Alorna Fort, Portuguese military fort in Pernem, India
Alorna Fort is a former military stronghold on the bank of the Chapora River with massive laterite stone walls connecting various defensive points. The structure spreads across multiple levels with partly ruined sections and exposed foundations that reveal its earlier scale.
The Bhonsles of Sawantwadi built this fortification during the 17th century as a control point for the local region. Later, the Portuguese took over the structure, altered its design, and used it as a military base for their trade and territorial interests.
The fort shows traces of three different cultures: local Marathi craftspeople, Portuguese military engineers, and merchants from distant lands all left their marks on the structures. The walls and remains tell stories of people who lived, worked, and traded here together.
The location has limited access points and paths are partly overgrown, so wear sturdy shoes and allow time for slow exploration. Walking past the ruins requires care and some areas may feel dark or slippery.
Archaeologists found pottery, glass, and other objects from China, England, Germany, Portugal, and Persia, revealing that merchants from across the world exchanged goods here. These discoveries show that the site was a major crossroads for international trade.
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