DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
ANJENGO FORT
HISTORY OF ANJENGO
ANJENGO FORT
Located about 36 km
North of Thiruvananthapuram, near the famed beach of Varkala, and lying on the
seacoast is Anjengo or Anjuthengu, meaning five coconut trees. A place of
historic importance as well as beautiful natural setting, Anjengo is an ideal
destination for those who don't mind walking around and explore what is in
store.
The historic significance tagged to Anjengo comes through foreign powers like
the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the English East India Company. In the
year 1684, the English East India Company chose Anjengo to establish their
first trade settlement in Kerala. Following the English East India Company's presence,
the place came to be known as Anjengo, meaning five coconut trees. According to
local folk, the name Anjengo owes its genesis to a small area of land with five
coconut trees, which was given on lease to the English East India Company by
the then Queen of Attingal for trade purposes.
At Anjengo, one can find the remnants of the old English Fort, which was
targeted several times by other foreign powers, who were at that time fighting
each other to get a firm footing in Kerala. The Fort is now under the
protection of National Heritage Monuments. There is also a cemetery inside the
fort, which most probably would be having the remains of the occupants of the
fort, and the oldest among the burial sites dates to 1704.
The backwater stretch here at Anjengo, and the avenue of coconut trees that
crisscross the water channels are indeed a sight to behold. Another attraction
at Anjengo is the serene beach, which is very clean and ideal for picnickers.
The fishing village adjoining the beach adds to the overall charm of Anjengo,
with the fishermen and their routine activities adding to one's interest.
IMAGES OF ANCHUTHENGU FORT
HISTORY OF ANJENGO
No comments:
Post a Comment