[3][5][6] The decision to build the fort was dictated by the fact that Vasco da Gama had stopped on this island in 1498, on his return from Calicut to Portugal, (after exploring the sea route to India) not only to repair his ships but also to collect water from the springs on the island (considered of good water quality).

[7] Further, the hydrographic conditions at the island location of about 1 mile (2 km) length, and 2 miles (3 km) from its shore to the Karwar head southwards, favoured building a safe fort as water depth of 6 to 7 fathoms (11 to 13 m) in the channel between the fort wall and the shore line was noted.

[8] Almeida took up the task of building the fort so seriously that he even declined an invitation from King of Bisnaga (Vijayanagara), a staunch ally of the Portuguese.

Construction materials such as timber, cane, palm leaves, and lime were readily supplied by the local people.

[7] It was also claimed that during excavations of the foundations for the fort a stone bearing a Cross was found, which was interpreted to mean that the island was once a habitat of Christians.

[8] The fort was built at a huge cost, as it provided military defence fortifications to defend the Portuguese colonial interests in India.

After the fort was built, the colonial Portuguese used it for a year, mainly as a military establishment and as a regular watering stop for their ships.

Another factor considered in abandoning the fort was on account of maintenance problems (operating from Cochin as the base), localized bad weather, and fear of enemy attack from Goa.

[4] When Fort Anjediva was within Portuguese India, it was used as a refuge by Christians and Hindus from the mainland during the invasion by the coastal kingdom of Bednore and Tipu Sultan.

[4] Excavations carried out in the area by the Department of Archaeology and Museums (Goa) has revealed pillars, stones, and pots of the 11th and 12th centuries with the artistic work of Kadambas and Chalukyas.