REVIVING THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A

HISTORICAL SITE -VELLORE FORT

A PRE-THESIS REPORT
Submitted by
ROOBASRI K.M
REG. NO: 2022802031

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE
IN
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI

MARCH 2024

1
REVIVING THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A
HISTORICAL SITE -VELLORE FORT

A PRE-THESIS REPORT
Submitted by
ROOBASRI .K.M
REG. NO: 2022802031

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE
IN
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI

MARCH 2024

2
 ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this thesis report entitled “REVIVING THE CULTURAL

SIGNIFICANCE OF A HISTORICAL SITE -VELLORE FORT ” is the
bonafide work of ROOBASRI .K.M (REG. NO: 2022802031) who carried
out work under my supervision. Certified further that to the best of my
knowledge the work reported herein does not form part of any other thesis or
dissertation on the basis of which a degree or award was conferred on an earlier
occasion on this or any other candidate.

Ms.R.H.Rukkumany Mr. G. Nivedhan

Associate professor & Head, Guest Faculty,
Department of Architecture, Department of Architecture,
School of Architecture and Planning, School of Architecture and Planning,
Anna University, Anna University,
Chennai-600025 Chennai-600025

Dr.K.R.Sitalakshmi, External Examiner

Dean, Date:
Department of Architecture,
School of Architecture and Planning,
Anna University,
Chennai-600025

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 DECLARATION

I declare that this Pre-Thesis titled “REVIVING THE CULTURAL

SIGNIFICANCE OF A HISTORICAL SITE -VELLORE FORT” is the
result of my work and prepared by me under the guidance of Ar. R.H.
Rukkumany, Associate Professor and Ar. G. Nivedhan, Guest faculty and the
work reported herein does not form part of any other thesis of this or any other
University. Due acknowledgement have been made wherever anything has
been borrowed from other resources.

Date: Signature of the Candidate,

Name:Roobasri .K.M,
Reg.No: 2022802031.

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 ABSTRACT

“Culture landscape is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief,

art, law, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a
member of society.”
– Edward
Brunett Tylor

Throughout human history, individuals have sought refuge from both

natural and man-made calamities, a fact evidenced by the
excavation of forts, fortifications, ramparts, and moats in ancient
civilizations such as Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Kalibangan,
Nagarjunakonda, and others. The construction of fortifications,
including walls, ramparts, and moats, was adapted to the topography
of the surrounding areas. In India, forts have played a crucial role in
shaping its history, with literature, epics, and puranas attesting to their
existence.
Vellore has a vast history associated with the fort. Vellore fort holds not
only a long history but also a remarkable cultural identity from which
the neighbouring context has also evolved. This particular site has an
Evolutionary History which is ruled by various rulers and dynasties over
various period of time . The natural protection obtained by the natural
features like River Palar, Natural terrain etc,. makes the location more
interesting to research, analyse and revive

– AUTHOR

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to
you, knowing that every step forward is a step towards achieving something
bigger and better than your current situation.
– Brian Tracy

First & Foremost I offer my sincerest gratitude to my internal guide, Ar. G.

Nivedhan, who has supported me throughout my thesis with their patience and
knowledge whilst allowing me the room to work in my own way. I am thankful
to Ar. R.H. Rukkumany, for her valuable suggestions, encouragements,
comments and constructive criticism given which has made this study a success.
I would like to express my gratitude towards Dr. K.R. Sitalakshmi, Dean
School of Architecture and Planning for her continuous support and
encouragement.

I also extend a special gratitude for the internal review juror Ar. Ranjan
Daniel for the inspiring discussions to explore the potential of this project.

I would like to extend Special Thanks to my Family for their painstaking

efforts and critical comments to inspire & keep me on the Path. My Family let
me do my work on my time when they disturbed their own work. There were so
mess with my things but my family bears all of my unscheduled things. My
Family has always been my pillars of strength and support for my entire life
and specifically during this study, Source of Support, and their patience and
love has got me where I stand today.

A special great thanks to Friends and batchmates for continuously

encouraged and pushed me to complete this study.

