Namakkal is a historical city with references to at least the 7th century. The name Namakkal is derived from Namagiri, the name of the only rock formation in the center of the city. The rock is enormous: 65 meters high and more than a kilometer in circumference. On this huge rock stands a fort, Namakkal Fort. Kongu Nadu, a small kingdom that ruled Namakkal in the 16th century. During the Sangam era, Namakkal region was part of the historical Kongu Nadu region ruled by Cheras. It is believed that Tippu Sultan hid in this fort for some time to escape from the British. The fort was not built by Tippu Sultan, but he occupied it for a short period. The fort was later captured by the British. The front of the hill is called Thiru. SAW. Ka. Paarai is now used as a taxi rank. Namakkal is a part of Kongu Nadu that was highly contested and coveted by both the ancient Pallavas and the Pandyas. Namakkal was held by the Atiakula king named Gunasila, who had an alliance with the Pallava king through marriage. Later, the taluk was invaded by the Cholas in Mandalam. After the fight between Cheras, Cholas and Pandiyan, the Hoysala came to power and were in control until the 14th century, followed by the Vijayanagara kings until 1565 AD. Then the Telugu Madurai Nayaks came to power in 1623 AD. Two of the Thirumalai Nayak estates, namely Ramachandra Nayaka and Gatti Mudaliars, ruled the Salem area. Namakkal Fort is said to have been built by Ramachandra Nayakas. After about 1625 AD, the area successively came under the rule of the Muslim sultans of Bijapur and Golkonda, the kings of Mysore and then the Marathas.
Hyder Ali came to power around 1750 AD. During this period it was a story of power struggle between Hyder Ali and later Tippu, with the British. Namakkal was held by Hyder Ali's Killdhar (title) until he was captured by the British in 1768. For a brief period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Namakkal came under British-ruled Tiruchirappalli district. Namakkal was later shifted back to Salem district. Later announced as a separate district from Salem District on 01/01/1997.
