St. James Church, Agashi, Maharashtra, one of the earliest churches built by the Portuguese Jesuits in this region

St.James Church, Agashi,MH built by the Portuguese.commons.wikimedia.org

The historic Vasai (Bassein) fort  built in 1536 by the Portuguese colonists  included within its enclosure civilian population, Barracks for the  soldiers to stay, a small citagal with well equipped with water-tanks, store-houses, armory, etc., the fort also had fields for growing grains and  vegetables. These were meant to safeguard the fort from siege.  All the old structures inside the wall are now in ruins because of  old era wars and lack of basic upkeep by the Archaeological Survey of India.The  remnants of churches, convents confirm the activities of Christian Missions in the colonies. The missionaries came with the Portuguese Armada along with them to spread Christianity on the orders of the Portuguese king. Bassein, also known as Vasai, is a town located in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. Located on the Arabian Sea coast north of Mumbai, it forms part of the Vasai-Virar twin cities. 

Evidences including the grave stones in the Jesuit College  point out the presence of  two churches existed about 16 kilometers north of the fort. One was called “out Lady of the light” under the Franciscans and the other “St. James” under the secular clergy

St. James Church, Agashi, MH

Vasai (Bassein) Fort,Mumbai, MH .tripadvisor.in

The village of Agashi close to the sea on the west coast of India became a target of raids by the the local rulers Marathas, Arabs and Moguls. The primary reason was its strategic location however, probably because of its location, Apart, the local rulers did not like European colonists taking control of the region. The Marathas severely damaged the  both churches apparently during the attack  on Bassein. The village  gashi was well-known for timber business and a ship building.  The yard at Sopar, in medieval times was a famous port and training center on the west coast of India (Catholic Directory of Bombay). 

Around 1568 evidence indicates that two churches existed about 16 kilometers north of Bassein fort. One was called “out Lady of the light” under the Franciscans and the other “St. James” under the secular clergy.  During the Portuguese rule  for about 150 years Bassein and the other areas were vibrant and center of maritime business.

The village of Agashi however, probably because of its location, was the target of frequent attacks and invasions by the Marathas, the moguls and the Arabs. The Marathas destroyed both churches presumable in the 1739 attack on Bassein.

In the case of St. James,  the secular clergy attached to the church carefully secured the needed permission from the Marathas and had the church rebuilt as the Marathas did not object to the practice of Christianity as long as it was not made compulsory. In 1900 Fr. Jovito V Dias, took additional initiative, expanded and renovated the old church. extended and renovated the church  “to its present appearance” with the ample support from the parishioners.  .

 English medium  education  wa introduced in Agashi in 1938 through the Primary School called the “holy Martyrs”, indicating that the tradition of the Boy Martyrs (info. below), who gave their lives rather than renouncing their faith in favor of Islam, was still alive. In 1968 St. James Marathi School was opened. and St. James High School  came up in   1977.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Vasai

http://www.east-indians.net/Agashi.htm