Conservation of Churches in Goa

Old Goa also known as Vehla Goa lies 10 km to the east of Panaji, the capital of the state of Goa. The ancient history of Goa starts from third century bce. It was ruled by the Satavahana, Bhoja, Chalukyas, Shilaharas, Kadambas, Yadavas, Marathas and finally Portuguese. Portuguese ruled Goa from 1510 to 1961 and in 1961, Goa with Daman and Diu merged with the Indian Union. During Portuguese time, highly sophisticated architectural style developed which culminated in the Indo-Portuguese Baroque style in the eighteenth century Goa. Many churches were built in Goa, among these the Se Cathedral, Convent and church of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine, Church of the Carmelites, Church of St. John of God, Chapel of St. Anthony, Convent and Church of the Cross of Miracles, St. Anne are important. These buildings with the passage time suffered and lost grandeur. These buildings have been repaired since 1962. In the present study, an attempt has been made to explore the conservation work of the St. Anne Church which was continued for five years and substantial progress was achieved. It is enumerated here along with the details of some other conservation work carried out on other Churches of Goa. An attempt is made to analyse some important forts and temples needing conservation. The author has tried to make the book well illustrated.…