Chapora Fort
The quaint old red-laterite bastion which is known as the iconic Chapora Fort lies in Chapora North Goa. It has been the setting of several emotional scenes in numerous Hindi films. Before this border, it was a watch-post that was built in the Portuguese.
Construction of the Fort
In 1617, the Portuguese were in power in Goa. The Portuguese built this fort that was magnificent on top of an older Muslim structure built by the previous administration. The fort is located in Bardez and is situated over the Chapora river.
It was constructed due to an ongoing threat the Portuguese were facing from various adversaries, such as the Bahamani Kings from the North and the Marathas from to the East as well as the Chieftains in the region.
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History of the Fort
The Chapora fort, which is accessible to us in the present and is known because of its Dil Chahta Hai point. It is however not identical to the one constructed in 1617. While the Portuguese were in charge of Goa for 4 centuries, their authority was replaced at various times throughout their reign.
In 1684, Sambhaji was the Maratha ruler and the son of Shivaji was appointed the fort’s ruler in 1684. Portuguese troops were forced to surrender to the Maratha ruler.
While the locals were free from their Portuguese they were not happy with the Marathas, too. In the end, they faced several disputes with them. The Marathas retreated away from Chapora fort.
Tunnels in the Chapora Fort
The Portuguese assumed control of the fort and the region again in 1717. This time, the Portuguese restored the fort by building an entirely new structure with underground tunnels to provide a fast and secure escape route.
The tunnels that were constructed underground were useful in 1739. That was when the Marathas again took Chapora Fort. The Portuguese returned to their fort two more years after the Nothern taluka in Pednem in which the fort is located, was given to the Portuguese.
However, this was not the final chapter of the war for the Chapora fort. It was repeatedly attacked by Hindu rebels in the period of the 17th-century. In 1892, the Portuguese left the fort and all that is left is its ruin that has been through the rigors of time.
Chapora Fort Today
Although the fortified structure is now in ruin, it’s worth a trip even if you’re outside the vicinity. The spectacular panorama of the sun going down before disappearing into the Arabic Sea is one of the highlights.
Apart from the stunning panorama of the sea that the Chapora fort can offer it also has ancient tombstones. Additionally, visitors can observe the headstones of the old underground tunnels utilized to transport the Portuguese.
Do you know Portuguese constructed churches around the perimeters of forts to deter enemy fire nearby? Goa is full of its history preserved in these magnificent old structures. If you’re located in Goa and you’re looking for forts, the forts at Aguada and Chapora are must-sees on your bucket list.
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