OBSERVER RESEARCH FOUNDATION MUMBAI Ideas and Action for a Better India

FORTS OF MUMBAI
DR LOUISA RODRIGUES
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, RAMNARAIN RUIA COLLEGE

GREEN VOYAGERS
STUDENTS COLLECTIVE FOR HERITAGE AWARENESS, RAMNARAIN RUIA COLLEGE

21st JULY 2012

NEWSLETTER WRITTEN BY

JANKI PANDYA AND MAANSI PARPIANI

COASTAL FORTS OF MUMBAI: HISTORY, HERITAGE FOR ALL

IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE BETWEEN HERITAGE AND MODERNITY, AND TO ENSURE THAT ONE REALM DOES NOT OBVIATE OR ELIMINATE THE OTHER

Dr Louisa Rodrigues

Observer Research Foundation Mumbai organised a presentation on the Forts of Mumbai by Dr. Louiza Rodrigues, Associate Professor, Ramnarain Ruia College. She was joined by a group of enthusiastic students called the Green Voyagers, who have conducted much of the research on the forts under her guidance. The group is working towards creating historical and environmental awareness about the heritage of the city.

The presentation was well-structured and accompanied by many photographs. Dr Rodrigues provided the background of the research project. She explained that the scope of the project has been restricted to the confines of the city of Mumbai, i.e the limits of the islands of Bombay as existed under the possession of the British. In this context, the Bombay, Sewri, Mazgaon, Dharavi, Sion, Mahim, Worli and Bandra forts were discussed. Uttkarsha Dandavate provided the historical and geopolitical significance of the

forts. This was followed by an analysis of the present environmental and ecological status and usage patterns of the forts by Nandini Bhattacharya. Ashwini Maslekar outlined awareness and conservation strategies. Dr Rodrigues

icons in Mumbai being reduced to mere landmarks or worse. It is essential to maintain a balance between heritage and modernity, and to ensure that one realm does not obviate or eliminate the other, she emphasised.

set the context of the talk by describing rich the Control over

the 7 islands of Bombay was

heritage

that the city of Mumbai pos-

transferred from Potuguese the the to

sesses. The historicity of the city (or rather the islands of Bombay) can be Dr Rodrigues outlining the significance of the coastal forts of Mumbai

British

Crown, in mid 17th The century. English

traced back to 1st century BC when the Kanheri caves were constructed by the Satvahana dynasty. Today, Mumbai is undergoing a rapid metamorphosis with increasing construction activity, the historical

East India Company was handed control over the islands, that faced threats from enemies from all sides. The Portuguese, the Maratha powers, the Siddis of Janjira attempted to attack Bombay a number of times, Dr Ro-

drigues asserted. The

Company thus con-

tories of knowledge and treasure-troves of the history of Mumbai, and expressed her disappointment at the current dilapidated state of the forts.

structed the coastal forts on the islands, in order to strengthen defence and supervise sea traffic. She described the forts as reposi-

Bandra Fort

GEOPOLITICAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Uttkarsha Dandavate provided the background of the geopolitical and historical significance of the coastal forts of Mumbai. She explained how despite acquiring the islands of Bombay from the Portuguese, relations between the two powers remained tense. Further, the Portuguese retained control over the Salsette island, north of the Bombay islands. The British felt threatened of their rival powers, the Portuguese, Marathas and Dutch, and felt the need to fortify the islands. The Manor house was the the seat of the government of the Bombay Presidency . It was here that the town of Bombay took birth. In order to ensure safety of the heart of the

Companys administration on the city, Bombay fort was erected in order to protect all important buildings and structures from any potential enemy attack. The construction began in 1670 and was completed the following year. St. George fort was built as an extension of the existing fortification in 1769, and a portion of the wall continues to exist today. Uttkarsha went on to point out that in early 19th century with the defeat of the Marathas and the Siddis and reduced security risk, the Bombay presidency government decided to bring the major part of the Bombay fort down. A portion of it still remains and can be visited on the 1st Sunday of every month, she added.

