Boundary Dhamapuri
- International Bou

SRI
LANKA
 47

lndo-Aryans, the Dravidians were pushed towards the south. The Sangam
literature is the basis of Tamil history, culture and organisations from the 3rd
century A.D. The Cholas, the Pallavas, the Pandyas and the Cheras had their
influence on Tamil Nadu and established their kingdoms. The Pallavas
established their reign at Kanchipuram in about the 4th century A.D. They
held power over the land of the Tamils from the 6th to 9th centuries. At the
end of the 9th century, the Cholas established themselves and they extended
their empire establishing contacts with South East Asia.

In the 13th century, the Pandyas dominated the land of the Tamils.
The establishment of the Vijayanagar Empire brought about the downfall of
the Pandyas. This empire ruled till the 16th century preserving and
promoting Hindu culture.2 The Muslim powers influenced this region
politically. The Marathas also influenced Madurai and Thanjavur till the
advent of the English who wrested power from the French. During the 17th
and the 18th centuries, conflicts started between the trading companies of
Europe for control of the major parts in the east. The British managed to
control this region in the 19th century. This region was under the domain of
the East India Company and continued until independence after which the
three states were formed namely; Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.
The region under the jurisdiction of the Madras Presidency was formed into
a single unit and named as Tamil Nadu in 1969.

Thus, the State of Tamil Nadu was carved out of the erstwhile Madras
province in 1956, comprising the Tamil speaking areas. Occupying 3.95% of

2
THANGA VELU, G: Tamil N ila Varalaru (History of Tamil Nadu), (Tamil Nadu Text
Book Society, Chenna i, 1976), p.2 10.
 48

the land area of the country, it spreads over an area of I ,30,058 sq.km. It is
situated along the east coast of India, along the Bay of Bengal, dropping
down to the Indian Ocean in the South. It shares its boundaries with Kerala,
Kamataka and Andhra Pradesh. The State is divided into 30 administrative
districts and 385 Community Development Blocks. The urban part of the
State comprises 6 Corporations, I 04 Municipalities and cantonments, 611
Town Panchayats, 111 Census Towns (totaling to 832 urban local bodies).
The rural part comprises 385 Panchayat Unions and 12,6 I8 Village
Panchayats. Sixty one percent of the Village Panchayats have a population
of I ,000 to 2,000 and I 0% of the Village Panchayats have a population
below thousand. 3 As per the 200I census, the population of Tamil Nadu
stood at 62.4 million. Tamil Nadu is the sixth most populous state in India.
The State accounts for 6.06 percent of the country's total population. 4 The
population density per square km in Tamil Nadu was 480 persons as
compared to the national average density of 325 persons. 5

Agriculture is continue to be the mainstay of the economy of Tamil

Nadu, as 70% of the population is engaged in Agriculture and allied
activities for their livelihood. The State has as an area of 1,30,058 sq.km
with a gross cropped area of around 63 Lakh Ha. Productivity levels of some
of the crops are very high.6 The yield of rice amounting to 2.5 tons per

hectare is the highest in India. The sugarcane yield of I 00 tons per hectare is

3
GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU: Statistical Handbook of Tamil Nadu 2002,
(Department of Economics and Statistics, Govt of Tamtl Nadu, Olennai, 2005), p 162.
4
VENKA TESH, Atbreya: "The Tamil Nadu Picture", Frontline, May II , 200 I, p.28.
5
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA: Census of India, Provisional Population Totals; Paper-!
of 2001 , p 48.
6
GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU : Information Guide on the Welfare Schemes of the
Government 2006-07, Agriculture Department, Chennai, 2007.
 49

a world record. The State is also the highest producers of bananas in the
country. Some of the plantation crops like tea, coffee and cotton are
extensively raised.

Cotton textiles, cement, caustic soda and nitrogenous fertilizers, and

sugar are some of the important industries in the State. Tamil Nadu accounts
for one fourth of the country's sugar production. State Development
Corporations, like Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation
(TIDCO), State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT)
etc., have significantly helped industrial promotion by providing industrial
finance and technical and technological know-how. Industrial Estates and
complexes have been created and dispersed in several parts of the State.
Many of these complexes serve as industrial growth centres.

PROFILE OF VELLORE DISTRICT

Vellore district is one of the 30 districts in Tamil Nadu. The

geographical area constituting the present Vellore District was part of the
"Thondaimandalam" region during the early South Indian period. The region
has witnessed many famous battles for retaining supremacy and control over
the jurisdiction between local chieftains, the French and the English
invaders. The places of historical importance like Arcot, Vellore,
Vaniyampadi, Walajapet, etc, have had several small and big battles, leaving
the footprints of British rule.
 )r 'f.

N
VELLORE DISTRICT TIRUVALLUR A
\ ~

•4 t---............_
Z .zA
Tiruvalangadu
~NCHIPURAM

1
To Salem I- Otleic:.t 8culdery
[. ·- n Rlv«
=CF N8llonll ~ey

TIRUVANNAMALAI - Ulljor Roed

Road
t;tt Rellw8y Tr.clc
® Dillrict He8dquarter
e Taluk HMdqu8nllr
0 Town
DHARMA PURl • Tounat~
~

Map not to eeale

 50

History of the District

The name Vellore is derived from the Tamil words: Vel (spear) +
Oore (city), means a city of spears. Ancient history shows that Vellore was
basically a battlefield, where warriors used to fight. Due to the geography of
the place, with a high temperature and plain desert-like sandy regions, the
place was always left with used weapons like spears all around the year.
Fences made of spears were made for the animals like elephants and horses,
to prevent them from running off during night, so it was called Velaioore
and in later years as Velai Managaram. Yell ore has the blend of rich heritage
and culture representing the ancient Dravidian urbanization. Vellore had the
privilege of being the seat of the Pallavas, Cholas, Nayaks, Marathas, Arcot
Nawabs and the Bijapur Sultan Kingdoms. 7 Vellore was once the capital city
of the Vijayanagar Empire during 1606-1672. It was described as one of the
best and strongest fortress in the Carnatic War in the 17th century. The
Vellore Mutiny of 1806 was one of the earliest upsurges against the British
rule in India. Vellore District has always been on the forefront in the
struggle for freedom. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1806 A.D. that broke out inside
the Vellore Fort against the British authority is considered to be the prelude
to the Great Revolt of 1857, which is often described by some historians as
The First Indian War oflndependence. 8 The outstanding performance ofthis
district in contributing to the military service is commendable as more and

7
SHESHATHIR.I, A.K: History of Vellore Fort, (Sekar Pathipagam, Chennai,l991), p.6.
8
THANGAVELU, G : Social and Cultural History of Tamil Nadu, (J.J.Publications,
Madurai, India, 2001), p.749.
 51

more men have enlisted themselves to the military service to serve the
national indomitable spirit.

