Historical Heritage Of Goa

Arambol beach

Goa is synonymous with beaches, parties, carnivals, and raging nightlife. It's a favorite weekend getaway destination for most in India. However, there's more to Goa than all the fun and frolic, It has a deep-rooted history which, perhaps, not many know. The discovery of petroglyphs at Ugalimal and Kazur in 1993 establishes Goa's history to as far back as the Mesolithic age (8000 BCE).

Petroglyphs of Usgalimal on the Banks of River Kushavati 

Goa's rich heritage includes rock-cut Jain and Buddhist caves and temples to southern and western-influenced Hindu temples and Roman-influenced catholic churches and convents.

In 1986, 7 Goan Churches and Convents  were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since they "are outstanding examples of an architectural ensemble which illustrates the work of missionaries in Asia" - Source: UNESCO website 

(clockwise on the Map)

1. Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria 2. Church of Cajetan 3. SE Cathedral 4. Church and Convent St. Francis of Assisi 5. Basilica of Bom Jesus 6. St Augustine Tower (remains of St. Augustine Church) 7. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary

Goa's historical timeline:

8300 BCE,  Upper Palaeolithic to Mesolithic age

1200 BCE, Iron Age:

Between 322 and 185 BCE Mauryans ruled over this part of India. Mauryans were great patrons of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and the Ajivikas. Archeological excavations have brought into prominence many Buddhist caves, and Jain and Hindu temples all across Goa.

Between, 50 BCE, mid-1st century BCE and 250 CE Early 3^rd century CE (approx.), the Satavahanas ruled over Goa. The Satavahanas developed maritime trade with Coastal European countries. European-turned-Buddhists moved to India. Greco-Buddhist art and architecture thrived during this period.

Around the 4th century AD, the Bhojas took hold of Goa. They were patrons of Buddhism and Greco-Buddhist art and architecture.

Medieval period:

From the 10th to 14th century CE Kadambas ruled over Goa. They introduced the Kannada language to Goa

Between 1347 and 1518 Bahamani Sultanate took over Goa. They brought Muslim influence to Goa.

Between 1336 and 1646 Vijaynagar Empire brought back southern influence.

Between 1489 and 1510 Adil Shah of Bijapur Sultanate made a second capital at Velha Goa (Old Goa)

In 1510, Vasco Da Gama landed in Calicut, eventually arrived at Goa, and established 450-year rule of the Portuguese in Goa. The Portuguese introduced Christianity To Goa. They built many Churches and Convents with Roman and catholic influence.

In 1961 Indian Army annexed Goa into Indian territory and created the Union territory of, Goa, Daman, Diu

In 1987 Goa gained recognition as an Independent state post the Konkan agitation.

As of 2023, there are 14 forts and remains of forts in Goa (marked in Yellow). Only Aguada Fort is included among the 21 historical heritage of national importance (The other 20 historical heritage of national importance are marked in Cyan. 14 of these are located in Old Goa,7 of which are UNESCO heritage sites)

Heritage Sites of National Importance in Velha Goa (Old Goa)

There are 51 heritage sites that are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India marked in blue, yellow, and cyan

St Augustine Tower

The Aguada fort

The Lamgau Caves

The Surla Mosque

The Mangueshi Temple

The Shantadurga Temple

The Beach Cottage we stayed at for Rs. 400 a day