Goa to restore ancient temples damaged and destroyed during Portuguese rule

Panaji, Jul 22: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant mentioned in his address to the state Legislative Assembly on Thursday that Goa administration will soon take on the task to repair old temples that were damaged or destroyed during the Portuguese rule. The State Archives and Archaeology agency has already begun to examine temples or temple remains.

 

 

 

 

According to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's address to the state Legislative Assembly on Thursday night, the Goa state administration would take on the repair of old and ancient temples that were damaged or destroyed during the Portuguese rule. According to the Chief Minister, the State Archives and Archaeology agency has already begun the examination of temples or temple remains, that would be included in the project.

 

 

 

 

 

Although such temples are not notified in any govt record, references can be found in history books. CM Sawant said. “We cannot forget Goa's history. The govt's intention is to renovate the temples which were destroyed during the Portuguese regime.” Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai had earlier responded to a cut motion on demands of grants for the Social Welfare department and said that the decision to restore temples has an 'agenda' behind it.

 

 

According to the statement of the state's Social Welfare Minister Subhash Fal Desai, the govt was yet to decide which temples were to be renovated or restored. He said, “Though there is no list of temples available with the department, there is substantial research in the public domain. There are documents in the archives.” According to the report of India TV, the state Budget has earmarked Rs 20 Cr for the renovation of temples damaged or destroyed during the Portuguese colonial rule which lasted for more than four centuries.