[2] The Vaitarna River in North Konkan meets the sea near this fort, allowing it to overlook the entire bay.

In 1530, the Portuguese constructed a bastion (Martello tower) on the island, strategically located at the mouth of the Vaitarna river.

In the 1530s the Portuguese had established their operations in the coastal area, headquartered at Fort Bassein, and soon gained control of the island.

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, after a long struggle with the Mughal Empire, the Maratha Confederacy came to dominate the region.

The external ramparts are in a fairly good condition, and a roughly three-meter-wide path exists along the outer walls.

[5] There exists a lone Martello tower about 550 meters from the main fort, on the southern end of the island.