The first Danish journey to India was sparked in 1618 by the arrival of Dutch trader and colonial governor Marcelis de Boshouwer, who unsuccessfully sought military support for Kandy’s King Senarat against the Portuguese. While rejected by his own countrymen, his petition persuaded the Danish King to pursue a presence in the region.
Denmark held colonial territories in India for 225 years, including Tranquebar (Tharangambadi in Tamil Nadu), Serampore (West Bengal), and the Nicobar Islands. Unlike the major European powers, the Dano-Norwegian operations were undercapitalized and posed little military or economic threat. They maintained their presence and carved out a unique trading niche by remaining neutral during inter-European wars. However, the rise of British imperial power eventually led to the handover of all Danish assets in India to Britain in the nineteenth century.
Additionally, Nicobar Islands, though a part of Danish India, the Nicobar Islands are now restricted due to their status as a tribal reserve. Denmark’s colonisation efforts in Nicobar began in 1754, but frequent outbreaks of malaria led to repeated abandonments. The islands were briefly claimed by Austria (1778-1783) and considered for purchase by Italy (1864-1868), but ultimately, Denmark sold its rights to Britain on October 16, 1868, integrating Nicobar into British India.
Our tour is designed to explore this unique history, focusing on the Danish strongholds of (Trankebar) Tranquebar, Frederiksnagore (Serampore), and Danmarksnagore (Gondalpara). We will also visit Pondicherry to provide a contrasting perspective on the French and Danish colonial regimes in India, Madras and Calcutta – to understand the British influence and as an option alo include Thanjavur to admire the Indian Temple and Tanjore painting.
