History

Early period

    Around the beginning of the common era, the existence of a culturally and economically advanced society in Salem two thousand years ago is evident from the discovery of silver coins of the Roman Emperor Tiberices Claudices Nero (37–68 CE) in Koneripatti of Salem in 1987. Later, the Pandya dynasty started ruling the region around Salem. Afterwards, the Pallava dynasty arose in Salem, followed by Mahendra Varma Pallava coming to Salem and the rise of Saivite principles. Mahendra Varma Pallava was succeeded by Narasimha Varma Pallava. Soon, the Pandya dynasty ruled over Salem. The Hoysala rule established in Salem and parts around Salem was retained under the Pandya dynasty.

Medieval period

    The city has also been a part of the Chola Dynasty. A mosque in the city is believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore Kingdom in the present-day state of Karnataka. The town and the surrounding hilly regions were part of the Chola dynasty and were part of the trade route with the Roman Empire.^[10] It was later governed by Poligars, who built temples and forts in and around the city.^[11] It was part of the Vijayanagara Empire before being captured by Hyder Ali during the early 18th century, after the Mysore-Madurai war. It was ceded to the British in 1768 and the area became part of the struggle between Kongu Nadu, led by Dheeran Chinnamalai, and the British.^[12]

Modern period

    Salem became part of Salem district since independence in 1947. Salem district was the first district to be formed in India on 4 April 1792 that spread over 7,530 km² comprising the present-day Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri. Alexander Reed was the collector of the Salem district from 1792 to 1799.^[13]

    Until 2008, the city was part of the Salem I and Salem II assembly constituencies. Salem is also a home to one of the earliest film studios in the country, Modern Theatres.^[14][15]