These ruins of the fort built by Portuguese is a reminder of their occupation on the islands. Bassein Fort (Basin) also known, as Vasai Fort is an important sea fort located in Bassein, present day Vasai. Built by Bahadur Shah, sultan of Gujarat, it was initially one of a chain of forts intended to guard the coast against the Portuguese and the pirates.
Bassein, however, fell into many hands such as- the Portuguese, the Marathas and finally the British. In the course of time Bassein became a flourishing shipbuilding centre and the famous Bassein stone was very much in demand.