CHINGLEPUT, the chief town and fortress of a district of the same name, on the N.E. bank of the Palar river, 36 miles S.S.W. from Madras. In 1751 Chingleput was taken by the French, and retaken in 1752 by Clive.
During the wars of the British with Hyder Ali, it was one of the few strongholds which withstood his power, and afforded a secure refuge to the natives. In 1780, after the defeat of Colonel Baillie, the army of Sir Hector Munro sought protection under its walls. It is now the residence of the British civil establishment, namely, the judge, collector, &c. The town is noted for its manufacture of pottery. Long. 80. 2; Lat. 12. 41.
The district of Chingleput is bounded N. by Nellore; E. by the bay of Bengal; S. by South Arcot; and W. by North Arcot. Within its limits is situated the city of Madras. Area about 3000 square miles. Pop. 583,462. It was obtained from the nabob of Arcot in 1763; and the cession was confirmed by the emperor of Delhi in 1765.