Korlai Fort - Revision history

IgnacioElem3: improve content per sources and updated info for consistency

2026-01-11T16:52:41Z

improve content per sources and updated info for consistency

Bot: robot: Create/update articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

2022-08-19T11:30:24Z

robot: Create/update articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:00, 19 August 2022
Line 34:		Line 34:
	\|caption2 =		\|caption2 =
	}}		}}
	~~Korlai Fort is situated near Korlai Village in Murud taluka.~~'''Korlai Fort''' ~~(also called Morro or Castle Curlew~~<ref>{{cite journal\|year=1889\|title=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society\|publisher=Bombay Natural History Society\|volume=v4\|pages=291\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5J9oyAsf0tEC&q=korlai+fort&pg=PA291\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref>~~), known in [[Portuguese language\|Portuguese]] as '''Fortaleza do Morro de [[Chaul]]''',~~ is a [[Portuguese colonial architecture~~\|Portuguese fortification~~]] ~~in the town of Korlai,~~<ref>{{cite book\|last=Kapadia \|first=Harish\|title=Trek the Sahyadris\|publisher=Indus Publishing\|year=2004\|pages=72\|isbn=81-7387-151-5\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oICZM5HKRbAC&q=korlai+fort&pg=PA72\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> [[~~Maharashtra~~]]~~, India~~. ~~It was built on an island (Morro de Chaul)~~<ref>{{cite book\|title=Indica \|publisher=Saint Xavier's College, Bombay Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture\|year=2004\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L_htAAAAMAAJ&q=korlai+fort\|access-date=2009-02-05}}</ref> which guards the way to the Revdanda Creek. It was meant as a companion to the fort at [[Chaul]]. At this strategic position the Portuguese could use it to defend their province which stretched from Korlai to [[Bassein Fort]]. Vestiges of the Portuguese occupation are manifested in the distinct dialect of the Korlai villages inhabitants which is a [[Luso-Indian]] ~~Portuguese Creole~~ called [[~~Kristi language\|Kristi~~]].		'''Korlai Fort''' is a [[List of Portuguese colonial forts\|colonial fort]] in the [[Raigad district]] of [[Maharashtra, India\|Maharashtra]], India.<ref>{{cite book\|last=Kapadia \|first=Harish\|title=Trek the Sahyadris\|publisher=Indus Publishing\|year=2004\|pages=72\|isbn=81-7387-151-5\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oICZM5HKRbAC&q=korlai+fort&pg=PA72\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> Formerly a part of the [[Chaul]] in [[Portuguese India]],<ref>{{cite journal\|year=1889\|title=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society\|publisher=Bombay Natural History Society\|volume=v4\|pages=291\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5J9oyAsf0tEC&q=korlai+fort&pg=PA291\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> the structure is a specimen of [[Portuguese colonial architecture]].<ref>{{cite book\|last=Kapadia \|first=Harish\|title=Trek the Sahyadris\|publisher=Indus Publishing\|year=2004\|pages=72\|isbn=81-7387-151-5\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oICZM5HKRbAC&q=korlai+fort&pg=PA72\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> It was built as a companion to the fort at Chaul, at this strategic position the Portuguese could use it to defend their province which stretched from Korlai to the [[Fort Bassein]].<ref>{{cite book\|title=Indica \|publisher=Saint Xavier's College, Bombay Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture\|year=2004\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L_htAAAAMAAJ&q=korlai+fort\|access-date=2009-02-05}}</ref> Vestiges of the Portuguese occupation are manifested in the distinct dialect of the Korlai villages inhabitants which is a [[Luso-Indian]] creole called [[Korlai Portuguese Creole]].