The other note worthy monuments is the mausoleums located in

Aruganthampoodi area on the Vellore - Arcot road, where the family
members ofTippu Sultan were buried. The Muthu Mandapam on the banks
of river of Palar, is a memorial raised by the Tamil Nadu Government to

honor Vikarama Raja Singha, the last Tamil King who ruled Kandy
(Srilanka) from 1798 to 1815 A.D. He was imprisoned in Vellore fort for 17
years.

Changes of the Administrative Units in Vellore District

Vellore district, the once North Arcot district, witnessed a number of

changes ever since its inception from the dawn of the 20th century. During
1911 , North Arcot was bifurcated and the new district of Chittoor was
formed. In the subsequent changes, Thirupattur taluk of Salem district and
Thiruvannamalai taluk of South Arcot district were added with the North
Arcot district.

After Independence, when the linguistic states were formed, the

boundaries were altered between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in 1959.9
Thirty-two villages of Andhra Pradesh were added to the taluks of North
Arcot district, (eight villages to Gudiyatham taluk, twenty-one villages to

9
GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU: " Linguistic States", Tamilarasu, January 1980,
p.28.
 52

Walajah taluk and three villages to Arakkonam taluk.) There were four
Revenue Divisions in 1961, in North Arcot district, namely Ranipet, Ami,
Vellore and Gudiyatham. During 1961-1971 , two more taluks, Vaniyambadi
and Arcot were formed. The number of taluks continued to be thirteen as
per the 1981 census. There had been no jurisdictional changes in the district
during 1971-1981. 10

In order to make the district administration easy and more effective,

the Government of Tamil Nadu had decided to bifurcate some of the larger
districts and to form new districts. In 1989, the North Arcot District was
bifurcated into Vellore Arnbedkar District with the head quarters at
V ell ore; 11 and Thiruvannamalai Samburvarayar District with the head
quarters at Thiruvannamalai. Vellore Ambedkar District comprised the
seven taluks at the time of bifurcation, i.e., Walajah, Arakkonam, Arcot,
Gudiyatham, Thirupattur, Vellore and Vaniyambadi. In 1997, the
Government of Tamil Nadu passed an order to remove the names of the
leaders prefixed to the districts and consequently the name Ambedkar was
also removed that prefixed the Vellore district. 12 Hence, it became merely
' Vellore District' .

Vellore district covers an area of 6077 sq.kms and comprises of 8

taluks vtz. Arakonam, Arcot, Walajapet, Gudiyatham, Katpadi,

° Census of India 1971, District Census Handbook, North Arcot District, Madras, 1972,
1

p. l6.
11
G.O.Ms.No. lll 2 (SWD), 121h June 1989.
12
G.O.Ms.No.618 (SWD), 171b June 1997.
 53

Vaniyampadi, Vellore and Thirupattur which includes 20 Blocks 753 village

Panchayats and 843 revenue Villages. This district consists of 14
Municipalities, which are listed below:

o Ambur
o Arakonam
o Arcot
o Darapadavedu
o Gudiyatham
o Jolarpettai
o Melvisharam
o Pemambattu
o Ranipettai
o Sathuvachari
o Tirupattur
o V aniyambadi
o Vellore
o Walajapet

Geographical Location

Vellore district has an area of 6,077 Sq.km. (Urban 203.48 (3.3%)

Sq.Km and Rural 5873 .52(96.7%) Sq.Km) Vellore district is located on the
Northern part of Tamil Nadu surrounded by Chittor District of Andhra
Pradesh in the North, Thiruvannamalai district in the South, Krishnagiri
district in the West and Kancheepuram district, one of the ancient cities of
 54

India, in the East. Vellore district, an inland area, lies between 12° 21' and
13° 15' of the northern latitude and 78° 20' and 79° 50' of eastern longitude. 13
It slopes from East to West and the land in eastern part is flat. Vellore is the
headquarters of the district.

General Features

Demographic features of a place are one of the factors, which

determine the demand for a product or service. Demographic features
include area, composition of population, density of population and sex ratio.
The following Table 3.1 gives general information of demographic features
of Vellore district in comparison with Tamil Nadu and India.

Table 3.1
Demographic Features of India, Tamil Nadu and Vellore
District from 1981-2001
Vellore
S.No Particulars Census Tamil Nadu India
District

1981 44,14,324 4.84 (7.08) 833.00 (1 00.00)

Population
1 1991 30,26,432 84.63 (1 00.00)
.
(in crores)
2001 34,77,317
5.50 (6.69)
6.24 (6.07)
102.87 (1 00.00)
Sex Ratio 1981 979 977 933
2 (per thousand 1991 978 972 929
Males) 2001 997 987 933
Area 6,077 1,30,058 32,87,240
3 2001
(Sq.km) (0.18) (3.95) (100.00)
1981 429 373 216
Density
4 1991 493 428 257
(per Sq.km)
2001 573 480 325
Values m brackets are percentage to the population of lnd1a)
Source: National Informatics Centre, Vellore Collectorate, Vellore-9.

13
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA : Census of India, District Census Handbook, Vellore
District, Vol.l, Director of Census Operation, Chennai, 2002, p.3 .
 55

The above table reveals that the population of Vellore district was
34,77,317 and that of Tamil Nadu was 6,24,05,679 and national population
was 102,87,37,436. While analysing the table, the population of the district
has declined from 44,14,324 to 34,77,317(21.2%). During 1991 to 2001 , the
population in the district grew at a rate of 12.96%. In absolute number
4,50,885 people have been added to the population during the past ten years.
The sex ratio in Vellore district stood at 979/ 1000 in 1981 and 978/1000 in
1991. In 2001 , Sex ratio of gender has changed to 997/ 1000. The fact that
the ratio has in the last decade begun to rise is a sure indication of a
development level. It is because wherever this ratio is almost equal, there
the levels of development high and good. It is observed that sex ratio in
Vellore district is well balanced when compared to Tamil Nadu (987) and
India (933). 14

The geographical area of the district is 6077 square kilometer which

constitute 4.67% of Tamil Nadu and 0.18% of total geographical area of the
country. It is asserted from the table that the density of population of the
district is higher than that of the state (480) and the nation (325). Density of
population has increased from 429 per square kilometres in 1981 to 573 per
square kilometres in 2001 , nearly 33.57% has increased.

