Bassein Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Bassein Fort or Vasai Fort is a large fort located in Vasai in Thane district of Maharashtra, India. It derives its name from the Portuguese word ‘Bacaim,’ which itself may have a connection to Vasa Konkani tribes of South Gujarat.

The Arab Sultanate of Cambay was working on the construction of this fort in the early 1400’s, when it was attacked by exploring Portuguese mariners. Although this attack was foiled, the Arab Sultanate subsequently signed the Treaty of Saint Matthew, thereby handing over the fort to the Portuguese. Under them, the fort functioned as the northern headquarters or the ‘Corte da Norte’ and was second only to the city of Goa, among several possessions including in Oman, Iran, the UAE, and other parts of the Persian Gulf. During the 18th century, Chimaji Appa of the Maratha Confederacy defeated the Portuguese in the Battle of Vasai and took control of the fort. Thereafter, the British took it over as the price for their support to one section of the Marathas during an internal conflict.

Bassein Fort

Bassein Fort Photos

Bassein Fort Images

Bassein Fort Pictures

Bassein Fort

Bassein Fort Inside

Bassein Fort Inside View

Bassein Fort Inside

Inside of Bassein Fort

Bassein Fort Inside Pictures

Bassein Fort Entrance

Entrance of Bassein Fort

The fort and the buildings inside it are presently in ruins and are engulfed with vegetation. Few arches have stood the test of time well, with some carved stones still depicting sharp chisel marks. There are three chapels inside the fort that are reminiscent of Portuguese architecture during the time. Bassein Fort has been declared of national importance and is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India, but the restoration work done by them has been much to the dismay of conservation activists.