We were a bevy of four- making memories at each other's place; yet every plan of a get2gether at Nicz place ..would some how be postponed, and thereafter cancelled. The reason -most often was the dread of traveling beyond Andheri Station.. (Don't worry. It's not that scary- just avoid peak hours).
So finally in November 2015, we planned a day out with just the 2 of us -to live the partial Goa experience in Vasai. The muse behind it was the thought of separation post-wedding; the truth however was, and is, that hi5, orkut, whatsapp, fb, hangout -has already solved that issue. Keeping the false sense of realities apart, it's also about the chance and experience -which must be pursued without delay, if you wish to.
The day started early at 6; I had two passing thoughts while traveling -raise a hat to all those who have this as their daily routine; and Alhumdulillah for placing me in the heart of Mumbai. Around 9 a.m I reached Naigaon station, where I passed my time having oranges opposite the temple alongside the entrance of the station.
On the way to her place–we dropped by a small bakery shop for a quick grab. Vasai's roadways, lanes, the houses, palm trees, fresh vegetables, churches ..it's ambience -would surely make you feel like you're in Goa. Except ofcourse, the place isn't a hustle-bustle.
Reminiscing the good old days at her bunglow was an obvios taken. Later, we set out for the FarmHouse (it's a famous restaurant in Vasai ok! ..btw don't miss the seafood, if rizq for you destined there) on her scooty, and then a ride to the clichéd grandeur and ruins standing stoic through the charmed chaos of Baçaim's history.
For 3 centuries (16th - 18th c A.D), this city was like a baseball grabbed and chased by the courageous (BahadurShah- Sultan of Gujrat), the praiseworth (Antonio de Sylveria) the powerful (Shreemant Chimaji Ballal Peshwa) -who bestowed names to this city staging ownership on the podium of recorded history. It's present day name -Vasai (originated from sanskrit 'waas' -dwelling) was thus in the past centuries referred to as Basai, Baçaim, and Bajipur.
Bassein's strategic location aided to guard the coast against the portuguese and pirates (of the Arabian :P ) - lying at the mouth of Ulhas Nadi, the fort could not only defend itself but also could control Mumbai, Thane and Saashti. Bassein rose to prominence when present day Nalasopara stilted and was unfit for trading purposes. It became the megalopolis of the medieval times -bustling with trade and the wealth of agriculture, and all things you can relate with water: salt, rice, sugarcane, basalt, granite, fishes, timber, shipyards...
We can trace the now generalized trade (fishing) of the Kohlis to this village of Bassein. During the British Raj, they lived a simple life away from Bombay city life. The well in the Portuguese built fort was still their source of water. The Portuguese had grabbed the opportunity to set a political foot here, when Bahadur Shah sought their help against the Mughal (Emperor Humayun). It is easily appreciable on how the Portuguese had stirred in and dissolved their culture, religion, their Italian Renaissance inspired architecture in the cups of Indian households from Dammam to Goa -before reluctantly leaving due to the shrewd statecarft on Indian soil. Today, not only the taste of their heritage, but also their bult churches, forts, convents stand testimony to their role played in the Indian History.
As you step through the lofty gate of this fort -remember to utter “That's one small step of mine -to transcend in time.” Jokes apart -it really takes an imaginative and focused eye to empathize with the tales of this beauty in ruins that has passed through the realms of different ruling cultures. This place has had it's share of prosperity and civilization -from the trade of baniyas to that of the soldiers.
This fort (like many others) has been the scene of large scale massacre and destruction during battles between factions for supremacy; and now maintains it's reputation of being haunted -either with the shrieks of the lady who committed suicide in the well, or the watchman's spirit guarding the fort, or with other strange voices and ghosts. Today, this infamous vacant spot witnesses frequent policing and is closed before late evening- as it has become a hotbed for crimes like drug peddling, murder, rape.
Thus, this place not only interests nature loving tourists and the like of them who love a hint of historical importance, but also love birds and lust vultures, murderers (who make the bluePrints with this place as the execution spot), paranormal investigators (both amateur and certified), RomeoJuliets for their pre and post wedding shoots; And the 3 Musketeers or more, or the Alibabas and his 40 or less friends- capturing innovative selfies -engraving their names, or instructions (I could actually hear the instruction as I read it ..lol) for other visitors on the facade of this fort. It is also a ground for conducting wedding ceremonies -I do, I do, I do..
It's stretched vast- hence a leisure walk through the site armed with water, munchies and a power-bank is recommended.
The geometry of the fortress, inspired by the Italian Renaissance fortifications, with its bastions forms a decagon. Walking through -the remnant facade laments through it's moulding and decorative details of her past grandeur of the Portuguese period. Though in a tangle of ruins -it's imposing boundary walls with 2 gates -Porta do Mar and Porta da Terra -stands straight with it's 10 bastions.Scattered within and around this historic grandeur you will see- the ancient celebrated Baobab trees and Palm trees, numerous households and churches, tombstones and convents, cloisters and the belltower, swamps and well, semicircular aches and niches; Like any old construction, this fort too has many entrances via both sea and land, and ofcourse khufiya raastas (secret passages). Though much of it's glory has weathered away beyond recognition -the floor plan and the remnants of well carved stones, walls, niches - helps us form an image of the then structure built by the Portuguese.
My clicks don't cover all of the place i wandered in wonder –cause not only me but my cell's battery was also exhausted. So -points to note before you plan ur visit: bring ur power bank along; stay hydrated; carry some energy munchies, ...& fix Sea food in ur lunch and dinner grabs @ a suggested restaurant by the locals u find there.
If you too are ditched by ur batteries – ur a click away in your online search. I, however, prefer my own captures... :) You can take a peek at https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipMmHf26-9pX8KKWRG-igfstp-LmpjlPRjgyMexO
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