Belapur Fort

Belapur Fort is a historic hill fort and land battery located in Belapur, Navi Mumbai, India. Constructed in 1570 by Shazada Wal jah bahadur of the Siddi Dynasty from Janjira State, the structure sits atop a hillock near the mouth of Panvel Creek. Built using basalt stone and lime mortar, the fort represents a strategic military installation that has witnessed centuries of colonial and regional conflict. Its architecture was designed to command the surrounding waters and land routes, serving as a critical defensive point for whoever held power in the region.

The fort possesses a rich and turbulent history marked by changing ownership among major powers. After its initial construction by the Siddis, it was annexed by the Portuguese Empire in 1682 following local revolts. In 1737, Maratha forces led by Chimaji Appa recaptured the stronghold from the Portuguese. Legend states that upon victory, Appa fulfilled a vow by placing a garland of beli leaves at a nearby temple, which ultimately gave the fort its name, Belapur. The Marathas retained control until 1817, when Captain Charles Gray of the British East India Company seized the site. Subsequently, the British partially demolished the fort as part of a policy to raze Maratha strongholds, leading to its eventual disuse as the Bombay Presidency expanded.

Today, Belapur Fort is under the jurisdiction of the City and Industrial Development Corporation but remains in a dilapidated condition and is not open to the public. During its active military service, it housed four companies of soldiers and fourteen guns. Local folklore suggests the existence of a secret tunnel connecting the fort to Gharapuri Island, home of the Elephanta Caves. Currently, the site faces threats from encroachments and debris dumping, though local residents have utilized legal measures to advocate for its preservation. While renovation plans are underway to restore this historical landmark, the structure currently stands as a crumbling reminder of India's complex military past.