Panaji, Goa: Workers digging a sidewalk in Panaji, the capital of Goa, found a carved stone tablet several hundred years old that historians say dates back to the time when the Portuguese were building a new capital.
In a social media post, historian Sanjeev Sardesai said that a piece of stone/granite has been found which has a carving of a bearded man playing a veena/violin near his feet.
Sardesai said it was found during excavation and renovation of the footpath just outside the heritage barber shop 'Barbaria'.
According to his "logical theory", the carved granite slab was made of building material from the old Portuguese capital 'Velha Goa' (Old Goa which was moved in the late 1700s to build the new capital or 'Nova Goa (modern Panaji). Was a part. ), the historian claimed."During the reconstruction process there must have been hundreds of such pieces that would have been discarded and buried at various places in Panaji. I know of at least three such sites. An artefact found in Panaji or Goa in general is for every Goan It should be a matter of pride, irrespective of faith or belief, as it was created by the people of Goa,” he stressed.
State Archeology Department director Nilesh Desai said they have taken possession of the artefact and it will be sent for expert opinion for information about date etc.Historian Prajal Sakhardande said the artefact may be associated with the 'Paulists', missionaries of the Society of Jesus who worked to spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies.
"Jesuit missionaries arrived in Goa in the 16th century and were followers of St. Paul. From the headgear (of the artwork), the violin and the presence of the dog in the sculpture, it is certain that it is a Paulist sculpture." He said.
Sakhardande claimed that the artefact, based on the type of carvings and stonework, dates back to the 19th century when Panaji became the capital of Goa.
In a social media post, historian Sanjeev Sardesai said that a piece of stone/granite has been found which has a carving of a bearded man playing a veena/violin near his feet.
Sardesai said it was found during excavation and renovation of the footpath just outside the heritage barber shop 'Barbaria'.
According to his "logical theory", the carved granite slab was made of building material from the old Portuguese capital 'Velha Goa' (Old Goa which was moved in the late 1700s to build the new capital or 'Nova Goa (modern Panaji). Was a part. ), the historian claimed."During the reconstruction process there must have been hundreds of such pieces that would have been discarded and buried at various places in Panaji. I know of at least three such sites. An artefact found in Panaji or Goa in general is for every Goan It should be a matter of pride, irrespective of faith or belief, as it was created by the people of Goa,” he stressed.
State Archeology Department director Nilesh Desai said they have taken possession of the artefact and it will be sent for expert opinion for information about date etc.Historian Prajal Sakhardande said the artefact may be associated with the 'Paulists', missionaries of the Society of Jesus who worked to spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies.
"Jesuit missionaries arrived in Goa in the 16th century and were followers of St. Paul. From the headgear (of the artwork), the violin and the presence of the dog in the sculpture, it is certain that it is a Paulist sculpture." He said.
Sakhardande claimed that the artefact, based on the type of carvings and stonework, dates back to the 19th century when Panaji became the capital of Goa.
