Vasai Fort

Vasai Fort is a beautiful fort in the town of Vasai in the Palghar District of Maharashtra and one of the top places to visit in Mumbai. Under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India, this site is statutorily protected. 

This site is popularly known as Fort Bassein or Fort Bacaim and is quite regularly visited by people. It has a view of where the River Ulhas meets with the Atlantic Ocean. The architectural wonder is intense, with most of the churches and fortifications still standing.

It is a heritage site and a significant historical monument. There are also a lot of famous musicians and filmmakers who come here to shoot their movies and music videos in the beautiful scenery.

Historical Significance

Historian Joseph Gerson da Cunha states that the Chanakya dynasty of Karnataka first held the area of Bassein, followed by the Silhara dynasty of the Konkan and then the Yadavas of Devgiri. The Muslim rulers of Gujarat eventually took control of it. 

In the 1600s, Bassein was the northern capital of Portugal because of a deal with the Sultan. However, in 1739, the Marathas, led by Chimaji Appa, took over the fort. This Bassein fort was also significant in the First Anglo-Maratha War.

Architectural Features

Vasai Fort is a reminder of the rich history and culture of the past and a great addition to any Mumbai tour package. It has a history that spans both India and Portugal. Lush plants cover the strong ramparts of the fort. People also know these ramparts as fortifications. They offer a view of both the Vasai Creek and the Bhayandar Creek.

Even in their ruined state, most of the structures in the fort still stand today. They serve as a lasting testimony to the Portuguese's construction of a church and other buildings here. Some of the outside walls of these buildings have writing on them. The facades also feature intricate carvings. On top of that, Vasai Fort has three chapels that are in great shape. Their fronts look like the fronts of Portuguese churches from the 17th century.

Attractions inside the Fort

When they got to the fort, they found a small Hanuman temple that Chimaji Appa had built. The statue of Hanuman with a mustache and a Peshwa turban is one of the most interesting things about this temple. The Peshwas built a Nageshwar temple in the fort and later repaired it. After beating Vasai Fort, Chimaji Appa built a temple to the goddess Vajreshwari inside the fort.The Holy Name of Jesus Church (also called the Jesuit Church), Saint Joseph's Church, and the Franciscan Church of Saint Anthony are three of the most well-known buildings from Vasai Fort that are still there. Only one church remains in the fort. It is in Vasai village. Saint Gonsalo Garcia still has a feast every year. Saint Francis Xavier is said to have lived in Vasai.

In the fort, there is only one church left. It is in Vasai village. There is still a feast for Saint Gonsalo Garcia every year. Vasai is where Saint Francis Xavier is said to have lived.