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

Mahim Fort is a magnificent Island fort built in the shores of Mahim Bay in Mumbai. It is one of the ancient forts, which became a happening place by the entry of the colonialist in India. It has a long standing history by influencing the trade and culture of Maharashtra State. This fortress is now 874 years old fort and looking great in this island ground. It is beautifully located at Mahim Island in Mumbai of Maharashtra State in India.

Mahim Fort Architecture

Mahim Fort is well placed in the Mahim Creeks of the Methi River in the Mahim Bay. This Mahim Creek divides all its seven Islands from the main lands of the Mumbai City. It is an import place of the sea link between Bandra and Worli. This fort is built in a traditional design of a fort which is commonly found in India. From the 13th century to 20th century, this fortress were occupied by Indian and foreign rulers. This went around large modifications and building of new structures within the fort. The present structure seen here now is the last modified structure by the British East India Company. The building material used here are the Sea rocks, lime stones and the granite stones. This fort is very unique for its masonry rock works. The main fortification walls are built high and thick walls. There are many bastions found on this walls which are in a square model. Nearly 30 numbers of cannons were placed in turrets gaps here. This for is well designed as a defensive fort in this Island. This fort itself acted as a huge watch tower towards the Arabian Sea on its western side. It has look out points all over the fort. Its main entrance is a huge gateway built with few stone block steps to reach the main gate from the sea. One of its gates on the west end facing towards the sea is used as Boat Jetty. Its total design of this fort looks like in square and rectangular shape, when seen from the outer side. The inner parts of this fortress are well built with many complexes. It has many storage places including the artillery house. The living rooms are found with extra space compared to other structures here. Thus the architectural mark one can see here is simply outstanding and incredibly beautiful, worth to be praised.

Mahim Fort History

Mahim Fort was built as watch tower towards the Arabian Sea for Mumbai cost. Since, it was the major sea rout to enter in and out of Mumbai. The history of Mahim and its fort area is date back to 11th century AD. This fort was built by Maharaja Pratapbimb of Rajput dynasty. This was their minor victory of expanding towards the south by its army chiefs. In the year 1140 AD, the Mahim fort was built to safe guard its sea front. This was the capital for centuries until 1672 AD, when the Portugal took over this fort for trading purpose. This fort became a major check point in Mumbai and gained better trade in these region. The present Mumbai is due to this Mahim Fort and the surrounding areas settled by many tribal classes in those days. This fort was also in the eye of the Mughals, Siddhis and the British. Finally in the 19th century the British controlled all these area under the British India rule and kept this fort as an official building.

Mahim Fort Tourism Importance

Mahim Fort is very unique fort in Mahim Island. It looks very cute when seen from the sea side. The international ship movements can be seen from this fort. In the time of low tides, one can have an adventure experience by walking on the sea rocks and reach this fort. This is a protected monument by the Maharashtra government and a heritage tourist site here. The fort holds immense historical importance and from tourism point of view as well it is quite appealing. So while in Maharashtra, it is worth to pay visit to explore the insight beauty of the architectural splendor as well as to soak in the historical beauty which has left an indelible mark on the history of India.