COVERSTORY
#353
The only Danish Settlement in India
From Sukhesh Arora, New Delhi
Tranquebar is a wonderful
cultural concoction that has
been brewing over hundreds
of years - a beautiful mix of
languages, cultures, races
and religions. Two centuries
of Danish heritage can be
seen in colonial houses,
churches, cemeteries,
and most particularly, the
Dansborg military fort.
In 1620 the Danish East
India Company arrived, and
announced their supremacy
with the construction of the
Dansborg Fort.
Entry to this town is
through an impressive two
hundred year old Town
Gate built with a Danish
allure. Danish style houses
are scattered around
Kongensgade (or the King
Street), the main street of
Tranquebar. Homes with
thick stucco walls, massive
pillars supporting classical
pediments, verandahs on
second storey, carriage
porches etc. remind us of the
times when this busy trading
centre was an outpost of
Danish culture.
November-December 2015 Travel Secrets  59