Anchuthengu Fort

In June 1696 British pirates in the ketch Josiah under Robert Culliford, destroyed the Bengal Pilot Service's sloop Gingali (or Gingalle) at Anjengo.

Rani Ashure had died some time around 1700 and her successor did not command the same authority (note that Attingal was matriarchal), which contributed to poor relations between her subjects and the British.

By 1717 Kyffin had retired and was replaced by William Gyfford who was if anything even more self serving and divisive than his predecessor and relations with the local people continued to deteriorate.

[6] In early 1721 in an attempt to improve relations with the Rani, Gyfford proposed to revive the practice of giving her annuals gifts, which had fallen into abeyance seven years before.

On 11 April 1721, he travelled four miles up river to Attingal with a party of at least 240 people, including Cowse, and was greeted by a large friendly crowd.

However, the friendliest of the local noblemen was not present and Cowse being suspicious advised a return to the fort; this was endorsed by a message received from the Rani.

A small number of men managed to escape, including Cowse although he was killed during his flight, and made their way back to the fort.

A message was also received from the Rajah of Quilon (now Kollam) offering sanctuary to the displaced locals and so 150 women and children were sent into his care.

The siege continued without incident until 24 June when there was a vigorous attack on three sides possibly inspired by rumours that the Rajah of Travancore was sending a relieving force.

In 1810 the EIC abolished the Commercial Residency at Anjengo and handed over the responsibility for the fort to the Political Agent at Travancore.