Arcot (Tamil: kadu) is a town and suburb of Vellore city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Located on the southern banks of Palar River at 1254N 7920E / 12.9N 79.333E / 12.9; 79.333, the city straddles a highly strategic trade route between Chennai and Bangalore, between the Mysore Ghat and the Javadi Hills - (Javvadhu malai). Its population in 1991 was 45,205; the surrounding area had a population of 114,760. Its name is commonly believed to have been derived from the Tamil words aaru (River) + kaadu (Forest). However, arkkaTu meant 'a forest of fig trees'. Jainism was flourishing in this part of Tamil Land who were otherwise known as Arugar most probably corrupted form of Arhants or the perfected souls. The word Arugar is found in many ancient literary works and places dominant with arugars were related to them viz Arakonam, Arumbakkam, Aruvur, etc. Not far away from present day Arcot (Anglicized form of Aarkaadu) there is a place called Arungundram. Hence Arcot or...
