Plan and prospect of Tharangambadi, the Danish trading post

SEUTTER, Matthäus.

Grund-Riss und Prospect der Königlichen Dänischen auf der Küste Choromandel in Ost-Indien belegenen Vestung und Stadt Dansburg u: Trankenbar...
Augsburg, c.1745. Original colour. 510 x 575mm.

An uncommon plan of Tharangambadi (in Tamil Nadu), purchased by the Danish East India company in 1620 as their attempt to enter the East India trade. The street layout is shown, as are the defensive walls and Fort Dansborg, the second-largest fortification ever built by the Danes. An extensive key names the important buildings and streets, including the 'New Jerusalem Church' built in 1718. According to the title the plan was drawn by a Danish Evangelical missionary.
In 1845 the fort was sold to the British, but they had better trading locations so the importance of Tharangambadi for the Europeans dwindled.


Stock ID : 20070