Vasai Fort

Vasai fort, Killa Rd, Police Colony, Vasai, Palghar, Maharashtra 401303

Vasai, also called Bassein, lies about 45 kms of Palghar City. it is located in Vasai taluka. The fort in the old city was headquarter of the Portuguese in the north, next in importance to Goa. The coastal land-fort of Vasai was surrounded by sea on three sides and to the landslide it had a moat which was filled by sea-water. its 4.5 kms long strong stone wall had 11 bastions. The fort had two gates- the westward land-gate. There was also a small citadel in the fort well-equipped with water-tanks, store-houses, armory, etc., the fort also had fields for growing grains and vegetables. All the old structures inside the wall are now in ruins.

Vasai was the main naval base and sort of ship-building centre of the Portuguese. it was here in 1802 AD, the Peshwa Bajirav signed the infamous ‘Treaty of Bassein’ which virtually dissolved the Maratha Confederacy. Finally, the fort and the city of Vasai were ceded to the British in 1817 AD.