Information on Bassein Fort (Palghar, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Bassein Fort or Vasai Fort/ Bacaim Fort is a beautiful sea shore fortress built by the Portuguese. It is 550 years ago built structure left found in ruined stage. This fort was an important colonial office for the Portugal and the British. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Ulhas River. These are very scenic place in the Western Ghats. This fort is located at the Vasai Virar Road, Vasai town, Palghar District of Maharashtra in India.

Bassein Fort Architecture

Bassein Fort was initially built by the Sultan's of Gujarath, who were basically from the Arab Nations. This was a mud structure in its rising stage. The Portuguese took over this fort and built in their European style later. This is the fort to have great Chapels of that time. This fort was built with granite stones, literatie stones and clay bricks. The foundation of this fort was laid by the granites blocks and the upper structure was raised by the literate stones with very good plastering of lime stone mix. It has a remarkable entrance, which has a pillared embellishment on its top. This is full of stone art works, there are few Portugal signs of victory and their colonial embalms carved on its walls. Its ramparts are built well defensive. On the inner side of the fort there are 3 Chapels built in the European style. These chapels were the most used building with its local civilians inside this fort. There are many small and large complexes found without roofs here. Few of the clay buildings are seen in ruined stage here. The only part seen strong is its walls. This for has the life size statue of Chimaji Appa sitting on a horseback with a sword. Since it is a rain fed area and most of the times it can be found with green vegetations on the fort walls. It looks more natural and beautiful in the rainy seasons.

Bassein Fort History

Bassein Fort is also known as the Vasai fort as its location by name. This fort was built by stages of time. The Cambay Sultans, who were known as the Arab Traders laid its foundations in the year 1400 AD. In the advent of the Vasco Da Gama's arrival in the Goa in the 16th century AD it brought its people's and the colonial interest took place with in 50 years of time. The Portugal further expansion towards the north and to reach Bombay, this fortification was necessary in the mid zone of its north point from Goa territory. Hence this fort was attacked twice and later occupied it. The Portugal was the main peoples to erect this fort as seen in the present stage. This fort went into attack with the Maratha Rulers. The famous battle of Vasai took place here with the Portuguese. In 1739 the Maratha's won and took in its control. This was the trading and residing place for the portages. In their time the Vasai regions was growing place in trade and commerce. This place was an important route towards the Bombay and had a very good trade links to Bombay port. This for has come in many of the Bollywood and Konkani films of the west and south India. After the India's independence this fort is under the archeological department and went through reconstruction activities. Even today looking at its importance the fort is well protected and continues to be an important historical figure in Maharashtra.

Bassein Fort Tourism Importance

Bassein Fort is a picturesque place to visit. It has a very good greenery and natural surrounding with the Arabian Sea and a river flowing aside. It is placed on a great pasture land. Though the fort was constructed under various rulers, it has witness the transportation in the politics and more of all, its unique architectural phenomenon is worth to witness. Today it is well maintained by the archeological department, it is yet an iconic attractions that is worth a visit while in Maharashtra. Since these areas are of natural beauties, this fort was also taken by the tourist development board and marketing its best for international tourism. So, while in Maharashtra, don't miss the opportunity to witness the grandeur which is heritage and pride of Maharashtra.