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Old Goa is only nine kilometers east of Panaji. Founded in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque as the old capital, the place is replete with churches and more churches. The Se Cathedral, the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Professed House and Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church and Convent of St. Monica, the Church of St. Cajetan and the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine are, probably, the more mentionable of the lot. But the list of old buildings, all reflecting the chapters of bygone times, doesn’t quite and here. Take the local bus from Panaji and chat up the friendly-faced Goan by your side. |
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History
- Old Goa
As the Arabian Sea lapped hungrily on the shores of Goa, seafaring merchants cast yearning looks at this natural harbor, which was ideally situated to become a center for their activities. The local rulers, the Bahmanis, were not oblivious to these glances and quickly shifted their capital to one of Goa’s most beautiful parts, which became Goa’s international entrecote called variously as Goa Doirada, or Golden Goa, Velha Goa or Old Goa.
Several ships belonging to Arabs, Jews, Persians and Malabaris called at this port. As they unloaded, riches filled the countryside, an account of which dazzles the imagination! Majestic horses, some white, some black and some a shade of brown shook their manes as they got off the ship from Arabia or Persia. Persian carpets were their other merchandize. Then there were slaves who came in from East Africa. Glittering diamonds, rubies and pearls, textiles, opium, rose water and silver and gold came in from other parts of India, Ceylon and China.
Grandeur was the middle name for this flourishing port, which soon came alive with many magnificent palaces, mosques, temples, orchards and commercial centers. Old Goa was a center for Haj pilgrimage. It was also famous for its ship building industry.
One among the seafarers, however, now looked straight at this lovely port. He, Alfonso de Albuquerque was sure he wanted to make this port a jewel in the Portuguese crown. In the year 1510, he finally conquered it and marking this site stands the Chapel of St. Catherine. By 1530, the Portuguese had shifted their capital from Cochin to Old Goa. This was a period when there was staunch opposition in Roman Catholicism to any form of heresy. The Church was anxious to protect their followers and spread the message as far as possible. Since the Portuguese wanted Goa for keeps, they went about restructuring it to their taste and religious beliefs. In a letter dated 6th January 1543, to the king a message was sent from Goa praising the work of a carpenter who had destroyed almost all pagodas and houses of idolatry worship in Goa |
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Cidade
de Goa