Uttkarsha also elaborated on the significance of the forts on the eastern coast of Mumbai. The eastern coast was extremely vulnerable to attack from the Siddhis of Janjira who

portance. It was also briefly used as a prison. However, she informed the audience that after a major prison break, it started being used as a godown. Even after independence, Sewri fort

had their base in close proximity, in the northern Konkan gion. Sewri Mazgaon forts were reThe and Uttkarsha explaining the geographical location of the different coastal forts.

continued to be used as a godown the Port (BPT). by

Bombay Trust The

BPT also forwarded a re-

thus built along this coast. Sewri fort was built in 1680. It narrowly escaped complete destruction at the hands of Siddi Ayub Khan. Fortunately, the fort was renovated within the following year owing to its strategic im-

quest to the government to demolish the fort and use the land to develop housing quarters. Fortunately, the fort was protected

from any such misfortune, and in 2008, it was restored to its previous glory, she asserted.

Mazgaon fort remains only in memory, Uttkarsha remarked. In its place stand the Mazgaon garden or the Joseph Batista garden. The fort was infact demolished the year after it was constructed. Like Sewri fort, it was constructed to protect the Bombay island from an attack by the Siddhis. He managed to destroy the fort in his second attempt. The British were unable to restore it as expenses in such a restoration projectwas prohibitive. In 1884, a watertank and garden were built in its place. Uttkarsha asserted that apart from the eastern coast, Mahim creek was another region that was vulnerable from the point of view of the islands safety. The creek was much longer than what it appears presently, after having gone through a number of reclamations. Dharavi, Sion, Mahim, Worli and Bandra forts were constructed along the creek to monitor the security situation.

Dharavi fort was built in 1737. Its architecture was very peculiar and did not even have a proper entrance. The way to enter the fort was through a ladder that would take the soldiers to the rooftop, from where they would keep watch on the northern boundary. This special feature of the fort has meant that the fort has been protected from any direct encroachment even today. Although the fort is in ruins, there is no inhabitation within the fort, she added. She then went on to discuss Sion fort, that is situated close to Dharavi fort. As Sion fort was located on the northern most tip of Bombay, it was made the official boundary of Bombay Island, as possessed by the Portuguese and transferred to the British. At the base of the fort are the Jawaharlal Nehru Gardens that were used as a military base for training the soldiers who guarded Sion fort.

Uttkarsha pointed out that Mahim fort is the oldest surviving fort in Mumbai. It was built in 1140 by Pratap Bimb. Mahim was infact the capital of Mahikawati which was the holding of the Bimb dynasty. Since Mahim was an important trading centre, it made the region attractive to fortification by the naval power. Time and again the Portuguese fought the Arabs, the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British, all of who tried to acquire the fort. The British were finally the victors and used the fort effectively uptil the 19th century, to monitor the security situation over the Mahim creek. The task of overseeing the Mahim creek was shared by Worli fort, Uttkarsha remarked. It

was demolished early on and a near replica of the original fort was built. However, as the base of the fort is broad, it was difficult for the soldiers to scale it. Bandra fort was constructed for strategic reasons, Uttkarsha stated. It was located at the southern most

THE TOWN OF BOMBAY TOOK BIRTH AND GREW WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THESE BOUNDARY SETTING FORTS.

tip of Salsette island. The fort was important not only to watch over activity on the creek but also

because it was the only part of the Salsette island that was under British possession, the rest being retained by the Portuguese. In 1739, the Bandra fort was demolished. In 1750, Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy commissioned for the fort to be restored to its previous glory. M/s P K Das and Associates was to renovate

it further, under a directive by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2004. The fort started being recognised as a popular recreational space; but has never really been seen as an important historical site as well, Uttkarsha stated. The forts of Bombay have served multiple purposes over the years, that of watchtowers, of centres of trade and of godowns. Most importantly, they have served the purpose of housing the town of Bombay within the spaces between them. The town of Bombay

took birth and grew within the confines of these boundary setting forts, asserted

Uttkarsha. Without the forts, it is safe to say that protecting the city would have been difficult. They withstood multiple attacks and managed to survive for centuries. The British used the forts effectively to establish their supremacy over the islands. The British legacy for the city continues to survive in many ways, but the forts have faded from public memory despite their continued physical presence.

FORTS OF MUMBAI: PRESENT PREDICAMENT

Nandini Bhattacharya summed-up the present state of the various forts of the city thus. She asserted that the forts of the city can be classified into those that are well preserved (Bandra, Worli, Sewri and Bombay cFort) and those that have not been well preserved (Dharavi, Mahim and Sion forts). Bandra fort is maintained by the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust. The fort is wellmaintained and gathers substantial crowds of young people on a daily basis, she said. However, the walls of the fort have been defaced, Nandini remarked. Also, the fort faces the sea; but the sea front is not well preserved. There is a lot of littering in the area.

