Madh Fort, Portuguese fort in Madh Island, Mumbai, India.
Madh Fort is a small Portuguese-built watchtower on Madh Island in northern Mumbai, overlooking Marve Creek. Its outer walls remain largely intact, while the interior has fallen into disrepair. The fort stands near Madh village, about 1 km from the Madh bus stop, and is surrounded by Koli fishing settlements.
Madh Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century as a watchtower guarding the Marve creek. In February 1739 the Marathas took it during their war with the Portuguese. In 1774 the British took Salsette Island, Thana Fort, Versova Fort and the island fort of Karanja, and Versova Fort is another name for this fort.
The area around the fort is home to fishing communities that have lived here for generations, including the Koli people who maintain their traditional ways of life. Local fishermen and their families have shaped the character of the island over centuries.
The site is located on an island and requires special permission from the Indian Air Force to visit, as it is controlled for strategic reasons. Visitors should make inquiries in advance and follow the necessary procedures to gain access.
The fort's outer walls still stand largely as built, while the interior has decayed. Its setting among fishing settlements has drawn Bollywood crews: Manmohan Desai's 1985 film Mard, Shootout at Wadala, Khalnayak and the TV series Chandrakanta and CID were shot here.
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