Sign up for a walk to the iconic Vasai Fort

As Mumbai's heritage continues to remain under threat from development and real estate in particular, it's heartening to know that organisations like the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have been working tirelessly to create awareness of the city's historic and heritage sites through its many initiatives, including talks and walks.

This weekend, the group is conducting a walk that will be helmed by Pascal Lopes, a PhD student. It covers the topic of his research - exploring 16th-century Indo-Portuguese and Maratha era using coins and forts belonging to the region from that era as markers. The walk is aimed at making the residents of Mumbai aware of the significance of the fort, which was built during the Portuguese reign back in 1536.

In addition to that, the walk will touch upon the strategic importance of the fort in the context of the Portuguese-Maratha war in 1737, the Portuguese influence in the region in the form of citadels, churches, monasteries and colleges dating back to the 16th century, as well as the eventual capture by the Marathas and their influence over the fort.

Pascal Lopes

"The walk will look at initial Portuguese inscriptions along the fort's walls, the Maratha victory inscriptions, secret tunnels and a lot more," reveals Lopes. "It will be an interesting walk that would amalgamate history, defence and architecture of the region, which is not known to many," says Veena Choudhary, architect and programme coordinator, INTACH, Greater Mumbai Chapter.

ON: February 24, 9.30 am to 11.30 am
MEETING POINT: Chimajiappa statue, Vasai Fort.
RSVP: intach1@gmail.com
CALL: 65719211

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