The history of Dindigul revolves around the Dindigul Fort built by the Nayaks of Madurai. This was a position of great strategic importance, as it had commanding views of the passes into Madurai from the north side. The fort figured prominently in the military operations of the Madurai Nayaks, Kingdom of Mysore, Hyder Ali, Marathas, and the Polygar War in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was captured by the British thrice, in 1767, 1783 and 1790, Finally, in 1799 it was ceded to British Empire. The existence of this major fort resulted in a considerable population in the area, which eventually became known as Dindigul.