Population

Vellore district is the second most populous district in Tamil Nadu

and had a population of 34, 77, 317 lakhs as per the 2001 census. In terms of
urbanisation level, according to the composition of urban and rural

14
National Informatics Centre, Vellore Collectorate, Vellore-9.
 56

population, Vellore district ranks gth place among the other districts in Tamil
Nadu. Anthropologically, the population of Vellore is mostly Dravidian.
The religion is predominantly Hindu; Muslims constitute about 20% and
Christians about 10% of the population.

Table 3.2

Population of Veil ore District

Total Percentage to
Year Male Female Total population total population of
of Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu

1961 15,81,826 15,64,500 31,46,326 3 36,86,953 9.33

1971 19,05,360 18,50,437 37,55,797 4,11 ,99,168 9.12
1981 22 30,559 21 ,83,765 44,14,324 4,84,08,077 9.12
1991 15,29,944 14,96,488 30,26,432 5,58,58,946 5.41
2001 17,41 ,083 17,36,234 34,77,317 6,24,05,679 5.57
Source: Directorate of Census Operations- Tam1l Nadu

Table 3.2 and Figure 3.1 portrays the population trend in Vellore
district (the then North Arcot District) and its percentage to Tamil Nadu
population. It reveals that there is an increase in the population of Tamil
Nadu to the extent of 1,39,97,602 (28.9%) where as in Vellore district the
population has declined from 44, 14,324 to 34,77,317 nearly 21.22%. It is
observed that the 1991 census showed a decline in the population of Yell ore
district with 30,26,432 people due to the bifurcation of the district. However,
the 2001 census results show a considerable increase to 3.47 million people
in the district ie., 0.16%. In addition to this number, Vellore district attracts a
floating population of 1. 7 5 lakh per month 15, most of them who come for

15
Vellore municipality, General information, Website, 2005 .
( http://www.velloremunicipality.org/)
 Fig. 3.1
Population of Vellore District (1961-2001)

.,tii'c
:J
..
:a
0
.1:.
c
:::.
z
0
i=
:5:::»
a.
0
a.

1961 1971 1981 1991 2001

YEAR

..6
 57

business purposes and to the renowned Christian Medical College and

Hospital (CMCH) located at Vellore town for treatment.

Literacy

Education is not just to Improve literacy levels. It is neither for

industrial skills alone. Education helps to understand the culture, quality and
social status of a society. Literacy status is an important indicator of the
development of society towards various objectives of the modern society.
According to the Census of India, 2001 , the literacy rate of Vellore district is
shown in Table 3.3:

Table 3.3
No. of literates in Vellore District
Rate of increase
Year Male Female Total
in percentage
1961 4,97,467
. 2,60,838 7,58,305 -
1971 8,00,805
. 3,16,222 11,17,027 32.11
1981 5,36,926
. 6,09,873 11,46,799 02.60
1991 9,32,845 - 5,32,282 14,65,127 21.73
2001 12,45,076
.. 3,59,503 22,03,552 33.51
* North Arcot D1stnct ** Vellore D1stnct
Source: Director of Census operations, Tamil Nadu, Chennai - 18.

Literacy rate has increased from 7,58,305 in 1961 to 22,03,552 in

2001 with a growth rate of 33.51%. As per 1981 census, increase in literacy
rate was only 2.60% but at the same time, it is quite interesting to note that
female literates (6,09,873) are more than male literates (5,36,923) in the
district. In 1971 , literacy rate was very poor. But in later years, it increased
due to increase in the number of colleges and schools.
 58

Climatic conditions

The variation of temperature throughout the year exhibits a moderate

climatic condition in the district. The extreme climatic condition i.e. high
temperature during summer and exactly the opposite during winter seasons
during March to June and November to January prevail in the district
respectively. Especially, the places like Walajapet and Gudiyatham
experience erratic climatic condition i.e. hot and cold seasons due to the
surrounding hilly areas. Generally, the region has a long spell of hot climate
with a short spell of rainy season and winter, which is a mild one.
Temperature is low during the month of January and the lowest average
mean daily temperature is 21 °C. The mean maximum daily temperature
recorded during the hot season in the month of May is 38°C. The district
receives intermittent rainfall from the month of June to December, with
occasional rains in other months. Normal rainfall in Vellore district is
97l.lmm. The contribution from southwest monsoon ranges from 45 to
52%, whereas the contribution from northwest monsoon ranges from
30-43% of annual normal rainfall. 16

Hills

The north-western part of the district is the part of the Eastern Ghats
and their spurs. The highest and loftiest mountains in the district are the
Javadhu hills, which cover the eastern part of the Tirupatthur taluk, the
Northwestern portion of Chengam taluk and the western part of Polur taluk.

16
GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU: "Environmental Profile of Vellore District",
Operations Research group, Department of Environment, Chennai, 2006.
 59

The general elevation of the Javadhu hills is 2,500 feet, with peaks rising
upto 4,200 feet. The YY elagiri hills lie in the central part of Tirupatthur
taluk and often called as 'poor man's Ooty as' it is an important and most
attractive tourist spot in the area. 17 Other than these, many small hillocks lie
scattered in Vellore, Gudiyatham, and Arakkonam taluks.

Rivers

The main river of the district is the Palar while Ponnai, South Pennar,
and Cheyyar are the tributaries of the Palar. These are rivers with seasonal
rainfall only. The district has more than 1300 tanks and 604 canals, which
act as the main sources of surface water. Two irrigation projects viz. Palar
Anicut and Ponnaiyar Anicut have been executed for augmenting surface
water irrigation facilities. 18

Soil

Majority of the areas is covered with Red Loam soil, nearly 54.4% of
the total area is covered with Red loam soil. Black soil is distributed mostly
along the rivers of Palar, Pennaiyar, and Cheyyar and in the Anaicuts of few
big tanks. 5.57% of the area is covered by this soil type. The other soil types
like Clay, Red Ferruginous, etc., are occupying the remaining percentage of
the total area in the district. In Vellore district, 708 percolation ponds, and
61 check dams/stop dams have been constructed up to 199 5-1996 under

M UL
1/llllllllllllllllll/1
Ph0 3681

17
----------"Thousands throng Yelagiri Hills for summer festival", The Hindu, Chennai,
May 31 , 2005.
18
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA: Central Ground Water Board, Chennai, 2002.
~==~
 60

various soil and water conservation programmes. Nearly 51,555 hectares of

lands are identified to suffer from problem of salinity and alkalinity, which
is 8.48% total geographical area of the district. About 40,080 hectares of
land receive soil conservation treatment in order to safeguard the agricultural
practices in the region. 19

Agriculture and Horticulture

Agriculture provides basic sustenance to all living beings. In Vellore

district, 50% of the area is used for agricultural purpose. The major
agricultural crops grown in Vellore district are Ragi, Paddy, Cotton,
groundnut and sugarcane. 2 ° Food grains and food crops like jawar, maize
and pulses, cash crops like turmeric and chillies, oil seeds like coconut and
sesame are also grown. 21 Vellore district is well known for horticulture
products in Tamil Nadu. The agro-climatic condition of Vellore district is
well suited for plantation of horticulture crops like Banana, Mango and
Coconut, nearly 15,643 hectares of land is under the cultivation of these
crops. Nearly 20% of the total geographical area is under irrigation. Ground
water is the major source of irrigation, accounting for nearly 75% of the net
area irrigated.

