An agricultural school in Madras became agricultural university The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University traces its origin to an agricultural school, which was established at Saidapet in Madras in 1868 and then shifted to Coimbatore. In 1920, it was affiliated to the University of Madras. It became the region’s pioneering centre for agricultural education and research. A dam across Bhavani River in Erode Bhavanisagar Dam, also known as the Lower Bhavani Dam, is in Erode district. Built across Bhavani River, it was one of the major irrigation projects to be executed in the State after Independence. It was completed in 1955. Its catchments include Upper Bhavani, Avalanche, Kundha, and other parts of the Western Ghats. Travancore forces defeated Dutch East India Company in 1741 The Battle of Colachel was fought in 1741 at Colachel in Kanniyakumari district. Travancore forces, under King Marthanda Varma, decisively defeated the Dutch East India Company. The battle marked one of the earliest instances of an Asian power triumphing over a European naval force.
