NAGAR conducted an on-site physical survey of Mumbai’s forts to assess their condition and that of their surrounding areas.

During the Portuguese period, Mumbai, then called Bombaim, meaning “Good Bay”, had eleven forts, of which only eight survive today. All remaining forts are designated as protected monuments. NAGAR has documented the findings of this survey in the book Forts of Mumbai: Abandoned Treasures, aiming to raise awareness and encourage their preservation.

The conservation and management of these forts fall under the jurisdiction of two government authorities: the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the central level and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums at the state level. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of these historic monuments, highlighting their significance and the need for continued preservation.