Information on Ghodbunder Fort (Thane, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Ghodbunder Fort is a strong fortification built on a hilltop by the Portuguese. It is a 464 years old standing great on this hill mount alongside the Ulhas River in Thane. This has vast significance in the Horse trade happened here. It has historical and cultural influence with the Marathas and with the British East India Company (BEIC). This fortress is located in Ghodbunder Road, Ghodbunder Village, Thane City of Maharashtra State in India.

Ghodbunder Fort Architecture

Ghodbunder Fort is built by the Portuguese in the European architectural form. This fortress is totally made of stone blocks, which were locally mined from the same areas were this fort was built. The place chosen is a very good defensive area on a hill mount. These hills were located in the suburbs of the Thane City and were easily accessible to the sea ports and nearby towns. This fort has got a great rampart with many bastions alongside its walls. These walls are mounted with cannonade on its top. Inside there is a vast court yard found in open place, which is centrally placed with pillared verandahs on its sides. There are many living areas found here. Many structures found here are used as granaries, other storage room, and weapon storage house. It has got very good watch towers built on the top of this fort. Its main gateway is surrounded by large curved bastions in the front. There are two Churches built here in the European models, one of these are in god conditions even today. The other church is in ruined stage found here now. This church was locally accessed by its civilians living in the downhill villages. All of its inner complexes were roofed with wood and leave materials. This fortress had once a natural garden with very old trees inside this fortress. There are still marks of its roots growing on its structures, which looks very authentic. It has got a very good stone built and stone carved steps to reach the top fort from its foot hills. Thus with every sphere, the architectural phenomenon is simply outstanding and is well observed and well mechanized to provide the appeal of the era architectural brilliance.

Ghodbunder Fort History

Ghodbunder Fort is also known as Cacabe de Tanna. It was the actual name kept by the Portuguese. It got the name as Ghodbunder as this place was prominent in Horse Trading towards Middle East from India. Locally tribal peoples kept its name as horse fort, which means in Marathi as Ghodbunder. Ghod is for Horse and Bunder is meant for Fort. The Portuguese who came here as spice traders, built this fort in the year 1550 AD. This was to safeguard their interest in the India soil. This fort was their main officials and residential complex for nearly 187 years. Meanwhile the Great King of Maratha named Shivaiji, tired it to conquer but unable to fight with the Portugal troops and this fort too stood as a great defensive fort for centuries. But in the year this fort came under the Maratha's, when one of its commander named Chimnaji Appa defeated the Portugal troops and brought this fortress under the Maratha Empire. After occupying this fort many new structures were modified inside this fortress. The importance of new towers was built here to watch further colonial impacts. But in 1818 AD to BEIC took over this fort from the Marathas and made its local administrative office. After independence of India the archeological department took in charge f this fort and renovated its many times. This fort comes under the protected monument acts of India.

Ghodbunder Fort Tourism Importance

Ghodbunder Fort is a best place for history and fort lovers. It is a heritage site in Maharashtra tourism chart. One can have a great trekking experience to reach this hilltop fort. It has got a very good view of the suburban Mumbai, when viewed from its top of this fort. It is an awesome place to be to explore and see the beauty that is endowed with the picturesque appeal of nature. More of all, for a photographers, it provides an awesome site. For trekking enthusiasts, it would be a wonderful experience as they can enjoy the beauty of trekking and witness the marvel that stands aloof even today.