ROOBASRI .K.M
(AUTHOR)

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FLOW CHART

CHAPTER – 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aim of the study 11
1.2 Objective of the study 11
1.3 Scope 11
1.4 Study loction 12
1.5 The research 12
1.6 Methodology 12

CHAPTER – 2
2. HISTORY OF THE SITE
2.1 The Vellore town 13
2.2 The temple and the fort 13
2.3 Rulers and historic events 14
2.4 Cultural significance 14
2.5 Historic significance 14
2.6 Vellore Mutiny 15
CHAPTER – 3
3. OVERVIEW OF THE SITE
3.1 Site location and context 18
3.2 Landuse of Site 21
3.3 The moat and glacis
3.3.1 Layout of the moat 22
3.4 Water inlet and outlet
3.4.1 Water souce to the moat
3.4.2 Drainage system of moat 25
3.5 Historical monuments inside the fort 26
3.5.1 Tipu mahal and Hyder mahal
3.5.2 Jalakanteswarar temple
3.5.3 Mosque
3.5.4 Church
3.6 Hill forts 34
3.7 Visitors data
CHAPTER – 4
4. CASE STUDY
4.1 Selection criteria 35
4.2 List of selected case studies 35

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 4.3 Palakkad fort - Historical tourim site 37
4.4 Revitalisation of Humayum Tomb Garden 42
4.5 Gingee Fort 44
4.6 Gangaikonda cholapuram Temple 52

CHAPTER – 5
5. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS 55
5.1 Sun light exposure map
5.2 Public, private and semi public zones map
5.3 Circulation map
5.4 Issues zone map
5.5 Landscaped areas and view framing map]
5.6 Survey analysis

CHAPTER – 6
6. IDENTIFICATION OF
ZONES OF INTERVENTION 62
6.1 Entry zone
6.2 Jalakanteswarar temple
6.3 Mosque zone
6.4 Moat and Glacis
6.5 Parks around fort
6.6 Fort walls
6.7 Access road for Fort - NH 38

CHAPTER – 7
7. SITE BOUNDARY 68

CHAPTER – 8
8. GUIDELINES 69
8.1 Objectives and purposes of the Guideline
8.2 Types of Guidelines
8.3 Focal Guidelines
8.4 Parametrical Guidelines
8.4.1 Circulation and Connectivity
8.4.2 Safety and surveillance
8.4.3 Softscaping
8.4.4 Navigation through the Historic trail
8.4.5 Hardscaping
8.4.6 Material Finishes
8.4.7 Lighting
8.5 General Guidelines

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 8.6 Maintenance Guidelines

CHAPTER – 9
9. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 74

CHAPTER – 10
10. REFERENCES 75

LIST OF FIGURES
S.no Figure name
1 Timeline of Vellore fort
2 Vellore fort map 1806
3 Vellore fort map 1817
4 Vellore fort map 1854
5 Image of vellore mutiny
6 Climatic data
2.8.1 Landuse of site and immediate context
2.8.2 Sketch of rampart
2.9.1 View of ramparts and moat
2.10.1 Section of moat
2.11.1 Images of moat
2.11.2 Images of drainage system
2.12.1 View of tipu mahal entry
3.2.1 Plan of jalakanteswarar temple
3.2.2 View of main gopuram
3.2.3 View of praharam
3.4.1 Plan of mosque
3.4.2 View of tapestry
3.4.3 Map of vellore 1761
3.4.4 View of vellore
3.4.5 View of vellore with topography
3.5.1 View of palakkad fort
3.5.3 Heritage cycle
3.5.2 Map of palakkad - road map
3.6.1 Map of palakkad - landuse
3.6.2 Views of humayun’s tomb
3.6.3 Map of humayun tomb
3.6.4 Plans of humayum tomb
3.7.1 Map of gingee fort
3.7.2 View of gingee fort

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3.8.1 Map of gingee fort - contour.
3.8.2 Map of gingee fort - topography
4.1.1 Views of gingee fort
4.1.2 Isometric views of gangai konda cholpuram
4.1.3 views of gangai konda cholpuram
4.1.5 Sunlight map of vellore fort
4.1.6 Zone map of vellore fort
4.1.7 Issues map of vellore fort
4.1.8 Landscape map of vellore fort
4.2.2 Views of entry zone
4.2.3 Views of jalakanteswarar temple
4.2.5 Views of zone 2
4.2.6 Vie wof moat and glacis
4.2.7 View of parks
4.3.1 Site boundary

LIST OF TABLES
Table Table name
Number
1.6.1 Domestic visitors data
4.4.1 Foreign visitors data
4.4.2 Total visitors data

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INTRODUCTION:

Vellore has a vast history associated with the fort. Vellore fort
holds not only a long history but also a remarkable cultural identity from
which the neighbouring context has also evolved. This particular site
has an Evolutionary History which is ruled by various rulers and dynasties
over various period of time . The natural protection obtained by the
natural features like River Palar, Natural terrain etc,. makes the location
more interesting to research, analyse and revive.

