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Context

• The ongoing conservation and restoration work at the historic Ghodbunder Fort has led to the fascinating discovery of a hidden chamber-like structure beneath the inner ground layers.

Ghodbunder Fort

• Ghodbunder Fort, situated in Ghodbunder Village, Thane, Maharashtra, holds significant historical importance due to its strategic location and rich past.

Portuguese Origins:

• Built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, the fort served as a trading post and stronghold for the Portuguese traders.
• The name "Ghodbunder" derives from the Portuguese term for trading horses with the Arabs, reflecting its historical significance as a trading port.
• Fortification efforts began in 1550, with continuous attempts by the Marathas to capture the fort, known as 'Cacabe de Tanna' by the Portuguese.

Maratha Rule:

• Despite several attacks, including a notable one by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1672, the Portuguese successfully defended the fort until 1737.
• The Maratha Empire, led by military commander Chimaji Appa, besieged and captured the fort from the Portuguese in 1737, under the reign of Shahu I.

British Occupation:

• In 1818, following the British takeover of India, Ghodbunder Fort became the headquarters of the district administration for the East India Company.
• A district collector was stationed in Thane, marking a shift in the fort's role under British rule.

Current Status and Renovation Plans:

• Despite lying in ruins, the Government of India initiated plans for the fort's renovation in 2014.
• Proposed renovation includes beautification and landscaping of approximately 4 acres of surrounding land.
• The fort is currently under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), signifying its status as a protected historical site.

SOURCE: freepressjournal

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