Information on Riwa Fort (Mumbai, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Riwa Fort known as Kala Qilla or Black Fort is a 354 old Island fortress built by the European colonialist in Dharavi, Mumbai. It was an important fort in the overall development of the Mumbai City form those days. This fort has little bit ruined with time and by its local peoples. It is located near the Sion Railway station in the central Mumbai of Maharashtra State in India.

Riwa Fort Architecture

Riwa Fort is built in the European architectural pattern. It was built here as a defensive fortress to protect its factory and its officials. The most significant part of this fort is that its main ramparts are built with laterite stones found in black colors. It also used the granite stones in its foundation works and this rear stones was also believed to be cut from the sea rocks. But the archeologist believes that the laterite stones in light red color turned in to black color due to fungus. What so ever it's looking great. Its ramparts are nicely built with bastions. It has a very big entrance gate. Its ramparts are still strong and standing great in the passage of time. It has many watch towers on the fort. There were many inner complexes built here for storage, garrison and living purposes. But currently there are very few structure is seen in intact way. Few other structures were ruined naturally and by manmade destruction in the 19th and 20th century period. Its walls were fitted with cannons on all the side of this fort.

Riwa Fort History

Riwa Fort is also well known as the Kala Kila, which mean the Black Fort. This fort was built in the year 1669 by Gerald Aungier. He was the Bombay Governor at this time appointed by the British Empire. It took 8 years to complete this entire fortification and the same year he died in Bombay. He was known as the sole person for the development of Bombay. The present monuments built in the central Mumbai were his effort. He was a very good human and respected human value and was a popular figure among the locals here. This fort was very important to have a vigil at sea and promote sea trade and in develop land commerce in Mumbai. This brought many workers and skilled laborers to Mumbai from its neighboring province. There were very good trade and employment was generated here. Soon it became an emerging and happening city in India. In the 17th century the Portuguese took over this fort from the British and made it as the vigil fort towards the sea links in the Arabian Sea. At this time the Maratha Empire was losing its importance and the Marathas fought with the Portugal force and captured it in the beginning of the 18th century. This fortress were little bit damaged by encroachment of local fisherman folks living here. The Maharashtra government took little bit time to evacuate them from the main fort areas. After independence many efforts were made to renovate it into its old condition. Under the British-India rule the East India Company do took little care to safeguard this fort, since the Marathas occupied this fort. The Marathas were also in the declining condition and took much interest in the 18th century. This fort is presently under conservation.

Riwa Fort Tourism Significance

Riwa Fort is a unique fort to see in black color. This fort is the local picnic spot for the Mumbaites. It is also an important heritage site and a protected monument in Maharashtra State. This fort is centrally located and any time it can be accessed locally from the main city of Mumbai.