Vasai Fort (Bassein)

Lon had business in Mumbai today, so I took the opportunity to visit Vasai Fort (also known as Bassein). The fort is a large Portuguese fort north of Mumbai on the north side of Vasai Creek. That's "creek" as in a large estuary. It's 550 m wide where NH8 crosses it, and even wider by the time it gets to the fort, which is pretty much on the Arabian Sea.

Vasai Creek. The remnants of the fort wall can barely be seen at the far left.

The remaining walls of the fort are clearly visible in this satellite view from Google Maps. Sites 1 through 3 are the major ruins. Site 4 is the jetty where the picture above was taken.

The site is under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India, but it's clear that this is a low priority site. A modern temple, a cricket pitch, and a good bit of housing have encroached the site -- most likely before it was deemed worthy of preservation.

The Portuguese built this fort in the early 16th Century, and it became their northern headquarters. It was conquered by the Marathas in 1739. The British took it over in 1780, but returned it to the Marathas in the Treaty of Salbai in 1783. I can find no mention of when it was abandoned, but clearly it's been many, many years!

The road-side view of the ruins at site 1 on the satellite view above.

Our driver, Sachin, and his family.

Same view, but yours truly replacing Sachin in the photo!

More ruins at site 1.

Site 2 starts with an impressive (but difficult to photograph) church, and continues into a large open area (parade ground?).

This area has an active well. The woman is using a plastic jug to get water for laundry.

Site 3 also has a substantial (but smaller than site 2) open area.

More ruins (site 3).

There's a lot more here that is just too difficult to photograph, including a tower that's about 20 m tall. It's really difficult to give a proper view of this amazing place.