India is a land of innovation and ingenuity, with remarkable landmarks steeped in rich history and culture. One such testament to man-made wonder is located in the city of Kochi, Kerala – Willingdon Island, an impressive seaport and the largest artificial island in India. This extraordinary establishment was constructed in 1936 during the rule of Lord Willingdon, and named in his honour. The purposeful creation of this island served to enhance the trade relations of British India with the rest of the world.
A Creation from Vembanad Lake
Willingdon Island was meticulously carved out of Vembanad Lake, which is one of the longest lakes in India. Today, it is surrounded by serene backwaters, a tranquil part of rivers that possess little to no current. The island connects to the mainland via the Venduruthy Bridge, a significant conduit for both road and rail. The thoughtful location of the island allows seamless connectivity and transportation, making it an integral piece of infrastructure in the area.
The Commercial Heartbeat of Kochi
Not only does the geographical significance of the site endear it to residents and tourists alike, but the island is also a bustling commercial centre. It houses the Port of Kochi, which stands as one of the major seaports of India. Additionally, it is home to the Kochi Naval Base, an operational facility of the Indian Navy, further establishing its importance.
The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology also occupies a prominent space on this island. This institution focuses on research related to fishing and fish processing, playing a pivotal role in the development and advancement of the fisheries industry.
| Name | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Kochi | Seaport | Trade and Commerce |
| Kochi Naval Base | Naval Base | Defence Operations |
| Central Institute of Fisheries Technology | Research Institute | Fisheries Research and Development |
Significance of Lord Willingdon: The Man Behind the Island
Lord Willingdon, after whom the island was named, served as the 22nd Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1931 to 1936. His tenure was marked by several significant historical events that shaped the course of the nation’s history.
These include the Second and Third Round Table Conferences in 1931 and 1932 respectively, which aimed at discussing constitutional reforms in British India. This period also witnessed the relaunching of the Civil Disobedience Movement, a powerful protest against the British regime.
In 1932, Ramsay MacDonald, the then British Prime Minister, announced the controversial ‘Communal Award,’ which proposed separate electorates for different religious communities. The same year also saw the signing of the Poona Pact, an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R Ambedkar to withdraw the demand for separate electorates.
The Government of India Act 1935, which provided for greater Indian participation in the governance of British India, was another key development during Lord Willingdon’s rule. The act also led to the separation of Burma (now Myanmar) from India. Hence, the creation of Willingdon Island is deeply intertwined with these pivotal events, each leaving an indelible imprint on the canvas of Indian history.
