GOA
has over the centuries, opened its doors and its heart to the Mauryan,
Kadambas, Yadavs, Chalukyas, Dravidians, Arynas, Delhi Sultants, Vijaynagar
rulers, Bahamani Sultans, Arabs, Persians and Jews. Finally in 1510 an event
took place that was to leave an idelible mark on this
"Pearl of the
Orient".
A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi,
defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a
Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious
blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from
religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended
451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part
of the Indian Union .
Goa's over 100 kms long coastline is studded with some of the
world's loveliest beaches - Calangute, Colva, Baga, Vagator and Miaramar.
Golden Beaches, Blue Skies and Pale Green Hills, Silvery Sand fringed with
palms - this is Goa - the land of Paradoxes, the land of Fun and Frolic, of
calm and tranquility.
Goa indeed is enviously adorned. An amalgamation of religious
architecture, built in the 16th century, it was a city with awe inspiring
Cathedrals. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the
St. Cathedral with its fourteen splendid altars, and the Convent of St.
Francis of Assisi are the magnificent sites to visit.
The
known temples are the Sri Shanta Durga at Kavlem, Shri Mangest Temple, Sri
Saptakoteshwar Mukhalinga and the Drivaidian Sri Malikarju Temple at
Canacona. The brief tenure of Islam has left mosque of the Namazgah and the
ruins of the Safa Masjid at Ponda. A visit to the Museum of Christian Art,
12 kms from Margao in the South Goa is a must housing artifacts from private
collectors and from the churches of Goa.
