Cochin On The Coast Of Malabar During The Dutch Era, 1812 Plan

Cochin On The Coast Of Malabar During The Dutch Era, 1812 Plan

A beautiful 1812 plan of Cochin, titled Cochin On The Coast Of Malabar this was during the Dutch era. The plan shows the fortified city of Cochin (Kochi). Since the original of this plan was first made in 1772 it was possible the Dutch controlled Cochin at the time. However by 1812 (date of this plan) the British was in control they had captured ths city from the Dutch in 1795.

The Dutch had captured Cochin from the Portuguese in 1663. Marking the end of over 160 years of Portuguese rule in Cochin. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India via the maritime route in 1498. They came in search of the pepper trail, they first set foot at Calicut (Kozhikode). The King of Portugal chose Vasco Da Gama to lead the flotilla to India.

He brought back valuable spices from Calicut that signaled great future profits for the Crown of Portugal. This expedition was perhaps the beginning of exploration to the new worlds by Europeans. However, because of difficulties dealing with the Calicut Zamorin (King), the Portuguese moved south to Cochin in 1500, led by Admiral Pedro Álvares Cabral. The Portuguese established themselves in Cochin for over 160 years until there defeat to the Dutch in 1663. Click on the image to enlarge view.

Did you know – Vasco Da Gama reached back to Lisbon from Calicut in 1499, the crew was in bad shape as half of the men had died during this return voyage.

Past posts – The First Oleograph Printed In The Raja Ravi Varma Press In 1894., Military Games In British Era Poona, 1900 Photo., Madras From The Lighthouse – Old Postcard 1903., Landing Jetty For Passengers At Apollo Bunder Bombay, 1880 Print.