When the past historic places serve their way as museums or cultural heritage, it not only ensures the future viability of the buildings but also builds an excellent emotional and intellectual appeal to the visitors. Introducing one such historic place which is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, that once served its role as a beacon for the vessels entering Goa during the Portuguese era, Fort Aguada Jail Museum becomes the new cultural hub to showcase the past and glory of Goa.
Strategically located near the bay of Old Goa and Panaji, this fort once played a significant role during the time when Goa was titled “the Rome of the East” due to its prosperous trade. Previously acted as a strong defense base for the Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas, this place derives its name from the Portuguese words “Agua” (water) and “Da” (gives). It was only in the 1930s when the former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio de Oliveira Salazar converted this fort into an incarnation in the 1930s. It was used to imprison, punish, and torture all those who were against the Portuguese regime. However, in 1961, the Indian Armed Forces helped this fort to liberate from the rule of the Portuguese as successful “Operation Vijay”. Until 2015, it served as Goa’s central jail which kept notorious prisoners. It is now that the Goa Tourism Ministry converted it into a museum that will portray the state’s vibrant culture.
State Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte said,
“It artfully communicates the essence of Goa – its people, culture, history, and the pursuit of freedom.”
Further,
“The transformation was fuelled by a deep respect for Goa’s history and the desire to create a space that reflects the essence of Goa,”
says Naveen Chopra, group chief executive of Waterfront Experiences, the company that operates and maintains the complex.
The fort is located at the cliff of the Arabian Sea shore, which gives a breathtaking view of the ocean. Having its purpose as a state-of-the-art digital museum, it is further important to visit for its geography and architecture. It has the rare content of the documentaries that adds to the Goa history and freedom struggle, which is a great initiative to connect with the past. The Aguad Museum has three immersive sections- Goa: The Land, The Struggle, and The People with its high-tech QR-coded audio guides, interactive exhibits, and art kiosks to showcase even the sounds from its past.
At its condemnation cell, it hosts documentaries, which are rarely known to many people. At present, two documentaries are being screened: Freedom Movement of Goa and Forts of Goa. Further, there are heritage walks available for night and day to give an extraordinary experience to the visitor. And not to miss, there are eateries, which give extraordinary dining from mocktails to fast food and a cozy ambiance to many visitors and locals.
Since its launch, the fort has hosted many cultural events like the NDFC Film Festival, the Spic Macay: Shruti Amrut Festival, G20 Delegate Events, and numerous art shows and music concerts. Recently, an exhibition to celebrate the life and work of Bhanu Athaiya (India’s first Oscar winner for costume design) also received reviews through it.
The idea of creating an old architectural beauty into a museum to give the locals as well as tourists a taste of Goa’s rich history is a fine one and India needs more like this. The overall balance of entertainment, learning, and fine food further gives a reason to visit this place. Having one of the most creative projects of the year from India, the Fort Aguada Jail Museum is more than just a history lesson.
Resource.
Featured Image: Aguad Interactive Museum; Courtesy of AIM, via The Hindu.
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