Enemy at the Gates

Tamil Nadu, our focus, is not a modern-day construct. In Sangam literature, it was referred to as Tamilakam. The British referred to it as the Carnatic, while modern historians often refer to the region as the Far South. There is a natural and geographical reason why this entity has persisted over the centuries.


The Western Ghats form a natural barrier to the west, while the Bay of Bengal lies to the east and the Gulf of Mannar to the south. The north-western frontiers are defined by the Eastern Ghats, and the northern boundary is marked by Pulicat Lake. These Ghats form a natural defense against invading armies; there are only a few specific "gates" or mountain passes through which one can access the heart of Tamilakam.

  


1. Western Gate: Palghat Pass

  • The Route: This is likely how the Cholas accessed western ports during their raids.

  • The Guard: The Palghat Fort was built within this pass to serve as a vital guardhouse.

2. Deccan Gates

Beyond the Chola era, the story of Tamilakam involves Deccan powers descending from high plateaus through the Western Ghats into the plains. These routes were likely used by the Vijayanagara Empire, the Sultanates, and later the Mysore Kingdom under Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan.

  • Baramahal Gate: Named for the 12 forts guarding these passes, including Rayakottai and Krishnagiri. From here, an army could descend the pass and follow the Palar River valley to Kanchi, or move through Salem toward Madurai and Thanjavur.

  • Sathyamangalam Gate: Protected by the Sathyamangalam Fort, this pass provides direct access into the Salem region.

3. Coastal Gate

This can be viewed as the "backdoor." An army could march down the narrow strip between the edge of the Eastern Ghats and Pulicat Lake. The Nizam of Hyderabad utilized this route when moving to relieve Trichy from the Marathas.

4. Northern Gate

This is the most porous entrance, encompassing the region from Ambur and Chittoor up to Tirupati. Situated among the Eastern Ghats, this was likely the path taken by the Marathas during Shivaji’s Dakshin Digvijay, as well as the Mughals and the Golconda Sultanate. The Gingee Fort served as the primary guardhouse here; any invading army from the north had to neutralize Gingee to reach the Tamil hinterland

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