Dutch

West Bengal, located in eastern India is noted for its cultural legacy and age-old history. The state, in its former days of glory formed a significant part of the empire of several powerful dynasties. The state was also a colony of several foreign traders that included the Dutch, French, Portuguese and the British.

The Dutch traders arrived in the Indian subcontinent and established their colony in the country’s premises. India, or according to the Dutch colloquial pronunciation Indië, with its potential for flourishing trade was their jewel in the crown. They set up their capital in the picturesque land of the sun, sea and the sand, Cochin, sited on the Malabar Coast.

The first Dutch colony in India came up in the year 1608. The Dutch conquests began with their occupying Pulicat. This was followed by their rapid capture of Tuticorin, Negapatna, and Coromandel Coast. However, very soon the Dutch suffered a serious blow during the period spanning between 1795-1818 AD when the British took over all the established Dutch colonies. As a consolation prize, the territories bordering the Coromandel Coast were restored to Netherlands in1818 AD.

The Dutch also settled in Bengal, famed for its flourishing trade and commerce. Their colony in Chinsurah remained until the year 1825 when lack of foresight and avarice to expand their territories to the South East Asian Islands of Indonesia prompted them to hand Chinsurah over to the British. The famous Fort Gustavius, set up by the Dutch in Chinsurah is currently in ruins but the town still abounds in relics that testify the existence of the Dutch settlements. The ancient barracks, the majestic Governor's residence, General Perron's residence known as the Chinsurah College and the old Factory Building that currently serves as the office of the Divisional Commissioner as some of Chinsurah’s pride that bear traces of Dutch history and architecture.