19
SHAMLA Rasheed, VIDHY A. R and VENUGOPAL. K : "Agro-Land suitability
assessment for Rice and Sugarcane using Remote sensing and GIS synergism",
Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University, Chennai, 2006, p. 8.
20
Industrial Potentiality Survey Report: Vellore District, MSME-Development
Institute, Chennai, March 2005, pp. 9- 12.
21
District Agricultural Development Annual Report, 2005-06, Yell ore, p.1 3.
 61

Forest Resources

Forests are the Earth's largest and most productive eco-system, and
constitute the second largest land-use in India after agriculture. Forests are
great collectors and storehouses of water. Besides this, they are the Earth's
air purifiers, due to the large amounts of carbon dioxide they absorb from
the atmosphere and emit oxygen. Vellore district is one of the few districts,
which is covered with a sizable amount of forest area, i.e. 22 percent of the
total area under forest coverage as per revenue records. However, forest
development records show a total extent of 1,92,461 hectares under forest
area in Vellore District. Among the forest coverage, nearly 89% of forest
area classified under Reserve Forest, 2.6% under Reserve Land and 8.4%
under unclassified forest. Under Green cover classification for the east of the
North Arcot District nearly 31.5% forest area are classified under Sparse
Operations Research Group, 32.2% of the forest area are under Scrub,
12.7 % under Dense forest type and 5.9% under the category of degraded
forest. 12.5 % of the area is for plantation to the total forest area and the
remaining percentage of the forest area is put under grassland, stony and
rocky sites?2

Economic, Social and Cultural changes in Vellore District

The economic condition of the whole Vellore district in the earlier

stages was not very sound, in the absence of the major industries. Due to the
sustained efforts and vigorious policy of the Government, industries like

22
' Tamil Nadu forest department, National Informatics Centre, Chennai, 2006.
 62

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd., (BHEL) Ranipet, Tamil Nadu Explosives

Ltd. (TEL), Katpadi, have been set up. Besides, there has been a marked
growth of large and small-scale industries in the district. There are 725 large-
scale industries, 13,708 Small Scale Industries and 5932 Cottage
Industries. 23 This dynamic change in the industrial scenario has not only
generated employment opportunities, but has also improved the economic
condition of the people.

Vellore district has a dominant presence in the Leather and Leather

based industries. V ell ore District accounts for more than 3 7% of the
country ' s export of Leather and Leather related products such as finished
leathers, shoe uppers, shoes, garments, gloves and so on. 24 The Govt. of
Tamil Nadu provide all possible capital subsidies and infrastructural support
in the form of setting up Industrial Estate and common effluent treatment
plant. Thus, Vellore District's share of the Leather market in the years to
come is ensured.

The cultural impact in the society is also very significant. Some of the
traditional arts of the district like Therukoothu, an art form folk theater,
Kokkalikottai, a famous traditional dance in the district are gradually
vanishing. But it is also a matter of solace to note that some of the
handicrafts for which the Vellore district are renowned, are still flourishing.
Mats making in Walajapet, silk weaving in Ami and the traditional art of pot
making in Yell ore and places around, are some of the handicrafts which are
enable to successfully withstand challenges through ages.

23
National lnfonnatics Centre, Tamil Nadu state un it, Chennai, 2006.
24
INDRANI Dutta: "India in global leather market", The Hindu, Business Line, May
2004. p.14.
 63

Transport Service

Transport is an important service. It is important for the growth and

development of agriculture, industry, particularly trade, and also for home-
work journeys. Transport has fully developed as far as Vellore district is
concerned. Road transport in Vellore district connects all big villages and
towns with one another. The total length of road in the district is
5359.267 Kms. 25 Roads are being laid connecting the villages and towns
under the Integrated Road Development Project. The traffic jams are
prevented by the construction of flyovers. Both the Government Transport
Corporations and private transport operate road transport efficiently. The
number of passengers carried by the State Transport Corporation in the
district is 7.75 lakhs per day. There are 70 private bus operators in the
district. 26 Because of the automobile industrial development in the country,
the two-wheeler motorbikes and scooters, three-wheeler auto rickshaws and
four-wheeler cars have increased in numbers.

There is a Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Vellore. According to

the Regional Transport Officer statement, 27,684 vehicles (both commercial
and non-commercial vehicles) were registered during 2005-06. Out of which
22,931 vehicles were two-wheelers. 27

25
Office of the Divisional Engineer, Highways and Rural Works Department, Vellore-9.
26
General Manager, Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation, Vellore-9.
27
Regiona l Transport Officer, Vellore Regional Transport Office, Vellore-9.
 64

Places of importance

Arcot
• Arcot was the headquarters of the Nawab of Camatic, who ruled this
region in 18th century A .D. The Fort enclosing the Arcot town was on the
bank of river Palar. It was built by Daud Khan, the Nawab of Arcot. The fort
was huge one and had a circumference of 8 km. The invasion of Tipu Sultan
of Mysore resulted in the complete destruction of the fort. Arcot was the first
important fortified town captured ( 17 51) by Robert Clive in the British-
French struggle for South India.

Amirthi Zoological Park

The Amirthi zoological park is situated in the Javadu Hills of Tellai

across Amirthi River, which is 25 km away from Vellore. This zoological
park was started in the year 1967. The area of the park is 25 hectares and one
can fmd beautiful waterfalls here. The area is lush with trees, herbal plants
and different varieties of birds and animals. Numerous kinds of herbal plants
and trees and sandal wood trees also grow here.

Y elagiri Hills

Y elagiri Hills located at 920 m above sea level, amidst mountains.

These picturesque environs form a part of Javadu hills of the Eastern Ghats.
Several tribes inhabit the 14 small villages in the region and engage in
agriculture, horticulture and forestry . Their unique lifestyle, customs, homes,
as well as an exquisitely carved church, a quaint temple and a park for the
tourists add to the attractions of the place. Y elagiri hill is also perfect for a
short trekking holiday. July and August witness the armual Murugan festival
 65

at the temple. Fruit, Herbal farm and Shrubs used in the production of
ayurvedic medicines are available.

