Uncovering the Untold Stories of the Battle of Colachel
The Battle of Colachel is a significant event in the history of South India that often goes unnoticed in mainstream historical accounts. This article aims to shed light on the untold stories and lesser-known aspects of this remarkable battle. From the strategies employed by the leaders to the heroic acts of the soldiers, this article uncovers the hidden narratives that make the Battle of Colachel a fascinating chapter in Indian history.
Historical Context
In a captivating series of wars, the illustrious Maharaja Marthanda Varma extended the borders of the resplendent Travancore Kingdom. With remarkable prowess, he absorbed neighboring realms such as Kayamkulam, Kollam, and Attingal into his dominion. These territories, collectively referred to as Dutch Malabar, were previously home to Dutch pepper export factories. Astonishingly, the expansion of the Travancore Kingdom resulted in a considerable decline in the pepper exports facilitated by the Dutch East India Company.
Meanwhile, the British had already initiated trade relations with Maharaja Marthanda Varma through a well-crafted treaty. Faced with the prospect of the British acquiring pepper trade privileges in the Malabar region by virtue of the annexation of these small kingdoms, the Dutch were gripped with apprehension. The monopolistic reign of the Dutch seemed to be teetering on the edge of its demise.
The Dutch Invasion
In a compelling turn of events, Van Imhoff, the Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company, found himself entangled in a diplomatic exchange with the indomitable Maharaja Marthanda Varma. Concerned about the aggressive actions against Kayamkulam, Van Imhoff took it upon himself to address the issue and penned a letter to the esteemed Maharaja. However, the response he received from Maharaja Marthanda Varma was unwavering – a resolute order to refrain from meddling in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Travancore.
Seeking a way to negotiate with the formidable Maharaja, Van Imhoff orchestrated a meeting with him. During this encounter, Van Imhoff made two bold demands: the restoration of Kayamkulam to its former ruler and the threat of invading and capturing the Kingdom of Travancore. Undeterred, Maharaja Marthanda Varma firmly rejected these demands, vowing to overcome the Dutch forces and even proclaiming his intention to launch an invasion on the Dutch territory in Europe. It was this very meeting that set the stage for the momentous Battle of Colachel.
Conflict between the Dutch and Travancore
In direct opposition to Maharaja Marthanda Varma’s staunch resistance, the Dutch took a strategic step in 1741. They appointed a princess from the Elayadathu Swarupam as the ruler of Kottarakara. In response, the Maharaja of Travancore rallied his forces and initiated an intense battle against Kottarakara. Through remarkable military prowess, the valiant Travancore army emerged triumphant, vanquishing the combined forces of Kottarakara and the Dutch. This victory resulted in the annexation of Kottarakara into Travancore and forced the Dutch to retreat to Cochin. Additionally, Maharaja Marthanda Varma captured and dismantled all the forts and factories of the Dutch, leaving an indelible mark on their presence in the region.
Rise of Marthanda Varma, The King of Travancore
Marthanda Varma, born as Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma to Raghava Varma and Karthika Thirunal Uma Devi in 1705 in Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram, was destined for greatness. Following the matrilineal inheritance system prevalent in Venad (Travancore) at the time, Marthanda Varma, at a tender age of 14, stood as the rightful successor to his uncle Rama Varma, who reigned from 1724 to 1729. However, it was upon the demise of Rama Varma in 1729 that Marthanda Varma, then 24 years old, ascended the throne and began his remarkable journey.
Immediately upon assuming power, Marthanda Varma swiftly dealt a crushing blow to the Ettuveetil Pillamar, eradicating their influence. He bolstered the existing army by enlisting new soldiers and fortified the northern boundaries of his kingdom. It was during this pivotal period that Marthanda Varma laid the foundation of the Travancore kingdom, embarking on a visionary path of expansion. Through strategically executed war campaigns, he subjugated and assimilated numerous neighboring kingdoms, enriching the Venad territory.
Among these neighboring realms, certain regions were renowned for their thriving pepper cultivation. Notably, Odanad stood as the heartland of the pepper trade. It was in these territories that the Dutch East India Company held a monopolistic grip on the lucrative pepper trade. However, Marthanda Varma’s ambition and foresight led him to challenge the Dutch dominion, forever altering the dynamics of the pepper trade in the region.
The Battle of Colachel
By the onset of December, the Dutch, along with their allies, embarked on a march towards Attingal and Varkala. Seizing the opportune moment when the Travancore army withdrew to confront an impending invasion by Chanda Sahib of Arcot in the southern front, the allies achieved notable military triumphs. However, recognizing the need for reinforcements from Ceylon to continue their campaign against Travancore, the Dutch opted to bide their time.
