Dwars in de weg

One of the islands in Kottiyar Bay (the bay of Trinconomale) was referred to by the Dutch as 'Dwaers in de weg' ('Bang in the way'). The tiny island with its battery was situated opposite the fort of Oostenburg in Trinconomale. Dwaers in de weg was also known as 'Isle du soleil' or 'island in the sun'. It gained this name from the French when they arrived in the harbour in 1762 and attempted to establish a settlement there.