The Great Fire of Cochin, also known as the Cochin Conflagration, occurred on January 4, 1889 at Fort Cochin.[1][2][3] The fire originated from a vessel named 'Chandrabhanu', which was docked in Cochin harbour and laden with highly flammable materials such as coconut oil, copra, coir, carpets, and spices.[4] This catastrophic event is often compared to the Great Fire of London due to its devastating impact on the city.[2]
.svg)  Fort Cochin | |
| Date | 4 January 1889 |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Cochin, Kerala, India |
| Coordinates | 9°57′57″N 76°14′32″E / 9.9658°N 76.2421°E |
| Type | Fire |
| Property damage | Around 300 houses and commercial properties destroyed |
Background and Causes
editCochin, known today as Kochi, was a significant port city under British control. After the British took over Fort Cochin in 1795, they aimed to suppress local shipbuilding to favour British interests. In this context, Chandrabhanu, a 315-tonne vessel constructed by local shipbuilders, symbolised local enterprise. The British authorities had imposed a court order to restrain the ship's owner from using it, leading to the vessel being anchored and heavily loaded.[5]
On the fateful day, around 4 p.m., smoke was noticed emanating from the vessel.[6] Efforts to mitigate the fire by cutting the ship's mooring ropes proved disastrous. Strong winds and currents drove the flaming ship towards the shore, causing the fire to spread rapidly among the nearby warehouses and buildings. These structures, predominantly made of wood with thatched roofs, were highly susceptible to fire.[7][8]
Devastation and Impact
editThe fire ravaged a large portion of the city, particularly affecting the Calvathy area where many businesses were located. Notable companies such as Volkart Brothers, Pierce Leslie, Aspinwall & Co., and Brindon lost their warehouses and goods to the flames.[4] Approximately 300 houses and numerous commercial properties were destroyed.[9]
Aftermath and Legacy
editIn the aftermath, the city's infrastructure was in ruins. To commemorate the tragedy, a memorial pillar was erected by Port Captain Wrinkler, which still stands on the beach near Fort Kochi as a testament to the event. The devastation necessitated the rebuilding of many affected structures, including the historic Aspinwall House, which was reconstructed after the fire.[10][9]
The Great Fire of Cochin remains a significant historical event, highlighting the vulnerabilities of colonial urban centres and the dramatic consequences of such disasters. It was rumoured that the British set fire to the ship in a desperate bid to discourage the local owner of the ship from getting a favourable court order.[9] Despite its scale, this event is less well-known compared to other historical fires, but its legacy continues to be an integral part of Cochin's rich history.[11]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "History astride a bridge". The Hindu. 1 August 2014. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Column of fire". The Hindu. 1 January 2014. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ "Historic pillar that commemorates a historic event - Reviews, Photos - Mahatma Gandhi Beach". Tripadvisor. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ a b Service, Express News (5 January 2016). "It's 127 Years Since 'Chandrabhanu' Gutted 'Cochi'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ ലേഖകൻ, മാധ്യമം (4 January 2021). "കൊച്ചി ഗ്രേറ്റ് ഫയർ: നാടിനെ നടുക്കിയ തീപിടിത്തത്തിന് 132 | Madhyamam". www.madhyamam.com (in Malayalam). Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ "Pillar At Fort Kochi". Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ Kashyap, Tejashee (11 April 2023). "The Centre Of Kochi-Muziris Biennale, 179 Yrs Old Aspinwall House Is Where Art And History Meet". Curly Tales. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ "Pillar at the beach". map.sahapedia.org. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Susan, Anna (25 May 2024). "From ashes to remembrance". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ Aanavandi (24 September 2020). "കൊച്ചി തുറമുഖത്തിനു ഒരു കപ്പൽ ഒഴുകി നടന്നു തീവെച്ച കഥ | The Great Fire of Cochin Port - Aanavandi Travel Blog". Retrieved 27 June 2024.
- ^ Singh, Ranjeni A. (1 April 2002). "Malabar House: Go Dutch in Kerala". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 27 June 2024.