After the British gained supremacy in the region, with the expansion of the Bombay Presidency, the strategic importance of the fort declined, and it fell into disuse.

Built in 1560–1570 by the Siddis,[1] after they wrested control of the area from the Portuguese, it is located atop a hillock, near the mouth of the Panvel Creek.

In 1682, the fort was recaptured by the Portuguese, who had managed to annex the regions controlled by the Siddis, near Belapur (at that time known as Shabaz).

The Marathas ruled the area until 23 June 1817, when it was captured by Captain Charles Gray of the British East India Company.

[2] During its active days, the fort stationed four companies each of 180 men, and 14 guns ranging from 4–12 pounds (2–5 kg) in weight.