A centuries-old Portuguese bastion in Wadala, once hidden beneath debris and vegetation, has again slipped into neglect despite efforts by residents and heritage enthusiasts to highlight its historical significance.
Located along the Eastern Freeway overlooking Mahul Creek, the structure came to public attention in 2021 after local residents cleared parts of the site. What initially appeared to be an abandoned fortification was later identified as a Portuguese-era bastion believed to be around 400 years old.
Samadhan Jugdhar, a local resident and Shiv Sena shakha pramukh, said residents had cleaned the area with help from history enthusiasts before approaching government authorities.
History enthusiast Chandan Vichare subsequently shared photographs with the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, which led to an official inspection.
“It was only when I sent photos of the structure to the archeology department that we knew it was a bastion,” said Vichare.
Mayur Thakare of the Directorate of Archaeology said officials confirmed that the structure belonged to the Portuguese period and was part of Mumbai’s historic coastal defence network.
“On inspection, we found out that this was a bastion from the Portuguese period, making it around 400 years old. It served as one of the important defense structures that guarded Mumbai. Unlike many similar structures, like the Mazgaon Fort, which were destroyed by the British, this one was probably used by the British after they took over too, and hence survives,” said Thakare.
The circular bastion features octagonal internal projections, gun holes and gun slits. Built with random-rubble masonry and lime-sand mortar, it also contains an unusual rectangular water-storage structure. Historical maps from 1812, 1843 and 1885 reportedly mark the structure.
Researchers believe the original fortification dates to the 16th or 17th century, while later modifications may have been carried out by the British.
The Directorate had proposed seeking state-protected monument status for the bastion, but the proposal has yet to progress.
“After the inspection, we had instructed the Ratnagiri Divisional Office to prepare a proposal to the head office to nominate it to be a state-protected monument. But that has not moved ahead,” Thakare said.
For now, the historic structure remains surrounded by weeds and debris, while residents have been advised against cleaning it to avoid disturbing archaeological evidence.
Source: The Indian Express
