Vasai Fort

Introduction
Located in the town of Vasai in the Palghar District of Maharashtra, Vasai Fort is a majestic
fort and a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Also known as Fort
Bassein or Fort Bacaim, it overlooks the confluence of the River Ulhas in the background and
is one of the top tourist destinations in the region. Considered to be a heritage site and a
notable historical monument, the architectural marvel stands sturdy with intact chapels and
fortifications and very little ruins. It is also a popular spot among filmmakers and renowned
music artists who visit here often to shoot their pieces amidst beautiful landscape and
stunning scenery. The very famous “Hymn for the Weekend” by Coldplay was shot here as
were several Bollywood movies like Josh, Aag and Khamoshi etc.
History
Vasai Fort was constructed in 1533 AD by Malik Tughan, the commander of Bahadur Shah,
Sultan of Gujarat. In 1534 AD, the Portuguese forced Bahadur Shah to cede Vasai forever.
Over the next 150 years Vasai enjoyed opulence and prosperity under the Portuguese. The
Portuguese built magnificent houses, convents, churches, and an orphanage. Only Portuguese
nobles were permitted to reside within the fort walls. Vasai Fort was the main naval base and
a sort of shipbuilding center for the Portuguese. It was captured in 1739 AD by Chimaji
Appa, Peshwa Bajirav's brother, with great loss of life. Peshwa Bajirav II signed this “Treaty
of Bassein” in 1802 AD, effectively dissolving the Maratha Confederacy. The fort and city of
Vasai were eventually ceded to the British in 1817 AD.
Architecture
Boasting of Indo-Portuguese history, Vasai Fort stands testimony to the rich history and
culture of the bygone times. The mighty ramparts or the fortifications are overgrown with
verdant vegetation and overlook the Vasai Creek and the Bhayandar Creek. Several sturdy
staircases lead up to the watchtowers from which you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view
of the city. However, some of the Portuguese buildings inside the fort like the church etc. are
in ruins but you can still figure out the structure and demarcated area of the it Some of the
outer walls or facades of these structures have carvings of dancing elephants which
symbolizes victory. In addition to this, there are three chapels inside Vasai Fort that are
completely in good state. They have facades resembling 17th century Portuguese churches.

Belapur Fort
Introduction
Belapur Fort in Navi Mumbai is a clean and neat fort with naturally beautiful surroundings.
This is a great place to see for its architecture and history. It is well maintained by the
Archaeological department and preserves it as a heritage monument in Maharashtra. Even
after so many years, the fort is well maintained and carries long history that portrays the long
glorious past of India.
History
It was built by the Siddis of Janjira and later conquered by the Portuguese, and then the
Marathas. In the early 19th century, the fort was captured by the British. However, after the
British gained supremacy in the region, the importance of the fort declined, and it fell into
disuse.
The fort was built in 1560–1570 by the Siddis, after they wrested control of the area from the
Portuguese. In 1682, the fort was recaptured by the Portuguese, who had managed to annex
the regions controlled by the Siddis, near Belapur (at that time known as Shabaz).
In 1733, the Marathas, led by Chimaji Appa, wrested control of the fort from the Portuguese.
He had made a vow that if it were to be successfully recaptured from the Portuguese, he
would place a garland of beli leaves in a nearby Amrutheshwara temple, and after the victory
the fort was christened as "Belapur" Fort. The Marathas ruled the area until 23 June 1817,
when it was captured by Captain Charles Gray of the British East India Company. The British
partially destroyed the fort under their policy of razing any Maratha stronghold in the area.
Architecture
Belapur Fort is built over a hillock beneath the estuary lands of Belapur. The Siddhi tribal's
had built it as a defensive fort to safe guard their community interest. There are no special
designs dealt with their community but has the Indian fort designs of the medieval era. It is
well surrounded with sea rocks and estuary sands. This makes it little bit inaccessible to this
fort area. Since, during high tide it is always surrounded with saline water. It has also got
many sea weeds surrounded by it, which are very thick and dense around this fortification.
This fort is totally made of granite blocks and lime stones. Its ramparts are very strongly
built. This holds the mound of many artillery holes and gaps. These are very beautifully
designed. Its gate way is an arched entrance of massive stone blocks. This has very good
curved bastions to support its walls. On the inner side of this fort is found with many pillared
complexes. There are many residential complexes here meant for the tribal community. It has
got a very good granary and other storage areas built very strongly. The inner complexes are
built in Cyclopean masonry, which is an uneven laying of stone blocks in different size and
shape in a structure. This is mostly found in the ancient Greek architecture. These are very
wonder full to look if noticed in varying size of stones. It is a difficult part of a mason to do
this job and require special skills to place these uneven stones. The fort ramparts and the
inner complexes have many observation gaps, these are mostly in a square shape. Its doors
and pillars are designed in the Indian traditional style of construction.
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