Archival research and establishing historical significance of Dutch Factory at Vengurla and similar other establishments on West Coast of Maharashtra
The coastline of Maharashtra is dotted with creeks, ports, forts and sites associated with the historical trade routes. Dutch factory in Vengurla is one such historic site that represents the maritime history of the region. The site is protected by the State Department of Archaeology, Maharashtra. As per the available records, Dutch traders established the fortified warehouse in the early 17th century. The building material is local laterite stone. Similar establishments existed at Rajapur, Redi, Surat, Diu, Mumbai and other ports. Fortified perimeter walls, guarded entrances, square bastions are some of the common architectural features of such factories. The site is one of the only surviving remains of this typology in the region. The site is a testimony of how European powers conducted maritime trade activities and paved their way towards colonization.
