I have been reading about the destruction of the Hindu temples in Goa during the early years of the Portuguese rule. There are multiple references to temple destruction in 1540's in the 'Old Conquest' talukas of Bardez and Salcette. However the reported number of temples destroyed are all over the map. Some report "thousands of temples being destroyed". A few are more specific - with 280 in Bardez and 300 in Salcette temples being destroyed. In George Moraes' paper, I came across a reference to a paper / book written by Paulo da Trinidade "Conquista esperitual de Orient" that seems to present "a missionary estimate of the seventeenth century", of 300 temples in Bardez. My question: Do each of the talukas in the 'New Conquest' (where there was no temple destruction) currently have so many temples (or their ruins) dating back to the 15th and 16th century, as the two talukas in the 'Old Conquest'? Looking at the map of present-day Goa, many of the talukas of the 'New Conquest' (not affected by the temple destruction) are geographical much larger than Bardez or Salcette. My reading, each taluka of the 'New Conquests' have about 10-30 temples. So can someone explain to me the disparity (if there is one and the cause) in the number of 15th and 16th century Hindu temples (some may be rebuilt since then) in the talukas of the 'Old Conquest' and 'New Conquest?
For general information, there is only one temple built in the 13th century - Shri Mahadeva Temple of the Kadamba-Yadava style at Tambdi Surla. The other temple of antiquity built in 1413 during the Vijayanagar period, is Naguesh Temple at Bandode. The present temple was renovated in 1880. Are there any other temples of antiquity or their ruins in the New Conquests talukas? I would appreciate if this post was forwarded to anyone interested in or is researching "The Pre-Portuguese Culture of Goa" Thanks in anticipation for the information and for forwarding this to the right individuals. Kind Regards, GL
