Colachel War Memorial Pillar — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

History

Colachel was the location of the battle between the Travancore (Anglicised form of Thiruvithaamkoor) forces led by King Marthanda Varma (1729–1758) and the Dutch East India Company forces led by Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy on August 10, 1741. It was the first time in Indian history that an Asian country defeated a European naval force. The Dutch marines landed in Colachel with artillery and captured the land up to Padmanabhapuram, the then capital of Travancore.The arrival of Marthanda Varma's Nairs (the warriors) from the north forced the Dutch to take up defensive positions in Colachel, where they were attacked and defeated by the Travancore forces. Twenty-eight high level Dutch officers, including Admiral D'lennoy, were captured. To commemorate this great victory of the Travancore Army over the Dutch at Colachel, the Travancore Government installed the Colachel Pillar at the very spot where the Dutch had capitulated to the Maharaja of Travancore. The defeat of the Dutch in Colachel was the turning point of the Travancore – Dutch War. The arrival of Marthanda Varma's Nairs (the warriors) from the north forced the Dutch to take up defensive positions in Colachel, where they were attacked and defeated by the Travancore forces. Twenty-eight high level Dutch officers, including Admiral D'lennoy, were captured. To commemorate this great victory of the Travancore Army over the Dutch at Colachel, the Travancore Government installed the Colachel Pillar at the very spot where the Dutch had capitulated to the Maharaja of Travancore. The defeat of the Dutch in Colachel was the turning point of the Travancore – Dutch War. The Pillar

The Colachel War Memorial / Victory Pillar is a pillar of valour and remembrance of the great victory of Travancore Army over the Dutch Forces. The granite Pillar is cylindrical in shape and 15 ft. in height excluding the pedestal. The pedestal alone is 10ft. high and the whole structure is of 25 ft. At the top of the pillar a stone conch representing the insignia of the Travancore Govt. is seen being seated on a lotus bowl. The inscription engraved on the pedestal is in English letters as follows:

THIS PILLAR

COMMEMORATES

THE VICTORY OF

THE TRAVANCORE

ARMY

OVER THE DUTCH

AT COLACHEL ON

THE

31ST JULY 1741 A.D.

15TH KARKADACAM 916

Colachel Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the victory of Travancore Forces led by King Marthanda Varma over the Dutch in the Battle of Colachel on July 31, 1741 AD, wherein for the first time in the history of the nation, an Indian Force defeated a well-equipped...

An excellent destination for visitors, Colachel in Kanyakumari offers the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the sea and its powerful, majestic waves. The people of Colachel, Kanyakumari, and the surrounding regions have long been known for their remarkable physical and mental strength, even before the British era, as symbolized by the war memorial pillar.

Their diet, rooted in nature, plays a significant role in their strength. Fresh seafood, tapioca, and tender palm sap form the core of their culinary traditions. Palm trees are deeply intertwined with their lives and livelihoods. In earlier times, homes were built using palm materials and clay-tile roofs, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of the local carpenters. This architectural expertise is reflected not only in houses but also in palaces and traditional vessels.

The landscape of this region is unique and striking, characterized by its natural wealth and geographical diversity. The terrain is far from flat, featuring rolling hills, rocky outcrops, majestic mountains, flowing rivers, serene ponds, waterfalls, streams, and lush green fields.

The gold treasures of these resilient people were once surrendered to King Marthanda Varma during times of war and threats from invaders. These riches were securely placed in the Padmanabhapuram Temple in Trivandrum centuries ago, a testament to their hard labour, wealth and historical sacrifices.

Kanyakumari holds a significant place in Tamil culture and heritage. It is regarded as a cradle of the Tamil language and traditions, from where they spread to regions like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond.

Visitors are encouraged to take note of the ancient culture and traditions of the Tamil people, who hail from the southernmost tip of India and are renowned for their strength, intellect,...

The Colachel War Pillar stands as a proud monument marking one of the most significant moments in Indian history. It commemorates the historic Battle of Colachel (1741), where the Travancore King Marthanda Varma’s forces defeated the Dutch East India Company, making it the first time a European naval power was defeated by an Indian kingdom on Indian soil. This victory at Colachel was not just a regional triumph but a symbol of India’s early resistance against foreign domination. The war shattered the myth of European invincibility and inspired the spirit of self-rule and courage among the people. The pillar serves as a reminder of the bravery, unity, and strategic vision that protected the land from colonial expansion. Today, it stands tall not only as a memorial of Travancore’s glory but also as a beacon of freedom, honoring the sacrifices and struggles of those who fought to safeguard their motherland. The Colachel War Pillar is more than stone and history-it is a symbol of resistance, resilience, and the eternal...