Archaeological Survey leaves antiquities in a heap at Vasai Fort

Historical artefacts found in Vasai Fort lie unguarded as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) piles them up in its office within the fort premises.

The room housing the ancient stone tablets, ceramic pottery, bones and other objects, including those from the Portuguese era, is left unguarded and open to visitors. Moreover, no ASI officials sit there.

"The ASI has neither documented the artefacts nor put them through a preservation process," said Shridatta Raut, historian from Kille Vasai Mohim (KVM). KVM organises awareness tours of the Vasai Fort for tourists and helps clean the fort. Raut said, "The artefacts must be kept in safe custody and studied. Their use and relevance must be understood."

The Vasai fort, lying 55 km away from Mumbai, was built by Gujarat king Bahadur Shah. It is considered historically significant because it and the surrounding city was the second-most important site in the Portuguese empire, after Goa. ASI found the historical artefacts during years of ongoing excavation and restoration work at the Vasai fort.

Responding to dna's query, the ASI said it would take prompt action to safeguard the historical artefacts. "We will inform the sub-circle-incharge (the official in charge of the fort) to keep the antiquities in safe custody," said Mayur Thakare, Circle Officer of ASI Mumbai.

The ASI, however, said it had documented the important artefacts. "When we visited the fort for survey and development, we documented the important antiquities like porcelain pottery and other materials," Thakare said.