[1] The first mention of Kulaba fort is when it was chosen by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to be fortified after the whole of South Konkan became free.

[citation needed] The fort was completed in June 1681 by Chatrapati Sambhaji Raje after the death (in 1680) of Shivaji.

[4] In 1713, under a treaty with Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, Kolaba along with several other forts was given over to Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre.

In 17 November 1721, the British, incensed at Angre's activities, joined the Portuguese in an expedition against Kolaba.

A Portuguese land force of 6000 and three English ships of the line under Commodore Mathews co-operated but the attempt failed.

About this time Kolaba is described by Hamilton as a fort built on a rock, a little way from the mainland and at high water an island.

In 1842, the British sold the wooden structures in the fort by auction and used the stones for the construction of Alibag water works.