The construction of fortifications, including walls, ramparts, and

moats, was adapted to the topography of the surrounding areas. In
India, forts have played a crucial role in shaping its history, with
literature, epics, and puranas attesting to their existence. Presently,
India boasts around 2500 forts, and Vellore District alone is home to
twenty forts, earning it the moniker "District of Forts." Among these, the
Vellore Fort stands out as a prominent land fort, centrally located in the
town.

AIM OF THE STUDY:

To develop and revive the Historic significance of Vellore Fort and its
surroundings through strategic landscape intervention and Enhancing
Cultural Tourism.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:

 Objective of the project involves Study of the history significance of

the Fort and its connect with context and culture .

 Evolution of urbanisation and settlement pattern around the fort.

 Study on Layers of Fort enclosures, Significance and character of

open spaces surrounding the Fort complex.

 Research on Climatic analysis and Landscape design which

creates human comfort in outdoor spaces which is hot most of the
year.

 Study also involves the research from ancient period till todays
scenario from which evolution of Water system used in the
protection of Fort.

SCOPE:

Scope involves Design and development of the open spaces in and

around the fort.

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Enhancing the immediate context of the fort with implications of Fort’s
Historic significance, Reviving the tangible and intangible connect
between the Fort complex and its surroundings which forms the
essence of cultural tourism.

STUDY LOCATION :

Vellore Fort complex and its immediete context, Sajara and Gojara
Forts with the road connecting the small Forts.

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HISTORY OF VELLORE FORT
THE VELLORE TOWN

Origin and Etymology: Vellore’s rich history dates back to the Pallavas,
Cholas, Nayaks, Mahrattas, Arcot Nawabs, Bijapur Sultan Kingdoms,
and the British. The city’s name is believed to originate from ‘Vel’
(spear), reflecting its history as a battlefield. Other theories link it to the
abundance of Velum (Babul) trees or a precious stone called ‘veluru.’
Vellore also served as ‘Raya Vellore’ under the Vijayanagara kings.
Early Inhabitants and Formative Years: The Vedars, Yanadis, and Irulas
were early inhabitants, with the Kurumbas establishing the Pallava
dynasty. Vellore’s power transitioned from the Pallavas to the Cholas in
the 9th century, followed by the rise and fall of various dynasties.

THE TEMPLE AND FORT

Origin and Architecture: Built in 1550, the Jalakandeswarar Temple

inside Vellore Fort is believed to have been constructed by Chinna
Bommi Reddy and Thimma Reddy Nayak, Vijayanagara chieftains. The
fort’s construction followed, ensuring uninterrupted worship. Scholars
differ on the fort’s origin, but its grand ramparts, wide moat, and unique
granite construction make it unparalleled.
Moat and Remnants of Historical Buildings: The fort’s moat, never drying
due to an eternal spring, adds to its impregnability. The parade ground,
surrounded by palaces, reflects its historical significance. The fort also
houses a mosque, constructed in the 17th century, and served various
rulers, including the Bijapur Sultans, Mahrattas, and Mughals.

RULERS AND HISTORICAL EVENTS

British Period and Sepoy Mutiny: The British took control in 1760, leading
to Vellore Fort’s significance in the Carnatic wars. A brief but violent
Sepoy Mutiny in 1806 marked a resistance against British-imposed
military regulations. The mutiny was quelled, impacting British attitudes
towards missionary activities.
Development of Vellore District and Administration of the Fort: Vellore
became a district capital in 1913, evolving through various
administrative changes. The fort has been under the Archaeological
Survey of India since 1861, showcasing its enduring importance in
cultural heritage.

