Jump to content

Castella de Aguada: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Bender the Bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
1,008,858 edits
m →‎History: http→https for Google Books and Google News using AWB
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,366,495 edits
Rescued 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5 per WP:URLREQ#timesofindia.com
 
(30 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Historic fort in India}}
{{About|the fort in [[Bandra]], [[Mumbai]]|the fort in [[Goa]]|Fort Aguada}}
{{About|the fort in Bandra, Mumbai|the fort in Goa|Fort Aguada}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2017}}
{{Infobox building
{{Infobox building
| name = Castella de Aguada
| name = Castella de Aguada
⚫
| image = Bandra-fort-mumbai.jpg
| native_name= बांद्रा किल्ला
⚫
| image = Castella de Aguada 7.jpg
| caption = Bandra Fort
| caption = Bandra Fort
| former_names =
| former_names =
| map_type = Mumbai
| map_type = Mumbai
| latitude = 19.041770
| coordinates = {{coord|19.041770|72.818580|display=inline}}
| longitude = 72.818580
| altitude = {{convert|13|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| altitude = {{convert|13|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| building_type = Fort
| building_type = Fort
Line 40: Line 41:
| references =
| references =
}}
}}
'''Castella de Aguada''' (Portuguese: Fort of the Waterpoint), also known as the '''Bandra Fort''', is a fort located in [[Bandra]], [[Mumbai]]. "Castella" is a misspelling for Portuguese "Castelo" (castle). Properly, it should be called Castelo da Aguada, although it seems its Portuguese builders actually called it Forte de Bandorá (or Bandra Fort). It is located at [[Land's End, Bandra|Land's End]] in [[Bandra]]. It was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlooking [[Mahim Bay]], the [[Arabian Sea]] and the southern island of [[Mahim]].<ref name="express" /> The strategic value of the fort was enhanced in 1661 after the Portuguese ceded the [[seven islands of Bombay]] that lay to the immediate south of Bandra to the [[English overseas possessions|English]]. The name indicates its origin as a place where fresh water was available in the form of a fountain ("Aguada") for Portuguese ships cruising the coasts in the initial period of Portuguese presence. The fort lies over several levels, from sea level to an altitude of {{convert|24|m|ft|0|}}.<ref name="express" /> Castella de Aguada has been featured in several Hindi films, such as ''[[Dil Chahta Hai]]'' and ''[[Buddha Mil Gaya (film)|Buddha Mil Gaya]]''.<ref name="expressgroup">{{cite news|url=http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=8743|title=Heritage is also Bollywood’s preserve|last=Lambah|first=Abha Narain |date=2008-02-04|work=Mumbai Newsline|publisher=[[Express Group]]|accessdate=2008-12-29}}</ref>
'''Castella de Aguada''' (corruption of ''Castelo da Aguada'', [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] for "Fort of the Waterpoint"), also known as the '''Bandra Fort''', is a fort located in [[Bandra]], [[Mumbai]]. "Castella" is a misspelling for Portuguese "Castelo" (castle), although it seems its Portuguese builders actually called it Forte de Bandorá (or Bandra Fort). It is located at [[Land's End, Bandra|Land's End]] in [[Bandra]]. It was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlooking [[Mahim Bay]], the [[Arabian Sea]] and the southern island of [[Mahim]].<ref name="express">{{cite web|url=http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=46848|title=Local 'army' offers to protect Mumbai's 'Castella'|last=Ball|first=Iain|date=19 March 2003|work=Mumbai Newsline|publisher=[[Express Group]]|access-date=16 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060724015419/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=46848|archive-date=24 July 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> The strategic value of the fort was enhanced in 1661 after the Portuguese ceded the [[seven islands of Bombay]] that lay to the immediate south of Bandra to the [[English overseas possessions|English]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-11-16|title=Revisiting the forgotten forts – Part I- Castella de Aguada: History of the grand ruins in Bandra most Mumbaikars are oblivious to|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/revisiting-the-forgotten-forts-part-i-castella-de-aguada-history-of-the-grand-ruins-in-bandra-most-mumbaikars-are-oblivious-to/|access-date=2021-08-01|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> The name indicates its origin as a place where fresh water was available in the form of a fountain ("Aguada") for Portuguese ships cruising the coasts in the initial period of Portuguese presence. The fort lies over several levels, from sea level to an altitude of {{convert|24|m|ft|0|}}.<ref name="express" /> Castella de Aguada has been featured in several Hindi films, such as ''[[Dil Chahta Hai]]'' and ''[[Buddha Mil Gaya (film)|Buddha Mil Gaya]]''.<ref name="expressgroup">{{cite news|url=http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=8743|title=Heritage is also Bollywood's preserve|last=Lambah|first=Abha Narain|date=4 February 2008|work=Mumbai Newsline|publisher=[[Express Group]]|access-date=29 December 2008}}{{dead link|date=February 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The Portuguese, who had established a base in the area in 1534 after defeating [[Bahadur Shah of Gujarat]], built several sea forts along the western Indian coastline. Castella de Aguada was one such strategically located fort, overlooking the Mahim Bay to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, the islands of Worli to the south and the town of Mahim to the south west. The fort also guarded the northern sea route into [[Mumbai Harbour]]. This sea route, a large estuary, was later reclaimed from the sea in the nineteenth century. During the Portuguese rule, it was armed with seven cannons and other smaller guns as defence.<ref name="origins">{{cite book|last=D'Cunha|first=Jose Gerson|title=The Origins of Bombay|publisher=Asian Educational Services|location=Bombay|year=1900|edition=3|pages=212|chapter=IV The Portuguese Period|isbn=81-206-0815-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=miD5YO05jpUC&dq=the+origins+of+bombay&client=firefox-a|accessdate=2008-12-29}}</ref> A freshwater spring in the vicinity supplied potable water to passing ships, thus lending the fort its name.<ref name="express">{{cite web|url=http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=46848|title=Local 'army' offers to protect Mumbai’s 'Castella'|last=Ball|first=Iain|date=2003-03-19|work=Mumbai Newsline|publisher=[[Express Group]]|accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref>
The Portuguese, who had established a base in the area in 1534 after defeating [[Bahadur Shah of Gujarat]], built several sea forts along the western Indian coastline. Castella de Aguada was one such strategically located fort, overlooking the Mahim Bay to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, the islands of Worli to the south and the town of Mahim to the south west. The fort also guarded the northern sea route into [[Mumbai Harbour]]. This sea route, a large estuary, was later reclaimed from the sea in the nineteenth century. During the Portuguese rule, it was armed with seven cannons and other smaller guns as defence.<ref name="origins">{{cite book|last=D'Cunha|first=Jose Gerson|title=The Origins of Bombay|publisher=Asian Educational Services|location=Bombay|year=1900|edition=3|pages=212|chapter=IV The Portuguese Period|isbn=81-206-0815-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=miD5YO05jpUC&q=the+origins+of+bombay|access-date=29 December 2008}}</ref> A freshwater spring in the vicinity supplied potable water to passing ships, thus lending the fort its name.<ref name="express" />


