Kelve Fort, Coastal fort in Thane district, India.
Kelve Fort is a coastal fortification in Thane district built along Kelva beach with four triangular bastions positioned at each corner of its structure. The walls, steps, parapets, and bastions are constructed from stone and remain visible throughout the site.
Portuguese forces built the fort in 1727 with a garrison of about sixty soldiers, but the Maratha army seized control in 1739. This change of power marked a turning point in the site's history and linked it to broader regional conflicts of the era.
The fort reflects the layered history of its rulers through its gates and walls, where visitors can trace the marks left by different powers that controlled this place. The stone structure carries evidence of changing control and cultural influences that shaped its form over centuries.
The site is accessible throughout the year, but exploring is best during dry weather since the stone surfaces can become slippery. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and pay attention to tide times, as parts of the beach can flood during high tide.
Excavations between 2008 and 2009 revealed that roughly half of the fortification lay buried under beach sand. These works uncovered hidden portions of the structure and exposed its full extent beneath the surface.
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