COCHIN, a seaport and town which, though giving name to the above native state, belongs to the British government, and is included within the district of Malabar, under the presidency of Madras. The city is of a semicircular form, and is about a mile and a half in circumference. It has three gates; and the streets are wide and commodious. A fort was built at this place by Albuquerque in 1503, and was the first possessed by the Portuguese in India. Cochin continued to increase and to flourish under their rule; and, besides other buildings, was adorned by a noble cathedral. In 1663 the town was captured by the Dutch. During the period of their rule it was a place of extensive commerce, and was inhabited not only by all sects of Christians, but by Hindus, Mohammedans, and Jews, who traded with Arabia, Persia, and the whole coast of India. The trade carried on with Surat, Bombay, the coasts of Malabar and Canara, and also with Arabia and the islands in the Eastern Seas, is still extensive. The imports consist chiefly of British manufactures, cotton, wool, opium, and spices; the exports are pepper, cardamoms, teak-wood, and other timber,
cocoa nuts, coir, and cassia. The harbour is on the north side of the town, which stands on an island at the mouth of the Cali Caytang river. At this port also ship-building is carried on to a considerable extent, and vessels are constructed on the best European models. Cochin was taken by the British in 1795, when war commenced with Holland. Its fortifications were subsequently blown up with gunpowder; and the town was finally ceded to the British by the European treaty of 1814. Distant S.W. from Madras 350 miles. Lat. 76. 18., Long. 9. 57.