The Land of Singing Waves

Me @ Tharangambadi Beach

Tharangambadi (formerly Tranquebar), Tamil Nadu - September 2023

In Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu lies the sleepy coastal town of Tharangambadi (literally, 'The Land of Singing Waves'), that was once Danish East India Company's crowning glory in the Colonial Era (c.1620 -1777 CE). The Imperial Kingdom of Denmark-Norway was also one of the lesser-known protagonists of the 'White man's burden'. However their possessions in India mattered little when compared with the ambitions of the British or the French. 

South Asia's first Protestant Church (?) - Tharangambadi

Fort Dansborg - one of the largest Danish Forts ever built

Fort Dansborg, one of the largest Danish forts ever built is the most recognizable monument of Tharangambadi, her long unutilized little cannons seemingly perched towards the sea, as if thwarting  any competitive economic rival emerging from the Bay of Bengal. Much before the advent of the Danes, the Pandyas and later, Thanjavur Nayaka Kings controlled Tharangambadi. The old Saiva temple (Masilamaninathar) stands to this day, despite the ravages of the infamous 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. The serene spot could have captivated the Danes, who indulged in business as well as proselytization, eventually 'purchasing' this piece of land from the Nayaka Kings, just like the British in Chennai. Unlike Chennai, Tharangambadi remains a foot note in the pages of history and retains an idyllic charm befitting a benign rural setting. The town also possesses South Asia's first Protestant Church (sic), a Danish-Indian Cultural Centre, and a museum. A walk down this town, soaking in the evening Sun, looking at the old colonial buildings, with the breeze from the Bay, offered a serene refreshment from the routine of the ordinary days - a much-needed break. 

Masilamaninathar Temple (Saiva) - Pandyas - Tharangambadi

Me @ Fort Dansborg

Tharangambadi, formerly Tranquebar, the little Denmark of India, the Indian darling of the Danes in 17th Century, remains 'The Land of the Singing Waves'. 

TownsGate - Tharangambadi

   

Main Street, Tharangambadi

The Land of Singing Waves - on Tharangambadi/Tranquebar

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu

Saturday, 03rd of August, 2024.

Maheeth Veluvali.