Before the English East India Company pressed their footholds on the island of Bombay, the northern neighbouring island of Salsette was populated by the Portuguese Empire. The two key cities of the island — Bassein (Vasai) and Sopara (Nala Sopara) have seen history much older than what the southern Bombay group of islands had. A part of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the area of Vasai-Virar is an interesting yet underrated piece of history.
NALA SOPARA
Talking about Sopara, it has existed on the Indian soil during the ancient age when trade happened between this city and empires of Mesopotamia (Iraq), Egypt, Cochin (Kochi, India), Rome (the Roman Empire) and kingdoms on the eastern coast of Africa. As a prominent Buddhist area, Sopara (or Shurparaka or Suppäraka) has been mentioned during the ancient Mahabharata tales. The city is so old that excavations have dug out remains and ruins dating back to 3rd century BC. The town has been mentioned by Ptolemy as Soupara and Jain texts have mentioned the city as one of the Jain tirthas (pilgrimage place).
Near the Merdes village a location named as Burud Rajache Kot has ruins of a Buddhist stupa dating back to 8th — 9th century AD. The coins and other valuables dug out in an excavation of 1882 has been preserved at various museums of Mumbai.
VASAI
Vasai has been an important strongpoint in the course of Portuguese Indian history. The region was in direct trading contact with the Greeks and Romans during ancient times and has been known to the world by various names such as Baçaim, Bassein, Bajipur etc. In 1533, Bassein is captured by the Portuguese from the Sultan of Gujarat. In 1536, the construction of Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Baçaim or Fort of St. Sebastian of Bassein started, remains of which is still present in the area. Some of the old Portuguese churches are also found in this area which were built during the 16th century. The Portuguese handed Baçaim to the English in 1739, thereafter the latter continued ruling the city as Bassein.
Numerous forts and churches had been built by the Portuguese which were later burnt down by the Marathas in 18th century. The only remaining church ruins are of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vida (built in 1535). The fort and church ruins provide excellent photography and filming locations.
Another church in good restored condition is the Papdy Church or Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, built in 1574, situated next to the Papdy market.
Vasai and Nala Sopara are situated at present in Palghar district and also comes under Mumbai Metropolitan Area. Below here are pictures of the Buddhist remains, Vasai Creek (separating Mumbai Suburban District from Palghar district), the Vasai Fort (or Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Baçaim) and the ruins of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vida.
