there are many historically important forts around Mumba (Mumbai). Maharashtra, one of them being Vasai Fort, also known as Fort Bassein. Built by the European Portuguese colonists in the early 16th century, it served as an important military outpost and a center of Portuguese maritime dominance on the west coast of India. They also developed colonies in Goa, Diu, Daman and also in Malabar area of Kerala. The massive fort made of large stone, with bastions, carvings on the walls and barracks that once housed soldiers and civilians. It was also a hub for trade and missionary. Their trade activities in spice, etc and Christian missions played no less role in the expansion of Portuguese rule activities along the western coast of India.
The Portuguese governor of India Nuno da Cunha upon knowing the local governor of Diu Malik Ayaz 's son Malik Tokan was fortifying Baçaim (Vasai) with 14,000 men, a threat to Portuguese expansion, attacked him with 4000 soldiers and about 150 ships and capture the site using certain military strategies and skills. This forced the Sultan of Gujarta make a peace treaty with the Portuguese colonists. Thus the Portuguese established Vasai Fort in 1536 after signing a treaty between the kingdom of Portugal and the Sultan of Gujarat. Prior to that the Portuguese Army frequently raided many places around Mumbai.
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| Remnants of vasai Fort (inside) MH, upload.wikimedia.org Image. Gladstone. |
The purpose of the fort was to to control maritime trade and establish strong links with European and Indian traders. Besides, it became a main center of administration and to safeguard the Portuguese interests in the region. Subsequently, it became a flourishing settlement with grand churches, monasteries, and a thriving economy. The community known as the "Bombay East Indians" were called Norteiros (Northern men) after the Court of the North, based in the fort. by the Portuguese.
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| Vasai fort,near Mumbai istockphoto.com |
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| Vasai fort,near Mumbai. /upload.wikimedia.org(flicker) image. Himanshu Sarpotdar |
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| main entrance to the fort, Vasai, Mumbai. image. Gladson en.wikipedia.org |
The Maratha rulers of this region were powerful and were against the trade activities of the European colonists. In 1739, the fort witnessed a decisive battle when the mighty Marathas, under the leadership of Chimaji Appa, launched a siege against the Portuguese. After months of intense fighting, the Marathas emerged victorious, marking a significant decline in Portuguese influence. The Portuguese, unlike the East India Company, lacked powerful armillary cannons for defense purpose. The Marathas control did not last long until 1818, when the British company with a power Army took possession of the sturdy fort following the Third Anglo-Maratha War. During British rule, the fort lost its military significance and gradually fell into neglect. Conservation efforts were made prior to 2016 to save Vasi and other forts for the posterity and to emphasis the historical past of this region centuries ago.
This historical fort with remnants of many structures of its past, such as churches, watchtowers, and inscriptions like inscription on the ramparts of the fort talks about the first Captain i.e, Garcia de Sá on the order of the Governor General Nuno Da Cunha to build this fort. the another one in the barracks mentions 'ES AS CASAS SE' meaning 'these are the houses; they could be like a guide to like a place to sleep.
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| ,Portuguese Governor Cunha, |
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| 1548 António Galvão.laid the corner stone /en.wikipedia.or |
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| 1835 Fort Vasai (Bassein), near Mumbai, MH en.wikipedia |
Above image: Fort_Vasai (Bassein): The Portuguese governor of India Nuno da Cunha appointed his brother-in-law Garcia de Sá as the first Captain/Governor of Baçaim. The first cornerstone for the Fort was laid by António Galvão (see the image in engraving). In 1548, the Governorship of Baçaim was passed on to Jorge Cabral
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| Fort Vasai (Bassein),near Mumbai, MH .freepressjournal.in |
The Vasai Fort can be accessed easily by trains from Mumbai to Vasai Road Railway Station and also by local buses connecting the station to the fort. The site offers a glimpse into India's colonial history and is a must-visit destination for those interested in heritage and architecture.
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 Fort of Maharashtra near Mumbai, a historical fort built by the Portuguese){kind=link}