Government Museum and Art Gallery

This multi-purpose museum treasures the ancient and present day

curios relating to anthropology, art and archaeology, botany, geology, etc.
The historical monuments of the erstwhile composite North Arcot district
are gracefully depicted in the galley. According to tourism statistical
handbook of Tamil Nadu 2001, number of tourists visited this museum was
57,181, which is 5.1% oftotal number oftourists, visited Tamil Nadu.

Mosque inside the Fort

The Mosque inside the fort is protected by the Archaelogical Survey

of India (A.S.l.) It was built in 1750 and constructed of granite stones with
mortar, on three sides. At present, it is not used for worship and the gates of
the mosque are closed. It is rectangular. The Hindu architecture slowly
yielded place to the flourishing Muslim architecture, which is evident in the
form of innumerable mosques and palaces, which are of Indo-Sarcenic style.

Muthu Mandapam

Muthu Mandabam was inaugurated on 11 .07.1990 by the then

Honorable Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Vikrama Raja Singhan, the last
tamil ruler to rule Kandy (Sri Lanka) was originally named Kannuswamy.
He belonged to the Nayak Dynasty of Madurai. The Britishers fought with
him for 16 years from 1815 and Vikrama was arrested and imprisoned in the
Vellore fort jail. He died in 1832. Only in 1983, his cemetery was found. In
 66

28
his memory, the Muthu Mandabam was established here in Vellore. His
Samadhi was erected by his son, on 27.07.1832.

PROFILE OF VELLORE TOWN

The urban population in India has grown from 25.7 million in 1901 to
285.3 million in 2001. After independence in 1947, the rate of growth of
urban population increased from 2.64 percent in 1951 to 3.88 percent in
1981. It thereafter declined to 2.77 percent in 2001 ; but the share of urban

population to the total population of the country increased from 10.9 percent
in 1901 to 15.92 percent in 1951 , and thereafter 27.81 percent in 2001. 29
Cities and towns grow and exist because of economies of urban
agglomeration associated with industrial and trade activities. In the recent
past, liberalisation, rapidly growing IT sector, educated, hardworking and
disciplined work force etc., accelerating economic development also
contributed to the growth of urban areas in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is one
of the few States in India with hierarchy of urban areas dispersed uniformly
throughout the state.

Veilore town, which is popularly known as ' The Fort City', is the
head quarters of Vellore District. This town is not only known for just
administration but also for trade and marketing, cultural activities and
religious pilgrimage. It is one of the fast developing towns in Tamil Nadu.

28
KALAIMANI, M : "Angileyarai ethirtha kadaisy Ilangai Mannan", Bicentenary of the
Vellore Sepoy Mutiny Souvenir, 2006, p.25.
29
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA: Abstract from census of India 200 I, Director, Census
Operations, Chennai, 18, 2003 .
 ~: ·:. ~ ...~
/
j
l: ~ .. ..•:·l ......
~·
,, . - ..
........
·:~;;;,;

..."... ..
.
;~
t.-
.. :'' ..

.NORTH

.EAST

.WEST

SOUTH
 67

Due to its commercial importance, this town has become hub of the
transport network. The reasons for its rapid growth can be attributed to
development in trade and commerce, an increase in economic activity and
employment opportunities in the town and attracting a large number of
floating populations daily.

It is a marketing centre for a fairly prosperous agricultural area. The

streets are lined with small shops and bustling with people, cyclists, cars,
buses, lorries and livestock - the hallmark of a commercial centre. The clean
peaceful town of Vellore sits in the valley of the Eastern Ghats and in the
Palar river basin.

History

Vellore traces its name back to the vanous legends of the past.
According to one such legend, the name "Vellore" was derived from Vel
(Velayudham) of Lord Subramanya. In the dream of a tribal chief, Lord
Subramanya directed him to destroy the enemy with the help of the Vel
(spear) from the nearby lotus pond. 30 Another legend says, Vellore was
31
named after the Velan (Babul) trees, which grew in abundance in the area.
The Vijayanagar kings called it "Raya Vellore" to differentiate it from Uppu
Veil ore in the Godavari region. The architecture of this town reflects a blend
of historical influences. The fort, the temples, the mosques and the
madrasas, the churches and the beautiful British bungalows stand to date to
testify to these political and architectural influences. 32 Exquisite residential

30
SHESHATHIRI, A.K : Op.cit., p.5.
31
NARAYANAN, M : "Oorum perum" (Name and Place), Bicentenary of the Vellore
Sepoy Mutiny Souvenir, 2006, p.78.
32
MANINDER Kaur: "Vellore- the town with the healing touch", The Sunday Tribune,
April 28, 2002.
 68

architecture of the British can also be appreciated in the town. The imperial
monuments as well as the architecture with the English touch are
reminiscent of this town's glorious past. Some of these tastefully designed
British bungalows now house important government offices. Vellore is a
calm hospitable town, set up against a background of small green hillocks.
The town is inhabited by simple cultured people. Vellore, the Special grade
municipality is hoping for Corporation soar soon. The official City tag will
boost and speed up its growth.

Geographical location

Vellore is now pulsating with activities as a commercial,

administrative, educational and medical centre. Vellore town covers an area
of 655 sq. km. It is situated 220 metres above sea level and from N 12° 55 '
latitude and E 79 ° 08 longitudes on the southern bank of river palar. 33 A
strategically located town, Situated 140km southwest of Chennai and
200km. east of Bangalore. It is well connected by Rail and bus routes to
major towns of the neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and
Kerala. It is a semi-rural bazaar town.

Climatic Condition

Vellore is known for the hottest summer temperatures in Tamil Nadu.

Vellore is situated on the plains surrounded by low, rocky hills. The intense
heat is attributed to the radiation from such surrounding hills. Being situated
220 m above sea level, Vellore town has a dry and hot climate. The

33
Vellore Municipality website, (http://municipality.tn.gov. inNellore/abt_City.htm)
 69

temperature ranges from 20°C in the winter months of December-February

to 43° C in the summer months of April-June. The climate is essentially dry,
being rainy and humid only at the times of the two monsoons: June- August
and October - December. The temperature in November will be between 28-
320C.34 Vellore gets a rainfall in average 1053rnm. Vellore enjoys a
moderate tropical climate.

