MUNAMBAM: Just five km south of Munambam fishing harbour, there is a narrow-fenced boulevard which leads to a dilapidated hexagonal structure.
The Pallipuram Fort, a monument protected by the Kerala State Department of Archeology, shows little signs of any effort taken for its conservation.
Ironically, there is another board on the left side of the fort that carries and instruction from the District Collector.
It reads: “Under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act of 1986, any persons who damages or disfigures this monument is liable to imprisonment which may extend to three months or to a fine which may extend to `5000 or both.”
This hexagonal structure was the oldest extant European monument in India. It was constructed by the Portuguese in 1503. Popularly known as Ayakkotta or Alikkotta in 1663, the fort was surrendered by the Portuguese to the Dutch in 1789.
Raja Kesavadas, the then diwan of the Raja of erstwhile Travancore, bought it from the Dutch thanks to his strategic diplomacy. It is today a protected monument of the Kerala State - Department of Archeology.
Sadly, the fort does not seem to have been taken care of properly and stands as if it would crumble down any time. Though it should fall under the list of protected monuments, it bears a testimony to the vandalism of both man and nature. A small rusted iron gate leading to the fort is closed with chains. A peek into the premises show a vent in the wall that can take a man in.
A native informs us that the opening leads to the Kottapuram fort at Kodungalloor.
However, there is no means to confirm or clarify this as there are no caretakers. The walls of the fort have gathered moss and bears graffiti.
There is an unclean pond nearby. If cleaned, the fort would have provided water for the Taluk Hospital nearby.
