Visit Vasai - the fortress city of Mumbai

It was curiosity about the rich stories behind ancient Indian coins that first led computer engineer Pascal Lopes to Vasai fort. Lopes, who has a Masters degree in numismatics says that while researching his collection, he learnt that the Portuguese had minted many of their coins at a mint facility inside the fort. But, the Vasai resident says he doesn't remember spotting a mint at the fort during his many visits there as a child.

After meeting families in the vicinity, and coin dealers in Mumbai, he chanced upon three to four coins that were minted inside the fort. "I was overwhelmed with what I had found," the 37-year-old says. Thus, began Lopes' journey to unearth the many, forgotten tales about the fort.

The numismatist who will be taking history enthusiasts on a guided tour of the fort next weekend, says that the fort was once a thriving and self-sufficient city. "When you enter the fort, you realise that different walls have different inscriptions and on them. I contacted historian Dr Rajin D'Silva and visited the Heras Institute at St Xavier's College to find out more," says Pascal. The revelations only surprised him.

At its prime, the 15th century Vasai fort, known as Fort Bassein by the Portuguese, had over 2,400 soldiers and 3,000 residents. The fort city also boasted of a church, orphanage, hotel, hospital, college, municipality, townhall and market. During the guided tour, Pascal will also show the exact spots where these places were once located.

When: October 3, 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM
Where: Assembly point: Vasai Fort, Near the Chimaji Appa statue, Killa Road, Police Colony, Vasai (West)
Call: 8976749127