2409:4040:D06:F07D:6971:F076:CF23:C2F1 at 12:33, 23 October 2021

2021-10-23T12:33:17Z

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{{Short description|Medieval coastal fort near Mumbai}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2017}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Gayu Mehal
| image = Belapur fort 7.jpg
| caption = Belapur Fort
| former_names =
| map_type = Mumbai
| coordinates = {{coord|19.005524|73.028403|display=inline}}
| altitude = {{convert|27|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}
| building_type = Fort
| architectural_style =
| structural_system =
| cost =
| location = [[CBD Belapur|Belapur]], [[Navi Mumbai]]
| address =
| owner = [[CIDCO]]
| current_tenants =
| landlord =
| start_date = 1560
| completion_date = 1570
| inauguration_date =
| demolition_date =
| destruction_date = 1817
| height =
| diameter =
| other_dimensions =
| floor_count =
| floor_area =
| main_contractor =
| architect = Shazada Wal jah bahadur
| structural_engineer =
| services_engineer =
| civil_engineer =
| other_designers =
| quantity_surveyor =
| awards =
| references =
}}
'''Belapur Fort''' is a fort near the township of [[CBD Belapur|Belapur]] in [[Navi Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]. The fort was built by the [[Siddi]]s of [[Janjira State|Janjira]]. It was later conquered by the Portuguese, and then Marathas. In the early 19th century, the fort was captured by the British. After the British gained supremacy in the region, with the expansion of the [[Bombay Presidency]], the strategic importance of the fort declined, and it fell into disuse.

== History ==
Built in 1560–1570 by the Siddis,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/5-years-after-first-restoration-pitch-belapur-fort-still-in-ruins/articleshow/32043341.cms|title=5 years after first restoration pitch, Belapur fort still in ruins|website=The Times of India}}</ref> after they wrested control of the area from the Portuguese, it is located atop a hillock, near the mouth of the [[Panvel Creek]]. In 1682, the fort was recaptured by the Portuguese, who had managed to annex the regions controlled by the Siddis, near [[CBD Belapur|Belapur]] (at that time known as Shabaz).<ref name="mid-day">{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/metro/vashi/2004/december/98565.htm |title=Resident opens gates to Belapur Fort |access-date=2006-06-25 |last=Ojha |first=Renu |date=2004-12-03 |publisher=Mid-Day}}</ref>

In 1733, the [[Maratha]]s, led by [[Chimaji Appa]], wrested control of the fort from the Portuguese. He had made a vow that if it were to be successfully recaptured from the Portuguese, he would place a garland of [[Aegle marmelos|beli]] leaves in a nearby Amruthaishwar temple, and after the victory the fort was christened as Belapur Fort. The Marathas ruled the area until 23 June 1817, when it was captured by Captain Charles Gray of the [[British East India Company]]. The British partially destroyed the fort under their policy of razing any Maratha stronghold in the area.<ref name="mid-day" />

During its active days, the fort stationed four [[Company (military unit)|companies]] each of 180 men, and 14 guns ranging from {{convert|4|-|12|lb|kg|0}} in weight. A tunnel is also supposed to exist, which many locals believe connects it to [[Gharapuri Island]], the site of the [[Elephanta Caves]].<ref name="mid-day" />

== Restoration ==
The fort comes under the jurisdiction of [[City and Industrial Development Corporation]] (CIDCO). It lies in a dilapidated state. Plans are underway to renovate the fort which is in danger of being lost to encroachments. Residents have used the [[Right to Information Act]] to save the fort from dumping and debris. A pond in the vicinity that supplies water to the area is also in danger of being choked.<ref name="toi">{{cite web|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDA2LzEyLzI2I0FyMDAzMDI=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom|title=Belapur locals use RTI to save fort|last=B|first=Viju|date=2006-12-26|work=[[Times of India]]|publisher=[[Times Group]]|access-date=2008-11-16|archive-date=17 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717065853/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDA2LzEyLzI2I0FyMDAzMDI=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom|url-status=dead}}</ref> There is no renovation or restoration as per the given reference as of January 2018. and the fort (or the ruins) are in pathetic state.

== See also ==
*[[List of forts in Maharashtra]]

== References ==
{{commons}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Forts around Mumbai}}
{{Forts in Maharashtra}}
{{Forts in India}}

[[Category:Archaeological sites in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:History of Mumbai]]
[[Category:1560 in India]]
[[Category:Navi Mumbai]]

Belapur Fort - Revision history

2409:4040:D06:F07D:6971:F076:CF23:C2F1 at 12:33, 23 October 2021