	== History ==		== History ==
			[[File:Korlai6.jpg\|thumb\|Old Map of Chaul and environs]]
	This fort was built in 1521 by the [[Portuguese India\|Portuguese]] with the permission of the [[Ahmednagar Sultanate#Ahmadnagar sultanate\|Ahmednagar sultanate]]. In 1521, taking advantage of the confusion in the aftermath of the death of the Burhan Nizam the Portuguese tried to take over the fort.<ref name="bombay ">{{cite book\|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency\|publisher=Govt. Central Press\|year=1883\|url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924070623776\|page=[https://archive.org/details/cu31924070623776/page/n341 328]\|quote=korlai fort.\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> However the sultan retaliated and sent some of his best men to reclaim the fort. Subsequently, a truce was reached in which the Ahmednagar sultanate occupied the island and no further fortification of the island took place. Only a wooden cross remained on the island as a sign of its former rulers.		This fort was built in 1521 by the [[Portuguese India\|Portuguese]] with the permission of the [[Ahmednagar Sultanate#Ahmadnagar sultanate\|Ahmednagar sultanate]]. In 1521, taking advantage of the confusion in the aftermath of the death of the Burhan Nizam the Portuguese tried to take over the fort.<ref name="bombay ">{{cite book\|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency\|publisher=Govt. Central Press\|year=1883\|url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924070623776\|page=[https://archive.org/details/cu31924070623776/page/n341 328]\|quote=korlai fort.\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> However the sultan retaliated and sent some of his best men to reclaim the fort. Subsequently, a truce was reached in which the Ahmednagar sultanate occupied the island and no further fortification of the island took place. Only a wooden cross remained on the island as a sign of its former rulers.

Line 43:		Line 44:
	Before its destruction, Korlai had been described by travelers as a "magnificent fortress as strong as any other in the world".<ref name="bombay"/> On the inland side - the only place where it was susceptible to be attacked it was protected by a ditch and could only be accessed by a drawbridge. The main entrance was guarded by a bronze lion and the highest tower by a bronze eagle. It housed 7,000 horses and as much men.		Before its destruction, Korlai had been described by travelers as a "magnificent fortress as strong as any other in the world".<ref name="bombay"/> On the inland side - the only place where it was susceptible to be attacked it was protected by a ditch and could only be accessed by a drawbridge. The main entrance was guarded by a bronze lion and the highest tower by a bronze eagle. It housed 7,000 horses and as much men.

	Some parts of it were rebuilt later but now had a garrison of only 50 men.<ref name="bombay"/> The church within the fort was used for worship on Sundays and holidays. Korlai fort was also strategically very important as it guarded the mouth of the bay. [[Sambhaji]] the son of [[Shivaji]] tried to take it over but failed<ref name="daiji"/> and had to withdraw his forces on 6 December 1687.<ref>{{cite book\|last=Gokhala\|first=Kamal Shri Krishna\|title=Chhatrapati Sambhaji\|publisher=Navakamal Publications\|year=1978\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qvy1AAAAIAAJ&q=korlai+fort\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> The fort was taken by the Marathas who held it from 1739-1818.		Some parts of it were rebuilt later but now had a garrison of only 50 men.<ref name="bombay"/> The church within the fort was used for worship on Sundays and holidays. Korlai fort was also strategically very important as it guarded the mouth of the bay. [[Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj]] the son of [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]] tried to take it over but failed<ref name="daiji"/> and had to withdraw his forces on 6 December 1687.<ref>{{cite book\|last=Gokhala\|first=Kamal Shri Krishna\|title=Chhatrapati Sambhaji\|publisher=Navakamal Publications\|year=1978\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qvy1AAAAIAAJ&q=korlai+fort\|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> The fort was taken by the Marathas who held it from 1739-1818.

