Information on Kottappuram Fort (Thrissur, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Kottappuram Fort is situated at Methala Village, Moothakunnam Road, Kodungalloor Taluk, Thrissur District of Kerala State in India. This fort is a standing symbol of European Colonialism in the Malabar Coast of Kerala. This fort is built on the surface of a lagoon area, which adds its natural beauty with the Arabian Sea and the Periyar River adjoining.

Kottappuram Fort Architecture

Kottappuram Fort is a typical European style of architecture. This fort was built with the locally available large laterite stones, sea rocks, granites stones, big clay bricks and liquefied lime stones which were used as concrete pavements. This fort is uniquely placed near a river joining the Arabian Sea. This fort has a large munitions area. Inside there are big and small suite built for various purposes. It also had a very strong weapon house built in side this fort. There are high watch towers built to see the ship movements towards the sea and by river on its inland water ways. These watch towers also went on an overall vigil of its surroundings, which was an important trade and commerce location in Kodungallor. It also had canning areas on the edges of the large fortified walls which were up to 18 feet in height. The major area of the fort is occupied by store rooms and garrison grounds. This fort was built by the slaves brought by the Portuguese and by the Kerala tribal peoples of the surrounding villages. It is believed that the overall structure was completed by a decade of span. The laterite stone cutting was the major task of hardship taken by many artisans here. The Arabian Sea and the Periyar River mainly supported for transporting these laterite stones and other materials necessary in its construction of this fort.

Kottappuram Fort History

Kottappuram Fort, the word Kotta means Fort in Malayalam language and Puram is meant for Place. In short Kottapuram means the land of fortes. From 1501 the Portugal started to build large forts here and many were ruined due to local and war against the colonialist occupation. This fort is otherwise called as the Kodungallore Fort as well as Cranganore Fort by its local peoples. This fort was built in the year 1523 AD, near the great Periyar River and the ancient sea port on the Arabian Sea, which was the enact location for large European ships to enter inlands. From here it was very easy to travel to Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin and Trivandrum for it's centrally located in the Malabar Coast by Sea route. In the colonial times it was the big market for spice and vegetables. This fort also witnessed the internal colonial war for procession of lands. The forts were the major source of safe guarding lives and material, but it also saw the destructions in these wars. The kottapuram fort is also ruined many times with the Dutch and Indian rulers like Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the Travancore Kings. This fort was occupied by the Dutch in the year 1663 AD and was in its control for more than two centuries. The Portuguese also built many residential buildings and worship place surrounding the fort area, which are still flourishing. The present market area was the foundation put by the Portuguese by building this magnificent fort in Kodungalloor. Their glories of developments are still seen here.

Kottappuram Fort Tourism Importance

Kottappuram Fort is one of the very old fort build in the Malabar Coast built by the Portugal Imperialist. This is a heritage place and listed in the ancient monument category by the archeological department of India. This is a tourist place depicting the past glory of colonialist India.