Battle of Quilon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Quilon
Part of Travancore-British War
Kollam fort in 1756, after it had passed from Portuguese rule to the Dutch.
Date 15 January 1809 Location Quilon (Kollam), India 8°53′N 76°36′E / 8.88°N 76.60°E / 8.88; 76.60 Result East India Company victory
Belligerents
British East India Company	Kingdom of Travancore
Commanders and leaders
Col. Chalmers	Velu Thampi Dalawa
Strength
	Total:20,000-30,000 18 Artillery pieces
Casualties and losses
141 Killed and Wounded	700 killed 15 pieces of artillery captured

The Battle of Quilon (also known as the Battle of Kollam) happened on January 15, 1809. It took place in Quilon (now called Kollam), an important port city in India. This battle was between the Travancore kingdom and the British East India Company.

The Travancore forces were led by their prime minister, Velu Thampi Dalawa. The British forces were led by Colonel Chalmers. The battle lasted only six hours. It is an important part of the history of Kerala.

Why the Battle Happened

The British East India Company had taken control of Quilon. They had a group of soldiers, called a garrison, stationed there. This garrison was near Cantonment Maidan, a large open area in the old town of Quilon.

Quilon was a very important city for trade and shipping. Because of this, the British kept soldiers there. Over time, this group of soldiers became a local regiment. Their job was to protect the Maharaja (ruler) of the Travancore state.

The Battle Begins

A relief in Ashramam, Kollam, showing the battle.

On January 15, 1809, Velu Thampi Dalawa gave the order to attack. Between 20,000 and 30,000 Nair troops from Travancore attacked the British. They had 18 artillery pieces (cannons) with them.

Colonel Chalmers, the British commander, split his soldiers into two groups. His force included one European regiment and three battalions of native soldiers called sepoys. They fought back against the Travancore army.

Outcome of the Battle

The British forces pushed back the Nair troops. About 700 Travancore soldiers were killed. The British also captured 15 of their artillery pieces. The battle was over in just six hours. The British East India Company won the battle.

See Also

• Quilon
• Cantonment Maidan