Demographic features

Population

The factors affecting human population are very simple. They are
fertility, mortality, initial population, and time. According to 2001 census,
Vellore town has a total population of 3,79,729 lakh of which 1,89,773 are
males and 1,89,956 are females. The sex ratio per 1000 males is 1001. ie.,
female population is greater than male population. Population growth within
the Vellore town area is not found to be uniform and its rate varied.

Table 3.4
Population ofVellore Town 1961 to 2001
Years Population %changes
Male Female Total over the decade
1961 73,271 70,602 1,43,873 --
1971 93,453 89,144 1,82,597 26.9
1981 1,22,668 1'19,856 2,42,524 32.8
1991 1,37,471 1,34,258 2,71 ,729 12.0
2001 1,89,773 1,89,956 3,79,729 28.4
Source: Statistical abstract of the Census of India 1971 , 1981 , 1991 and 2001.

34
BIRGITTE Gantris and JAYAPRAKASH Muliyil : "Visit to Vellore, lndia:
Background information and some useful tips", University of Copenhagen,
Sept. 2006.
 70

Table 3.4 and Figure 3.2 shows the trend of population in Vellore
town during 1961 to 2001. As per census of 1961, the total population of
Veil ore town was 1,43,873 which registered a threefold increase (3, 79,729)
by 2001. A maximum growth rate of 32.8% was seen during 1971 - 81 and
a minimum growth rate of just 12% was seen during the decade of 1981-91.
The percentage decadal growth in population between 1991 and 2001 has
been increased tremendously with a percentage growth of 28.4. From the
above table, it is clear that the population of Vellore Town has been
invariably increasing by every decade.

Floating Population

As discussed earlier, Vellore town is having maJor agricultural

commercial markets. In addition to that, the world renowned Christian
Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) is located in this town. For CMC
Hospital alone, more than 5000 people visit Vellore every day. 35 According
to Vellore municipality records, floating population of Vellore town is
almost 1.75 lakh per month. This includes people who commute every day
for work, education, business and others from adjoining and nearby towns
and villages and returning home in the evening. This floating population also
makes Vellore a busy town.

Population Density

The Vellore town covers an area of 655 sq.km and population stood
at 3,79,729. Its population density is 580 persons per square kilometre, up
from 414 in 1991 , and much higher than the Tamilnadu density of 480,
makes it the most densely populated town in the district.

35
Public Relations Office, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, 2006.
 ..,. y )I
""'

r-·-- ----·----·-·--··- - ·--·

Fig. 3.2
'P.o pulation of Vellore Town (1961-2001)

u;
'g
c
ftS
II)
:I

--
0
.s::.
c

z
0
i=
:3
~
D.
0
D.

1961 1971 1981 1991 2001

• Male YEAR
L___. - ··--
 71

Education

Education IS a powerful and pervasive agent of change. Higher

education today IS meant not only to seek knowledge but also for
employment and economic prospects. It is the key that unlocks the door to
rapid growth, progress and development. Literacy is defined as the ability to
read and write in any single language. Education helps to understand the
problems of culture, quality and sanitation. Vellore is known for its
academic facilities. There are 7 colleges, 2 universities and 3 7 schools in this
town.36 The Thiruvalluvar University located inside the fort campus has
more than 120 (including 49 B.Ed. colleges) colleges affiliated to it. There
are notable engineering colleges like Vellore Institute of Technology,
Thanthai Periyar Govt. Institute of Technology and several Arts and Science
Colleges run by government as well as Private organisations, which have
made this town as a major education center for its hinterland. One of India's
most prestigious teaching hospitals, the Christian Medical College &
Hospital, is located in Vellore. CMCH is located at the heart of the town. It
offers more than 91 recognised training programmes in medical, nursing and
allied health fields. CMCH has been given a five star rating by the National
Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for the quality of its
education. Voorhees College is another famous education centre and also
one of the oldest institutions of India. The origin of the institution can be
traced back to 1895. All these educational institutions provide academic
service to people living in and around Vellore town. The growing demand
for skilled labour has caused an increase in the number of educational
institutions in Vellore. Hence, literacy level in Vellore town is quite
attractive. Table 3.5 and Figure 3.3 gives a clear picture of literacy trend in
Vellore town.

36
Department of General Adm inistration, Municipal office, Vellore Municipality,
Vellore, 2006.
 y "'( )I ,.,-

FJg. 3.3
\(eUore Town Literacy Rates {1961-2001)

250 ~------~------------------~------------------------~~~~----~

'

li
, c
I;
·-li
J .C
'
0

l!
s
:J
~ 1nnJ I I ~
c»
. en
' J!
c
c»
, u... SO ! ~~~~-
I~

0 I • I
·J I I
J I· I
J l' '"'T
_j
"
l ...J -
_..
I

1961 1971 1981 1991 2001

· Census Year
Male
IL
!
- ,._
• Female
 72

Table 3.5
Trends in Literacy Level in Vellore town -1961-2001

Literacy Literacy
1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 rate rate
1991 2001
Male 41,333 63,024 84,610 1,00,182 1,29,734 72.9% 68.4 %

Female 23,337 42,389 62,154 79,696 1 '19,400 59.4% 62.9%

Total 64,670 1,05,413 1,46,764 1,79,878 2,49,134 66.2 "'o 65.6 "'o
Source: Statistical abstract of the Census of lnd1a 1971, 1981 , 1991 and 2001 .

Vellore has not performed well in terms of literacy growth during the
decade 1991-2001. The town' s literacy rate stood at 65 .6% which is 0.6%
less over the year 1991. The female literacy rate increased from 59.4% in
1991 to 62.9% in 2001 , while male literacy rate came down from 72.9% in
1991 to 68.4% in 2001. This is in line with trends elsewhere in the country,
with female literacy growing more rapidly from a lower base level. It is clear
from the table 3.5 the gender gap in literacy has completely disappeared.
The male literacy rate exceeded the female literacy rate in the past decades.
However, in 2001 male literacy rate decreased by 4.5% over 1991 census
and at the same time female literacy rate increased by 3.5%.

L anguage

Tamil is the language spoken by most of the people in the state of

Tamil Nadu where Vellore is located. The other South Indian languages of
Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada and the national language of Hindi are also
spoken in this town. However, many South Indians including shopkeepers
know English, so most visitors who speak English, do not have too much
trouble in making themselves understood.
 73

Working Pattern:

Vellore is the main business, commercial and financial hub of Veil ore
district. The town has a large unskilled and semi-skilled labour population,
along with other blue-collar and knowledge workers. It is a major
commercial center famous for the wholesale trade of rice and jaggery. It is
'
the main market place for all villages located around the town for their
agricultural products. At the same time, the number of people indulged in
cultivation as well as working as agricultural labourers has declined largely
when comparing to the recent census data.