After the decline of the Portuguese in the early 18th century, the Marathas became the largest threat to British possessions. Sensing an impending Portuguese defeat, the British partially demolished the fort as a precautionary measure. The demolition would obviate the possibility of the fort being captured by the Marathas, with the possibility of it being used as a forward military base to attack British Bombay.<ref name="timesofindia">{{cite news|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDA2LzExLzI2I0FyMDA0MDA=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom|title=Govt Will Remain Owner Of The State’s Heritage Sites But Corporate Caretaker, Too, Stands To Gain From Tie-Up |last=Marpakwar |first=Prafulla |date=2006-11-26|work=[[Times of India]]|publisher=[[Times Group]]|accessdate=2008-12-29}}</ref>
After the decline of the Portuguese in the early 18th century, the Marathas became the largest threat to [[British possessions]]. Sensing an impending Portuguese defeat, the British partially demolished the fort as a precautionary measure. The demolition would obviate the possibility of the fort being captured by the Marathas, with the possibility of it being used as a forward military base to attack British Bombay.<ref name="timesofindia">{{cite news|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDA2LzExLzI2I0FyMDA0MDA=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717070114/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDA2LzExLzI2I0FyMDA0MDA=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2011|title=Govt Will Remain Owner Of The State's Heritage Sites But Corporate Caretaker, Too, Stands To Gain From Tie-Up |last=Marpakwar |first=Prafulla |date=26 November 2006|work=[[Times of India]]|publisher=[[Times Group]]|access-date=29 December 2008}}</ref>


