Kalyn was an important port in ancient times. Ships used to travel from the Arabian Sea through Ulhaskhadi. Ghodbunder and Naglabandar were ancient ports on this waterway. Four forts namely Ghodbunder, Naglabandar, Gomukh and Ovale fort were built to protect these ports and waterways. Of these, the first three forts are said to have been built by the Portuguese, while the Ovale fort is said to have been built by the Marathas. One can reach this place by getting off at Naglabandar village on the Thane-Borivali road. The people of the village do not know the location of this fort, which is located near the creek near Naglabandar village, so you have to ask for the church here in order to reach the fort. It takes 10 minutes to get here from Naglabandar stop. Many people say that Naglabandar fort is destroyed and the hill with church in front of fort is the original Naglabandar fort. ... But the remnants of Naglabandar fort still remain on the hill next to the creek in Naglabandar village and the hill with the church is Ovale Kot. This fort is included among the 12 forts along the Thane coast in the book "Durgasampada Thanyachi" by Mr. Sadashiv Tetvilkar. At present, the sand business is running at Naglabandar. The road leading from the stone quarry to the right leads to Naglabandar fort while the road to the left leads to the steps at the foot of Ovale fort. On the hill of Ovale fort is a recently restored Portuguese-era church. If you go in the opposite direction of this hill, there is a direct route leading to the hill but it is rough. While going along this path, two ponds, one small and one big, are seen at the base of the fort. Going up this road, a 20 feet long and four feet high crumbling wall of piled stones can be seen in the bushes on the right. This is only one remnants that one can see on this fort. This fort was built to protect Ulhās Bay. Considering the size of the fort, the fort should be only a watch station. From the hill you can see a long distance and a very beautiful view of Naglabandar and the bay. The fort is small and can be seen in ten minutes. The Portuguese established their empire along the northern Konkan sea route, using small-sized forts, watchtowers. 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. In AD 1737, during the Vasai campaign of the Marathas, the Naglabandar fort and its surroundings came under the control of the Marathas and the Portuguese were eliminated from this area. Marathas are said to have built a post here during this period. People who come here with expectations of seeing a proper fort are likely to be disappointed, but if you want to see the watch post on the sea trade route and its geographical importance, this place is a must visit.
© Suresh Nimbalkar