FIELD TRIP: ANJENGO FORT

 

Introduction

The definition of a Monument states that, “Ancient Monument” means any structure, erection or monument, or any tumulus or place of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or monolith which is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100 years and includes—

i.                   remains of an ancient monument,

ii.                 site of an ancient monument,

iii.              such portion of land adjoining the site of an ancient monument as may be

iv.               required for fencing or covering in or otherwise preserving such monument

v.                 the means of access to, and convenient inspection of, an ancient monument;

(The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958) (No. 24 of 1958)

 

Objective of the visit

The main aim of the visit is to create awareness among the teacher trainees about the built heritage of our country and safeguarding it from natural calamities and human vandalism. Studying monuments allows educators to keep the arts in play within the context of academic content and creates opportunities for self-expression. Since almost every community has a monument which can be studied, educators can utilize the local community as a site for experiential learning. Not only is the study of local monuments less cost prohibitive, it also provides the opportunity for students to examine and understand facets of their community. It helps to acquaint and inculcate teacher trainees a feeling of pride for our built heritage.

Visit to the monument

As a part of B. Ed curriculum our college arranged a monument visit to Anjengo fort on 31 March 2022 Our entire class of 49 students along with faculty members and Principal accompanied us.  We gathered in the college grounds where the college bus waited to take us to our destination. The bus departed at 10 a.m. amid a chorus of shouts of joy. The one-hour journey was quite enjoyable and we reached the destination at 11 a.m. The fort is a majestic architectural marvel situated in a picturesque setting which is stood on the coastal belt of southern Kerala. The fort has many stairs where we could enjoy the scenic beauty of Arabian sea from its top. The steps lead to the top of the tower. There was a huge gate which was surrounded by tall walls. There is a secluded beach on one side and a backwater stretch on the other.

Location of the monument

Anjuthengu Fort is remembered in the pantheons of history as the location of the first trade settlement of the East India Company in Kerala. Legend has it that the English were given this site by the Queen of Attingal (Rani Ashure) for trade purposes. The place Anjuthengu got its name as it was a small stretch of land with five coconut trees at the time when the fort was built and the fort was named after the same.  The old English Fort that once stood here would be constantly attacked by foreign powers for centuries.

About the monument

The fort was the first trade settlement of the East India Company in the country. According to historians, after Thalassery Fort, Fort Anjengo was the second most important fort built by the British in Kerala. The construction began in 1696 and was completed in 1699.

The fort is situated at about 36 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, near Varkala beach, on the coast. This great monument is the standing example of rich Indian culture. The architecture of the fort was different when compared to existing fort across the country. It appears more like a closed fortress with high-pitched walls. There are security check-points, as well as entries from east and west. There is a clean and neatly cut lawn inside the fort.

                              

Historical importance of the monument

The fort was the East India Company's first permanent post on the Malabar Coast. The English East India Company wanted a sea fort in order to regulate their maritime activities in the Arabian sea, to store their arms, ammunition and trade goods. In 1684, the East India Company obtained a sandy plot of land at Anjuthengu from the Rani of Attingal for the establishment of a factory for trade purposes. The British used to procure pepper at low rates from the locals. There they built a fort which was completed in 1695. A depot for military stores was also opened there. The factory was established there mainly to break up the Dutch monopoly in pepper trade. Soon Anjuthengu developed in to the most important British possessions on the West Coast, next only to Bombay.

According to historical documents, the construction of the fort helped the British flourish trade in pepper and cotton cloth. The fort also served as the first signalling station for ships arriving from Britain. The Dutch didn’t like the growth of the British, so they tried to hinder the construction of the Fort after lobbying with the Attingal Rani. However, the queen compromised with the British who used to send expensive gifts to the queen every year as a friendly gesture. There was local unrest against the British and the revolt is considered as the first organised revolt against the colonial power.

The Attingal rebellion of 1721 has some historical significance. The natives were very unpleasant due to the arrogant approach of the British towards them and they were further distanced from them due to some new unjust measures that the British tried to implement in the land. But at the same time the British pleased the Queen with precious gifts. In 1721, the British authority decided to challenge the authority of the chieftains (local feudal lords) by adopting a new policy in presenting the Queen with gifts. a contingent of 140 British soldiers took the gifts for the Queen and marched towards the Attingal Palace. They were stopped and attacked by the Chieftains. The people who were not in favour of the British for lowering the price of their pepper produce, also joined the fight and killed all 140 soldiers in a fierce fight. The people marched to the Anjengo fort and seized from the British. But within six months, the British refurbished their armament and soldiers from Thalasseri fort and Britain, and pushed the locals out of the fort and brought the Queen of Attingal to sign a new treaty with them so that the Company’s power could be more established. The revolt of the Attingal people in 1721 which is known as the Attingal Outbreak in history is considered to be the first revolt against the British in South India. The East India Company used this premises for storing arms and ammunitions during the first Anglo-Mysore ware in 1767. The fort played an important role during the invasion of Mysore king, Hyder Ali in Anglo-Mysore ware in 1767. The English East India Company abandoned the fort in 1813.

      

Architecture of the fort

As we enter into the fort there is a steel plaque just at the entrance of the fort. An official approach and asks us to read the plaque before we enter. Descriptions about the fort are given in three different languages in front of the fort.

The fort is 256 ft (78.0 m) of height, distinguished by its square shape, comprising four bastions, each equipped with eight cannons. The walls between the bastions had seven or eight canons. In addition, there is a battery of 20 canons facing the sea. It is said that the fort could once contain a garrison of 400 Europeans, with 70 to 80 to passes.

There were two tunnels on the coastal ends of the fort. The mouths of those tunnels were closed with heavy wooden doors and across the wooden panels there were iron straps nailed in.The fort once served as a landmark for British ships. The architecture reminds that the internal storing and living structures were not done using permanent materials. They must have been make shift arrangement.

There is a cemetery inside the fort, the oldest of which dates from 1704. A lighthouse is located at a few meters away from the fort.  The building offers a magnificent view of the great estuary and the avenue of coconut trees of Anjengo.  The fort is now preserved by the National Heritage Monument and is registered as a national heritage.

 

                                   

Reflection

Monuments remind us of our heritage. They are like a treasure for a nation and symbol of pride of their civilization. They help us to appreciate our past and the level of development, knowledge and thoughts. This great monument is the standing example of rich Indian culture. We had a great time learning more about the history as well as the architecture. The view from the stairs of the fort gives a basic overview of ocean and coastal area. The fort was peaceful, well maintained, amazing place to rest and walk in peace. The visit gave us a subdued undertone of British rule memories. We were told not to litter as it was a plastic free zone and maintain discipline on the trip. We started back from the fort at 3 p.m. We also visited Muthalapozhi on our way back.