In 1739 the island was invaded by the [[Maratha Empire|Marathas]]; it was ruled by them until 1774 when the British gained possession of the area during the [[First Anglo-Maratha War]]. In 1830, the British donated large parts of [[Salsette Island]], including [https://www.google.com/maps/views/view/115215192429475734180/photo/I7RF6iht53sAAAQWoCUb-w Land's End] (Click to view the Photosphere), to [[Byramjee Jeejeebhoy]], a [[Parsi]] philanthropist. Jeejeeboy then established his residence on the hill where the fort is located, and the cape was renamed Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Point.<ref name="toi-bandra">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/18005656.cms|title=Bandra to get back a chunk of its past glory|date=2002-08-04|work=[[Times of India]]|publisher=[[Times Group]]|accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref>
In 1739 the island was invaded by the [[Maratha Empire|Marathas]]; it was ruled by them until 1774 when the British gained possession of the area during the [[First Anglo-Maratha War]]. In 1830, the British donated large parts of [[Salsette Island]], including [https://www.google.com/maps/views/view/115215192429475734180/photo/I7RF6iht53sAAAQWoCUb-w Land's End] (Click to view the Photosphere), to [[Byramjee Jeejeebhoy]], a [[Parsi]] philanthropist. Jeejeeboy then established his residence on the hill where the fort is located, and the cape was renamed Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Point.<ref name="toi-bandra">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/18005656.cms|title=Bandra to get back a chunk of its past glory|date=4 August 2002|work=[[Times of India]]|publisher=[[Times Group]]|access-date=16 September 2008}}</ref>


==Conservation==
==Conservation==
In 2003, a conservation program was started by Bandra Band Stand Residents’ Trust to save the fort. It was spearheaded by a local Member of Parliament (MP), [[Shabana Azmi]], who funded part of the effort from her allotted funds. The brick arch of one of the gateways on the verge of collapse, and the foundation masonry of the fort wall that was in danger of tidal erosion were repaired. The nearby Taj Land's End hotel is responsible for maintenance of the fort, having inherited it from the previous owners.<ref name="express" />
In 2003, a conservation program was started by Bandra Band Stand Residents’ Trust to save the fort. It was spearheaded by a local Member of Parliament (MP), [[Shabana Azmi]], who funded part of the effort from her allotted funds. The brick arch of one of the gateways on the verge of collapse, and the foundation masonry of the fort wall that was in danger of tidal erosion were repaired. The nearby Taj Land's End hotel is responsible for maintenance of the fort, having inherited it from the previous owners.<ref name="express" />
[[File:Entrance to Bandra Fort.jpg|thumb|Entrance to the Castella de Aguada, or Fort of the Waterpoint]]

The fort is owned by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI). Included in the fort makeover are the preservation of the natural rock formations, providing pathways, and the creation of an amphitheatre. The architect for the makeover was P.K. Das, who had earlier redesigned the [[Carter Road]] area.<ref name="toi-bandra"/>
The fort is owned by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI). Included in the fort makeover are the preservation of the natural rock formations, providing pathways, and the creation of an amphitheatre. The architect for the makeover was P.K. Das, who had earlier redesigned the [[Carter Road Promenade|Carter Road]] area.<ref name="toi-bandra"/>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 60: Line 61:


==References==
==References==
{{Commons category|Bandra Fort}}
{{Commons category|Castella de Aguada}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Forts and fortresses of the Portuguese empire|state=collapsed}}
{{Forts around Mumbai}}
{{Forts around Mumbai}}
{{Forts in Maharashtra}}
{{Forts in Maharashtra}}

Latest revision as of 20:10, 21 April 2024

This article is about the fort in Bandra, Mumbai. For the fort in Goa, see Fort Aguada.

