Dutch Cemetery, Monument of National Importance in Cossimbazar, India.
Dutch Cemetery in Cossimbazar is a protected monument containing approximately 47 tombs and obelisks distributed across its grounds. The structures display inscriptions and architectural details that reflect the colonial period and the people buried there.
The cemetery served as a burial ground for Dutch traders and marks their presence in Bengal during the colonial era. The oldest grave belongs to Daniel Van der Muyl from 1721, indicating how long the Dutch community remained in the region.
The cemetery reflects how Dutch settlers and local Indian communities coexisted, visible through the blend of European and local architectural traditions in the monuments. The site shows how foreign traders became rooted in Bengal over generations.
The site is maintained and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, so visitors should respect the rules and be mindful when walking through. Take your time to read the inscriptions and examine the monuments closely to appreciate the details and historical information they display.
Several tombstones display inscriptions written in Dutch, documenting the roles and achievements of individual traders who lived and worked in Bengal. These written records offer insights into the lives of people who helped establish a lasting Dutch presence in the region.
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