Alamparai, which lies on the East Coast, called the Coromandel Coast, finds a name in history for its fort and a harbour.
Sangam literary work Sirupppanatruppadai mentions the region as Idaikazhinadu and highlights the activities of its people.
Alamparai was also known as Alamparava and Alampuravi.
The presently ruined fort and the dockyard were built by Muslim rulers in 18 century A.D from 1736 to 1740 A.D.
The fort was under the control of the Nawab of Carnatic, Dost Alikhan. Later, in 1760, it was ruined by the British.
The square-shaped fort is built of bricks and lime mortar.
It occupies an area on nearly 15 acres and the length of the dockyard is about 100 meters.
Zari clothes, salt and ghee were once exported from the Alamparai port. Kasu and varahan (both coins) were minted at the Alamparai mint. A big pond and a choultry were constructed for the benefit of those undertaking pilgrimage from Kasi to Rameswaram.
This fort is maintained and protected by the State Department of Archaeology.
