Thalassery Fort

Elegant and steeped in history, the Thalassery Fort stands in the town of Thalassery, about 22 kms south of Kannur, near the Municipal cricket stadium. 

History

The East India Company established its settlement on the Malabar Coast  in 1683. As they gained prominence, the British built a small fort with the permission of the Kolathiris, the then rulers of the land. The fort helped the British establish a stronghold in Malabar, and eventually they made it their administrative centre in 1776.

The fort became the strategic centre for military activities of the British. It was here that Arthur Wellesley planned his strategy to fight the great warrior, Pazhassi Raja. 

After independence, the fort housed many government offices. Its historical significance was recognized later and was handed over to the Department of Archaeology. 

Architecture

The fort was constructed in a strategic location to withstand all kinds of assaults or invasions. 

It is said that a mixture of quicklime, white of egg, and sugar candy were used in the construction of the fort that is flanked by bastions. Intricately carved doors, secret tunnels that lead to the sea, and a short lighthouse are some of the peculiarities of this colossal structure. 

There are two underground chambers that were once used to store goods like pepper and cardamom. It is said that the coins of the East India Company were minted here. 

From the fort premises, one can view the nearby Holy Rosary Church. Other centres of worship in the vicinity are the Sardar palli (mosque) and the Jagannatha temple.