View source for Worli Fort

{{Short description|Coastal fort in Mumbai, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{tone|date=May 2011}}
{{AI-generated|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox military installation
|name = Worli Fort
|partof = 
|location = [[Worli koliwada]], [[Mumbai]], [[India]]
|image = Worli Fort Mumbai.jpg
|image_size = 
|caption = View of Worli Fort from the base of the hillock
|map_type = 
|map_size = 
|map_alt = 
|map_caption = 
|type = [[Hillfort|Hill Fort]]<br />[[Land battery]]
|coordinates = {{coord|19.0238|72.8166|type:landmark_region:IN_scale:100|display=inline}}
|code = 
|built = {{Start date and age|1675|df=yes}}
|builder = 
|materials = [[Basalt]] and [[Lime mortar]]
|height = 
|used = 
|demolished = 
|condition = 
|ownership = {{flagicon|India}} [[Government of India]]
|open_to_public = Yes
|controlledby = [[File:British Raj Red Ensign.svg|20x22px]] [[British Raj]] (1675-1947)
|garrison = 
|current_commander = 
|commanders = 
|occupants = 
|battles = 
|events = 
|image2 = 
|caption2 = 
}}

[[File:Bombay map 18c.jpg|thumb|250px|Old map of the region (post 1805).]]
The '''Worli Fort''' is a fort in [[Worli]], [[Mumbai]], [[India]].<ref Name="Murray">{{cite book  | last = Murray  | first = John   | title = A handbook for India. Part ii. Bombay  | year = 1859  | location = Original from Oxford University  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Vg0IAAAAQAAJ&dq=%22Worli+Fort%22&pg=PA272  | page = 272  }}</ref> Though often incorrectly assumed to have been built by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]], the fort was built by the [[United Kingdom|British]] around 1675 on Worli Hill.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025|reason=Just a few sentences down, it is suggested (with citations) that the Portuguese built it.}} Worli Fort overlooked [[Mahim Bay]] at a  time when the city comprised just [[seven islands of Bombay|seven islands]] and was used as a lookout for enemy ships. 

The centuries-old village is home to one of the oldest communities of fisherfolk which is still existing in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nambiar |first=Sridevi |date=2016-12-05 |title=A Brief History Of Mumbai's Worli Fort |url=https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/a-brief-history-of-mumbais-worli-fort/ |access-date=2022-06-20 |website=Culture Trip}}</ref>

The area around Worli Hill is also known for its fossils and geology<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Singh |first=S.D. |date=2000 |title=Petrography and Clay Mineralogy of Intertrappean Beds of Mumbai, India |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236586942 |journal=Journal Geological Society of India |volume=55}}</ref>

==History==
Worli Fort traces its origins back to the 17th century when it was constructed by the British a strategic outpost to protect their territories along the western coast of India. The fort served as a defensive structure guarding the southern approach to the island of Bombay (now Mumbai) and the entrance to the Mahim Bay.<ref>Maharashtra State Gazetteers: Greater Bombay District - 1987</ref><ref>Greater Bombay District Gazetteer - 1986</ref>

In 1661, control of Bombay was transferred from the Portuguese to the British as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza upon her marriage to Charles II of England. Subsequently, Worli Fort came under British rule, and it underwent several modifications and reinforcements over the years to strengthen its defenses.<ref>"Worli Fort: A Glimpse into Mumbai's Rich History" - Mumbai Mirror, 2019</ref>

==Architecture and design==
Worli Fort is built using locally available basalt rock, characteristic of many forts in the region. The fortification consists of ramparts, bastions, and gateways, typical of Portuguese military architecture of the time. The fort originally housed barracks, ammunition storage facilities, and living quarters for the garrison.

The strategic location of Worli Fort provides views of the Arabian Sea and the Mumbai coastline, making it a tourist attraction and a favorite spot for locals to enjoy sunsets.{{fact|date=June 2024}}

==Significance==
Worli Fort played a role in Mumbai's maritime history, serving as a sentinel against potential invasions and attacks from the sea. It was one of several coastal forts that formed a defensive network around the island of Bombay, safeguarding its trading interests and maritime routes.<ref>"Worli Fort - A Historical Gem of Mumbai" - Indian Express, 2020</ref>

In addition to its military significance, Worli Fort holds cultural importance as a heritage site that reflects Mumbai's colonial past and architectural heritage.{{fact|date=June 2024}}

==Tourism==
Today, Worli Fort is a tourist destination and a recreational spot for locals. Visitors explore the fort's ruins, walk along its ramparts, and take in the views of the Arabian Sea.{{or-inline|date=June 2024}} The fort's proximity to the Worli Sea Face promenade makes it accessible to tourists and residents alike.{{fact|date=June 2024}}

==See also==
*[[List of forts in Maharashtra]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&om=1&z=18&ll=19.024436,72.816814&spn=0.003641,0.005032&t=k&q=Mumbai Worli Fort Satellite image ] in Google Maps
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTknSyQqnpo Worli Fort] on [[YouTube]]
*[http://www.minorsights.com/2014/05/india-worli-fort-in-bombay.html Worli Koliwada and Worli Fort] on Minor Sights.
{{Tourist attractions in Mumbai}}

{{Forts around Mumbai}}
{{Forts in India}}

[[Category:Archaeological sites in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:History of Mumbai]]
[[Category:1675 establishments in the British Empire]]