Travancore and the Legacy of Global Trade
Travancore’s history has long been interwoven with international commerce. Over five thousand years ago, great civilizations like Babylon, Egypt, China, and Romapuri (Rome) engaged in trade with India. Coastal hubs such as Muthukuzhiyal, Kanyakumari, Muttam, and Colachel became bustling centers of maritime trade, while interior towns like Kottaru and Eraniyal flourished as vibrant commercial cities two millennia ago. Throughout history, global powers have sought to extend their wealth and authority through trade, often targeting such strategic regions.
Rising Dutch Tensions
In 1737, friction grew between the Dutch East India Company and the Travancore kingdom. Motivated by imperial interests, the Dutch sought to secure influence in the region. To ease tensions, Dutch Governor von Imhoff traveled from Colombo to Colachel for negotiations. In response, Marthanda Varma asserted his authority by assembling an imposing contingent—including his Elephant Force, Cavalry, Infantry, and royal musical band—to confront the situation head-on.
This dramatic show of force stunned Governor von Imhoff, who had arrived with only fifty men. Startled by Marthanda Varma’s readiness and strength, he filed a report to his superiors expressing serious concerns over the evolving situation.
Dutch Intrigue and Strategic Ambitions
Determined to check Travancore’s growing power, Dutch officials began covertly inciting smaller neighboring kingdoms—Peragam, Ilayidam, and Desinganadu—to rise against Marthanda Varma. At Colachel, a small fort and warehouse managed by Officer Hackert served as a base under Dutch control. During the monsoon season, overcrowding forced many Dutch troops to move to Thoothukudi, though provocations against Travancore continued.
On June 27, 1741, the Dutch launched a campaign to capture Eraniyal from their base at Colachel. Their ultimate ambition was to establish a Dutch colony stretching from Kanyakumari to Midalam and Kottaru to Eraniyal, following the colonial models they had successfully implemented in Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Travancore’s Response and War Preparations
In response, Marthanda Varma convened a war council at the Aruvikkarai Advisory Hall, strategizing with his top commanders. He then visited the Thiruvattar Anikesavan Temple, where he offered prayers with his sword, invoking divine strength for the impending conflict. The Travancore army, led by seven Asans, included 108 Kalari warriors and brave coastal youth who stood ready to defend their land. Notably, Portuguese Jesuit priests also rallied with the local population, standing in solidarity with Travancore.
Victory at Colachel
Despite reinforcements from Thoothukudi, the Dutch forces could not withstand the might of the Travancore army. The Battle of Colachel became a decisive moment in Marthanda Varma’s reign. His warriors displayed extraordinary valor and unity, leading to a resounding defeat of the Dutch.
The outcome sent shockwaves through the region. Malabar kings, previously unalarmed, now feared that Marthanda Varma’s ambitions could threaten their territories as well. To commemorate this historic victory, a Victory Pillar bearing the conch wheel seal of the Travancore government was erected at Colachel.
Aftermath and Surrender
The war officially ended on August 10, 1741, with substantial casualties. Some Dutch soldiers surrendered to save their lives. Twenty-three individuals and 389 rifles, including the capture of Dutch Commander De Lannoy, fell into Travancore’s hands. Just two days later, on August 12, another 190 Dutch soldiers surrendered to the Travancore government.
These momentous events are recorded in the archives of the Dutch East India Company, marking the conclusion of the war on August 12, 1741—a date etched into Travancore’s storied resistance against European colonial power.
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