Salem History, India

Salem used to be a small city located almost in the center of South Indian State of Tamil Nadu but recently this city has grown and now it is competing with the very famous cities of this country India. 

There are many theories which are used to give a proof that the name Salem was taken from some historical events. The most famous of all such theories is that the name Salem was taken from Sayilam or Shalya or Sela. These names have been found in manuscripts and remains which were excavated from the area surrounding the hills located near the city. Another famous theory has originated from the inscriptions which were discovered in various parts of the districts that date back to the Ganga Dynasty.

Salem is also the home town and the birth place for the famous poetess of Tamil Nadu, Awaiyar. This poetess and her poems are still very famous amongst the locals of Salem and also amongst the inhabitants of Tamil Nadu.

Initially, Salem used to be ruled by Madurai Nayaks. They also used to rule Coimbatore along with ruling Salem. Slowly Hyder Ali built his army and conquered Salem after a huge war which was called as the Madurai - Mysore war.

It was the early 1768 when Colonel Wood overtook the control of Salem from the hands of Hyder Ali. By the year 1772 Hyder Ali once again succeeded in defeating Colonel Wood and again Salem was under his control. Lord Clive later on defeated Hyder Ali and took control of Salem somewhere in 1799. This reign continued till 1861.

Salem has experienced many historical turmoil and hence is considered an important city when it comes to the historical development of India.