Chengalpattu

Template:Infobox Indian urban area Chingleput or Chengalpattu is a city and a municipality in Kancheepuram district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located on the Palar River about 56 km south-southwest of the city of Chennai (Madras). Chingleput is an important railway junction and commercial center. It has a medical school and other colleges affiliated with the University of Madras.

History

Chingleput was formerly a capital of the kings of Vijayanagara, after their defeat by the Muslim Deccan sultanates at Battle of Talikota in 1565. In 1639 a local governor or Nayak, subject to these kings, granted a piece of coastal land to the British East India Company where Fort St George now stands, which became the nucleus of the city of Madras. The fortress at Chingleput, built by the Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century, was of strategic importance, owing to its swampy surroundings and the lake that flanked its side.

Chingleput was taken by the French in 1751, and was retaken in 1752 by Robert Clive, after which it proved of great strategic advantage to the British, especially when Lally failed to capture the fortress in his advance on Madras.

During the wars of the British with Hyder Ali of Mysore it withstood his assault, and afforded a refuge to the nearby residents; in 1780, after the defeat of Colonel W. Baillie, the army of Sir Hector Munro took refuge there. By 1900 the town was noted for its manufacture of pottery, and was a local market center, especially of the rice trade. The surrounding district was home to cotton and silk weaving, indigo dyeing, tanneries, and a cigar factory, and extensive salt manufacturing took place along the coast.

In the past Chingleput was established as a district of the Madras Presidency in 1765. The administrative headquarters were at Saidapet. The area of the district was 3079 sq. mi., and the population was 1,312,122 in 1901. In 1999, the district was split into the districts of Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur.

Geography

Chengalpattu is located at 12.7°N 79.98°E / 12.7; 79.98. It has an average elevation of 36 metres (118 feet).

Transportation connects Chengalpattu to Guduvancheri.

Demographics

As of 2001 India censusTemplate:GR, Chengalpattu had a population of 62,631. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Chengalpattu has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 84% and female literacy of 77%. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Tourism

Today Chengalpattu has developed as a touristic spot for many foreign travellers on their way to Mamallapuram and Kanchipuram. The boat house established by TTDC in the Kolavai Lake which is situated alongside of the NH 45 highway has now turned a place for many people to relax.