Linking Mahim Bay
Mahim Bay is a piece of the Arabian Sea in the heart of Mumbai. It demarcates the old city in the south from the newer suburbs in the north. Featuring the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the largest sea bridge within the territories of India. This modern marvel of architecture has been open to the public since 2009. It serves as an instrumental route to connect the two parts forming the megalopolis. Further, the waterbody is home to various aquatic and avian biodiversity. Thus, fishing communities have been indigenous to the region. These photographs from last year observe the link from the vantage of two historical crucial landmarks on each end.
In around 1640, the Portuguese built Castella de Aguada on the northern side of the bay. While in around 1675, the British built Worli Fort on the southern end. I visited the well-preserved former during sunrise, and the rather decrepit latter during sunset. All three landmarks offer unique architectural experiences. There is a blend of history and modern engineering when observed in juxtaposition.
Castella de Aguada was strategically built after the Portuguese conquered Mahim Fort in 1517 and established it as a southern outpost on the mainland. The fort's location near freshwater springs made it an essential water point for sailors. Today, these springs serve the local fishermen. While the fort is mostly destroyed, its ruins still stand as one of the few reminders of the Portuguese era.
Even though Worli Fort is believed to have been built by either the British in the 17th century as previously stated, some records suggest the Portuguese built in it the 16th century to serve as a strategic lookout point for enemy ships and pirates in the region. It held mighty importance for the British, as it was responsible for safeguarding the western coast of India.
The reason the three hundred and eighty three year-old structure is in this condition is because of the conservation action taken by citizens in the 2000s. Similarly, a couple of months after I captured these photos, it was announced that the BMC would restore the three hundred and forty eight year-old structure. Although the juxtaposition was interesting to observe, this will hopefully be the last time the latter has been this disheveled.
Some of these photos will be uploaded on my Instagram.
