c. 1905
13.80x
8.90cm
The Cordite Factory in Aruvankadu, India, is a significant defense establishment with a rich history and important role in India's ordnance production. Established in 1903-04 by the British government in Aruvankadu, a village in The Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, it is situated between Coonoor and Ooty. This factory specializes in manufacturing cordite, an antiquated type of smokeless propellant used in small arms ammunition and as a propellant for various tanks. It is now one of the oldest defense factories under the Ministry of Defence and Indian Ordnance Factories. Over 2,000 workers are employed at a site chosen in part for good climatic conditions suitable for propellant manufacture.