In November 1740, the Dutch command in Malabar urgently requested reinforcements from Ceylon and launched a second offensive against Travancore. In a striking turn of events, the Travancore forces, reversing their allegiance, directed their aggression towards the Dutch possessions. They swiftly captured Dutch outposts within Travancore, assailed the factories, and gained control of the stored goods. While these events unfolded in the northern region, a modest reinforcement contingent of 105 soldiers and 70 troops, summoned by the Dutch Governor from Ceylon, successfully landed at Colachel.
On 26 November, the Dutch dispatched two sizable ships and three sloops to Colachel, bombarding the coastal area. The Dutch soldiers, constructing a fortified position near the port with wooden posts, stationed a portion of their forces within it. The remaining troops advanced, launching attacks on Travancore outposts along the coastline, such as Thengapattanam, Midalam, and Kadiapattinam, while making progress towards Eraniel. On 29 November, the Dutch commander, van Gollenesse, proclaimed a comprehensive blockade of the Travancore coast surrounding Colachel, ordering his forces to seize all ships bound for the region, except for English vessels carrying goods to Edava.
On 13 January 1741, the Dutch ship Maarseveen was dispatched southwards to anchor between Thengapattanam and Colachel. Subsequently, on 10 February, another Dutch expedition consisting of seven large ships and several smaller vessels made a landing just north of Colachel.
To effectively govern the newly acquired territories, the Dutch eagerly anticipated reinforcements from Ceylon and Batavia. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Java War, the Company Government at Batavia was unable to spare any reserve forces. Faced with a critical shortage of Dutch soldiers in Malabar, Van Gollenesse urgently requested a minimum of 300-400 men from Dutch-held Ceylon and in the interim, dispatched a section of the Dutch army to Kanyakumari to mount an attack on Travancore.
The Fisherman’s played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Dutch East India Company’s attempts to enter the port of Colachel. Notably, research conducted by De Lannoy at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands highlights the Mukkuvar community and their significant contribution to the overwhelming victory, including the capture of Dutch soldiers.
The Impact of Battle
The capture of Eustachius De Lannoy, along with his second-in-command Donadi, proved immensely advantageous to the kingdom of Travancore. Recognizing their valuable expertise, the Maharaja extended an offer for them to work within the Travancore Army, a gesture accompanied by kindness and benevolence. Moved by the compassionate treatment they received, both prisoners willingly accepted the opportunity to serve under the Maharaja. Eustachius De Lannoy, in particular, embarked on an ambitious mission to modernize the Travancore army, introducing European-style military drills and tactics. His unwavering dedication and sincerity earned him the esteemed position of “Commander-in-Chief” of the Travancore military, locally known as “Valia Kapitaan.” To further facilitate his responsibilities, he was granted the Udhayagiri Fort as his residence and training grounds, where he oversaw the training of soldiers and the production of cannons and explosives.
Under the skillful leadership of Eustachius De Lannoy, the Kingdom of Travancore achieved resounding victories in numerous battles, successfully expanding its dominion to encompass over half of modern-day Kerala.
In 1753, a significant turning point occurred when the Dutch signed the Treaty of Mavelikkara. This pivotal agreement stipulated that the Dutch would refrain from interfering in the expansion of the Kingdom of Travancore while also agreeing to sell arms and ammunition to the Maharaja. This marked the beginning of the gradual erosion of Dutch monopoly in India. Additionally, following the decisive battle, the pepper trade came under the control of the Travancore state, further solidifying its power and influence in the region.
Colachel War Memorial
Nestled along the coast of Colachel proudly stands the Pillar of Victory, an enduring testament to the historic war. Crafted from sturdy granite, this majestic pillar soars to a height of 15 feet. At its pinnacle, the emblem of the Kingdom of Travancore, the Valampuri Shank, is intricately engraved, symbolizing the triumph achieved. However, it is the inscription adorning the pillar that truly captures the essence of its significance: “In everlasting memory of the courageous men of the Travancore Army, who made the ultimate sacrifice while vanquishing the formidable Dutch forces during the Battle of Colachel in July 1741.”
This solemn inscription serves as a poignant reminder of the valor and bravery displayed by the soldiers who fought valiantly in defense of their kingdom. The Pillar of Victory, with its imposing presence and profound symbolism, stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication and the indomitable spirit that paved the way for the triumph of Travancore.