Table 3.6
Working Pattern in Vellore Town
Classification of Years
Workers 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001
Male 1,571 1,761 1,093 1,447 1,163
Female 124 170 64 346 311
Cultivators
1,695 1,931 1,157 1,793 1,474
Total
(3.39) (3.67) (1.54) (2.00) (1.07)
Male 1,814 1,333 935 953 1,281
Agricultural Female 580 632 630 929 980
Labourers 2,394 1,965 1,565 1,882 2,261
Total
(4.80) (3.74) (2.08) (2.50) (1.64)
Male 1,116 1,763 5,827 5,852 8,630
Household Female 480 450 3,050 3,281 7,659
Industries 1,596 2,213 8,877 9,133 16,289
Total
(3.19) (4.21) (11.80) (10.70) (11.81)
Male 7,052 10,174 292 349 3,769
Marginal Female 1,128 2,866 1,372 1,712 3,703
Workers 8,180 13,040 1,664 2,061 7,472
Total
(16.40) (24.8) (2.21) ( 2.40) (5.42)
Male 33,216 30683 54,567 64,396 90,984
Other Workers Female 2,800 2751 7,421 6,009 19,406
36,016 33434 61,988 70,405 1,10,390
Total
(72.2) (63.58) (82.37) ( 82.40) (80.06)
Male 44,769 45,714 62,714 72,997 1,05,827
Total Workers Female 5,112 6,869 12,537 12,277 32,059
Total 49,881 52,583 75,251 85,274 1,37,886
Male 34,061 46,761 59,954 67,393 91 ,876
Non-Workers Female 59,931 83,253 1,07,319 1,19,062 1,49,967
Total 93,992 1,30,014 1,67,273 1,86,455 2,41,843
Values m brackets are percentage to the total workers.
Source: Abstract from Census of India 2001 .
 74

Table 3.6 portrays the working pattern of Vell ore residents from
1961 to 2001. As per 1961 census, growth of cultivators and agricultural
labourers were in the rate of 3.39% and 4.80% respectively to the total
number of workers. However, it has declined to 1.07% and 1.64%
respectively in 2001. At the same time, other main workers (including trade
and commerce) increased from 72.2% in 1961 to 80.06% in 2001. The
reasons for this rapid growth can be attributed to urbanisation process,
industrial developments, increase in economic activity and employment
opportunities in the town and its suburbs attracting large migrant population.

Transport & Communications:

Road transport is the dominant mode of transport in Vellore town,

and it plays a pivotal role in supporting economic and social development.
Only the road transport system provides access to most of the rural areas and
link manufacturing units with urban and rural market centres. Hence, motor
vehicles remain the predominant mode in Vellore for passenger and freight
movement. Table 3. 7 reveals the total number of registered vehicles in
Vellore Regional Transport Office during the year 2005-06.
 75

Table 3.7
Motor Vehicles Registered in Vellore (During the Year 2005-06 )

Category-wise

Commercial
SL.
TYPE OF VEHICLES REGISTERED
No
2004-05 2005-06
1. Stage carriage Public 10 20
Private 76 48
2. Auto Rickshaw - 421 423
3. Ordinary Taxi - --- ---
4. Motorcab - --- 92
5. Maxicab - 49 34
6. OmniBuses - --- 5
7. Private statioll Vehicle and 2 5
others
8. School Bus 2 10
9. Ambulance 5 3
10. Fire Fighter --- ---
11. Light Commercial Vehicle 674 900
12. Lorry State permit 45 199
National permit 244 243
13. Articulated Vehicle state permit --- 1
National permit --- ---
14. Tractor/ Trailor --- 3
Total 1528 1986
Non - Commercial
1. Motorcycle 10645 12,992
2. Scooter 4649 6,123
3. Moped 2868 2,130
4. Tri- Cycle auto --- ---
5. Motor car 609 721
6. Jeep 1 5
7. Station Wagon -- ---
8. Tractor 215 379
9. Three Wheeler 3 1
10. Four Wheeler 234 299
11. Roadroller --- ---
12. Others 108 221
Total 19332 22871
Grand Total 20860 24857
Source : Reg1onal Transport Officer, Reg1onal Transport Off1ce, Vellore-9.

From the table, it is clear that total number of vehicles registered

increased from 20,860 in 2004-05 to 24,857 in 2005-06. 21 ,245 two-
wheelers were registered at Vellore during the year 2005-06. Out of this,
 76

motorcycles alone constitutes 12,992, remaining scooters 6, 123 and mopeds

2,130. There is a decline in the number of mopeds registered during the year
2005-06.

Vellore city is well connected by road with all important places in

the state and with other neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh,
Kamataka and Kerala. Both government and private buses provide transport
facility. Vellore has two railway stations. The main railway station for
Vellore is at Katpadi. This is a junction on the broad-gauge Chennai-
Bangalore line and the metre-gauge line that goes between Tirupati and
Madurai. The line between Tirupati and Madurai goes via Tiruvannamalai,
Chidambaram, Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli. The Katpadi railway junction
ensures good railway travel facility as almost all important trains running
through South India stop here. However, Vellore' s airstrip is not in operation
now, but is used for emergency landings.

AUTOMOBILE DEALERS IN VELLORE TOWN

Vellore is a thriving commercial centre. The urban agglomeration

associated with industrial and trade activities of this bustling town have
caused fast increase in the population growth. As a sound transport system
plays crucial role in the development of a regions' economic and industrial,
the need for automobiles also increased in this fast growing town. The
automobile has become an important and indispensable means of transport.
Quick and reliable mobility is essential both for personal needs as well as for
business. Moreover, the product definition of two-wheeler has undergone a
sea-change in recent times. From a semi luxury product for the urban middle
class in the 1980s and earlier, the two-wheeler has now become the most
popular means of personal transport and also a coveted personal (household
 77

durable) possession amongst nearly all classes of consumer. The recent

increase in the need for the powered vehicles, both two and four wheelers,
has made all automobile manufacturers to tum their attention towards
Vell ore town than ever before. As a result, most of the leading players in the
Indian automobile industry are keen in having their dealership outlets here.
The following list of dealerships for four-wheelers, three-wheelers and two-
wheelers gives a clear picture of the above statement.

