Kottapuram Fort

During ancient times, this fort was poised on a strategic place and helped control the movements of ships and boats to and from the Malabar.  But today it is in ruins. Built by the Portuguese in 1523 CE, the Kottapuram Fort, also known as Cranganore Fort or Kodungallur Fort, was located in the mouth of the Periyar.

In 1662 CE, the Dutch fleet attacked the fort but succeeded in capturing it only in 1663 CE. The attack caused much damage to the structure.  Eventually, the Dutch reduced its size and used it as a place to look after their trade ships. Later, Hyder Ali of Mysore tried to negotiate with the Dutch in a bid to purchase the fort. But during Tipu Sultan’s rule in Malabar, on 31 July 1789 CE, the then Maharajah of Travancore, Ramavarma Dharmaraja purchased this fort, considering its importance in safeguarding the land and kingdom. He also bought the Pallipuram Fort. The agreement was executed by Raja Kesava Dasa, the Dewan of Travancore, and John Gerard Van Angelbeck, the Dutch Governor. Later, in 1909 CE, the Travancore government decided to protect the site as public property and built a memorial stone inside the fort.

The fort is now in a shambles.  However, restoration work is underway, and the development of the fort, under the aegis of the Muziris Heritage Project, has facilitated excavations in the site. One can see the border stones of Travancore and Cochin kingdoms in the fort premises.