Old Goa-(Goa)

Old Goa is just nine kilometers (six miles) from Panaji, the capital of Goa. At this site are numerous churches that date from 16th century onwards. Ancient Goa was once in the mainstream of India's history. There is evidence of its association with the Mauryan Empire. The land was later ruled by a number of dynasties: the satavahanas, the Bhoja and the Chalukyas af Badami till the 13th century. In the 11th century the Kadambas of Goa moved their capital to Goapur or Goa Velha. Trade by both sea and land flourished, and Hindusim and Jainism were patronised. This land was then conquered by generals of the Delhi Sultanate, following which it formed part of the Vijayanagar kingdom. The Adil Shahis of Bijapur held sway in the 15th century and evidence of their occupation remains in the Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah, not far from the church of St Cajetan in Old Goa today. 

Vasco da Gama, the Portuguse explorer opened the gats of Goa for trade with India after his arrival in Calicut n 1498. In search of a foothold on Indian soil, with little interference from local rulers, the Portuguese set up base on the idyllic shores of Goa in 1510 when Alfonso de Albuquerque succeeded in driving out the force of Ismail Adil Shah.

The museum housed in the lovely old convent of St Francis of Assisi has exhibits from different periods of the history of Goa. The Key gallery has statues belonging to the Hindu period - sculpture of deities such as Uma- Mahesh. There are a number of sati (sutte) and hero stones. These stone slabs were erected in memory of a warrior, often to mark the place of his untimely death. The stone slabs have inscriptions and a small panel with relief sculpture depicting some aspect of the associated legend of the warrior-hero.

There are large paintings of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and founder Alfonso de Albuquerque. The painted portraits, yellowing with age, give us some idea of these fearless travelers, explorers and empire builders. Dressed in the fashions of their homeland, they look almost regal with their determined, self-assured expressions. On the first floor there are a number of portraits of Portuguese Governors.

There is a large coin collection that traces the chequered history of Goa and its occupation by various rulers, including the Portuguese.

The courtyard or enclosed garden of the convent is well maintained. An air of peace and tranquility still surrounds the churches, each one of them now virtually a museum in itself, recording the history of Goa.

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