History of Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, a popular tourist destination in South India, is also known as the princess of hills. The history of the Kodaikanal focuses on the growth and development activities of the British in the region. Between 1821 and 1953, the mountains underwent a dramatic transformation, growing from a small unexplored rural community to a thriving tourist destination. Although initially considered a possible summer retreat for many British officials, Kodaikanal later became an important center for the treatment of tropical diseases. The year 1853 is a significant year when Kodaikanal saw social and religious reforms in the city. American and British missionaries brought further development in education and medicine to the region. Although it started as their mission program, Kodaikanal Educational Institutions became an elite group of learning center. By 1960, Kodaikanal was one of the most sought after destinations for many wealthy Indian families. Read the article to know more about the history of Kodaikanal.History of Kodaikanal

Early History

While Kodaikanal's history as a developed settlement dates back to the 1800s, the area has a wider history where indigenous peoples such as the Paliyas are believed to have inhabited the. area for centuries. .

Early Settlers

The Kodaikanal hills were the first home of the Palaiyar tribe. The Palaiyar relatives belonging to the Dravidian group lived in the Southwest Ghat region, which includes the regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They were originally nomadic hunter-gatherers who lived on yams, honey, fruits and berries and lived in caves. Even today, the Shenbaganur Museum houses some relics and artefacts of the Palaiyar tribe. Although Kodaikanal has been home to this tribe for a long time, the world came to know about their existence only when the British invaded this remote hill. According to records found in Sangam literature, the place was first mentioned in the classical Tamil verse Kuruntokai and Ettuthokai. In these two poetic works, Kodaikannal was referred to as the Kurinji Hills and was the backdrop for the love saga between Lord Murugan and his wife Valli, the beekeeper's daughter.

Western Invaders

until 1821 country British officer B.S. Ward first climbed the mountains to survey the rocky terrain. According to his account, the hills were a scenic attraction with an excellent climate, which in turn encouraged early western settlers to settle in the area. By 1853, biologists, British army officers and would-be coffee farmers were making inroads. However, the most important change in the region occurred when a group of American and British missionaries joined hands to build a cathedral in the place. An American missionary did many charitable activities to help the local population and caused many social reforms.

Further Improvements

in 1875 & 1990, hill station development was at its peak and therefore the Indian Railways decided to build a track from Chennai. To Tirunelvell, which led to the hills. Further development was done to improve the infrastructure of the area when the British authorities decided to build concrete roads leading to the winding road of Kodaikanal. By 1883, the hill station was already overcrowded with over 615 American and British permanent residents seeking to escape the South Indian heatwave. In 1927, Kodaikanal got its first government hospital, equipped with X-ray, dental and maternity departments, pathology laboratory, operating room and blood transfusion services. In 1953, further educational improvements were made to the city. By 1953, Kodaikanal was a much more advanced hill station compared to the other hilly terrains of the peninsula..

Educational institutions

Kodaikanal became home to several prestigious educational institutions including Kodaikanal International School (established in 1901) and Kodaikanal Christian College (established in 1894, later). renamed American College). These institutions continued to contribute to the growth and development of the city

Modern Development

In recent decades, Kodaikanal has developed significantly in terms of infrastructure, tourist services and residential areas. While preserving its natural beauty and heritage, the city has adapted to the needs of modern travelers..