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CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Communal Harmony : Vellore Fort enjoys a unique status as a hub for

diverse religious worship. Communal harmony is evident with places of
worship for Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities. Notably, Christian
worship in the fort has persisted since 1846, reflecting the town’s
enduring history and religious diversity.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Vellore Fort, with its origins dating back to different periods, has
witnessed transformations in its use over time. Initially built as a defense
structure, it evolved into a historical monument after the
disappearance of monarchs and changing warfare dynamics.

While there is no conclusive evidence on the fort's original purpose,

historical records suggest contributions from various rulers.

The inner fortification and shrines of Sri Jalakanteswarar Temple were

attributed to Sambuvarayar King Vendrumankonda Sambuvaraya (AD
1322 – AD 1339),

while the outer fortification, moat, and structures like Kalyanamandapa

were credited to Vijayangara king Sadasivadeva Maharaya (16th
Century AD).

The fort's construction reflects a blend of strategic military design,

architectural finesse, and adaptation to the natural landscape.

Today, the fort and its associated monuments stand as witnesses to the
rich historical tapestry of Vellore. Government officers now occupy the
fort's buildings, with parts of the moat repurposed for fishing.

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15
1817

16
1854

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VELLORE MUTINY
The Vellore Mutiny, also known as the Vellore Revolution, was a violent
mutiny by Indian sepoys against the British East India Company on July
10, 1806. The mutiny lasted only one day, but it was a major act of
defiance and a sign of the larger mutiny to come in 1857.
The mutiny was sparked by a new code of military regulations and
dress that was introduced in March 1806. The code included rules that
Indian soldiers should not wear earrings or denote their caste on their
foreheads, and that they should have clean-shaven chins at all
parades.
The mutiny was also fueled by the introduction of a new turban by
military General Agnew that resembled a European hat with a cross on
it. Both Hindu and Muslim soldiers opposed the turban, and when they
did, they were severely punished by the British.
The British made little effort to address the soldiers' grievances, which
included the belief that the regulations were harmful to the religious
practices of both Hindus and Muslims. The soldiers also complained
about their pay. The Vellore Mutiny took place at Vellore Fort, which
houses the Jalakanteswarar Hindu temple, the Christian St. John's
Church, and a Muslim mosque.

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OVERVIEW OF SITE

SITE LOCATION

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20
IMMEDIATE CONTEXT OF SITE

THE ACCESS ROAD FOR THE STE IS NH38 AND ITS IMMEDIATE
CONTEXT HAVE BETTER ACCESSIBILITY AS IT IS OPPOSITE TO OLD BUS STOP
OF VELLORE AND THE ENTIRE EASTERN SIDE STRETCH CONSISTS OF
COMMERCIAL ZONE WHICH COMPRISES OF THE MARKET, EATERIES,
TEXTIES etc.,

LANDUSE OF SITE

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THE MOAT AND THE GLACIS:

Layout of the Moat:

The Vellore Fort and its moat cover an expansive 135-acre area in an
almost rectangular plan. The moat, with a length of approximately 3
kilometers, is flanked by walls made of massive granite stones known as
cyclopean stones. The moat's construction involves a retaining wall
immediately after the glacis, followed by a landing and another
embankment wall. The moat's width spans 67 meters, varying from 3 to
6 meters at the present level. The outer fortification comprises walls
standing at about 9 meters in height, with watchtowers strategically
placed at rectangular intervals. A rampart landing space of 9 meters
width precedes the inner fort walls, measuring 6.30 meters in height
and 2.80 meters in width. Adjacent to this is the inner rampart landing
space, 8 meters in width, leading to a downward wall reaching a
depth of 3 meters, forming an integral part of the fort structure.

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VIEWS OF MOAT AROUND JALAKANTESWARAR TEMPLE

VIEW OF MOAT

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WATER INLET AND OUTLET

Water Source to the Moat:

The moat's water source is intricately connected to the ancient

drainage system in Vellore Town. Originally, excess water from the
Ottery lake and rainwater would flow to the moat through an
underground canal, controlled by iron gates and sluices. The moat,
once filled with water and home to crocodiles, served as the fort's first
line of defense. The present state of the moat includes silt
accumulation, leading to variations in water levels and usage—fishing
activities in the northern half and grass cultivation in the southern half.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF THE FORT

The fort's architects devised an intricate drainage system to manage

water supply and discharge efficiently. Suryakulam and Otteri, two
nearby tanks, collect rainwater from the southern and eastern hillocks.
The water flows to Suryakulam, then to the moat, regulated by an iron
shutter. Excess water exits through an underground drainage system,
controlled by shutters, ultimately reaching the river Palar.

