Protecting early sites restores balance to Goa’s rich pre-Portuguese history
The Goa government declaring 15 ancient monuments and archaeological sites in the state as ‘protected’ under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978, is a positive development towards preserving our heritage.
As per the notification published in the official gazette, the new ‘protected sites’ include the much-talked-about Haat Katro Khambo (Pelourinho Novo) at Old Goa, Sirdona Cave, ruins of the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Chimbel, remains of Gopakapattnam Port at Goa Velha, Jacquem Cave at Neturlim, Malar Cave in Divar, Bawlyache Mol at Pirla, Balli Math, remains of the Temple Sasore Khaddem at Cordem, Tamsuli Cave at Candola, Mardangad Fort at Queula, ruins of Surya Temple and memorials at Kudne, the rock-cut tank at Dabolim and Shree Damodar Temple tank at Fatorda.
The Directorate of Archaeology must be complimented for taking the efforts in compiling data on the 15 sites and getting them declared as ‘protected’ ancient monuments/archaeological sites and remains.
The largest of these 15 sites and remains is Gopakapattana port at Goa Velha. Recently, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the historical port would be restored to highlight Goa’s rich maritime and cultural heritage. Rightly so. The port was a major ancient and medieval maritime trading port. The Gopakapattana port city was also the capital and naval hub of the Kadambas. It was a busy docking site for foreign ships between the 10th and 14th centuries. It was in the 11th century that Kadamba ruler Jayakeshi I shifted base from Chandrapur (present-day Chandor) to accommodate a larger fleet. His decision proved right and it turned into a prosperous port. Through this port, Goa had global connections, including with South-East Asia, East Africa, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), China, Persia, Zanzibar, etc. From within India, the trade was with Gujarat, Thane, Tamil Nadu, according to history books.
The Directorate of Archives and Archaeology (they are bifurcated since October 2022) and NIO’s maritime archaeology unit collaborated in the 90s to undertake excavation of the Gopakapattana port site. Archaeologists found a laterite stone wall along the shore. Initiative was taken in the 90s for an underwater exploration, but it never took off. As the Goa government has shown interest in its conservation, it would be good if underwater exploration is launched.
More than this ancient port city, what generated more interest and debate in recent years is the Haat Katro Khambo, the pillory at Old Goa along the National Highway. It is controversial, as it is believed to be linked to the Inquisition. Listing of several caves is heart-warming, as it will help in their conservation. These include caves in Siridao, Malar (Divar), Candola, Neturlim, etc. Rural Goa used to say the caves were created by Buddhist monks and some by Hindu rulers. There may be more sites and remains of archaeological value that need to be protected. Some of the caves are linked to mythologies. Rivona caves are a real treasure. The ruins of the Jain temple at Kudne are also a marvellous site.
Goa, known as Sunaparanta in the past, was known for its rich heritage, and this is visible in its archaeological sites and remains. But over the decades, our focus has been more on one section of history, but we cannot afford to ignore the pre-Portuguese era. The archaeological sites could be a big asset for Goa tourism, especially to tap foreign tourists. Restoring and conserving the sites could be a boon for the tourism industry.
