Arnala is built on a small island of the Arnala port. Since the fort is built on an island and surrounded on all sides by water it is also known as "Jaldurg" or "Janjire Arnala" Portuguese called the island "Ilha das vocas". A mosque and a temple peacefully co-exists inside, without any qualms. The watch tower at the tip of the island, is a source of mysterious stories. Before the Portuguese control of the island, the island was controlled by the Muslim rulers of Gujarat. The island is near the mouth of Vaitarna river and the Portuguese used it to observe and control shipping and navigation along the western coast.
History :
The fort was originally constructed in 1516 by a local chieftain of Gujarat, Sultan Mahmud Begda. In 1530s, the Portuguese, after establishing at Bassein (Vasai), conquered this fort, started reconstruction and named it as Ilhas das vocas. The Portuguese retained control of the fort for over 2 centuries.
In 1737, Chimaji Appa, brother of Baji Rao I, took control of Bassein fort in a battle, the Battle of Vasai. Soon after this, Shankarji Pant, Chimaji's general persuaded him to take on Portuguese to get Arnala Fort. The first attack was routed by Portuguese' naval force. Soon it was followed by a second assualt, which took Portuguese by surprise and they lost control of the fort. Marathas controlled the fort till 1817, when they were attacked by British and forced to surrender.
Getting there :
By Air : Nearest airport is Mumbai
By Rail : Nearest railhead is Vasai.
By Road : Mumbai-Vasai app150 kms.
Way to reach : Arnala Fort is located approximately 8 miles North of Vasai. One can catch a rickshaw from Virar to Arnala.
Best season to visit : Any Time
Sights to visit : There is a large hexagonal fresh water reservoir inside the fort. Inside the fort are the temples of Ambakeshwar, Goddess Bhavani, Lord Shiva, and the tombs of Shahali and Hajjali. The 'paduka' or sacred sandals of Shrinityanand Maharaj are housed in a dome on the eastern face of the fort. The solid stone doorway is adorned with pictures of tigers and elephants. The external ramparts are in a fairly good condition, and a roughly 3-meter-wide path exists along the outer walls.
Places to see near by : Vasai Fort , Bassein Fort , Maim Fort, Arnala beach
Discuss
Tell a friend
Bury
History :
The fort was originally constructed in 1516 by a local chieftain of Gujarat, Sultan Mahmud Begda. In 1530s, the Portuguese, after establishing at Bassein (Vasai), conquered this fort, started reconstruction and named it as Ilhas das vocas. The Portuguese retained control of the fort for over 2 centuries.
In 1737, Chimaji Appa, brother of Baji Rao I, took control of Bassein fort in a battle, the Battle of Vasai. Soon after this, Shankarji Pant, Chimaji's general persuaded him to take on Portuguese to get Arnala Fort. The first attack was routed by Portuguese' naval force. Soon it was followed by a second assualt, which took Portuguese by surprise and they lost control of the fort. Marathas controlled the fort till 1817, when they were attacked by British and forced to surrender.
Getting there :
By Air : Nearest airport is Mumbai
By Rail : Nearest railhead is Vasai.
By Road : Mumbai-Vasai app150 kms.
Way to reach : Arnala Fort is located approximately 8 miles North of Vasai. One can catch a rickshaw from Virar to Arnala.
Best season to visit : Any Time
Sights to visit : There is a large hexagonal fresh water reservoir inside the fort. Inside the fort are the temples of Ambakeshwar, Goddess Bhavani, Lord Shiva, and the tombs of Shahali and Hajjali. The 'paduka' or sacred sandals of Shrinityanand Maharaj are housed in a dome on the eastern face of the fort. The solid stone doorway is adorned with pictures of tigers and elephants. The external ramparts are in a fairly good condition, and a roughly 3-meter-wide path exists along the outer walls.
Places to see near by : Vasai Fort , Bassein Fort , Maim Fort, Arnala beach
Discuss
Tell a friend
Bury
Marathikatta.com - A community for true maharashtrians and mumbaikars! Register, read, write, vote, comment and make friends! Forward this to all your friends and make it popular!
Comments