ANJEDIVA FORT, ANJADIP ISLAND Fort Anjediva, built on the Anjadip Island, off the coast of the Indian state of Karnataka but under the administrative jurisdiction of the Indian state of Goa, was once under Portuguese rule. It has also in its vicinity an ancient church on the island called the Church of Our Lady of Springs built in 1505. The Chapel of St Francis D’Assissi is also located here but it is in ruins. Though the fort has a rich history linked to Portuguese rule, it is also presently in ruins. Both the fort and the church are located in the island of Anjadip, which covers an area of 1.5 square kilometres (0.58 sq mi). |
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SOURCES OF INFORMATION Anjediv—the name means "fifth island"—(see image in infobox), is the largest of an archipelago of five islands (known as the Panchdiva chain of five islands); the other four islands are the Kurnagal, the Mudlingud, the Devgad and the Devragad. Because of its strategic importance in the sea faring route to India and also as a watering destination for ships, a fort was built on this island by the Portuguese to enhance their military presence and control of trade route. More... Esta ilha, de pequenas dimensões, na costa do Malabar, constituía-se num reduto de piratas muçulmanos. Quando da sua ocupação por forças portuguesas (13 de Setembro de 1505), estes evadiram-se para o Karnataka, mais ao sul. A ilha foi escolhida pelo rei D. Manuel I (1495-1521), como local para a construção de uma fortaleza. As suas obras iniciaram-se em 14 de Setembro de 1505, sob a direção do primeiro Vice-rei do Estado Português da Índia, D. Francisco de Almeida. Tendo sido atacada por uma armada de sessenta embarcações do senhor de Goa, sem sucesso, a sua distância de Cochim e os custos de sua manutenção levaram à decisão de desmantelá-la, o que foi feito em Setembro de 1506. More... The Anjadiv (a.k.a Anjidiv) Islands, about a mile away from the village of Binaga in Karnataka, but belonging to the state of Goa, have been famous in Indian culture since the puranic period. A renaissance poet has described it as the "resting place of Venus and her beloved". Deity Arya Devi, later known as Anji Devi is worshipped on the island since ancient times. The Romans who are said to have visited the island called it "Aigidioum" (land of Agi Goddess) and the Arabs have refenrenced it as "Allan Gudde" (Allah's Hill). With an area of 1.5 sq km, it is the largest of the karwar Panchdiva chain of five Islands. Anji stands for five in Tamil and it denotes the fifth Island. It is a 30 min boat ride 4 Km. This idyllic Island is home to the Indian Navy. The island has some remains of the bygone Portuguese era, some old houses and Chruch ruins. Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes described it as the "Island of Amours". More... Anjidiv Island, also known as Anjadiva or Anjediva, at the Goa-Karnataka border, has played a major role in the history of Goa. About 1.5 sq km in area, it is the largest of an archipelago of five islands, the other four being Kurnagal, Mudlingud, Devgad and Devragad. 'Anjadiva' means fifth island. The Portuguese traveler Vasco da Gama visited this island in 1498, and later in 1502. The island was strategically important as a major defence post for the Portuguese, and served as a watering port for Greek, Arab, Egyptian and Portuguese merchant ships in later years. A fort and a church were built here. The Roman Catholic Church, one of the oldest in the East, was built in 1502 and awarded the insignia by Rome as the Mother Church. Numerous Hindu legends are also associated with the island. More... The name of the island comes from the Sanskrit word Anjani Dweep. The island has been visited by many foreigners in the history especially explorers and traders and finds its mention in Arab and Roman records. The island was under the rule of Kadambas of Goa who built a small temple on the island reamins of which have been found duirng some archeological excavations. More... The Seabird is spread on 4480 hectares on a 26 km stretch. Offshore islands overlooking the harbour, as well as the hilly and forested onshore strip provides natural protection. The water in the harbour is deep and the seabed even, which requires minimum dredging. The Binaga or Bingy Bay that houses the core sector of the base is unique with its arms stretching out into the open sea — in the north from a promontory and in the south from the Tadri river. The Navy has built three breakwaters: one 1.7 km in the north spanning the Binaga Pont and the Anjadip Island, another 3.1 km linking Round Island and Arge Island and a 0.34 km spur breakwater extending from Anjadip Island — to provide stability to the harbour waters. More... Situado na ilha de mesmo nome que se encontra a cerca de 120 km a sul da capital de Goa, Panjim, este forte é dos mais antigos construídos pelos portugueses no Oriente. A ilha mede 1,3 km de comprimento e 300 metros de largura média. Esta ilha é hoje desabitada e só os pescadores passam por aqui de vez em quando. No século XIX ainda aqui habitavam cerca de 200 pessoas (todas cristãs). More... |
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