As the Portuguese ruled North Konkan for a long time, many small forts built by them can be seen on the banks of Ulhas Bay on the sea route from Vasai to Kalyan. Most of these forts have been extensively destroyed and very few remnants remain. Bhiwandi was a major port in medieval times. The Kamwari River, a tributary of the Ulhas River, used to have direct shipping to Vasai. The Portuguese built many small forts to protect this sea route. One such small fort is Karivali Fort, built by the Portuguese near Karivali between Bhiwandi-Vasai. Today this fort is completely lost in the forest outside Karivali village. I have made a small attempt here to introduce this fort to people. The distance from Bhiwandi to Karivali is 5 km and one can reach Karivali village by private rickshaw. ... After entering Karivali village, take a right from the statue of Shivaji Maharaj, after 100 feet from here, a cement road is seen going to the left. A trail starts where this road ends from here we continue to walk. This trail leads to the Gavdevi temple near the creek. After about 400-500 feet further along this trail, the ruins of Karivali Fort are scattered in the bushes on the left. Since it is not easily seen, it takes a bit of searching. Locals also don't know much about this fort but when asked for “Madi” you will be lead close to the fort. Or take help as this place is now shown on google map. As the entire Fort has collapsed today and only porch (chauthara) remains, it cannot be said with certainty whether this place was a Fort. The size of the porch is 30x30 feet and there are trees growing on it. Stone and lime have been used in the construction of this fort. The stones used in its construction are scattered around this porch and there are two stones carved with Kirtimukh. There is an old well at some distance from the fort and its water is supposed to be used for this fort. 10 minutes is enough to see this fort. The Portuguese were a riverine tribe. They built most of the Fort on the coast so that they could have a direct connection with Portugal by waterways. These forts on the Ulhas Bay between Vasai and Kalyan are built parallel to the sea. From the Fort, Ulhas Bay and Dombivli town is visible. Built by the Portuguese around the 16th century, the main purpose of these watchtowers was to protect waterways. Using all these small forts, watchtowers and fortresses, the Portuguese established their empire along the North Konkan sea route. After Shivaji Maharaj captured the city of Bhiwandi, this place may have been depleted in the later period as the Portuguese had ended their rule in this area. Those who come here with an expectation to see a fort are likely to be disappointed, but those who want to see a Portuguese watchtower on the ancient sea trade route and its geographical importance must visit this place.
© Suresh Nimbalkar