Further, the waves lash out at the fort walls, creating substantial erosion. Sewri fort was restored in 2008 by the Maharashtra State government under the Mumbai Forts Project. Nandini informed the audience that the restoration work significantly altered the original make of the fort. The walls of the fort are defaced and there are mounds of garbage in the fort premises. Fortunately though, she stated the pink flamingos that migrate to the mudflats for their breeding cycle in October/November every year have made the Sewri fort quite popular with locals and tourists. The fort presents the perfect vantage point to observe and photograph the birds.

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Control over the Bombay fort was entrusted to the INS Angre post-independence,

social activities. However, they are faced with natural erosion, resulting into the crumbling of fort walls. Mahim fort was the first fort built on the islands. However it has been heavily encroached and shanties have been built within the fort premises. The encroachers have built a makeshift structure against which shanties have been built. There existed a cylindrical exit from the fort, which is now converted into a passage flanked by shanties on either side, she added. 200 families, by a conservative estimate, live within the fort premises. Borewells and handpumps within the fort indicate that the encroachers have settled in the fort since a substantial period of time. Similar is the fate of Dharavi fort, Nandini remarked. Infact the original walls of the fort extended far beyond the present day ruins. A

Nandini said. They have done a commendable job of preserving the ruins, though a lot of the ruins have been lost. The fort is open for visitors the 1st Sunday of every month. Worli fort was restored in 2008-2009. However this work has been shoddy and layers of cement have been added onto the fort walls. What remains of the forts facade today is just a bad imitation of the previous glory of the fort, she added. Having said this, Nandini said that the local fishing community have taken it as their duty to preserve the interiors of the fort. They have built a small temple within the fort and also run a gym inside the premises in an attempt to bring more people to the fort.

These forts have been relatively well preserved. There is limited littering and anti-

major portion of the fort has already been lost. As a result, there is no proper entrance

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into the fort and one has to enter through the gaps in the fort walls. Also, it is difficult to reach the inner sanctum of the fort owing to the garbage that is left lying everywhere in the fort. The fort is also used for anti-social activities like gambling, drinking and hooli-

houses the Mumbai office of the ASI. The lower structure of Sion fort was entirely demolished and it made way for the Jawaharlal Nehru

THE AIM IS TO BRING

RECOGNITION TO THE COASTAL FORTS OF MUMBAI AS THE SYMBOLS OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE HER-

Public

Garden

and library. The walls of the upper structure are however in poor condition, ren-

ganism. It is used as a lavatory and for housing livestock,

ITAGE OF THE CITY

dering the structure unsafe for visitors, especially in the monsoon. Further, the walls are defaced and there are wild bushes and creepers all along them.

she added. Nandini informed the audience that though Sion fort was restored, it is not well preserved. This, despite the fact that it

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Sewri Fort

13

AWARENESS AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

Ashwini

Mashlekar

outlined

strategies

to

While

all

forts

have

their

individual

promote awareness and conservation of the forts. She pointed out some that forts

characteristics, needs and showcasing points, they need to be packaged and promoted as part of a

like Bandra and are Worli better

common heritage, she said. An

recognised and more

frequently visited they better maintained. However, she called for an umbrella awareness and conservation program by the city and state governments covering all the forts of the city. as are

impediment to this would

Ashwini Maslekar elaborating on their suggestions for the way ahead.

be that all the forts under come the

jurisdiction of different authorities like the ASI, the State Department of Archaeology. There is no single body or no concerted effort on part of the

