Stepping into the heart of Dharavi, you might be surprised to find a hidden gem – Riwa Fort. It stands proud despite the many challenges it has faced over the years. Although in a somewhat dilapidated condition, it’s still full of stories.
Known locally as Kala Qilla, or Black Fort, Riwa Fort is a testament to a time when Bombay was being protected by the British from the Marathas. Built by the British in 1737, it was commissioned by John Horne, the Governor of Bombay, to protect the city from Kanhoji Angre, the aggressive sea-faring Maratha leader. The fort’s construction, in the shape of a boomerang, stood as a crucial defense barrier between the British-held Bombay and the Maratha-controlled Salsette Island.
What makes Riwa Fort truly unique is its strategic location. It is built right on the banks of the Mithi River, and it’s said that an underground tunnel was built to allow an unobstructed flow of the river during that time. While the fort has been engulfed by Dharavi through the years, its main ramparts remain intact and are made of laterite stones, giving the fort its unique ‘black’ color.
Imagine yourself walking the ramparts of this ancient fort, taking in the sights of the bustling city around you. Despite its current state, Riwa Fort still speaks to a powerful past, a past that echoes through its silent stones. It also reminds us that beauty, history, and resilience can be found even in the most unexpected places.