Anchuthengu Fort or Anjengo Fort, is a historic fort located in Anchuthengu, which is a coastal town in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India. This fort is of historical significance as it was one of the first trading posts established by the British East India Company in India.
Anchuthengu fort was established in 1695 by the British East India Company. This area primarily served as a Portuguese base in close proximity to Varkala along the route that linked Thiruvananthapuram with Kollam. The ruler of Travancore first chartered the land limited by five coconut trees to the British East India Company for business and trading. It served as a crucial trading post on the Malabar Coast and played a significant role in the British colonial expansion in India. The existence of the historic fort at Anchuthengu till day bears the evidence of the wide number of invasions that it witnessed.
Anchuthengu fort is built in a typical European style of the 17th century, with a rectangular layout and strong stone walls. It has a commanding view of the Arabian Sea, making it strategically important for trade and defense. Travelers can also see some ancient tombstones and a garden on the fort premises.
Apart from the Anjengo fort, there are many important landmarks that throw light into the place’s tryst with European colonial powers in Anchuthengu. A 130-feet tall light house, which is believed to have guided the ships arriving from Britain, the ruins of one of the earliest factories set up by the British East India company, etc. can be seen here as the monuments of a colonial past.
Over the years, the fort witnessed various historical events, including conflicts between the British and other colonial powers like the Dutch and French. It also played a role in the spice trade of the time.
Anchuthengu Fort is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of the fort, walk along its ramparts, and enjoy the scenic views of the sea.
The fort is easily accessible by road from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and is a short drive from the city. It’s a great place to explore for history enthusiasts and those interested in colonial-era architecture. Anchuthengu Fort stands as a testament to the colonial history of Kerala and India and is a reminder of the trade and strategic significance of the region during that period.
