Forgotten Splendor: The Sadras Fort and its Illustrious Past

Situated south of Mahabalipuram and Chennai, Sadras thrived as a bustling port renowned for its international trade in Muslin cloth, pearls, and edible oils. From the 10th to the 16th century, Sadras flourished as a prosperous settlement for weavers. Later, the Dutch assumed control of the area, establishing a factory in 1648 CE. This development elevated Sadras' significance, prompting the construction of a fortified structure.

Over time, it underwent several name changes, transitioning from Rajanarayanan Pattinam and Sadiravasagan Pattinam to Sadurangapattinam and eventually settling on Sadras.

The Sadras Fort, now in ruins, is a rectangular structure oriented in an East-West direction. It features triangular bastions at each corner, although one of them is currently missing. Constructed using brick, the fort's perimeter is marked by its walls, which contain large battlements for mounting cannons. However, the southeast corner bastion is absent, with a circular structure standing near the wall instead. The entrance to the fort is situated on the western side, indicated by a circular watchtower topped with a dome, serving as a transition from the exterior to the interior. Adjacent to the gateway, two cannons remain on either side.

Inside the fort, towards the southwest, lies a cemetery consisting of nineteen elaborately carved tombs dating back to the 1600s and 1700s. Notably, one of the tombs features carved tombstones at two different levels, one on the lower slab and another on a raised slab supported by small carved columns. From the southern side of the cemetery, an opening leads to a secret passage, which further leads to the concealed chambers beneath the triangular bastion.

Various rooms can be observed throughout the fort, likely serving different purposes. A series of arched chambers on the northern side of the entrance can be found, indicating the possibility of an upper storey based on the flat surfaces above and some walls extending beyond the present roof. Towards the eastern side, a range of rooms is visible on both the northern and southern sides. Unfortunately, these rooms are mostly destroyed, leaving only the walls standing up to a certain height. The original function of these rooms remains unknown.

The most prominent structures within the fort are two warehouses located on the eastern side. One of them remains intact, while only a portion of the other structure remains. These warehouses face each other along the fort's central axis, featuring a square plan with a central courtyard and rectangular rooms on all sides. The structures possess semicircular vaulted roofs.

Most of the other structures within the fort are in a deteriorated state, making it difficult to ascertain their original purpose. One such structure is a raised flat podium in the middle of the fort, accessible via surrounding steps. While its exact use is unknown, it has served as an elevated platform, possibly for mounting an elephant.

The arrival of the English East India Company triggered a commercial conflict that escalated into a military confrontation. The English targeted and eventually captured the Sadras Fort in 1796. The fort suffered extensive damage from bombardment during the assault, particularly affecting the warehouses. In 1818, the Dutch regained control of the demolished fort under a treaty, but the English reoccupied it in 1854 and maintained possession thereafter. This marked the end of the Dutch era on the Coromandel coast.

Today, the dilapidated state of the fort stands as a testament to its former grandeur, serving as a tangible reminder of its rich history. Regrettably, the historical site sees few visitors, often overlooked and forgotten by many.

Happy travelling.