14

different stakeholding authorities to undertake a conservation strategy for the forts. Further, restoration projects have lost out on maintaining the historicity of the forts. In many cases, the design of the forts have been drastically changed for no valid reason, she added. Further, she stressed on the importance of running awareness campaigns, harnessing on social media. A majority of Mumbais population is not aware of the forts historical significance. Despite their physical existence, the forts are overlooked and highly neglected by citizens of the city, on a daily basis. A more actively involved citizenry would invariably lead to more attention being invested in the citys forts, she added. Cleanliness is another important node in the strategy for greater recognition for the forts. Ashwini explained that the forts are not frequently visited because they are used as

that they become hubs of anti-social activities instead. Ashwini also stressed on the potential that tourism would add to the promotion and protection of the forts. It is imperative that these forts become part of city tours and must-visit sites for any tourist coming to the city. Sewri fort, with the flamingos would be the ideal site of an eco-tourism initiative, she added. Further,

cultural programs and events may be another tool of promoting the forts. However, it is must be noted that any such activity not harm the structure or authenticity of the forts, Ashwini stated. Having said all of the above, she stressed on the importance of improving connectivity and

accessibility to the forts. Location of the forts or the entrance to the forts is often ambiguous. There are no maps available for the same and enthusiasts have to go out venturing themselves. In many cases, locals help in guiding the visitors to the entrance to the fort. They can in fact

garbage dumps. A direct consequence of this is

15

become good tour guides as they are aware of the area and the different routes to the forts, she added. By taking up a concerted and well coordinated effort, the city government and Mumbaikars can bring the forts back to the map of the city as markers of its heritage. They are

important reminders of the citys resilience and must be respected. The aim is to bring recognition to the coastal forts of Mumbai as the symbols of the past, present and future heritage of the city, she concluded.

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Q and A

The audience unanimously appreciated the rigorous research undertaken by Dr

than willing to takeall those interested on a tour of the forts. To a question on government initiatives and public policy, the presenters emphasised that acceptance is the first step to

Rodrigues and the Green Voyagers. Many among them requested for maps or guided tours to the different forts. They

expressed their own

corrective measures. They that felt most

wish to visit the forts and learn more

governme nt officials The presentars addressing questions raised by the audience seem to be in denial

about them. The presenters admitted that accessibility to the forts is difficult in most cases. Google maps also does not provide any relief as it gives no details about how to reach the entrance to the forts. The team said that they would be more

of the forts need for conservation. Further, they discerned a lack of political will to take up the cause of the forts. The discussion deepened further and the teaching of history as a subject in India was

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severely criticised. The lack of awareness and the allied apathy in matters of cultural history and heritage was traced to the way Indians and especially history. The Mumbaikars value of

must be taught to young Indians, was the unanimous call of all those present. It is only with this fundamental step that Mumbai and other places in India will truly begin to recognise and respect their heritage.

understand

understanding the significance of ones past e structures, the presenters concluded.

Janki Pandya and Maansi Parpiani are Fellows at Observer Research Foundation Mumbai. Email: janki@orfonline.org; maansiparpiani@orfonline.org

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ABOUT

THE SPEAKERS Dr. Louiza Rodrigues is Associate Professor of History at Ramnarain Ruia College. She recently acquired a doctorate in Environmental History of Western India from University of Mumbai. Her areas of interest include genealogy, environment history, art history and world history. Dr. Rodrigues has been awarded several research projects over the years by institutions like K. R. Cama Oriental Institute, Asiatic Society of Mumbai and University of Mumbai. Green Voyagers is a group formed by the students of Ruia College, working towards creating historical and environmental awareness about the neglected heritage of the city.

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ABOUT ORF MUMBAI Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a leading non-partisan Indian think-tank that seeks to influence public policy formulation. It was established in New Delhi in 1990 by R.K. Mishra, a widely respected public figure, who envisaged it as a broad-based intellectual platform pulsating with ideas needed for Indias nation-building. In its journey of twenty years, ORF has brought together leading Indian policy makers, academics, public figures, social activists and business leaders to discuss various issues of national importance. ORF scholars have made significant contributions toward improving government policies. ORF has produced a large body of critically acclaimed publications. Until recently, ORFs activities were based mainly in New Delhi. Beginning 2010, ORF Mumbai has been established to pursue the Foundations vision in Indias business and financial capital. It has started research and advocacy in six broad areas: Education, Public Health, Inclusive Development, Urban Renewal, Youth Development, and Promotion of Indias Priceless Artistic and Cultural Heritage. Recent reports published by ORF Mumbai include: Reforms in Medical Education- to Promote Accessible and Affordable Healthcare for All Making the Sewer a River Again... Why Mumbai Must Reclaim its Mithi Moving People: Why Mumbai Needs a Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) NCHER: A Much Needed Reform that Fails the Test, a commentary on the National Commission for Higher Education and Research Bill; and Affordable Housing for Mumbais Poor: Possible!

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