Information on Bombay Castle Fort (Mumbai, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

The Bombay castle the heritage building which is structured in the city of Mumbai is renowned for being the oldest defensive castles. It is believed that the castle was commissioned by the British on the site of the Manor House which was built by Portuguese. The effigy of Manor house as said before was constructed by Garcia De Orta and it is said that he had leased the Island of Bombay from the King of Portugal. The narrative accounts of Bombay castle fort which was built to prevent external aggression is not just renowned for preserving historical facts but its resistance against the phase of time makes it one of the strongest fort of the India.

Bombay Castle Fort History

Since we talked about the stands of Bombay castle, now we must discuss about Manor House which later became the residence of Portuguese governor until the advent of British who started developing defensive strategies to prevent colonial polarization. It is believed that soon after East India Company took over the Island they structured the defensive wall around Manor House. We must understand the fact that the historic walls of the Manor House were however destroyed in 1865 to accommodate the growing intensity of the urban culture.

While strolling around one would have an opportunity to witness the remains of the Manor House and owing to its importance the historians are still trying to trace the fragments. An invasion of East India Company paved the way for sovereignty and to establish their strong hold they renamed the site as Bombay Castle. It is believed that King Charles were in need of grants so to follow up with his needs he leased the Island of Bombay to East India Company in yearly rent of 10 pounds. Traveler must understand that the first governor of East India Company was Sir George Oxinden and soon after his administrative call he shifted their headquarters from Surat to Bombay.

The main gateway of the Bombay castle lies in original gateway of Portuguese governor house and it is believed that Bombay was handed over to British by Portuguese as a dowry of Princess Catherine of Braganza who married the prince of England. It was during the time of 1830 Bombay Castle was assigned as headquarter of the Indian Navy and in dearth of more space they occupied Bombay Castle.

Bombay Castle Fort Tourism Importance

For tourist the site could prove to be more than historic because the Bombay Castle Fort relates the course of development of local Bombay people beside that it's endowing stands talks about the brilliance of Architecture. The huge wall and the arsenals which were built to protect the site from external aggression incite the defensive techniques of the British people beside that an influence of Portuguese when it comes to architectural stands adds up to its legacy. During the time of tourism hour traveler walks in here from every corner of the world and during the time of sightseeing you would have an opportunity to learn more about Bombay castle fort which indeed defines the phase of transformation and renaissance.