Information on Tellicherry Fort (Kannur, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Tellicherry is located in Tallassery, which is in the town Kannur District, Kerala. The fort is positioned in the rocky cliff of the Talaasseri beach, and s about 22kms away from Kannur district. The Fort is under the supervision of the Archeological Survey of India, though it is said that some of its part is collapsed but still is at an easy state to visit, as it is well maintained. Against the insurgence with Pazhassi Raja, the fort was used by Lord Wellesley. The fort is also a famous site for film shooting, mainly the Malyalam films.

Tellicherry Fort Architecture

The Tellicherry fort is constructed in the rock cliff, premeditated to withdraw the assaults and invasions. The fort has massive and gigantic walls which are built keeping in the intention to escape the attacks of the enemies. The forefront of the fort is constructed through the top of the huge wall. It is believed that the manufacture of the fort was done with the mixture of quicklime, white part of the egg and sugar candy and hence flanked by the fortress. The tunnel used as the route to escape the attacks of the enemy is however now closed, but played a significant role at its time. The tunnel used to meet the sea at its end point. The lighthouse is also found on the western side which has a twisting stairs which leads to the top of the lighthouse, and the stairs are believed to be dangerously twisted to walk in. To store the good the British had two underground chambers. The spices that were stored in were the cardamom and pepper. To believe, it is also said that the coins of the East India Company was minted in the fort.

Tellicherry Fort History

The Tellicherry Fort was used by Lord Wellesley. The British arrived in Thallassery in 1683 and settled their, soon they shifted their business capital from Kozhikode to Thallassery following stumbling block from the Dutch. Shortly they were permitted to construct the factory, where they can store and keep their product of spice and the other products and items, and do trading, after they requested. This became a confrontation against Dutch. Sooner or later the British started to trade and realized that the trade of the spices has a stupendous scope and thus the manufacture of the fort came into action. The trade of the spice from Thalassery began to take place by 1695.

With their interest in trading the British started to construct the Tellicherry fort by 1700. They build the fort surrounding the factory, which is located in the hill of Tiruvellapadkunnu, and the renovation of the fort was done by 20th August 1708. This reconstruction was done by strengthening the walls which is huge and gigantic and the carved doors, which are huge as well.

Nevertheless, it became an essential center of politics. The fort has a secret channel which leads to the sea in order to escape the attacks, if it happens. This is regarded as the escape route. In about 1780 the fort was captured by Sardar Khan's Mysore army. However the British defeated the Mysore force in 1792, and captured and jailed approximately 1,200 militants of Mysore, which also included Sardar Khan. It is believed that Sardar Khan later committed suicide. The suicide was done inside the fort.

Tellicherry Fort Tourism Importance

The tourist to the fort can spend their daytime in the fort having a glance of the magnificent gate, lighthouse, and many more. There is also a Brennen cemetery, St. Rosario church, St. John's Anglican Church, and the sub-collector's bungalow. The tomb of Sir Edward Brennen, is also to be found. The sports Authority of India Gymnastic Centre is also reputable as the circus training centre. There are also other places nearby the fort were the tourist may visit.