Channels link the plain and the temple to the moat, directing abisheka
water and rainwater. The system, constructed with bricks and lime
mortar, features spacious underground drains for easy access and
cleaning.

Originally intended as a remedy to counterbalance a structural flaw,

the fort's robust construction led to its military use. During the Nayaks'
and Carnatic Nawabs' rule, structures for monarch deputies were
added.

Unexpectedly, the fort served as a stronghold for defeated monarchs

during British rule. With its single entrance, deep moat, and strong walls,
it facilitated minimal sentry personnel. Tipu Sultan's family and
Vikramaraja Singh faced this fate, housed in structures known as
Mahals: Tipu Mahal, Hyder Mahal, Basha (Raja) Mahal, Begum (Rani)
Mahal, and Kandy Mahal.

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HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN THE FORT:

Tipu Mahal and Hyder Mahal: After the demise of Tipu Sultan in 1799,
twelve sons, eight daughters, and numerous relatives were captured
by the English army. Housed in Vellore Fort's Tipu Mahal and Hyder
Mahal, this section details their captivity, the aftermath of the Indian
soldiers' uprising in 1806, and the subsequent use of these buildings by
the Tamil Nadu Government and the police Training School.

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JALAKANTESWARAR TEMPLE:

Jalakanteswarar temple is one of the major Tourist attracting

point in Vellore fort. It acts as Architectural heritage, religious heritage
as well as cultural heritage as it is still worshipped.

Various seasonal activities are happeing in the temple which

attracts people for religious worships.

The moat around the Jalakanteswarar temple is connected with

the main fort outside where it drains the entire storm water of the fort.

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MOSQUE

Mosque is one of the protected monuments in the site. Due to an

issue the worshipping or visiting of interior zone of Mosque is currently
prohibitted. Still its presence makes the site diverse interms of religious
aspects and tourist aspects which drifts people.

CHURCH

St. John's Church is the oldest standing church in the Vellore

Diocese. The church stands inside the Vellore Fort, which is under the
control of the Archaeological Survey of India, along with the
Vijaynagar period Jalakanteswarar Temple, Tippu Mahal, Hyder Mahal,
Candy Mahal, Badhusha Mahal and the Begum Mahal.

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HILL FORTS:

Hill Forts (Sajjaro Fort, Gajaro Fort): Providing insight into the military
architecture of Vellore, this section examines the three small forts atop
hillocks on the eastern side. Presumed to contain barracks and watch
posts, these forts are explored for their strategic importance.

1761 MAP

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ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS
OVERLAY ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS PARAMETERS AND
ISSUES

Based on the tree canopy overlay tree cover has been detected
and areas where direct sunlight is beign received has been identified.

Based on this the positioning of seating areas , planting

strategies , ect., can be derived.

55
 Based on site obsevation and collected data the Zones if the site
has been identtified and mapped.

It helps in designing each zone based on its category and

function.

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 Based on site obsevation and collected data the ciruclation
pattern of the site has been identtified and mapped.

It helps in designing the walkways, vehicular ways, gathering

zones , softscape zones, etc.,

57
 The the issues identified is based on the direct site observations
and surveys.

It acts as the starting point for framing the guidelines of the

historic site and in design.

58
 Views from the site and towards the site is mapped to provide
the design and guidelines for lighting pattern, planting strategy ,etc.,
inorder to enhance the monument.

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SURVEY ANALYSIS

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61
INTERPRETATION ZONES
ENTRY ZONE

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ZONE 2 MOSQUE ZONE

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MOAT AND GLACIS ZONES

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FORT WALLS

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ACCESS ROAD TO THE SITE

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GUIDELINES
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES OF GUIDELINES

The main objectives and purposes of the Guidelines are

 To enhance the historic value of the site by providing emphasis
to the monuments and historic spots.
 To address the issues of the visitors interms of circulation, safety,
surveilance , amenities, etc.,
 To enhance historic tourism aspects.
 To provide user friendly design not only to the tourists but also to
the regular user group of the Fort(Staff working on the office
buildings inside the fort, Trainees of police department, etc,.)

