A significant step is being taken to honour Goa’s rich temple heritage and acknowledge a period of destruction. An expert panel has proposed the construction of a memorial and museum dedicated to the over 1,000 temples demolished during Portuguese rule. This initiative aims to preserve and promote awareness of Goa’s ancient temple culture.
Goa To Honour Temples Destroyed During Portuguese Rule
The announcement came from Goa Archaeology Minister Subhash Phal Desai, who presented a report in the legislative assembly. The report, compiled by a committee formed in 2023, details the devastating impact of Portuguese rule on Goan temples. Minister Desai confirmed his department is actively searching for a suitable location to house the proposed memorial.
The committee has recommended the construction of a “smarak devalaya,” a temple memorial, in specific areas. These areas – Salcette in South Goa and Bardez and Tiswadi in North Goa – witnessed some of the most extensive destruction of temples during Portuguese rule.
Memorial And Museum
The initiative goes beyond just a memorial. The committee also emphasised the need for a dedicated museum to showcase Goa’s ancient temple heritage. Minister Desai elaborated on plans to collaborate with the Department of Goa Gazetteer and Historical Records. This collaboration aims to translate relevant historical documents into English, facilitating further research into this period.
The report highlights the critical need to address the neglect faced by scattered archaeological remains across Goan villages. These remnants, remnants of a once-thriving temple culture, are rapidly disappearing due to modernisation. To address this concern, the committee has urged the government to establish a museum solely focused on Goa’s ancient temples. Additionally, they have recommended the creation of schemes to encourage research on these temples, encompassing both minor and major projects.
Minister Desai emphasised the department’s existing efforts to support research. An archaeological research fellowship scheme, catering to both junior and senior scholars, has already been launched. This initiative aims to cultivate academic interest in Goa’s temple history.
The proposed memorial and museum, along with the research programmes, represent a comprehensive approach to preserving and promoting Goa’s temple heritage. By implementing these recommendations, Goa hopes to not only protect its historical sites but also encourage scholarly research to gain a deeper understanding of this significant period in the state’s history.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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