Overview for The Environmental History of Maritime Forts in and Around Mumbai
The presently study seeks to examine the historical importance of coastal forts and fortresses in the immediate hinterland with respect to their geographical locations in the past as well as the present in a stretch of North Konkan lying between Dahanu and the Kundalika estuary. The area became dynamic from the maritime point of view with the advent of colonial traders seeking footholds in search of seaborne trade. The objective of this study is to understand the role of the sea in the maritime heritage and history of the region that brought about significant and marked changes in the socio-political set-up of the area.
Almost all coastal forts were built on some natural site of advantage, commanding the sea or a creek. Site and logistics were important considerations. Having been exposed to the elements of nature and subjected to varying degrees weathering, many are mere remnants of their past glory. There is need to realize the heritage value of the forts and to conserve them or restore them- a line of thinking that is taking shape in the minds of few scholars and conservationists.
Sudha Srivastava (Author)
Dr. Sudha Srivastava completed her M Sc and Ph D in Geography from the University of Mumbai where she is presently a Reader with over twenty-seven years of teaching experience. Her specializations are Biogeography and Environmental Planning. Having acquired the necessary training in basics and applications of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems she has used these techniques in her teaching programs and for analysis in her research work.
Dipti Mukherji (Author)
Dr Dipti Mukherji, Reader in the Department of Geography University of Mumbai did her graduation from Calcutta University and post graduation and Ph D from the University of Mumbai. She has about 17 years of teaching experience at the under-graduate and post-graduate levels. Her areas of specialization are Urban Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing.
Bagchee