Two-wheelers:

• Hero Honda Ganesh Motors

• Hero Puch Ganesh Motors
• Bajaj Susee Motors
• TVS Swetha Enterprises Pvt. Ltd
• Yamaha Senthil Kumar Motors
• Kinetic Motors Co Ltd. Sivaji Motors
• Honda Motor Cycles &
Scooters India Pvt. Ltd. A.S.A Motors
• Suzuki Motorcycles India Pvt. Ltd. - Senthil Kumar Motors
• LML Vespa VST Motors
• Royal Enfield T.P. Govindasamy & Sons

Four-wheelers:

• Hyundai Motors Susee Cars Pvt. Ltd

• Maruti Udyog Ltd. Ganesh Cars Pvt. Ltd
• Fiat Vijai Sales Corporation
• General Motors Chevrolet Sundaram Motors Ltd
• Ford Chennai Ford
• Tata Motors Vijai Sales Corporation
• Mahindra India Garage
• Toyota Lanson Toyota
• Hindustan Motors Sri Amman Agencies
 78

Three-wheelers:

• Piaggio Ganpath Motors

• Mahindra VST Motors
• ACE Susee Trucks

Trucks:

• Eicher Susee Trucks- Eicher

• Piaggio Ganpath Automobiles

Tractors:

• New Holland Susee Motors

• Mahindra Nirma Motors
• Mahindra India Garage
• Mahindra Nirma Motors
• Eicher Sri Devi Motors
• TAFE Harweel Tractors
)
• Swaraj Sri Vasavi Tractors
• Escorts Subamangala Tractors

LAND MARK OF VELLORE TOWN

Vellore Fort

The Vellore Fort is the best specimen of a ground fort that exists in
India. It is described that, "there is no such fort on the face of earth like the
one in Vellore. The main walls are built of massive granite stones with
bastions projecting irregularly, where two carts can be driven abreast." The
exact date of construction of this fort has not been established, in the
absence of proper records. A very close examination of the stone
 79

inscriptions suggests that the fort in all probability might have been built
during the rule of Chinna Bommi Nayak (1526 to 1595A.D). 37 The fort is
surrounded by a broad moat fed with water by subterranean drains from the
Suryagunta tank, where once 10,000 crocodiles swarmed, waiting to grab
any intruder into this impregnable fort. The fort is one of the perfect
specimens of military architecture in South India.

Among the various protected historical monuments inside the fort, the
most magnificent is the Sri Jalakandeswarar temple devoted to Lord Siva.
The temple manifests a double gopuram and impressive mandapas. The
Kalyanamantapam, on the left ofthe entrance, with intricate carving and
delicacy of exaction, bears testimony to the engineering marvel and
advanced state of sculpture of the earlier times. 38 The gopurams, with their
intricate workmanship, belong to the 16th century. The mosque also situated
inside the fort signifies the earliest Islamic structure in the town. The church
in the same fort complex has an impressive stairway and a bell tower.

CMC Hospital

Another landmark that has put V ell ore on the center stage of Medical
world is the Christian Medical College Hospital. The hospital was founded
by Ida Scudder, a sensitive young American lady who was moved by the
misery of Indian women in childbirth. With a missionary zeal, she started

37
SARAVANAN, K : "Sepoy puratchiyin kalam-Vellore Kottai"(The battle field of
Sepoy Mutiny- Vellore Fort (1806)", Bicentenary of the Vellore Sepoy Mutiny
Souvenir, Yell ore, 2006. pp. 21-23 .
38
LALITHA SRIDHAR: "Revisiting Vellore's hoary past", The Hindu, Business Line,
February 25, 2002, p.7.
 80

her medical work in 1900 A.D by setting up a very small hospital, which in
the last hundred years has grown into a premier Medical Institution
of international repute. The hospital campus is situated in the middle of
Vellore town while the college campus situated at Bagayam, 7 km away
from the hospital. In addition, on the college campus, there are three patient
care units - the Community Health Department, which runs the 80-bed
CHAD hospital, the Rehabilitation Institute for physically handicapped
persons, and the Mental Health Centre, which is CMC's Department of
Psychiatry, and which includes a training centre for mentally retarded
children. All other clinical departments are on the hospital campus in
Vellore town, except for the Ophthalmology Department, which is located at
the Schell Eye Hospital on a separate campus 2 km south of the rnain
hospital, and RUHSA (Rural Unit for Health and Social Affairs), a
comprehensive integrated rural health and development project located 20
miles northwest of Vellore. People from all walks of life and all the states of
India and beyond find their way to Vellore for treatment of every known
human ailment. The CMC, a centre of excellence in India, has set a record of
achievements. It occupies a prominent place among medical institutions in
India (and in the world) as a 2000 bed multi-speciality Hospital. It has
completed over 10,000 open-heart surgeries. The Department of
Neurological Sciences, including the First Neurosurgical unit in India, was
started here in early 1949. The first renal transplant in India was performed
at Vellore in 1971 and it has completed 2500 renal transplants so far. The
hospital is also a pioneer in bone marrow transplant. Major achievements of
the hospital are introduction of sophisticated assisted reproduction
techniques and the setting up of a developmental pediatrics unit. CMCH has
been actively involved in medical research in infectious diseases such as
 81

leprosy, polio, diarrhoeal diseases, HIV/AIDS and other problems like

malnutrition, relevant to the country. Research grants have been awarded by

> the World Health Organisation (WHO), Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) and other national and international organisations.

The CMCH is an institution that has upheld its commitment to the

weaker sections, to quality medical education, patient care and to the
maintenance of high ethical standards in the medical profession.

The Central Jail

The central prison in Vellore, set in 1830 A.D. is another historically

important landmark of Vellore. It was established on 19.03.1867 with 160
convicts. It is the largest Jail in the district. The prison has historical
importance. Political leaders like former President Sri R.Venkat Raman.
Dr. Aringar C.N. Anna Durai, late Thiru.V.V.Giri, late Thiru. Kamaraj and
Sri Vinoba Bhave were confined in this prison. Many prisoners sentenced to
transpiration by the courts of this Presidency were retained when considered
physically unfit for deportation to Andaman. The expenditure in the jail is
recovered by the value of the Convict' s labor. There is a small sub tail
attached to the central prison to accommodate the remand and under-trail
prisoners of this district.

Big Mosque

A century old shrine mosque is situated in Bakaith Street, Centre of

Vellore town. It has been renovated with a capacity of 2000 members of
three floors, with a decorative centralised prayer hall by Hajee Mohammed
 82

Haneet Sahib. Behind this mosque, India's largest Arabic College is also
functioning.
)
A brief description of the study area mentioned above is helpful to
assess the impact of the environment facts on buyers behaviour. A brief
analysis of two-wheeler industry in India will be pertinent to this study and
hence the next chapter throws light on the Indian two-wheeler industry and
profile of major two-wheeler industries.