| Castella de Aguada | |
|---|---|
Bandra Fort, Vandre Killa | |
| Bandra,Mumbai, India | |
 Panorama of Castella de Aguada | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Land battery |
| Owner |
|
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Restored |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 19°02′30″N72°49′07″E / 19.041770°N 72.818580°E /19.041770; 72.818580 |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1640; 386 years ago (1640) |
| Materials | Basalt andLime mortar |
| Battles/wars | First Anglo-Maratha War |
Castella de Aguada (corruption ofCastelo da Aguada,Portuguese for "Fort of the Waterpoint"), also known as theBandra Fort, is a fort located inBandra,Mumbai, India. "Castella" is a misspelling for Portuguese "Castelo" (castle), although it seems its Portuguese builders actually called it Forte de Bandorá (or Bandra Fort). It is located atLand's End inBandra. It was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlookingMahim Bay, theArabian Sea and the southern island ofMahim.[1] The strategic value of the fort was enhanced in 1661 after the Portuguese ceded theseven islands of Bombay that lay to the immediate south of Bandra to theEnglish.[2] The name indicates its origin as a place where fresh water was available in the form of a fountain ("Aguada") for Portuguese ships cruising the coasts in the initial period of Portuguese presence. The fort lies over several levels, from sea level to an altitude of 24 metres (79 ft).[1] Castella de Aguada has been featured in several Hindi films, such asDil Chahta Hai andBuddha Mil Gaya.[3]
The Portuguese, who had established a base in the area in 1534 after defeatingBahadur Shah of Gujarat, built several sea forts along the western Indian coastline. Castella de Aguada was one such strategically located fort, overlooking the Mahim Bay to the south, the Arabian Sea to the west, the islands of Worli to the south, and the town of Mahim to the southwest. The fort also guarded the northern sea route intoMumbai Harbour. This sea route, a large estuary, was later reclaimed from the sea in the nineteenth century. During the Portuguese rule, it was armed with seven cannons and other smaller guns as defence.[4] A freshwater spring in the vicinity supplied potable water to passing ships, thus lending the fort its name.[1]
After the decline of the Portuguese in the early 18th century, the Marathas became the largest threat toBritish possessions. Sensing an impending Portuguese defeat, the British partially demolished the fort as a precautionary measure. The demolition would obviate the possibility of the fort being captured by the Marathas, with the possibility of it being used as a forward military base to attack British Bombay.[5]
In 1739, the island was invaded by theMarathas; it was ruled by them until 1774, when the British gained possession of the area during theFirst Anglo-Maratha War. In 1830, the British donated large parts ofSalsette Island, includingLand's End (Click to view the Photosphere), toByramjee Jeejeebhoy, aParsi philanthropist. Jeejeeboy then established his residence on the hill where the fort is located, and the cape was renamed Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Point.[6]
In 2003, a conservation program was started by Bandra Band Stand Residents' Trust to save the fort. It was spearheaded by a local Member of Parliament (MP),Shabana Azmi, who funded part of the effort from her allotted funds. The brick arch of one of the gateways on the verge of collapse, and the foundation masonry of the fort wall that was in danger of tidal erosion were repaired. The nearby Taj Land's End hotel is responsible for maintenance of the fort, having inherited it from the previous owners.[1]
The fort is owned by theArchaeological Survey of India (ASI). Included in the fort makeover are the preservation of the natural rock formations, providing pathways, and the creation of an amphitheatre. The architect for the makeover was P.K. Das, who had earlier redesigned theCarter Road area.[6]
On 6 October 2024 Bandra Fort opened after another round of restoration made which was criticized by the public for covering the stone walls in plaster. The work was done Savani Heritage Conservation Pvt Ltd with Sankraman Design Studio a consultant in charge. Conservation architects Shwetambari Shinde and Sapna Lakhe were also consultants. Shinde explained that lime plaster with brick dust was a common technique used by the Portuguese to cover and preserve stone walls.[7]
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