Castella de Aguada
Bandra Fort
Castella de Aguada is located in Mumbai
Castella de Aguada
Location within Mumbai
General information
TypFort
StandortBandra, Mumbai
Coordinates19°02′30″N 72°49′07″E / 19.041770°N 72.818580°E / 19.041770; 72.818580
Elevation13 m (43 ft)
Completed1640
ClientPortuguese
OwnerGovernment of Maharashtra

Castella de Aguada (corruption of Castelo da Aguada, Portuguese for "Fort of the Waterpoint"), also known as the Bandra Fort, is a fort located in Bandra, Mumbai. "Castella" is a misspelling for Portuguese "Castelo" (castle), although it seems its Portuguese builders actually called it Forte de Bandorá (or Bandra Fort). It is located at Land's End in Bandra. It was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlooking Mahim Bay, the Arabian Sea and the southern island of Mahim.[1] The strategic value of the fort was enhanced in 1661 after the Portuguese ceded the seven islands of Bombay that lay to the immediate south of Bandra to the English.[2] The name indicates its origin as a place where fresh water was available in the form of a fountain ("Aguada") for Portuguese ships cruising the coasts in the initial period of Portuguese presence. The fort lies over several levels, from sea level to an altitude of 24 metres (79 ft).[1] Castella de Aguada has been featured in several Hindi films, such as Dil Chahta Hai and Buddha Mil Gaya.[3]

History

[edit]

The Portuguese, who had established a base in the area in 1534 after defeating Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, built several sea forts along the western Indian coastline. Castella de Aguada was one such strategically located fort, overlooking the Mahim Bay to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, the islands of Worli to the south and the town of Mahim to the south west. The fort also guarded the northern sea route into Mumbai Harbour. This sea route, a large estuary, was later reclaimed from the sea in the nineteenth century. During the Portuguese rule, it was armed with seven cannons and other smaller guns as defence.[4] A freshwater spring in the vicinity supplied potable water to passing ships, thus lending the fort its name.[1]

After the decline of the Portuguese in the early 18th century, the Marathas became the largest threat to British possessions. Sensing an impending Portuguese defeat, the British partially demolished the fort as a precautionary measure. The demolition would obviate the possibility of the fort being captured by the Marathas, with the possibility of it being used as a forward military base to attack British Bombay.[5]

In 1739 the island was invaded by the Marathas; it was ruled by them until 1774 when the British gained possession of the area during the First Anglo-Maratha War. In 1830, the British donated large parts of Salsette Island, including Land's End (Click to view the Photosphere), to Byramjee Jeejeebhoy, a Parsi philanthropist. Jeejeeboy then established his residence on the hill where the fort is located, and the cape was renamed Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Point.[6]

Conservation

[edit]

In 2003, a conservation program was started by Bandra Band Stand Residents’ Trust to save the fort. It was spearheaded by a local Member of Parliament (MP), Shabana Azmi, who funded part of the effort from her allotted funds. The brick arch of one of the gateways on the verge of collapse, and the foundation masonry of the fort wall that was in danger of tidal erosion were repaired. The nearby Taj Land's End hotel is responsible for maintenance of the fort, having inherited it from the previous owners.[1]

Entrance to the Castella de Aguada, or Fort of the Waterpoint

The fort is owned by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Included in the fort makeover are the preservation of the natural rock formations, providing pathways, and the creation of an amphitheatre. The architect for the makeover was P.K. Das, who had earlier redesigned the Carter Road area.[6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Castella de Aguada.
  1. ^ a b c d Ball, Iain (19 March 2003). "Local 'army' offers to protect Mumbai's 'Castella'". Mumbai Newsline. Express Group. Archived from the original on 24 July 2006. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
  2. ^ "Revisiting the forgotten forts – Part I- Castella de Aguada: History of the grand ruins in Bandra most Mumbaikars are oblivious to". The Indian Express. 16 November 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  3. ^ Lambah, Abha Narain (4 February 2008). "Heritage is also Bollywood's preserve". Mumbai Newsline. Express Group. Retrieved 29 December 2008.[dead link]
  4. ^ D'Cunha, Jose Gerson (1900). "IV The Portuguese Period". The Origins of Bombay (3 ed.). Bombay: Asian Educational Services. p. 212. ISBN 81-206-0815-1. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
  5. ^ Marpakwar, Prafulla (26 November 2006). "Govt Will Remain Owner Of The State's Heritage Sites But Corporate Caretaker, Too, Stands To Gain From Tie-Up". Times of India. Times Group. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
  6. ^ a b "Bandra to get back a chunk of its past glory". Times of India. Times Group. 4 August 2002. Retrieved 16 September 2008.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Castella_de_Aguada&oldid=1220097963"