Jubilee Commemoration 1853-1903; Vellore India, Jan. 8th, 9th, 10th, 1905

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905. Excerpt: ... HISTORY OF THE ARCOT MISSION. The Rev. J. H. WYCKOFP, M.a., D.d. The Arcot Mission is so called because it occupies chiefly that portion of the Madras Presidency known as the Arcot District, the centre of which lies about one hundred miles west of the city of Madras. Arcot--Tamil Aru Kadu--means six forests, and the name probably arose from the fact that the district was formerly covered with forests, in as many parts of which six rishis or hermits had their abode. Political History.--The country has an ancient history, but.t is so mixed up with fable that very little reliable data is at present available. Old inscriptions are being deciphered which will probably clear up many doubtful points, as well as give much additional information; and it seems likely that, ere long, we may have a fairly accurate history of this old and important district. The Chola kings, who ruled the Tamil country for several centuries, and whose dominions for a considerable period embraced nearly the whole Telugu area of our Mission as well, are said to have erected temples on the sites of the six hermitages. After the Cholas arose the Telugu Kingdom of Vijianagar with its capital on the Tungahhadra. This dynasty, which was founded by two adventurers in the fourteenth century, gradually extended its dominion from sea to sea, and reached a degree of prosperity unknown to any Dravidian power. It overthrew the former dynasties of South India, and for two centuries nominally governed the entire country now known as the Presidency of Madras. In the Tamil districts its deputies were called Nayaks, who had capitals at Gingee, Tanjore and Madura, and who reigned with all the splendor of independent sovereigns. Vellore and Chandragiri were likewise seats of their rule. During the Vijiana...