FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
The government of India in its initiative - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating and commemorating 75 years of independence and the glorious history of the people, culture and achievements of the country, has made entry into the Aguada Fort and the Archaeological Museum of Goa, free of cost till Independence Day. The Union Culture Ministry had announced free entry to all Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monuments and sites across the country from August 5 to 15.
Superintending Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India, Goa Circle, Hemasagar A Naik says, “The Archaeological Survey of India, to commemorate 75 years of independence, as per a circular from the Central Government, has identified 150 monuments and sites across the country which will hoist the National Flag on 15 August. Entry into the Aguada Fort and the Archaeological Museum of Goa will be free of cost till Independence Day”. He further says that the church of St Francis of Assisi in Old Goa situated adjacent to the Archaeological Museum will be illuminated in the tri-colour as part of the celebration and the National Flag will be hoisted at the Aguada Fort on Independence Day.
Fort Aguada is a seventeenth-century Portuguese fort, along with a lighthouse, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The monument is of national importance and is an ASI protected site. The fort is a typical example of Portuguese military architecture. Built of durable laterite stone, it has stood the test of time. The fort was originally constructed in 1612 at the mouth of River Mandovi, and was strategically located to be the chief defence of the Portuguese against the Dutch.
Pankaj Verma, Group Editor of a television news channel from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, who is visiting the Archaeological Museum of Goa along with his wife says, “It was a unique experience for us, a combination of Portuguese culture mixed with Indian culture. Till 1961, Goa was under Portuguese rule. The archives are well preserved and maintained and I appreciate the government for making the entry free to celebrate 75 years of independence.” He further adds that the only thing missing was a light and sound show, which is a main feature of many historical places around the country. "This gives the total history or account of a particular place and the concerned authority should consider including this here,"
he says.
The Archaeological Museum of Goa is located adjacent to the Convent and Church of St Francis of Assisi. The museum contains many important and beautiful artefacts of the Portuguese rule, divided amongst eight galleries. The most important of these are considered to be the portraits of the past viceroys and governors of Goa. The museum also houses a large collection of stamps, religious artefacts and other treasures.
Corrado Tassi, who is visiting from Italy says, “The artefacts and portraits are very interesting. We have studied history about the people that used to go around the world by ship, about explorers such as Vasco da Gama. It’s fascinating to see it preserved so well here”.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of Independence. The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on March 12, 2021 which started a 75-week countdown to India’s 75th anniversary of Independence and will end next year on August 15, 2023.
Aguada Fort is open for visitors between 6am and 6pm, while the Archaeological Museum of Goa is open from 9am to 5pm.
