Colachal war anniversary to be observed

The victory of the forces of erstwhile Travancore against the Dutch navy in 1741 —known as the Colachal war — would be commemorated this year on July 31 at the Colachal war memorial.

The victory of the forces of erstwhile Travancore against the Dutch navy in 1741 —known as the Colachal war — would be commemorated this year on July 31 at the Colachal war memorial.

Brig. Samir Salunke, station commander of the Pangode Military station, police officials and civilian officials would attend the event, being organised by the Madras regiment of the Indian Army, a press note issued here said.

Wreath-laying

The highlight of the event would be a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial followed by a display by the pipe band of the Madras Regiment.

The battle of Colachal — located 68 km from Thiruvananthapuram — of 1741 earned for Travancore the distinction of being the only Asian military power to ever defeat a leading European sea power at sea and land.

Pillar The pillar at Colachal was erected by the then Travancore king Marthanda Varma to commemorate this victory, the press note added.