Talk on Goan history Jackie Pinto "Old Goa which is today a World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Portuguese colonists till it was shifted to Panjim meaning 'the land that does not flood' (renamed Panaji).
Goa, a tiny territory of 3,500 square kilometres on India's West Coast, visited by hordes of holiday-makers and pleasure-seekers from every part of the planet has a 4000-year-old rich history that reflects itself in the lifestyle, art and architecture of its people. Goa's unique identity also comes from its Indo-Portuguese architecture and speaking on the subject at the Bangalore School of Music was Dr Paulo Varela Gomes, director of the Fudacao Oriente based in Goa. "Old Goa which is today a World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Portuguese colonists till it was shifted to Panjim meaning 'the land that does not flood' ( renamed Panaji). Founded by Afonso de Albuquerque it is peppered with a fascinating collection of churches and chapels, each with a distinct style reflecting the post-Portuguese era which not only impacted Goa's social and cultural life but also found expression in its uniquely harmonious and original Indo Portuguese buildings," says Dr Gomes Red-tiled roofed houses, their airy ornate verandahs and trellised railings, large gardens, winding staircases nestle in the quaint winding roads and soft green rice fields framed by swaying palm trees. The larger mansions which still survive, boast of enormous halls which were once the setting for elegant balls and banquets, small chapels with finely detailed altars, winding corridors and discreet centre courtyards called the 'patro', a part of Hindu Goa's influence. This strange yet appealing mix of European features with Maratha and Mughal traits in a kind of folksy amalgam gave birth to a style of house that came to be known as a quintessential 'Goan house'. "Goan history dates back from the time of the Bhoja kings, the Konkan Mauryas and the Kadambas who ruled from their imposing capitals of Chadrapura and Gopakapathana. The Vijayanagara, and Bijapur rulers came later followed by Afonso de Albuquerque and Goa remained in Portuguese hands till 1961. This small, yet very vibrant state, has had many factors shape its destiny from its maritime location to its share of invasions and occupations, which left their indelible mark on the people, their culture and above all its art and architecture," adds Gomes. http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Oct302008/metrothurs2008102997742.as p ~(^^)~ Avelino
