The Cabo Raj Niwas acquired prominent position because of its panoramic view overlooking both the Mandovi and Zuari rivers.
The fort was originally built in around 1540 and included a monastery to "Our Virgin Lady of the Cape" at the very end of the site acting as an invaluable landmark to sailors and seafarers of the time. In 1594, the then viceroy took on the mantle of reviving, renovating and adding to the existing monastery and paying out of his own pocket he paid for the existing chapel to be completely repaired and also paid for the construction of a monastery next to the existing site. In the same year, 1594, the Cabo Raj Niwas was among the finest Goan Niwas in the whole region and so it became the official residence of the governor of Goa and is still used as such to this day. Visitors specially children enjoy the privilege of looking around this magnificent building that contains superb examples of chandeliers, porcelain, silver and antique furniture. I really don't know off late, for past 1 year whether all these superb examples still exist or not. The purpose of writing this is because these days local papers say that present Governor has converted Raj Niwas into fortress with armed forces all over for his personal security. And that Cabo Raj Niwas does not even entertain Goan children to enter the complex to enjoy the beauty of the place which was officially allowed till last month. What's wrong with Cabo Raj Niwas? Can any one in the net who are Panaji or Talegao dwellers through light on this issue. Best regards, Dr. U. G. Barad
