Belapur Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Belapur Fort, located near the Belapur Township, Navi Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is a historical monument and an important hunt for tourists. Built between the years of 1560 and 1570, by the Siddi people of Janjira, the fort was conquered only three times by the Dutch, Marathas and British East India Company. The fort later lost its importance as the Bombay Presidency got expanded.

The Siddis built the fort after successfully seizing the area from Portuguese control, but it was recaptured in 1682. Chimnaji Appa, the brother of Bajirao Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, attacked and seized the fort from the Portuguese in 1733. It was he who first coined the name ‘Belapur Fort’ as the place was earlier known as Shabaz. The place remained under Maratha control until June 23, 1817, when Captain Charles Gray of the East India Company captured and partially destroyed it to shatter the Maratha stronghold.

Belapur Fort

Belapur Fort Images

Belapur Fort Pictures

Belapur Fort Photos

Belapur Fort

Belapur Fort Inside

During the active days of the Belapur Fort, 4 companies could be stationed here with each consisting of 180 men along with 14 guns ranging between 4 pounds and 12 pounds in weight. It is believed to have an underground tunnel that supposedly connects the fort to the Elephanta Island. Currently there are plans to restore and renovate the fort to save it from encroachments.