	== Major features ==		== Major features ==
Line 71:		Line 72:

	==How to reach==		==How to reach==
	It is easily approachable by road. The road from Korlai bus stop ends at the Lighthouse. The fort has three entrance. The entrance from western side is the easiest way, it is from the Lighthouse side. Climbing few steps one reaches in the middle of the fort. The entrance from the eastern side is a ~~tideous~~ walk of 20 minutes. This route is the main route and the entrance is through main gate, but this route is not recommended in rainy season as this is less used route. The entrance from the port side or northern side is good one. One can reach there by walking along a path from the light house.There is ample of water on the topmost fortification, so a night halt can easily be made.		It is easily approachable by road. The road from Korlai bus stop ends at the Lighthouse. The fort has three entrance. The entrance from western side is the easiest way, it is from the Lighthouse side. Climbing few steps one reaches in the middle of the fort. The entrance from the eastern side is a tedious walk of 20 minutes. This route is the main route and the entrance is through main gate, but this route is not recommended in rainy season as this is less used route. The entrance from the port side or northern side is good one. One can reach there by walking along a path from the light house.There is ample of water on the topmost fortification, so a night halt can easily be made.

	===Rail===		===Rail===
Line 113:		Line 114:
	[[Category:1520s establishments in Portuguese India]]		[[Category:1520s establishments in Portuguese India]]
	[[Category:1521 establishments in the Portuguese Empire]]		[[Category:1521 establishments in the Portuguese Empire]]
	~~[[Category:Buildings and structures in Maharashtra]]~~

>Nolicmahr: /* See also */

2021-07-09T15:40:39Z

See also

New page

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2017}}
{{Infobox Military Structure
|name = Korlai Fort
|partof =
|location = [[Raigad district]], [[Maharashtra]]
|image = [[File:Portuguese church of Korlai fort.jpg|300px]]
|caption = Ruins of the Portuguese church in Korlai
|map_type=India Maharashtra#India
|map_size = 300
|map_caption = Location Of Korlai fort
|type = Island fort
|coordinates = {{coord|18|32|9|N|72|54|29|E}}
|built = 1521
|builder = Dom Filipe Mascarenhas
|materials = Stone
|height =
|used =
|demolished =1594
|condition = Ruins
|ownership = Government of India
|open_to_public = Yes
|controlledby = {{noflag}}[[Ahmadnagar Sultanate|Ahmadnagar]] (1521-1594) {{flagcountry|Portuguese Empire}} (1594-1739) {{flagcountry|Maratha Empire}} (1739-1818) {{flagcountry|United Kingdom}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the British East India Company (1801).svg}} [[East India Company]] (1818-1857)
* {{flagicon image|British Raj Red Ensign.svg}} [[British Raj]] (1857-1947)
{{flagcountry|India}} (1947-)
|garrison =
|current_commander =
|commanders =
|occupants =
|battles =
|events =
|image2 =
|caption2 =
}}
Korlai Fort is situated near Korlai Village in Murud taluka.'''Korlai Fort''' (also called Morro or Castle Curlew<ref>{{cite journal|year=1889|title=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|publisher=Bombay Natural History Society|volume=v4|pages=291|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5J9oyAsf0tEC&q=korlai+fort&pg=PA291|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref>), known in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] as '''Fortaleza do Morro de [[Chaul]]''', is a [[Portuguese colonial architecture|Portuguese fortification]] in the town of Korlai,<ref>{{cite book|last=Kapadia |first=Harish|title=Trek the Sahyadris|publisher=Indus Publishing|year=2004|pages=72|isbn=81-7387-151-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oICZM5HKRbAC&q=korlai+fort&pg=PA72|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> [[Maharashtra]], India. It was built on an island (Morro de Chaul)<ref>{{cite book|title=Indica |publisher=Saint Xavier's College, Bombay Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L_htAAAAMAAJ&q=korlai+fort|access-date=2009-02-05}}</ref> which guards the way to the Revdanda Creek. It was meant as a companion to the fort at [[Chaul]]. At this strategic position the Portuguese could use it to defend their province which stretched from Korlai to [[Bassein Fort]]. Vestiges of the Portuguese occupation are manifested in the distinct dialect of the Korlai villages inhabitants which is a [[Luso-Indian]] Portuguese Creole called [[Kristi language|Kristi]].

