Dutch Cemetery
Dutch Cemetery Signpost
This historically important site not not obvious, otherwise for this small signpost.
A
n important remanence of the India's colonial past, the Dutch Cemetery consecrated in 1724, is believed to be the oldest European cemetery in the country.You can see the year 1724 engraved on the outerwall of the cemetery. According to some historic accounts, Captain Joseph Ethelbert Winckler was the last person to be buried in this cemetery in 1913.
This eerie looking place is the resting place for over a hundred Europeans – Dutch and the English – who arrived in India since 200 years back to expand their colonial empire.
It's curious to see none of the tombs (about 104) carry a cross, unlike in modern tombs. Tombs resemble the Dutch architecture with many carries inscriptions in the old Dutch script. Most of the tombs are made of granite and Laterite ( a reddish ochre local stone).
This place is being looked after by Church of South India (CSI). St. Francis CSI Church of Fort Kochi maintains a record of the people buried here.
By the way there is another important tomb - Vasco-da-Gama - is located nearby. He was originally buried in Fort Kochi, and would be taken back 14 years later to be reburied in Portugal.
The original burial spot is clearly marked. This is now visible inside the hall of the St. Francis Church, located across the Parade Ground.
You would find Dutch Cemetery compound locked. Opened on request.
Tombs in Dutch Cemetery
Note the absence of the cross - typical feature in a conventional tomb design.
Dutch Cemetery Engraving
One of the well preserved tombstones.
Tombs in Dutch Cemetery