Known as the home of Tamilians, Kongunadu is an ancient territorial division on the western part of Tamilnadu. The land comprises the present day districts and taluks of Tamilnadu including Palani, Dharapuram, Karur (an important city in Kongunadu), Namakkal, Tiruchengode, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Satyamangalam, Nilgiris, Avinashi, Coimbatore, Pollachi and
Udumalpet.
This region was earlier known as Kongu which means nector or honey. As civilization grows, Kongu became Kongunadu. The Chera, Chola, Pandya, Hoysala, Muslim rulers and British established their power in this territory.
The region is of great historic importance with its history dating back to the 6th century. It played an important role in compiling the history of Tamilnadu. In the beginning of the historic period, the region was ruled by the Velic chiefs. Trade between Kongunadu and Roman was at the most level during this period. Later the south-western part came under the Chera kings and the south-eastern in the Pandya hands.
The Hindu religion made enormous growth during this period. Art and architecture flourished and some masterpieces of stone sculpture of the Kongu style came into being. This period composed many literary works. Among them 'Perumkatai,' a Tamil version of the Brihatkatha, Purap-porul and Venbamalai are important. The copper plates of the Pandyas were discovered.
Later in the 9th century, the entire region was ruled by the Cholas of Thanjavur except the south and south-western parts which was under the Pandyas and the Chera kings. In 10th century the Chera family had an autonomous rule there. Then the Hoysala kings, the Pandyas and Muslim rulers showed their power. Under Muslim influence mosques were erected at various places. Hindus had to suffer a lot in Muslim rule.
The Vijayanagar dynasty marked a change in the Kongu region. Literature and temple arts started flourishing. Telungu and Kannada languages were given preference. It was a new era for Hindus. Followed them, the Mysore rulers captured the area. The British rule came into existence in 1799 after the fall of Tipu Sultan of Srirangapatna.
Annur Manneeswarar Temple is an oldest temple of Kongunadu. This temple is at Annur, 32 km from Coimbatore on the Coimbatore-Satyamangalam Highway. Tiruchengode is one of the seven 'Sirasthalams' in Kongunadu.
http://www.coimbatore.com/kongunadu/home.htm
http://www.chennaionline.com/hotelsandtours/placesofworship/07temple13.asp
http://www.tradewingstravel.com/tamilnadu/salem.jsp
http://www.universalgarments.com/appareldest.asp?city=22
[Source www.coimbatore.com (44) 27-Sep-04]
