The Hyder Ali park at Portonovo. A tourist destination in the making.
CUDDALORE:
Porto Novo, known as Parangipettai in Tamil, has a historically significant monument for Hyder Ali who ruled over many parts of the southern India and challenged the mighty British Empire with valour and mixed fortunes.
Amid well laid-out pathways, manicured lawns and flowering plants that add beauty to the monument, a plaque mounted on a marble platform reads as follows: “Battle was fought on the plains about two miles to the west of this place between Hyder Ali and the English under Sir Eyre Coote on 1st July 1781.”
It is stated that Hyder Ali, a warrior, was adept at using rocket technology that was hailed to be far advanced than that used by the Europeans. When Sir Eyre Coote, deployed by Governor Warren Hastings for the specific purpose of sapping the powers of Hyder Ali, arrived at Madras, the latter who was camping at Thanjavur rushed to challenge the British troops at Porto Novo, midway between Cuddalore and Chidambaram.
According to historical facts Hyder Ali used rockets that could attack the opponents stationed two miles away and even beyond. He was said to have even used carts as mobile launchers for the rockets and also had in his armory rockets of various sizes and velocity to hit the targets at varied distances. Though the war at Porto Novo ended decisively in favour of the British, the place and the battle has come to acquire vital importance because it was a sign of Hyder Ali's bravery and his efforts to relieve the people from the clutches of the colonialists.
Porto Novo Town Panchayat Chairman Mohamed Yunus told The Hindu that with a view to disseminate knowledge of the exploits of Hyder Ali and his historical role in combating the British, the park had been set up at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, out of the total amount of Rs 50 lakh sanctioned under the Eco-tourism Promotion Scheme.
Metallic mast
Another important landmark in the park is the metallic high mast that stands over 150 ft. According to Mr Yunus, in the earlier days the mast served as the landmark for the seafarers to identify the port. The mast was secured on all its sides with metallic wires and kept intact.
Pavements have been laid all around the park for senior citizens to take walks and a childrens' park is an added attraction. He said that a wooden boat jetty was put up just opposite the park for taking the tourists on a joy ride through the backwater. Mr Yunus further said that he had sent a Rs 1crore proposal to the government to establish a link, through the sea route, between Porto Novo and the Pichavaram, famed for its mangroves. Mr Yunus hopes that “if the plan comes through Porto Novo is bound to emerge as a major tourist destination.” Publicity blitz would also help popularize the place among the prospective tourists, he said. The park is open to the public on all days.
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