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Kottappuram Fort, also known as Cranganore Fort or Fortaleza da São Tomé, stands proudly in Kodungallur, in the Thrissur District of Kerala. Built by the Portuguese in 1523, this formidable structure, initially made of laterite and boasting walls 18 feet thick, was strategically located at the mouth of the Periyar River before it joined the Arabian Sea. This prime position allowed the fort to control the passage of ships and boats traveling to and from the interior of Malabar.
The Portuguese Legacy and Dutch Conquest
Kottappuram Fort played a critical role in the power struggles between the Portuguese and the Dutch. In 1565, the Portuguese expanded the fort to strengthen their hold. However, in 1663, after a series of conflicts, Dutch forces captured and destroyed it. The fort’s strategic importance made it a coveted asset for controlling trade routes and regional influence.
The Mysorean Ambition and Travancore’s Response
As the rulers of Mysore turned their attention towards Malabar, negotiations unfolded between Haider Ali and the Dutch for the purchase of Kottappuram Fort and the nearby Pallippuram Fort. During Tipu Sultan’s control of the Malabar Coast, the Travancore rulers saw the need to secure these forts to defend against potential invasions. Consequently, King Ramavarma Dharmaraja of Travancore (1758-1798) purchased the forts on July 31, 1789. An agreement to this effect was executed in 1909 by Raja Kesava Dasa, the Dewan of Travancore, and John Gerard Van Angelbeck, the Dutch Governor.
A Relic of Colonial Power Struggles
The fort’s tumultuous history is marked by various conflicts and alliances involving the Portuguese, Dutch, and Mysore rulers, reflecting the intricate dynamics of colonial power struggles in Kerala from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Eventually, during the Third Anglo-Mysore War in 1790, the Mysore army captured and destroyed the fort.
In the 20th century, recognizing the historical significance of Kottappuram Fort, the Department of Archaeology of Travancore erected a memorial pillar within the fort and committed to preserving it as public property. Today, Kottappuram Fort is an integral part of the Muziris Conservation Project, an initiative aimed at preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the ancient port city of Muziris. This project ensures that the fort, along with other historical sites, continues to educate and inspire future generations.
The entry fee for Kottappuram Fort is INR 10 per person and is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, except Mondays. Visitors can explore this historical site located about 4 kilometers from Kottappuram Junction on the Kodungallur-Moothakunnam Road, and marvel at the remnants of a bygone era.
