To visit Edwan fort, take the local train of Western Railway to Safale station. S.T buses and private rickshaws are available from Safale station to Edwan fort. Edwan fort is 11 km from Safale station. There is a school on the left as you enter the village from Edwin Naka. Only a few remnants of the Edwan fort are standing on the school premises. One of the walls of this fort is used for the school compound. Due to the lack of historical documents about the name of the fort, it is known as the Edwan fort after the local village. Even though the village of Edwan fort is overcrowded, the locals do not know much about the fort, so before going there, one should take full information about this fort. Remains of the Edwan fort can be seen on entering through the small alley near the school. ... Trees have spread all over the walls of the fort. There is a well in the courtyard of the fort. Edwan fort is surrounded by walls and remains in the form of a quadrangle structure. Considering the available remains and historical context of the fort, the fort should be a Portuguese government and administrative office as well as a small court. Lead stone, clay, and lime have been used in the construction of this fort. According to the locals, the building had three floors and it can be seen from the carvings on the walls of the fort. This structure is not fortified. The forts, fortresses, and structures in the area from Datiware to Shirgaon have been built parallel to the creek. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the main use of these forts was to supply essential supplies to large and small forts from Datiware to Manor. Using all these small forts, watchtowers, and long-range cannons, the Portuguese established their empire on the sea lanes of North Konkan. After the conquest of Mahim fort in the Vasai campaign of 1739, on 10th January 1739, this area came under the control of Marathas. The current condition of the fort is very poor and 10 minutes is enough to see it. People coming here with an expectation to see a fort are likely to be disappointed, but those who want to see the Portuguese outpost on the ancient maritime trade route and its geographical importance should visit this place. The representative of ‘Kille Vasai Mohim’, Dr. Shridatta Raut and his associates are working hard to preserve the past glory of Edwan village and the fort by introducing it to the people.
© Suresh Nimbalkar