== History ==
This fort was built in 1521 by the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] with the permission of the [[Ahmednagar Sultanate#Ahmadnagar sultanate|Ahmednagar sultanate]]. In 1521, taking advantage of the confusion in the aftermath of the death of the Burhan Nizam the Portuguese tried to take over the fort.<ref name="bombay ">{{cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency|publisher=Govt. Central Press|year=1883|url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924070623776|page=[https://archive.org/details/cu31924070623776/page/n341 328]|quote=korlai fort.|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> However the sultan retaliated and sent some of his best men to reclaim the fort. Subsequently, a truce was reached in which the Ahmednagar sultanate occupied the island and no further fortification of the island took place. Only a wooden cross remained on the island as a sign of its former rulers.

However, in 1594, Abranches, a Portuguese captain with 1,500 soldiers and 1,500 natives took possession of the fort. The besieged soldiers of the Sultanate tried to block their way by putting a dead elephant at the main gate and a dead horse at the inner gate. But in the end they had to surrender.<ref name="konkan">{{cite book|last=Nairne|first=Alexander Kyd|title=History of the Konkan|publisher=Asian Educational Services|year=1988|pages=50|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nzPCcILP-XwC&q=korlai+fort&pg=PA50|access-date=2009-02-05 | isbn=978-81-206-0275-5}}</ref><ref name="bombay"/> The Portuguese won the fort but not having enough men to stand guard there chose to destroy it<ref name="bombay"/> leaving only the central tower and a battery intact.

Before its destruction, Korlai had been described by travelers as a "magnificent fortress as strong as any other in the world".<ref name="bombay"/> On the inland side - the only place where it was susceptible to be attacked it was protected by a ditch and could only be accessed by a drawbridge. The main entrance was guarded by a bronze lion and the highest tower by a bronze eagle. It housed 7,000 horses and as much men.

Some parts of it were rebuilt later but now had a garrison of only 50 men.<ref name="bombay"/> The church within the fort was used for worship on Sundays and holidays. Korlai fort was also strategically very important as it guarded the mouth of the bay. [[Sambhaji]] the son of [[Shivaji]] tried to take it over but failed<ref name="daiji"/> and had to withdraw his forces on 6 December 1687.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gokhala|first=Kamal Shri Krishna|title=Chhatrapati Sambhaji|publisher=Navakamal Publications|year=1978|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qvy1AAAAIAAJ&q=korlai+fort|access-date=2009-02-04}}</ref> The fort was taken by the Marathas who held it from 1739-1818.

== Major features ==
[[File:Korlai fort inscription.jpg|thumb|upright|Inscription on top of the main entrance]]
[[File:Korlai1.jpg|thumb|a view of korlai village from korlai fort]]
[[File:Korlai.jpg|thumb|a view of korlai village from korlai fort]]
[[File:Korlai2.jpg|thumb|Korlai fort]]
[[File:Korlai3.jpg|thumb|Korlai fort]]
[[File:Korlai4.jpg|thumb|Korlai fort]]
[[File:Korlai5.jpg|thumb|Korlai fort]]
[[File:Korlai6.jpg|thumb|Korlai fort]]

The fort is 2828 feet long, and its average breadth is eighty-nine feet. The enclosing wall is 5' 3" high and has 305 battlements for guns. It is entered by eleven gates - four are outer and seven are inner. At the north point, within pistol-shot of main battery is the water cistern named Santa Cruz - major source of water. The area within the fort walls is divided into three enclosures by two lines of bastioned fortifications. Each of the seven bastions bears the name of a saint. The two westward bastions are named São Diego(after [[Didacus of Alcalá]]) and São Francisco (after [[Francis of Assisi]]).<ref name="daiji">{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/exclusive_arch.asp?ex_id=911|title=Korlai - The Lesser Known Portuguese Enclave on Konkan Coast |last=D’Souza|first=Eugene|date=23 June 2008|access-date=2009-02-05}}</ref> The others are São Pedro, São Inácio, and São Filipe.<ref name="bombay"/>

The top of the hill is bastioned as well and is surrounded by a parapet. It has a large rainwater cistern with three mouths, each one foot wide, and the ruins of the magazine and a church.<ref name="gunaji">{{cite book|last=Gunaji|first=Milind|title=Offbeat Tracks in Maharashtra|publisher=Popular Prakashan|year=2005|pages=24|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JIjmDLardesC&q=korlai&pg=PA29|access-date=2009-01-28 | isbn=978-81-7154-669-5}}</ref> The church was built in 1630 for the use of the army<ref name="daiji"/> and was functional until 1728.

