Coimbatore

Coimbatore lies in Kongu Nadu, on the plains east of the Western Ghats. The gap through the mountains towards Palakkad connects this country with the Malabar coast, while the Noyyal River flows east across the plain. Nearby Perur is known for its temple of Pateeswarar, a long-established centre of worship dedicated to Shiva.

The Kongu country passed through the hands of several dynasties before coming under the rulers of Mysore. In the wars of the late eighteenth century, Coimbatore and its fort became a point of contention between Mysore and the British East India Company. Mysorean forces besieged the British-held fort in 1791 and secured its surrender after a prolonged struggle. Following the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the Kongu region passed to the Company, bringing an end to Mysorean rule there.