Maritime Scenes Of Cochin Harbour and Travancore, 1915 Photos
These rare 1915 photographs of Cochin Harbour and Travancore capture an important moment in Kerala’s maritime history. The three images, mounted on thick cardboard, bear handwritten notes in pen:
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“Native servants leaving the ‘Clive’ in surf boats for Quilon.”
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“Landing in surf boats at Quilon.”
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“Cochin Harbour.”
The reference to the “Clive” suggests that the ship was likely a British naval or administrative vessel visiting the Malabar coast. During this period, it was common for large ships to anchor offshore while passengers and supplies were ferried using smaller surfboats, especially in regions where harbours were still undeveloped.
In 1915, Cochin (now Kochi) was a princely state under the Cochin Kingdom, while Quilon (now Kollam) was a part of the princely state of Travancore. Today, both cities are integral to the modern state of Kerala; however, they once existed as separate political entities with distinct administrative systems.
The photographs depict Cochin Harbour in its natural, untouched form, long before its major engineering transformations. This natural harbour had sheltered smaller wooden trading vessels for centuries. Especially during the peak of the spice trade. Larger ships like the Clive were forced to remain further out at sea. Passengers, officials, and goods were then transferred to shore using surfboats, a process clearly illustrated in these images.
Cochin would not become a fully engineered, modern harbour until 1939. It was thanks to the landmark work of British harbour engineer Sir Robert Bristow. His project involved deepening channels, creating new wharves, and converting the natural lagoon into a major port capable of accommodating large ocean-going vessels. These photos document the harbour in its pre-development era, offering valuable insight into maritime life before Bristow’s transformation. Click first image to enlarge.
Did you know- Chinese traders regularly visited Cochin long before the Portuguese arrived in 1497.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s Balamani – Old Postcard 1902., Trams Near Crawford Market Mumbai – Old Postcard 1914., Cannon Accident Fort St George Madras, 1870 Print., View of Vintage Car of 1911 British India, Old Print
