“Fort of the Waterpoint” rings in my ears as we approach the Bandra Fort gate. This is Castella de Aguada. It’s a name whispered through centuries of Mumbai’s history.
Let me tell you about this fort. It’s more than just old stones. The Bandra Fort is a silent witness to power shifts, maritime strategies, and Bollywood dreams.
The Portuguese built it in 1640. They needed a watchtower. From here, they could see Mahim Bay, the Arabian Sea and the island of Mahim. Imagine Portuguese ships seeking fresh water. A spring nearby gave the fort its name. Aguada means waterpoint in Portuguese. The Bandra Fort guarded the northern sea route into Mumbai Harbour. Seven cannons once defended this strategic location.
In 1661, something changed. The Portuguese ceded the seven islands of Bombay to the English. The Bandra Fort’s importance grew. It became a neutral observation point. It watched over the islands. Bandra was not part of those seven islands.
The 18th century saw the rise of the Marathas. They threatened British holdings. Sensing a Portuguese defeat, the British took action. They partially demolished the fort. This prevented the Marathas from using it against them.
But in 1739, the Marathas seized the island. They ruled until 1774. Then, the British gained control during the First Anglo-Maratha War. Later, in 1830, the British gifted Land’s End to Byramjee Jeejeebhoy. He was a Parsi philanthropist. He built his home here and the area became Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Point.
Did you know that “Castella” might be a misspelling? The Portuguese word “Castelo” means castle. So, the real name might have been Castelo de Aguada.
Look around. In 2003, a restoration project began. The Bandra Band Stand Residents’ Trust led the effort. Shabana Azmi, a local Member of Parliament, provided funding. They repaired the brick arch and reinforced the foundation. The Taj Land’s End hotel now maintains the fort.
The Archaeological Survey of India owns the Bandra Fort. The makeover included pathways and an amphitheater. P.K. Das, who redesigned Carter Road, was the architect.
Today, the Bandra Fort stands strong. It has starred in Hindi films like “Dil Chahta Hai”. It is more than stones and history. The Bandra Fort is a symbol of Mumbai’s layered past. A past of Portuguese explorers, British strategies, and Bollywood dreams. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in the calm blue-grey water swishing up the rocky banks.