India - Serial nomination of Coastal Fortifications along the Konkan Coast, Maharashtra

1. Arnala Fort 19°27'57.42"N 72°43'56.11"E 2. Vasai Fort 19°19'49.79"N 72°48'56.06"E 3. Korlai Fort 18°32'11.06"N 72°57'51.88"E 4. Janjira Fort 18°17'59.70"N 72°57'51.88"E 5. Bankot Fort 17°58'24.71"N 73° 2'32.60"E 6. Suvarnadurg 17°48'57.50"N 73° 5'3.93"E 7. Jaigad 17°18'1.75"N 73°13'17.65"E 8. Vijaydurg 16°33'40.23"N 73°19'58.70"E 9. Dutch factory fort at Vengurla 15°51'33.52"N 73°37'51.54"E The nine components of the nominated property of ‘Coastal Fortifications along the Konkan coast of Maharashtra’ are located across the west coast of present-day Maharashtra state. Historically, this stretch of coast was known as the Aparanta, and also referred to as Sapta Konkan in the ancient text of Skanda Purana. Among the various forts and outposts dotted along the entire Indian peninsular coast, the highest concentration of forts, around 131 forts, is along the western coast as against the 20 forts on the east coast. Along the western coast, the largest concentration of these forts is evidenced along the Konkan coast in Maharashtra which stretches up to 740 km approximately. The coastal fortifications along this stretch can be classified into a range of typologies based on the associated maritime trade, location, physiography, design, purpose, capacity, and strength. These coastal fortifications shape the military strategy, contemporary military and political affairs, and the cultural landscape of the region. These nine components are exemplary representations of the coastal fortifications typologies in addition to playing a crucial role in the shaping of the cultural and geopolitical landscape within the region between the 9th century to the 19th century CE. The selected components of the coastal fortifications along the western Konkan coast of the Indian Ocean are a testimony to this historical development of global maritime trade and commerce. The geopolitical portrait of these forts along the Konkan coast reveals the fluctuating regional and international powers and, the changing spheres of control from the earlier dynasties of the Satvahanas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Yadavas, Shilaharas to the later period with the Bahamanis and, finally the Portuguese in the North, to the Siddhis, the Dutch, the British, and the Marathas to the southern coast. The presence of such varied and geographically adapted specimens of coastal fortifications and military architecture is credited to the existence of ideal geographical settings suitable to serve the purpose of defensive warfare. The Arabian Sea to the West, many perennial rivers and creeks leading to the sea from the Sahyadri mountain range to the East, and the mountain range in itself proved to be a natural defense system whose potential was further harnessed with design and technology. These medieval forts are strategically located on primary ancient ports along the Konkan coast such as Sopara, Agashi, Thana, Bombay, Roha, Revas, Mhasala, Mahad, Dabhol, Chiplun, and Ratnagiri. ‘Periplus of the Erythrean Sea’, a first-hand account was written in the 1st Century BCE, probably by an unknown Greek sailor, describing the ports, the fortified cities, and the trade and commerce on the west coast of India during the Satavahana period. The Periplus mentions places like Bhrugukachha – Bharauch, Calliena – Kalyan, Shurparaka or Suppara – Sopara, Semylla – Cheul, Mandagora – Mandad, Palaepatamai – Palshet, Melizigara – Jaigad, Byzantium – Vijaydurga, Togarum – Devgad, Aurannobos – Malvan, Sesecrienae. The western coast of India became a center of attraction to the various trading communities due to its proximity to the sea and mountain passes which made inland, coastal, and overseas trade possible. India’s international trade and commerce thrived like never before during the Satavahana era in the 8th Century C.E. Trading rivalries among the seafaring European powers brought other coastal powers from the empires of the European subcontinent to India. The Portuguese, the Dutch Republic, England, France, and Denmark–Norway all established trading posts in India in the early 16th century CE.