TYPES OF GUIDELINES

Theformulation of Guidelines have been classified as 5 types

based on the purposes, functions, activities, etc,. they are:

 FOCAL GUIDELINES
 PARAMETRICAL GUIDELINES
 GENERAL GUIDELINES
 MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

FOCAL GUIDELINES

This guidelies are provided based on the Focus point of the

project , which is the Historical significance. Hence here the historical
monuments, historical paths and its views have been provided as the
focus.

(Areas of Interest - Fort walls, Historic structures, Museums)

 Continuos WALKWAYS which connects all the Monuments and

Fort wall should be provided.

 FENCING and BARRIGADES should be provided where the areas

have been under restoration and should only have visual
connect and no physical connects.

 Provision of LIGHTING should ensure that the it FRAMES the

monumental scale , Visual EMPHASIS to the Fort walls.

69
  SIGNAGES should be continuosly given along the walkways
inorder to provide better NAVIGATION nad INFORMATION about
the history of each spot.

 Required provision of AMENITIES like kiosks, drinking water pipes

and restroom facities should be provided along the Historic trail.

 Provision of SEATING zones should consider the views towards

the monument, shade, airflow, walking distance, signages.

 PLANTING should be strategially done based on the available

shade and sunlight, Emphasing the monument, Buffer,
availability of water for irrigation.
 The structures which has been already built which is in not in
theme of the Fort can be enhanced with thematic landscaping
around it.

PARAMETRICAL GUIDELINES
These guidelines are based on various Parameters such as

 CIRCULATION
 SAFETY
 THERMAL COMFORT
 SOFTSCAPING (strategic planting)
 HARDSCAPING
 NAVIGATION through the Historic Trail
 GENERAL GUIDELINES
 MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES

CIRCULATION AND CONNECTIVITY

 Continuos walkways should be provided without the creation of

dead ends.

 All the areas have to be well connected and should AVOID

POTENTIAL DEAD SPACES.

 Navigation should be easier by the provision of properly

demarcared pathways and signages.

 All the PAUSE POINTS or gathering spaces should be well treated

interms to provide better experience of the historical site.

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SAFETY AND SURVEILLANCE

 The positions of security guards and police must be positioned in

a way that it gets clear view of the nearby zones.

 Polices and guards must be allocated in a regular interval

inorder to have better surveillance of the fort.

 Cameras have to be fixed in a way to cover all the areas of the

fort except the private zones.

 As the walkways connects the upper ramparts it has to be

assured that proper fencing should be provided.

 Adequate barriers should be provided for the parts of historic

monuments which is under restoration and which has to be
protected.

THERMAL COMFORT

 As Vellore is Hot and Humid most of the days throughout the

year, The thermal comfort must be considered while designing
shelters and Pavillions.

 More number of trees and tall shrubs which obstruct the wind
flow must be avoided.

 Shelters, barriers, and walls which cuts the air flow must ot be
included in the design.

SOFTSCAPING

 As there is more tree cover is present and the fort wall acts as a
buffer to air addition of more trees should be avoided.

 Groundcover, columnar trees and small shrubs are advisable.

 Tall shrubs could be avoided as it cuts visual connect , physical

connect and air fow.

 Edges should be provided to delinate the boundaries of various

zones like parking zone and adjacent walkway, etc.,

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  Hedges have to be provided inorder to cut the physical
connect between private spaces and oublic spaces.

 When there is various types of zones like private zone, public

zone and semi public zone is adjacently located proper buffer
should be provided where usage of hedges like tall shrubs is
advisable.

 Plantation should be strategically done in a way that it frames

the monuments.

 Softscape should act as Foreground and Background for the

monuments especially the Fort walls.

NAVIGATION THROUGH THE HISTORIC TRAIL

 Signages should be provided in a way that is makes the journey

throughout the fort easier by provided clear routes.

 Navigation should also be clearly seen in the materials used in

walkways , fences and seaters that is should subtly emphasis
the monuments and gives the feel of being in a historic space.

 Gathering spaces along the navigation route must have similar

charecters of the pathways that it should correlate the historic
structure and also have to emphasis it.

