Mahim Fort is mentioned as the oldest fort in Mumbai. The fort of Mahim was built by King Pratap Bimba in 1140 AD at the mouth of the creek of Mahakavati aka Mahim, which separates the islands of Mumbai from the mainland. When the Sultan of Gujarat defeated Pratap Bimb and captured the province of Kelve Mahim, he built his fort on the island at the southern tip of Sashti and established his kingdom at this fort. During his reign, the development of Mumbai city and Mahim took place. Later, in the period from 1346 to 1534, this fort seems to have come under the control of the Sultans of Gujarat again. The construction of the existing fort probably took place during this period. Later, the Portuguese and the British have modified the structure to suit their needs, but the original structure of the fort has not changed. ... In 1516, Dom Hoav de Mono, a Portuguese official, entered the Gulf of Mahim and conquered Mahim Fort. There was a quarrel between the Sultan of Gujarat Ali shah and the Portuguese for the control over the fort. Later on, the fort was finally conquered by the Portuguese in 1534. In 1661, at the wedding of a Portuguese princess, the island of Mumbai was given to Charles II of England as a dowry, and the fort was taken over by the British along with the island. After the fort was taken over by the British, architect Gerald Aguirre made few changes in the fort which exist to date. In 1672, the Portuguese attacked the fort of Mahim but could not conquer it. At that time there were 100 soldiers and 30 cannons in the fort. Then on 14th February 1689, Siddi Yakutkhan of Janjira attacked Mumbai with his army and captured the fort of Mahim. After that, the fort was under his control for almost a year but soon the fort was recaptured by the British. The main gate of the fort, built in the Portuguese style, is still in good condition. Due to the slums in the fort, it is not possible to go inside but during the low tide, one can see the outer ramparts of the fort. Due to continuous sea waves, the ramparts of the fort have been severely damaged and in some places, they have also collapsed.
© Suresh Nimbalkar