Dutch Factory, Vengurla.

Dutch Factory, Vengurla.

Dutch Factory is a fortified, almost 400-year-old fortified building now almost reclaimed by the jungle, with its fortified brick buildings intertwined with huge Bunyan trees and in ruins.

Due to the vice-like grip of Bunyan tree roots and age, the brick walls and structure had become fragile and were crumbling and falling. Keeping public safety in mind, the structure was declared “in dangerous condition “.  The public was discouraged from visiting it.

The Dutch Factory was built by the Dutch East India Company with the permission of the Bijapur Sultanate in 1637-1638 to serve as a trading post and supply depot. The unstated purpose was also to spy on and keep watch on the Portuguese naval movements taking place from the Goan ports due to intense rivalry for the control of the Kokan Coast. It was a fortified fortress-like building built of fired clay bricks with a watch tower,  fortified protective compound wall, three huge halls interconnected by arched passages and strong iron gates. Shah Alam, a Mughal prince, sacked the Dutch Factory in 1687. Soon after, in 1692, the Dutch also abandoned it. Britishers claimed it in the 19th century and used the buildings as local courts and administrative offices. No records are available as to when it was totally abandoned and left to be reclaimed by the jungle.

Considering its historical importance and tourism potential, in 1974, the local administration got it declared as a “Protected Monument” by the Archaeological Survey of India. Efforts were made in 2024 to undertake just sufficient restoration work to remove the “ dangerous “ tag.

However, a vice-like hold of the roots of Bunyan trees and other vegetation has rendered the structure very fragile, and visitors are advised to exercise caution in venturing into unsafe places.

There is no entry fee and no official visiting hours. Still, it is best to visit Dutch Factory during daytime when there is plenty of natural sunlight.

( Note: For historical facts like years, etc and other relevant data, open internet sources have been made use of.) 

Dutch Factory. Satawadi / Sakawadi, on the way to Vengurla. An ASI-protected monument.

The Dutch Factory. Predominance of arches. In doors and niches in the walls.

Dutch Factory. Stairs for the rampart wall and the watch tower, which is now no more. 

Dutch Factory.

Most probably a two- to three-storied massive building. Dominated by the arched construction.

 An ASI-protected monument.

At the Dutch Factory.

Dutch Factory.

Most probably a two to three storied massive building. Dominated by the arched construction.

 An ASI-protected monument.

Dutch Factory.

Most probably a two to three storied massive building. Dominated by the arched construction.

 An ASI-protected monument.

At The Dutch Factory.