Sewri Fort — Attraction in Mumbai

The Sewri Fort (also spelled Sewree Fort) (Marathi: शिवडी किल्ला) is a fort in Mumbai built by the British at Sewri. Built in 1680, fort served as a watch tower, atop a quarried hill overlooking the Mumbai harbour.Up to the eighteenth century, Mumbai consisted of several small islands. In 1661, seven of these islands were ceded by the Portuguese to the British as part of the dowry of Charles II of England. The harbour proved eminently opposite, and the British planned to shift base from Surat to Mumbai. The Siddis, who were of African descent and noted for their navies, had allied themselves with the Mughals. The British, under the East India Company and the Mughals were constantly waged war on each other. As allies of the Mughals, the Siddis also declared the British as enemies.[1]

Faced with relentless attacks by the Siddis in 1672, several fortifications were constructed in Mumbai, and in 1680 the Sewri fort was complete. It stood on the island of Parel, on a hill overlooking the eastern seaboard and Indian mainland. It had a garrison of 50 sepoys and was managed by a subedar. It was also armed with eight to ten cannons.[1]

In 1689, the Siddi general, Yadi Sakat, with an army of 20,000 men, invaded Mumbai. The fleet first captured the Sewri fort, then the Mazagon Fort, before sacking the town of Mahim.[2] The fort was also later involved in a battle that repelled a Portuguese attack in 1772.[1]

After the decline of the regional powers, the fort was subsequently used to house prisoners. It was later converted as a Bombay Port Trust godown.[1]

Architecture The fort was built primarily for defence, and embellishments are absent. It is bordered by high stone walls, including an inner ring for added protection. It is landlocked on three sides, and sits atop of sheer cliff of about 60 m (197 ft). The entrance is a stone doorway that leads into a courtyard. To prevent a frontal assault from the main entrance, the inner entrances were placed perpendicular to the main entrances.[3]

Architectural highlights include pentagonal room along with a long domed corridor, and linear vaulted structures.[1]

Conservation The fort is currently owned by Maharashtra state's Department of Archaeology and Museums. It is classified as a Grade I heritage structure, and efforts are underway under Phase I of Mumbai Fort Circuit Project to restore it.[4]

The restoration involves the creation of two zones. Zone I includes the immediate fort area. The crumbling walls are to be repaired, debris cleared off, roofs rebuilt, steps fixed and a garden created in the complex. A museum is also to be constructed. Zone II renovation consists of the surrounding areas that belong to the Mumbai Port Trust. In this, a sea-facing promenade is to be created that links the fort to the waterfront, along with the creation of a landscaped garden, food court, and amphitheatre. The total cost for this project in 2008 is estimated to be ₹36.5 million (US$559,000).[5] The strategic location of the fort would also promote ornithology as the area overlooks the Sewree mudflats, that are frequented by migratory birds, particularly the...

The Sewri Fort (also spelled Sewree Fort) (Marathi: शिवडी किल्ला) is a fort in Mumbai built by the British at Sewri. Built in 1680, fort served as a watch tower, atop a quarried hill overlooking the Mumbai harbour.Up to the eighteenth century, Mumbai consisted of several small islands. In 1661, seven of these islands were ceded by the Portuguese to the British as part of the dowry of Charles II of England. The harbour proved eminently opposite, and the British planned to shift base from Surat to Mumbai. The Siddis, who were of African descent and noted for their navies, had allied themselves with the Mughals. The British, under the East India Company and the Mughals were constantly waged war on each other. As allies of the Mughals, the Siddis also declared the British as enemies.Faced with relentless attacks by the Siddis in 1672, several fortifications were constructed in Mumbai, and in 1680 the Sewri fort was complete. It stood on the island of Parel, on a hill overlooking the eastern seaboard and Indian mainland. It had a garrison of 50 sepoys and was managed by a subedar. It was also armed with eight to ten cannons.In 1689, the Siddi general, Yadi Sakat, with an army of 20,000 men, invaded Mumbai. The fleet first captured the Sewri fort, then the Mazagon Fort, before sacking the town of Mahim.The fort was also later involved in a battle that repelled a Portuguese attack in 1772.After the decline of the regional powers, the fort was subsequently used to house prisoners. It was later converted as a Bombay Port Trust godown.The fort was built primarily for defence, and embellishments are absent. It is bordered by high stone walls, including an inner ring for added protection. It is landlocked on three sides, and sits atop of sheer cliff of about 60 m (197 ft). The entrance is a stone doorway that leads into a courtyard. To prevent a frontal assault from the main entrance, the inner entrances were placed perpendicular to the main entrances. Architectural highlights include pentagonal room along with a long domed corridor, and linear vaulted...

Sewri Fort, also known as Sewri Killa, is a historic fort located in the Sewri neighborhood of Mumbai, India. It was built by the British in the 17th century as a watchtower and a strategic defensive structure for the city's protection. The fort was constructed with the objective of guarding the eastern waterways of Mumbai, providing a vantage point to monitor the movement of ships and defend against potential attacks.

Over the years, the significance and purpose of the fort changed, and it eventually fell into disuse. Today, Sewri Fort is a heritage site that attracts tourists and history enthusiasts. The fort stands as a reminder of Mumbai's colonial past and architectural heritage.

The architecture of Sewri Fort follows a mix of British and Indian styles. It is built using basalt stone and features large walls, bastions, and arches. The fort offers a panoramic view of the eastern waterfront and the nearby Sewri mudflats, which are known for their diverse bird population, including migratory flamingos.

While I don't have personal experiences to share, visitors to Sewri Fort can explore the historical structure, appreciate the architectural details, and enjoy the scenic views it offers. The fort's location also makes it a popular spot for birdwatching, especially during the winter months when flamingos flock to the mudflats.

Please note that any developments or changes that may have occurred at Sewri Fort since September 2021 would be beyond my current knowledge. It's always a good idea to check for updated information from reliable sources if you're...