When the Portuguese arrived in the island
of Goa in 1510, it was a rich commercial city, where people
from different parts of Asia converged. Goa was a natural
port. All the Muslims embarked here for Jeddah on their way
to Mecca. The city was adorned with many buildings such as
the beautiful mosque, the majestic palace of Adil Shah, the
Adil Shah's castle, etc.
With the advent of the Portuguese, the development of Goa
attained its apogee; it was called Goa Dourada (Golden Goa),
Rainha do Oriente (Queen of the East), Roma do Oriente (Rome
of the East). Goa gave origin to the Portuguese proverb Quem
viu Goa, excusa de ver Lisboa (He who has seen Goa need not
see Lisbon). Besides being a commercial city, Goa was also
an educational centre with many Colleges and a University;
it was here that the first printing press in India was established
in 1556. As we shall see later, Goa was also a centre of art.
Here are some impressions of famous travelers who single it
out, from the innumerous places they had visited during their
adventurous voyages:
Pyrard de Laval: "Whoever has been in Goa may say that he
has seen the choicest rarities of India, for it is the most
famous and celebrated city, on account of its commercial intercourse
with people of all nationalities of the East, who bring there
the products of merchandise and other commodities in abundance
because every year more than 1000 ships touch there, laden
with cargo".
Talboys Wheeler: "Every morning the sun rose at Goa upon scenes
which may be easily realized the sailors coolies loading or
unloading in the river; the busy shopkeepers displaying their
wares, the slaves bringing in the supplies of water and provisions
for the day,meantime above the noise of offices and bazaars,
the bells were ever ringing from the numerous Churches and
monasteries, and filling the whole city with an ecclesiastical
clangors".
There were many famous streets such as Rua Direita, Rua dos
leiloes, (Auction Road), Rua dos ourives (Goldsmiths' Road),
Rua dos Judeus (Jews' Road), and the bazaars such as Bazar
graride, Bazar de S. Caetano, Bazar de Peixe; Baratilha (similar
to the Bombay 'Chor Baz |
