Due to Bombay, the Konkan region is divided into two parts namely North Konkan and South Konkan. The stretch from Vasai to Daman is known as North Konkan and the stretch from Alibaug to Karwar is known as South Konkan. Since the Portuguese were in power for a long time in North Konkan, many small and large forts built by them can be seen in the sea belt from Vasai to Daman. Most of these forts have fallen to a great extent and only a few remnants can be seen. One such fort is Umbargaon, which was built by the Portuguese but completely disappeared with the passage of time. This region, which was once a self-governing state, joined the state of Gujarat during the formation of language-wise provinces and for some other reason. Since this fort was once in Swaraj, I am mentioning these forts under the heading “Forts of Maharashtra”. ... This fort is mentioned in the book "Maharashtra Deshatil Kille" written by Chintaman Gangadhar Gogte in the year 1896 and this fort is also mentioned in the writings of G.N.Dandekar. While wandering around the forts on the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, we visited this place to see the exact location of the Umbargaon Fort, though it does not exist. Today Umbargaon fort is a small porch and the base of a bastion is the only remains and the rest of the fort has been completely destroyed. The distance from Umbargaon railway station to fort is 7 km and one can reach this place by private rickshaw from the railway station. To see the fort, reach the boat jetty at Umbargaon beach. The fort is built on a small hill at the mouth of the bay where the Varodi River meets the sea. It is impossible for any person entering this river to escape from the sight of this fort!! This underlines the importance of this fort. As there are no other remnants, fort's tour is completed in 5 minutes. From the hill, you can see the faraway sea and Nargol village on the other bank of Varodi River. Built by the Portuguese around the 16th century, the main purpose of these watchtowers was to protect waterways. Using all these small forts, watch towers and fortresses, the Portuguese built their empire along the sea route of North Konkan. During the Vasai campaign of AD 1737 to 1739, this fort came under the control of the Marathas and the Portuguese were eliminated from this area. Those who come here with the intention of seeing a fort are likely to be disappointed, but those who want to see the Portuguese outpost on the sea trade route and its geographical importance must visit this place.
© Suresh Nimbalkar