Arnala Fort
Arnala Fort is built on a small island of the port town of Arnala, located around 8 miles north of Vasai,Maharastra, India.Being an island fort, it is also called Jaldurg or Janjire-Arnala. The Portuguese, who owned this fort.rebuilt and gave it the name Ilha das vacas.
The main structure is on the north side of this longish island. The fort has broad and strong high walls with three gates - the main entrance being in the north. It has a lone tower (bastion) in the south end. The entry to this is through a small square opening - it is dark inside and the undergrowth makes it difficult to explore further. However there are trees on the outside walls, which have been used by the enthusiasts to climb on the top to get a peek inside.
There are steps leading to the ramparts (walls), and one can take a walk around the entire boundary wall. The ramparts also have number of small openings in its broad walls to allow entry in the small rooms and store houses below. Some of these storehouses are used by the villages to store their paddy crop. Along with some remains of the weapons used from this fort, one comes across a canon ball, still stuck on the inner side of the west side of the wall near the temple.
There are steps leading to the ramparts (walls), and one can take a walk around the entire boundary wall. The ramparts also have number of small openings in its broad walls to allow entry in the small rooms and store houses below. Some of these storehouses are used by the villages to store their paddy crop. Along with some remains of the weapons used from this fort, one comes across a canon ball, still stuck on the inner side of the west side of the wall near the temple.
History:
In 1516, a local chieftain in Gujarat, Sultan Mahmud Begda constructed the fort on the island, strategically located at the mouth of the Vaitarna river. In the 1530s, the Portuguese had established their operations in the coastal area, headquartered at Fort Bassein, and soon gained control of the island. The Portuguese captain of Bassein donated the island to a Portuguese nobleman who tore down the old fort and began construction of a 700-by-700-foot (210 m × 210 m) fort. Though the fort was never completed by the nobleman, it remained under Portuguese control for two centuries, who used it to control shipping and navigation along the northern Konkan coast.
Arnala Fort (Present):
Today Arnala Island has a population of over 3000 people who live in the villages outside the fort. The fort also has a "Shankar Temple" and a Mosque where religious festivals are celebrated every year. Arnala Island has few wells with potable water, one of the well is right inside the fort. The villagers grow vegetables on plots inside the fort, as well as on the western side out side the fort.
To the right of the Arnala Fort are government-planted "Suru" trees and to the west are coconut tree plantations, hence making it very picturesque from outside. This place has always been a favourite of tourists.
To the right of the Arnala Fort are government-planted "Suru" trees and to the west are coconut tree plantations, hence making it very picturesque from outside. This place has always been a favourite of tourists.
Address:
Arnala, Maharashtra 401302
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So if you are in Interest of Historic Fort you must surely visit the Arnala Fort!!
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