New twist to old glory By Vibha Verma
Left abandoned for all these years, one amongst the other finest built forts of the Portuguese era is now to be restored and revitalised to its previous glory. Built in 1551, hence more than 450 years old, Reis Magos Fort is located at the eponymous village on the northern bank of the River Mandovi.
"The fort was in a bad shape and it was then that Mario Miranda (well known cartoonist) took initiative to do something to keep the fort alive. He then approached Hamlyn, proprietor of the Helen Hamlyn Trust who in turn asked me to involve myself in this project," said Gerard D'Cunha, manager of Architecture Autonomous Goa.
Helen Hamlyn Trust, London is the main sponsorer of the entire project and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTAC) will oversee the project with Architecture Autonomous Goa lead by Gerard D'Cunha.
The fort, which was also used as a prison, consists of three parts that includes the ground, citadel and bastion with cylindrical turrets looking out towards the river.
The significant aspect of the little headland of Reis Magos jutting out at the north end of the sandbar was the defeat of a Muslim outpost by Albuquerque in 1510 during one of his battles, wherein Bardez was added to the Portuguese territory and a fort, holding an important position, was built in 1551. It was later rebuilt in 1703 and was of obvious importance in 1739 when the Marathas took over the whole of Bardez.
"I want to take this fort to what it was probably 150 years ago. It is a two years contract and the revenue we have received for the work is three crores," stated D'Cunha who also is the curator for Houses of Goa that showcases the story of Indo-Portuguese domestic architecture.
"We are restoring the citadel by using lime and mud and the paint will be white wash.we don't want to make use of anything that will damage the structure," informed Ketak Nachinolkar, the conservation architect who specialises in restoration of old monuments and is working on this project with D'Cunha.
Built by Sultan Adil Shah and later fortified by the Portuguese, the fort will be a major attraction for the tourists after it is completely ready. The seven gun loops beneath the fort will be used for different exhibition purposes and a platform for cultural programmes among other things.
Goa Plus - December 7, 2007
