Vandavasi taluk

Vandavasi (formerly anglicised as Wandiwash) is a major town and a municipality in the Tiruvannamalai district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The town is well known in the Carnatic history for the Battle of Wandiwash. Vandavasi town is also the largest manufacturer of kora artefacts including mats, shawls and vessels. As of 2011, the town had a population 74,320.

Wandiwash was the site of a decisive battle in the 18th century Carnatic Wars between France and the British Empire for control over south Asia. The Battle of Wandiwash was a watershed moment in Indian history as it cemented British supremacy in India. On 22 January 1760, a British force led by Eyre Coote defeated a French force led by General Thomas Lally.

Geography and climate

Vandavasi is located on the state highway SH5 that connects Tindivanam and Arcot. It lies 110 km southwest of state capital Chennai, 40 km south of the temple city of Kanchipuram, 80 km northeast of Thiruvannamalai, 42 km southeast of Arani & 80 km from Vellore. It is situated at an average elevation of 74 metres (242 feet) above sea level.Vandavasi's climatic condition is similar to that of Chennai, lying on the thermal equator and close to the coast, while most of the year the climate is hot and humid.

Places of interest

Vandavasi Fort is an important landmark in Vandavasi, which witnessed the decisive Battle of Wandiwash. The Nayak of Vandavasi, a vassal of the Vijaynagar Empire, was instrumental in helping the British secure a land grant for Chandragiri Fort on which to build the city of Madras (modern day Chennai).

Arahanthgiri Jain Math is a Jain matha that was established at the ancient Jain site of Tiruvannamalai in August 1998. The complex includes 3 Jain caves, 4 Jain temples and a 16-meter high sculpture of Neminatha thought to be from the 12th century, that is the tallest Jain image in Tamil Nadu. Sri Thavalagiriswarar Temple is a notable temple located atop the Vengundram hill.