HISTORICAL MANGALORE

To know who we are, we must know who we were

A website by Alan Machado (Prabhu)

Discover the Rich History of Mangalore

Dutch Sketch of Mangalore, 1625. Source: Dutch Archives

To know who we are, we must know who we were

Our history connects us to our roots and gives us an identity. Without an identity we are rootless, floating in a vast sea of other communities without an anchor, without a name, without a spot we can identify with and call our own.

Our history and traditions have been passed down through generations from mother to daughter, father to son. It is our responsibility to pass it on to our children. We can only pass it on to our children if we know.

We have a responsibility to know.

The 1777 Spanish map of Mangalore depicts the town embraced by the calm waters of the Netravati and the Gurpur as they flow towards their confluence at the entrance to the harbour. Here, the visual appears to invite the interested viewer to sail through and anchor, to delve into episodes from Mangalore’s rich past that this website aims to gradually unfold.

We invite you to enter.

Dutch Sketch of Mangalore, 1625. Source: Dutch Archives

Themes and Topics

Mangalore at War (1783-1784)

Mangalore was subjected to a nine month long contest for control between Tipu and the East India Company. Here, we explore the twists and turns that ended with the peace treaty of March 11, 1784

Introduction

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Francis Buchanan in Kanara

In February 1800, Francis Buchanan was commissioned to compile detailed data on specific and general matters of interest to the East India Company to frame policies on how best to govern and exploit the newly acquired territories. His study leaves a remarkably thorough description of various aspects of Mangalore.

Introduction

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Slavery in Kanara

Ravenshaw, collector in 1801, observed that nearly all South Kanara’s cultivation was done by slave labour, and that an estate without slaves was of little value. He estimated that little over 12% of the population were slaves, being absolute property of their masters with a status similar to his cattle.

Introduction

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A 1776 Spanish Visit to Mangalore

A fascinating account of a 1776 visit by a Spanish ship to Mangalore seeking an alliance with Haidar Ali.

Introduction

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History in Stones and Objects

Humans work their stories into stones and objects for archaeologists and historians to uncover. Mangalore has a few of them.

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Maps of Mangalore

Portuguese, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Basel Mission maps of 16th to 19th century Mangalore.

Introduction

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The Captivitiy of 1784

The aftermath of the 1783-1784 war: the arrest and deportation of Christians throughout Tipu's saltanat-i-khudadad to Srirangapatna

Introduction

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1837 Koot Uprising

The 1837 Koot uprising involved peasants seeking agrarian reform. The British administration abandoned Mangalore for the days it survived. The ringleaders and other suspects met a swift and brutal end.

Introduction

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