Since the Portuguese ruled North Konkan for a long time, many small and large fort like fortress built by them can be seen in the sea belt from Vasai to Daman. Most of these forts have been extensively eroded and very few remains remain. Tadgam Fort, a Portuguese formation on the border of Daman, is one such small Fort. This area, which was once a self-governing state, was incorporated into the state of Gujarat while forming a language-wise province. Since this province was once a self-governing state, I am mentioning these forts under the heading Forts of Maharashtra. We were able to visit this fort thanks to the information provided by one of our friends Mr. Jagdish Dhanmeher. Bhilad is the nearest railway station to Tadgam Fort and Bhilad-Tadgam distance is 16 kms. As there is no direct vehicle from the railway station to reach Tadgam Fort, it is more convenient to go via Phansa. ... Distance from Phansa to Tadgam Fort is 9 km. Tadgam Cricket Ground is located at a distance of about 8 km from Phansa village on the Daman-Dahanu Sea Highway. From this plain a small road leads to Tadgam Koliwada. If you go straight along this road, at a distance of about one kilometer, on the left side of the road, you can see a two-storied Fort building surrounded by bushes. Rough stones and bricks are used in the construction of this building and the walls are plastered with lime inside and outside. Grooves are visible in the walls of the building for firing guns. A large number of trees have grown on the Fort and there are thorn bushes around, so it is not possible to move properly. Since there is no protective system in the construction of the building, it cannot be said with certainty that this was a fort. Looking at the big arches in the wall of this historical structure, it should not be a fort but an administrative building. The present condition of the fort is very poor and 10 minutes is enough to see the fort. Locals have no knowledge of this structure and they know this place as “Medi”. 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. 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, this area came under the control of the Marathas. People who come here with expectation to see a fort are likely to be disappointed but if you want to see a Portuguese watchtower on important route and its importance then you should definitely visit this place.
© Suresh Nimbalkar