Alorna Fort

Alorna Fort, Goa

Alorna Fort is a historical fort situated in North Goa, India. It is a 17th-century fort that was built by the Bhonsle rulers of Sawantwadi. It was constructed on the banks of the River Chapora, a tributary of the Mandovi River, which flows through the state of Goa. The fort played an essential role in the history of Goa, and it is now a popular tourist attraction.

The fort was built in 1667 by Raja Narayanrao, the ruler of Sawantwadi, to defend his territory from the Portuguese. The fort was strategically located on the banks of the Chapora River, which was an important waterway for trade and commerce in the region. The fort was also located near the ancient city of Alorna, which was an important center of trade and commerce during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Alorna Fort was built using laterite stones, which were abundantly available in the region. The fort was constructed in a square shape, with bastions at the corners. It had two main entrances, one on the east and the other on the west. The east entrance was the main entrance, and it was protected by a gatehouse and a drawbridge. The west entrance was used as a secondary entrance.

The fort was surrounded by a moat, which was filled with water from the Chapora River. The moat was used to protect the fort from enemy attacks. The walls of the fort were about 2 meters thick and were fortified with gun ports and battlements. The bastions at the corners of the fort were used to mount cannons.

The Alorna Fort played a crucial role in the history of Goa. It was used by the Bhonsle rulers of Sawantwadi to control the trade and commerce in the region. The fort was also used as a base for attacks on the Portuguese settlements in Goa. The Portuguese tried to capture the fort several times, but they were unsuccessful.

In 1759, the fort was taken over by the Portuguese. The Bhonsle rulers of Sawantwadi were defeated by the Marathas, who were allies of the Portuguese. The fort was then used by the Portuguese to control the trade and commerce in the region. The Portuguese made some modifications to the fort, including the addition of a chapel.

The fort remained under Portuguese control until Goa was liberated in 1961. After liberation, the fort was abandoned and fell into ruins. It was only in the 1990s that the government of Goa started to take an interest in the fort and initiated efforts to restore it.

Today, the Alorna Fort is a popular tourist attraction. The fort is located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by lush green forests and the Chapora River. Visitors can climb to the top of the fort and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The fort is also a popular spot for bird watching, and visitors can spot a variety of birds in the area.

The fort is also an excellent place to explore the history of Goa. Visitors can learn about the Bhonsle rulers of Sawantwadi and their struggle against the Portuguese. They can also learn about the Portuguese colonization of Goa and the impact it had on the region. The fort is also home to several artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the fort and the region.

The Alorna Fort is an important cultural and historical landmark in Goa. It is a testament to the rich history and heritage of the region. The fort is a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the people who lived in the region and the role they played in shaping the history of Goa.

In conclusion, the Alorna Fort is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture. The fort is a remarkable.