Since the Portuguese ruled North Konkan for a long time, they built many small and large forts for defense and administrative convenience on the banks of the Ulhas Bay on the sea route from Vasai to Bhiwandi-Kalyan. Most of these forts have fallen to a great extent and very few remain. The only exception to this is Dongripada Fort on the Vasai-Bhiwandi highway. Built by the Portuguese for administrative purposes, the fort remained in private use until recently and is in good condition and can be seen from the outside in its original form. Located 6 km from Chinchoti on Vasai-Bhiwandi highway, this Fort is 15 km from Vasai railway station. One can take a bus from Vasai to Bhiwandi and alight at Poman to go to Dongripada Fort. After the Universal College of Engineering at Poman on the Vasai-Bhiwandi road, another fork to the left takes us near the Fort in the hilly area. ... Since the locals know this place as “Madi”, you can easily take their help to reach here. Some of the ancient idols found in the area are kept outside the Fort. It has an idol of Vishnu and a Jain idol. Apart from this, some other broken sculptures are kept. Most of the forts and structures built by the Portuguese look similar. It is a two-storied structure measuring approximately 30x30 feet. In the construction of this structure, rough stone and soil have been used and lime has been used in some places. One and a half foot thick horizontal beams are inserted in the Fort wall for the upper floor. It is seen that the second floor has been created by putting planks on it and spreading soil on it. Built on a high square foundation, this fort has two side doors and the upper floor has windows on all four sides. The internal areas of Fort have undergone some changes in recent times. Considering the location and size of this 22 feet high building, it must have been used as an admin office or tax collection center along with the customs office during the Portuguese period. 20 minutes is enough to see the fort. This building has started to fall down as no one lives here. Built by the Portuguese around the 16th century, these lookout forts were used to provide logistics to small and large forts in the province. Using all these small forts, watchtowers and long-range cannons, the Portuguese established their empire along the North Konkan sea route. During the Vasai campaign of 1739 AD, this area came under the control of the Marathas. This place is a must visit to see this Portuguese administrative building and watch post which is still in good condition.
© Suresh Nimbalkar