Tourism
These ruins of the fort built by Portuguese is a reminder of their occupation on the islands. Bassein Fort (Basin) also known, as Vasai Fort is an important sea fort located in Bassein, present day Vasai. Built by Bahadur Shah, sultan of Gujarat, it was initially one of a chain of forts intended to guard the coast against the Portuguese and the pirates. Bassein, however, fell into many hands such as- the Portuguese, the Marathas and finally the British. In the course of time Bassein became a flourishing shipbuilding centre and the famous Bassein stone was very much in demand.
Bahadur Shah built it. The fort is very large, with the main gate leading to a small courtyard, from where one can climb the ramparts to take a look around, which reveals the numerous old structures of the fort now in ruins. The Portuguese buildings inside the fort are in ruins, although there are enough standing walls to give a good idea of the floor plans of these structures. Some have well-preserved facades. They are usually decorated with carved stones, some weathered beyond recognition, others still displaying sharp chisel marks. Three chapels inside the fort are still recognizable, which have facades typical of 17th century Portuguese churches. The southernmost of these has a well-preserved barrel vaulted ceiling. Several watchtowers still stand, with safe staircases leading up.
Bassein was known as a place for ship building in the 15th Century. The Portuguese settled here because they were shrewd enough to recognise the importance of Bassein as a strategic place on western coast. They captured the fort from the Sultan of Gujarat and remodeled it by building a citadel inside. The fort was made the northern capital of the Portuguese, later then over a span of 200 years they built for its aristocracy, a walled city overlooking the sea. This city housed a cathedral, 13 churches and 5 convents. Many of the buildings still stand, albeit without roofs. In the 18th century the fort was attacked by the Maratha army under Baji Rao Peshwa, and fell in 1739 after a three year long campaign. However, it was the British who had the final possession of the fort.
The ruins of the Portuguese fort still stand almost hidden by brushwood and palm groves. Some of the walls and churches can still be seen. Almost on every wall of the fort, there are trees whose roots damage the structures. The Bassein fort needs immediate attention of the authorities, to retain the last remains of this historic place.
About 10 kms to the northwest lies Nalasopara village, the capital of the Konkan region from 1500 BC to 1300 AD. Many Buddhist relics were discovered here. It is believed to have been the birthplace of Buddha. An hour by bus from Bassein station are the Vajreshwari temple and the Akoli hot springs. Ganeshpuri with the Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, the Bhimeshwar temple and other ashrams are also easily accessible.
At a distance of 2km from Aagashi is a small village called "Arnala" along the sea-coast. The fort next to the sea-coast was built by Shivaji Maharaj under the leadership of Kanoji Aagre. Shivaji built this fort in the sea for the Marathas. Since the fort is built on an island and surrounded on all sides by water it is also known as "Jaldurg" or "Janjire Arnala" Portuguese called the island "Ilha das vocas". Before the Portuguese control of the island, the island was controlled by the Muslim rulers of Gujarat.
In 1737 when Chimaji Appa began his assault on Bassein (Vasai) to drive out the Portguese, his General Shankarji Pant informed Chimaji that Arnala fort is a strategic for the naval forces that were on route to attack the Portguese. Chimaji approved the assault on the fort. Shankarji Pant consulted and sought assistance of the local people to attack the Arnala fort; among them were Govindji Kasar and Gavraji Patil from Bolinj. Shankarji sent Gangaji Naik, Bajirao Belose and Rayajirao Surve to lead a battalion of 400 soldiers to lead the attack on Arnala fort. This attack was coordinated along with naval force commanded by Manaji Agre. Maratha navy was no match for the Portuguese firepower. Agre's navy was routed. 
The Arnala and Vasai forts were returned to the Marathas in the treaty of Salabai. The forts again changed hands over to the British under the treaty of Pune.
Arnala is a mostly fishing town, it's port is used by fishing vessels. The Koli folks supply fish to Virar, Agashi, Northern Vasai and to Mumbai. Historically rulers and conquerors who were attracted to Vasai had little or no interest in Arnala. The fort built on an island off of port of Arnala was of more strategic importance to both the Portuguese and Marathas. The most significant landmark in Arnala is St. Peter's Church which can be seen for some distance from offshore.
109 days ago
