Has 12 Maratha Forts Getting Heritage Status Rung a Bell for Mahim Fort's Revival?

After 12 Maratha forts were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in July this year, the momentum has gained for the protection and preservation of heritage sites among both conservationists and citizens.

Recently, the Maharashtra government roped in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plan, aiming to restore the Mahim Fort, a Grade-I heritage site. Following this, the Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar visited and inspected the Mahim Fort area.

A wake-up call for history in ruins

However, merely declaring the forts as UNESCO heritage sites is hardly an end but a beginning, feels archaeological educationist Raamesh Gowri Raghavan. "Even after the inscription of the sites as WHS, public awareness of heritage conservation and challenges is very low." Though they believe that the WHS inscription has brought new attention to political circles and attracted more funding. 

The announcements, which are followed by a renovation initiative for Mahim fort, are being taken differently among the conservationists and citizens, as Raghavan suggests, while talking to us. "Conservationists like Dr. Sachin Joshi and Ar. Tejaswini Aphale has been pointing out the desperate need for scientific conservation of these sites for decades. The fear remains that 'beautification' and tourism-focused investments will give short shrift to scientific conservation and instead divert funds to political cronies, leading to potential long-term damage and/or change in the historic nature of the site," they say. 

About what has been the common discourse, they mention, "Among citizens, the mood is more of jingoism and 'nationalism', and there is little to no understanding of the challenges ahead. A WHS site requires higher investment and following to global standards, and many Indian sites routinely fall short."

As per the records, the Mahim fort is believed to have been built in the 13th century. Being one of the ancient structures, the original structure was built in the 13th century by King Bhimdev (Bhimbraj). Then, in the 14th century, the Sultan of Gujarat attacked it, and later, in the 16th century, the Portuguese rebuilt the fort.

While Raja Bhimdev's roots are not documented with clarity, he is believed to have belonged to either the Anahilwada-Patan in Gujarat or the Yadav dynasty in Deogiri. Reports mention that he built a palace and a court of justice in Prabhadevi, as well as the first Babulnath temple.

It is also said that the first settlers, like Pathare Prabhus Palshis, Pachkalshis, Bhandaris, Vadvals, Brahmins, along with others, were brought to the islands because of him. Talking about the occupation, while handaris were originally toddy tappers, the Vadvals were gardeners. Some reports have also mentioned that the fruit-bearing trees, including coconut palms, were brought by him to the island.

Then, in 1943, the island was occupied by the Mohammedans of Gujarat. This was also the time that the old Mahim mosque, Dargah of Makhtum Fakir Ali Paru, was built in 1431. When the Portuguese took possession in 1543, they were already ruling the coastal west, like Goa and Daman & Diu. It again saw a power transfer in 1662 when the British took over. The British built the Mahim Fort here in order to protect themselves from the Portuguese.

In the early twentieth century, the Bombay Municipal Corporation opened up Mahim for development as a suburb in 1913. They built three major north-south access roads, which are now called the Western Express Highway,  N. M. Joshi Marg, and Tulsi Pipe Road. 

Whether or not the new announcements of the heritage forts getting the UNESCO tag has started discourse for more, aiming at the public, educationist Raamesh Gowri Raghavan has a different stance. "Among the general public, the enthusiasm for another tourist site is high. However, for most, the excitement is about another beach/sunset point than in knowing the heritage of the Fort, which may go back nearly 800 years," they say. 

The Director of Ioncure Tech Pvt Ltd believes that, as a solution, educating the public alongside the conservation efforts is important. "This is where heritage walks and tours by qualified, objective-minded guides without any socio-political bias are important. The masalafication of Indian historic sites by unqualified guides needs to be avoided."

Currently in ruins

As part of the efforts of the ruling administrations and post-independent political parties, Mahim has been a buzzing spot while also boasting many temples, churches, mosques, and a Gurudwara. Being close to the Maharashtra Nature Park, it also has its own green space, which was created out of the garbage dump. 

But all this while, take a stroll at the 800-year-old fort, and it is nothing but an abandoned structure trying to stand still, facing the hurled of time. Without proper maintenance, this heritage structure is hardly even an outing spot.

For its century-old history and local settlements, Raamesh Raghavan believes that the challenges would be many. "The fort was home to a community of several hundred people who had encroached a few generations ago. There is resentment among them after their forced relocation — I've heard their stories, and a better package could have been negotiated for them by the previous governments," they say.

Aarati Manerikar, Assistant Professor of History, who teaches at Wilson College, believes that all stakeholders are aware of the challenges that might lie ahead for the conservation. "It involves encroachment, illegal dwelling inside a heritage structure and since these people were never probably removed from the fort premises, their rehabilitation."

What has the state been doing for its forts?

According to reports, the state's archaeological department has identified 28 forts for preservation, with a claim of work completed on 24 of them, but has suspended work on two (Shirgaon and Underi Forts). Maharashtra is home to 47 centrally-protected forts under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and 62 State-protected forts, and 62 State-protected forts.

Reportedly, back in 2029, the state government had planned to give 22 forts on lease to private players amid opposition from the heritage experts. As per the policy, around 350 properties that fall under MTDC, and were to be given on a one-time premium charged or a revenue-sharing formula, citing how the same model is followed in places in Rajasthan and Goa.

Some of the forts in the first phase of this policy were Nagardhan, Kandhar, Nandur, Laling, Korigad, Salher, Ghodbunder, and Parola, all of which are under the state’s control. However, there is no clarity about what followed later.

The new announcement, at such a time, can be seen as a refreshing home for the locals and the citizens of Mumbai who have been trying their ways for the conservation and protection of the sites and heritage of the city.

However, Faredoon Bhujwala, Heritage Evangelist, highlights the major concern with the beautification of the century-old forts, citing the example of the recent Bandra Fort renovation. "The flip side is, when they beautify the forts, there is a compromise in the authenticity. There is hardly any natural rock and mud left in the Bandra fort, as they have painted the place. It is quite strange to see the 'ornamental' trees planted in the place; it is all cement and concrete," Bhujwala says, also citing the Banganga tank's restoration, a "disaster". "However, it (the tank) is looking better now. But seeing the track record, it is frightening to see what they do to the Mahim fort now."

Raamesh Raghavan echoes similar sentiments. "The main challenge will be scientific conservation, for which ASI has the expertise alongside universities like Deccan College, versus restoration and beautification, which are often the priorities of politicians and bureaucrats," they say, adding that the latter is more attractive in terms of restoring an imagined past glory, while the former is what is considered ethical among professionals. "The recent controversy over the restoration/conservation of Bandra Fort is a case in point."