Maharashtra government to restore 800 year old Mahim Fort with ASI and BMC collaboration

The centuries-old Mahim Fort, now free of encroachments, set for restoration. File Pic/Ashish Raje

The Government of Maharashtra is set to rope in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) plan to restore the Mahim Fort, a Grade-I heritage site believed to have been built in the 13th century.

The two agencies will prepare a joint plan of action for the fort's comprehensive restoration and long-term maintenance, under the supervision of the Department of Cultural Affairs. The first joint meeting is expected to be held next week. The BMC first conceptualised the fort's restoration nearly four years ago, but the plan gained fresh momentum after 12 Maratha forts were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in July this year.

Visitors enjoy an evening by Mahim Fort at the Reti Bunder beach. File Pic/Shadab Khan

"There is a need to ensure the original structure and components of the fort remain untouched and preserved throughout the restoration process. Besides, any beautification and landscaping should be carried out to honour the originality of the historic structure. The BMC needs to rope in the Archaeological Survey to maintain historic authenticity during the restoration," an official from the Department of Cultural Affairs said.

The Mahim Fort has held a strategic coastal position in Mumbai's history, along with the forts of Worli and Bandra. Over the centuries, it changed hands - from Raja Bhimdev's rule in the 13th century, to the Sultan of Gujarat in the 14th century, and later to the Portuguese and British.

A civic official said, "The restoration will honour the original structure as it is today." Ashish Shelar, minister for cultural affairs, said, "Remains from King Bhimdev's era and later Portuguese structures still exist within the premises. A comprehensive development plan for the area will be implemented under BMC's leadership, with ASI's support." The fort spans one acre, and landscaping is planned for an additional two acres of surrounding land.