There are three Portuguese inscriptions. One, over a doorway in the centre and highest part of the fort (see picture), reads as follows:

<blockquote>
This castle was commanded to be built by the Viceroy of India Dom Filipe Mascarenhas in November of the year 1646 and Fernão Miranda Henriques being Captain of Chaul, and was finished in May 1680, Cristóvão de Abreu de Azevedo being Captain of this fort.
</blockquote>

The inscription is surmounted by a cross with a coat of arms having the Portuguese stars in the centre and surrounded by seven castles. Other inscriptions over the main entrance and over an altar in the chapel are worn out and undecipherable.<ref name="bombay"/> During the brief Maratha rule, some of the names of the bastions were changed but now the only indication of their presence is some dismantled shrines.

==Forest==
The hill slopes surrounding the fort are in control of the [[Maharashtra]][[Forest]] department. Originally trees of [[teak]] were planted on the eastern slopes later in 1996 plantation of ''[[Casuarina]]'', [[cashew]] and ''[[Acacia auriculiformis]]'' was done to check erosion.

==How to reach==
It is easily approachable by road. The road from Korlai bus stop ends at the Lighthouse. The fort has three entrance. The entrance from western side is the easiest way, it is from the Lighthouse side. Climbing few steps one reaches in the middle of the fort. The entrance from the eastern side is a tideous walk of 20 minutes. This route is the main route and the entrance is through main gate, but this route is not recommended in rainy season as this is less used route. The entrance from the port side or northern side is good one. One can reach there by walking along a path from the light house.There is ample of water on the topmost fortification, so a night halt can easily be made.

===Rail===
The nearest railway station is at [[Roha]] which is 42 km from the fort.

===Road===
Korlai is around 117 Km south of [[Mumbai]] via State Highway 104 and 24 km from [[Alibag]] via State Highway 91.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Image:Korlai_fort_hall.jpg|Korali fort main hall ruins
Image:Korlai_fort_entrance.jpg|Korlai fort entrance
Image:Korlai fort walkway.jpg|Korlai fort walkway
Image:Korlai fort walkway2.jpg|The Inscription stone
Image:Korlai fort cross2.JPG|The Cross bateri
</gallery>

== Where To Stay ==
Less than 30 minutes from Korlai Fort are private 2-bedroom beach villas. Adorned in hues reminiscent of Goan and Portuguese architecture, these private villas are perched on a secluded stretch of Korlai beach with no permanent habitation for half a kilometer on either side. With nothing but the moonlight to keep company, it is the perfect spot for tourists to unwind and reconnect. The best and cheapest way to enjoy the real taste of sea-fort is staying in the abandoned church on the fort. The trekkers should carry a sleeping bag, torch, and drinking water for a night stay. The nearest Village is Chaul & Revdanda having all types of hotels, Homestays. recommended hotels as Fern Sylvanus resort, Awesome Cottages, Gokul cottage, Vasundhara Cottage & many more.

== References ==
{{commons category}}
{{reflist}}

== See also ==
* [[Chaul]]
* [[List of forts in Maharashtra]]
* [[Portuguese India]]
*[[List of topics on the Portuguese East Indies]]

{{Forts in Maharashtra}}
{{Forts in India}}

[[Category:Forts in Raigad district]]
[[Category:Portuguese forts in India]]
[[Category:16th-century forts in India]]
[[Category:1521 in India]]
[[Category:1520s in Portuguese India]]
[[Category:1594 in India]]
[[Category:1590s in Portuguese India]]
[[Category:1520s establishments in Portuguese India]]
[[Category:1521 establishments in the Portuguese Empire]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Maharashtra]]