Vasai
Vasai (Konkani and Marathi pronunciation: [ʋəsəi]; British English: Bassein; formerly and alternatively Marathi; Bajipur) is a historical place and city located in Palghar district; which was partitioned out of the Thana district in 2014. It also forms a part of Vasai-Virar twin cities in the Konkan division, Maharashtra, India and comes under Police Jurisdiction of Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate.
Vasai
Bassein | |
|---|---|
City | |
Vasai Fort (entrance) | |
Vasai Location of Vasai in Maharashtra, India Vasai Vasai (India) | |
| Coordinates: 19.47°N 72.8°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Palghar |
| Division | Konkan (North) |
| Named for | Vasa Konkani tribes |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Vasai (Vidhan Sabha) Constituency |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipal Corporation |
| • Body | Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation |
| Elevation | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Population (2007) | |
| • Total | 49,337 |
| Demonym(s) | Vasaikar in Maharashtri Konkani, Basseinite in English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+5:30 (Not observed) |
| PIN code(s) | 401 201 to 401 203 |
| Area code | +91-0250-XXX XXXX |
| Vehicle registration | MH-48 |
| Official language | Marathi |
| Other language(s) | Kadodi, Agri, Vadavli, Konkani, Koli |
| Website | vvcmc |
The Portuguese in Goa and Damaon built Fort Bassein to defend their colony and participate in the lucrative spice trade and the silk route that converged in the area. Much of Portuguese Bombay and Bassein was seized by Marathas under Peshva rule, at the Battle of Bassein in 1739.
The British East India Company at Bombay, then took the area from the Mahratta Empire in 1780; following the First Anglo-Maratha War.