Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Vellore Fort is a grand 16th-century granite fortress located in the heart of Vellore city in Tamil Nadu. It was constructed by the Vijayanagara kings and later became an important stronghold of the Aravidu dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. Over time, the fort changed hands several times, coming under the control of the Bijapur Sultans, Marathas, Carnatic Nawabs, and finally the British, who maintained it until India’s independence. The fort is renowned for its impressive military architecture. It spans around 133 acres and is built using locally quarried granite. Positioned at an elevation of about 220 meters within a rocky landscape, it features massive double-layered walls, irregularly shaped bastions, and a wide moat that once served as a major defensive barrier. According to legend, the moat was once filled with thousands of crocodiles, making the fort nearly impossible to invade.

Inside the complex, the fort reflects a unique blend of cultural history. It contains a temple, a mosque, and a church, symbolising the diverse rulers who once governed the region. These structures are now repurposed for public use, including administrative offices and one of the oldest police training institutions in Tamil Nadu. The temple within the fort was originally used as an armoury for a long period before being reconsecrated with an idol of Lord Shiva. The fort’s entrance is notable for its exquisite stone carvings, especially the detailed sculpture on the left veranda, which is highly admired by historians and art enthusiasts. The fort’s robust construction, strategic design, and historical depth make it one of the finest surviving examples of Southern Indian military architecture. Today, it stands as a major heritage landmark, reflecting centuries of political change, architectural excellence, and cultural fusion.