For every resident of Thane, the name “Thane Jail” probably brings to mind the present-day correctional facility. But did you know that this site is actually one of the most historic landmarks in our city — a silent witness to centuries of conflict, change, and community life?
While Thane has today grown into a bustling metropolis, the old fort — which now houses the jail — along with a few other ancient buildings are the only surviving remnants of Thane’s glorious past.
Let’s take a journey back in time to uncover the rich history preserved within its stone walls.
Thane Jail did not begin as a prison. Around 1730, the Portuguese — who had ruled Thane since 1533 — began constructing a strong fort to defend the town. Earlier, they had relied on watchtowers and smaller forts, but as their power declined, they realized the need for stronger defenses.
However, before they could finish, the Marathas swept into Salsette in April 1737. The unfinished fort withstood two Maratha assaults, but the defenders eventually surrendered.
The Marathas took over and completed the fort according to the Portuguese plans. It was an impressive structure, with stone walls 16–21 feet high, bastions, towers, and an enclosed area of about 134 acres.
The fort remained under Maratha control until 1774, when the British captured it. At the time, it was armed with more than a hundred cannons, and the British quickly recognized its strategic value.
An early visitor, Mr. Forbes, described it as a pentagon with regular bastions and towers, noting that British engineers had cleared the surrounding houses and gardens to create a wide, open space — the esplanade, formally established in 1776.
The fort continued to serve as a strong garrison for several decades, typically housing sepoys and European artillery. But in 1833, it was decommissioned as a military fort. By 1838, it had been converted into a jail — a role it has served ever since.
Over the years, this jail has witnessed many dramatic episodes. In 1816, Trimbakji Denglia — minister to the Peshwa and accused of assassinating Gangadhar Shastri, the envoy of the Gaikwad — was imprisoned here. Despite a heavy European guard, he made a daring escape, aided by a Maratha groom who conveyed coded instructions through songs.
Another incident occurred in 1844, when prisoners seized a visiting judge and nearly hanged him, only to be stopped just in time by arriving reinforcements. Such events show just how tense life inside the old prison could be.
Over time, the jail’s conditions and infrastructure were improved. In 1869, plans to upgrade the jail were approved, and by 1876, the work was completed at a cost of approximately ₹4,08,000.
The improvements included converting the tower near the west gate into a guardroom and the superintendent’s residence; demolishing old inner buildings and constructing new barracks radiating from a central courtyard; and creating separate, isolated facilities — including wards for women, transport prisoners, and a hospital.
These upgrades provided accommodation for up to 1,000 inmates. A detachment of 100 local soldiers was stationed to guard the jail, which was overseen by a European superintendent. Today, the jail continues to operate under much more organized and regulated systems.
Thane Jail has silently witnessed key events, including India’s freedom struggle. Revolutionaries such as Krishnaji Karve and Vinayak Narayan Deshpande were reportedly executed here, while freedom fighters such as Anant Kanhere and Raghoji Bhangra were imprisoned in the jail.
After independence, it has housed figures like actor Sanjay Dutt and stockbroker Harshad Mehta. The Bollywood film Undertrial was shot here, with 1,500 inmates participating. The Thane Municipal Corporation has proposed relocating the jail and restoring the historic fort as a tourist attraction.
Although several modernization projects have been undertaken, Thane Central Jail still struggles with severe overcrowding. Designed to hold 1,100 inmates, it now houses over 4,500, placing immense strain on space, sanitation, and basic facilities.
The story of Thane Jail is deeply tied to the story of the city itself — its rulers, its struggles, and its resilience. From a Portuguese bastion to a Maratha stronghold, and then from a British garrison to a modern jail, the fort remains a silent spectator to the city’s remarkable journey.
Next time you pass by its imposing walls, pause for a moment and reflect on the centuries of history these stones have witnessed. The Thane Fort and Jail is truly a diamond in the heart of the city — a living link to our proud past.
Source: Thane Gazetteer, and news reports
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