As the Portuguese ruled North Konkan for a long time, they built small forts in a parallel line not only along the sea coast from Vasai to Daman but also on land. Dahisar, Navje, Khamloli, Dhuktan on the banks of Vaitarana Bay can be said to be the same example. Most of these forts have been extensively destroyed and very few remnants remain. One such lesser-known fort is Dhuktan Fort, a Portuguese creation near Palghar. Dhuktan Fort can be reached from Palghar station and Safale station of Western Railway. Dhuktan is 21 km from Safale railway station and 9 km from Warai fork on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. Private as well as shared rickshaws are available from Varai fork and Safale station to Dhuktan village. While going through Safale, after the Pargaon fort, the Dahisar village fort begins. ... Dhuktan village is about 6 km from this fork. Although the distance from Palghar to Dhuktan is 14 km, there is not much facility of vehicles from there. This fort is located on a 100 feet high hill in Dhuktan village and is easily visible after entering the village otherwise one should ask “Madi” to go to the fort after coming to the village. On reaching the hill, no other remains of the Fort can be seen except for this building measuring 30 x 30 feet. Rough stones and lime have been used in the construction of this building. The entire structure is still intact today except the upper roof and arch have disappeared. Dhuktan village is situated near the bank of Surya River and only from that the importance of this fort can be realized. From this hill you can see the distant area as well as the course of Surya River. Looking at the location-size and ruins of this place, it must have been a fort like Watchtower. There is a memorial pillar in the form of a cross in the Fort premises, which records that 300 Christians were killed here. 10 minutes is enough to see the fort. As no historical documents are available about this fort, it is known as “Dhuktan Madi” after the local village. Built by the Portuguese around the 16th century, the main purpose of these lookout forts was to protect waterways and provide necessary logistics to small and large forts in the province. Using all these small forts, watch towers and long-range cannons, the Portuguese established their empire along the North Konkan sea route. During the Vasai campaign of 1739, the entire area was captured by the Marathas.
© Suresh Nimbalkar