The Fortress of Panikotha

The Fortress of Panikotha

The Fortress of Panikotha is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. It was built during the Muslim domain by Malik Aiyaz. It served as an entry post to control the movement of the Merchant Ships entering Diu for trading the rich Asian merchandise especially the Indian spices. The movement of the ships were also controlled by a defensive system which joined the Bastion of the sea or the Fortress to the Bastion at the shore by a thick metallic chain upon the river bed. This was raised and lowered impeding the entry of the hostile ships.

Having the Portuguese built a Fort in Diu in the year 1535, they also controlled the small Fortress and considering the importance of the same they fortified it by adding further structure to the same in the year 1588 as ordered by the Captain of the Fort, Aires Falcao. A stone inscription is found even today affixed on the wall inside the Fortress which reads as under:

“ SENDO AIRES FALCAO

CAPITAO DESTA FORTALEZA

DE DIO MANDOU ACRE

SCENTAR ESTE BALU

ARTE DO MAR DA

MANEIRA QUE ESTA

NA ERA DE 1588 ”

The inscription is read in English as under:

“ Being Aires Falcao, Captain

of this Fort of Diu, ordered to

add further structure to

this Bastion of the Sea as it

is, in the year 1588 “

The Portuguese also erected a small Chapel in the Fortress in the year 1638, dedicated to Our Lady of Victory. This was done in memory of the Victory of the Portuguese over the Dutch as per the stone inscription found affixed to the wall of the Chapel. Besides these, right at the centre there is a Bastion built named “Menagem”, where a light house is raised emitting green light. The Fortress also has barracks for the inmates, a warehouse, a cistern and residence for the Commander. The Fortress is also believed to be connected to the Fort of Diu by an underwater tunnel.

This Fortress of Panikotha is about one nautical mile from Diu Jetty and can be reached only by a motor boat. Located in the middle of the sea, the Fortress makes for a beautiful view whether seen from the Jetty, from the Fort, from the Village Ghoghla or from Diu proper. This Fortress has been illuminated with special light effects giving it a mesmerizing beauty at night.