Terekhol Fort

Fort Tiracol, sometimes known as Terekhol Fort, is a fort in Goa, India. Located on the northern tip of Goa at the mouth of the Tiracol River, Fort Tiracol is reached by a ferry from Querim or a bridge from Goa 42 km North of Panaji. The name probably originated from the Marathi tir-khol meaning "steep river-bank".

The fort was originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, in the 17th century.^[2] The site chosen was a hillock on the Northern (right) bank of the river, which gave a commanding view of the Arabian sea. The Bhonsles of Sawantwadi kept a sizeable fleet of native vessels which sheltered in the Tiracol River. The fort initially consisted of 12 guns, a barrack and a chapel.

In 1746, the Portuguese under the 44th Viceroy of Goa, Pedro Miguel de Almeida Portugal e Vasconcelos, conde de Assumar, marquis de Alorna, waged war against the Raja of Sawantwadi. On 16 November 1746, de Almeida brought the Portuguese fleet up to the River Kaisuva, waged a fierce maritime engagement against the naval forces of the Raja of Sawantwadi in which the Portuguese defeated the Sawantwadi forces utterly. Several skirmishes on land followed and Fort Tiracol was finally surrendered on 23 November 1746 to the Portuguese.

The fort became an important part of Portuguese maritime defences; being extensively revamped in 1764. It remained in Portuguese control till December 1961 when the last of Portuguese territorial positions in the subcontinent were forcibly annexed by India.

The Terekhol fort is located in the northern tip of Goa. It is situated on the mouth of the Terekhol River and was built by the ruler of Sawantwadi, Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle. The Terekhol fort of Goa was built during the 17th century. The Terekhol fort was given legal recognition as a part of Goa around 1788. The fort was rebuilt in 1764 by the Portuguese viceroy in India named Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida. The Terekhol fort is often visited by tourists who come here to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and scenic locales.

During the year 1825, the Terekhol fort was used as a military base for an attack on the Portuguese by Dr. Bernado Peres Da Silva. He was the first viceroy who was born in Goa itself. However his efforts were futile and the Portuguese took over the Terekhol Fort again. The fort was abandoned however, once the Portuguese left. The fort is now in ruins though a part of it has been converted into a heritage hotel.

The fort also houses a church inside its premises which is known as the St. Anthony church. The church is usually not open for public to visit. However, during certain occasions like its annual feast, the church is open for the public as well. The annual feast of the St. Anthony church takes place during the month of May. The Terekhol fort stands strong till date and makes an interesting testimony of history.

On 17 February 1819, following the defeat of the Marathas, a treaty was signed by Raja Bhonsle Khaima Sawunt of Sawunt Warree who recognised British suzerainty. This treaty effectively abolished the strategic importance of the fort, as it became an enclave in territory controlled by British allies.

During the Portuguese Civil War, the fort served as a rebel stronghold during an uprising in 1825 against the Portuguese led by Dr. Bernardo Peres da Silva, the first Goan born Viceroy of Goa. It was greatly damaged but the fort and the chapel were later rebuilt. A ruthless Commandant, "Tiger-killer  da Cunha entered the fort and ordered the beheading of the entire garrison and the placing of the heads on stakes.

Fort Tiracol was a symbolic location where freedom fighters from Goa demonstrated from time to time.^[1] On 15 August 1954, Satyagrahis protesting Portuguese rule entered Goa from three different directions - one of which was from the North to Fort Tiracol, which was occupied and flew the Indian flag for a day before they were captured and imprisoned.

A Church for the Holy Trinity was constructed in the fort courtyard by de Almeida after its capture. This later became the century old Church of St. Anthony.

Now, in a state of ruins, Fort Tiracol has been converted into a hotel (old contract expired and as of Jan 2015 no contract for a hotel/restaurant is in place), the Fort Tiracol Heritage. The church is not open to the general public except on certain occasions, such as the annual feast that is usually held in May.