HARDSCAPING

Hardscaping design should be not only user friendly but also

should be historically that it should be in coherrance with the existing
character of the monument.

MATERIAL FINISHES

 Walkways should have rough finish to b antislippery and the

colour and texure should match the monument.

 All the pathways should be marked clearly for differently abled

person to easily movethrough.

 Fences and barrigades should aslo use traditional material

inorder to align with the historical site and it should clearly define

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 the boundaries hence the heights and positioning should be
carefully done.

 Signages should be clear and history telling, that is it should tell

transfer the feel of the history. Hence its material should also
monochromatically match the surroundings.

 Seater should be placed based on the walking time , shade ,

views etc., its material finish should follow the finishes of
walkways and fences.

 Amenities like Restrooms and drinking water kisoks should have

exterior finish which response the the surroundings.

LIGHTING

 The placement of lighting is based on the standards of the type

of light (post light, bollard lighting, etc,.)

 Lighting should act as a fore ground and background to the

monuments and should emphasis richness and beauty of the
historic structure.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

 The existing drainage system should be properly retained and

maintained. The areas which doesnt have good drainage
system should also be connected with the existing system.

 Provision of properly graded roads, Gutters, Storm water ducts

and collection chambers should be implemented .

 Parking area should be paved and demarcated for four

wheelers, two wheelers and cycle parkings.

 Eatery zones should have adequate seatings, barrigades, trash

collecting units, pavements etc.,

 Location of dustbins should be along the walkways, near by

eateries and kiosks, gathering zones and in restrooms.

MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES
 Watering the plants should be done on a daily basis.

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  Pruning should be done atleast two months once.

 Weeding should be done on a monthly basis.

 Cleaning the walkways, gathering zones, restrooms, drinking

water kiosks and eatery zones should be done daily.

 Guards should go rounds atleast two hours once to avaoid

creating dark spaces and to avoid illegal activities.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Vellore fort which has major importance in history has been

selected for the project inorder to enhance a south Indian fort to world
class historical tourism site by strategic landscape intervention.

The study and thorough site intervention leads to the selection of

delination of site boundary .

Based on the analysis, case studies and observations the

guidelines have been formulated which can be applied not only for
Vellore fort but also to other historic sites inorder to develop or revive its
historic significance.

REFERENCES
https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/vellore-fort

https://vellore.nic.in/tourist-place/vellore-fort/ Vellore Smart City

Proposal https://indianinstituteofarchitects.com/pdf/jiia/NOV_2019.pdf

https://www.slideshare.net/VishwajeetSingh86/smart-city-plan-of-
vellore-project-cle-stage- 2-surveying

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/moat-in-vellore-
fort-filling-up fast/article37447322.ece https://vellore.nic.in/history/

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/vellore-projects-
development.941060

https://vellore.nic.in/history/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20monuments%
20of,Bommi%20Nayak%20(1526%20to%201595A.

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https://www.deccanherald.com/features/holding-fort-2345228

https://asi.nic.in/rajagiri-fort-and-krishnagiri-fort-gingee/

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/plans-afoot-to-
put-gingee-fort-on-tourism-map/article35142329.ece

https://www.deccanherald.com/features/vellore-fort-the-bastion-of-
the-south-1098414.html

https://www.trawell.in/tamilnadu/vellore/vellore-fort

https://whc.unesco.org/en/activities/id_keywords=321&action=list&ind
ex=21&maxrows=20

https://vellore.nic.in/tourist-place/vellore-fort/

https://www.ifpindia.org/bookstore/ci120/

https://www.ifpindia.org/bookstore/ci101/

https://creativemarket.com/product/22359267-Gingee-Fort-or-Senji-
Fort-is-one-of-the-surviving-forts-in-Tamil-Nadu-India.-It-lies-in-Villupuram-
District-160-kilometres-from

https://www.scribd.com/document/530613009/AGRA-FORT

https://www.behance.net/search/projects/GINGEE%20FORT%20archite
cture?tracking_source=typeahead_search_direct

https://www.behance.net/search/images/GINGEE%20FORT

https://stjohnschurchvellore.com/history/vellore-fort/

https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-
07/Notice%20%26%20Draft%20version%20of%20Accessible%20Tourism%
20Guidelines%20%281%29%20%281%29.pdf

https://cadmapper.com/pro/home

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