Searching for Old Goa: Traces of an Asian-European Port City

Lecture by Dr. Sidh Losa Mendiratta: As civilizations’ most complex material expressions, cities have flourished and withered over the centuries. Among the world’s ruined cities, Old Goa holds a unique place. Following its thriving development as the Estado da Índia’s main port city during the 16th century, this cosmopolitan and commercial hub entered a long period of decline, mirroring the woes of the Portuguese Empire. In this presentation, I will describe how Old Goa’s archaeological and heritage structures were perceived from the late 19th century onwards, and how some of them were preserved and used during the final years of Portuguese colonial rule. Highlighting the handful of archaeological excavations in Old Goa, I will address how recent research allows us to form a clearer picture of the erstwhile port city, and to reassess its significance, not only for the fields of Architectural and Urban History, but also for the larger narratives of Asian/European cultural encounters.