Early history Tarapur Fort is first mentioned roughly around the year 1280, where the ruler of Mahikavati, or modern day
Mahim,
Bhima of Mahikavati, captured the fort from the Naiks.
Portuguese occupation In the year 1553, the
Portuguese captured Tarapur Fort and the surrounding area.
Tarapur, being a trading town, generated much wealth to the Portuguese, and served as a lucrative outpost for trade in the Western Coast of
Maharashtra.
Maratha control In the 1730s,
Chimaji Appa, a commander of the
Maratha Army and brother of
Baji Rao I, began a campaign to conquer the Western Coast of
Maharashtra under the
Maratha Empire, such as attacking and controlling
Belapur Fort in the year 1733. The Portuguese attempted a heavy resistance, however, the battle was won by Chimaji after the Portuguese were diverted away from the attacking Maratha force. The Marathas repaired the walls of the fortress following the battle.
British occupation After the successful assault on the fortress and the following Maratha control for 64 years, the
British attacked Tarapur in 1803, gaining control of the fortress.
Modern day Approximately after the fort's capture by the Marathas,
The Peshwa granted the fortress to the custodianship of Vikaji Mehrji, whose descendants, the Chorge family, continue to hold. == Description ==