On January 29, 2026, the Department of English conducted a one-day educational study tour titled "Cochin Chronicles: An English Odyssey." The primary objective of the tour was to provide students with a tangible connection to the historical, colonial, and contemporary cultural narratives that form the bedrock of their literary studies.
Itinerary and Site Observations
The tour was curated to cover a spectrum of historical eras, moving from indigenous royalty to colonial influence and modern artistic expression.
Hill Palace, Thripunnithura: Students explored the ethno-archaeological museum, gaining insights into the lifestyle and governance of the Kingdom of Cochin. This session provided a historical context for pre-colonial socio-political structures.
- Mattancherry Synagogue: The visit to the Paradesi Synagogue highlighted the region's long-standing tradition of religious pluralism and the history of the Jewish diaspora in Kerala, a recurring theme in post-colonial literature.
- Bastion Bungalow, Fort Kochi: This site served as a lesson in Indo-European architecture and the strategic maritime history of the Malabar Coast.
Kochi-Muziris Biennale: The tour concluded with a visit to the Biennale. As an international exhibition of contemporary art, it offered students a platform for visual literacy and critical analysis, mirroring the interpretive skills used in literary criticism.
The study tour was a resounding success, achieving its goal of blending academic rigor with experiential learning. The Department of English extends its gratitude to the college administration for supporting this initiative.
