The plunder of Nancowry () or the Battle of Nancowry () was the British capture of the Danish colony at Nancowry Island () in 1805.
Background In 1756, the Danish flag was hoisted at the island of Great Nicobar (), and the colonial attempt also spread to Nancowry Island, however, these attempts already failed the next year. For the rest of the 18th century, Denmark would try to establish a colonial presence on the Nicobar Islands.
In 1801 hostilities broke out between Denmark–Norway and Great Britain, and these hostilities would spread to India. On 12 May Tranquebar would be occupied along with Serampore.
Battle Initially, the Danish Nicobar Islands () were left out of the British occupation, and in 1802 a ship arrived with more supplies and men. In 1805, on the basis of the war between Denmark and Great Britain, a British privateer named Blom arrived at the harbour of Nancowry. Together with his vessel, Amboyna, Blom would dislodge the Danish forces there and looted the godowns and residences, before leaving the harbour again.
Aftermath In the following year, the Danes would revisit the island, and the Danish command would be re-established. In 1807, the islands would be left to themselves again because of the Gunboat War, and two years later, in 1809, the British would come to the island and transport the leftover garrison to Tranquebar.
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