Tanvi Jagdish Karia

MAHT- Thesis/Dissertation/Capstone Project (T/D/C)

The Dutch presence in Vengurla, a small port town of Maharashtra on the surface is a representation of colonial trade activities on foreign shores. But in its essence is a confluence of trade, politics and facilitation of maritime activities. The intent of this research is to establish the geo-political significance of Vengurla by studying the fading imprints of the Dutch Factory there. The study revolves around establishing a context of understanding medieval spice trade and spaces of rendezvous, the factory as a key driver of overseas trade powers. By using the lens of maritime histories, the studies dives into understanding why Vengurla was chosen by the Dutch and weave a narrative of the role power dynamics, geography and the built play in ruling the seas.