Raj Bhavan (Government House) is a residential palace and fort situated in Dona Paula, Goa, which serves as the official residence of the governor of Goa. The sprawling 88 acres estate is located on a cape in the Goan capital, Panjim. Known by the name "Palácio do Cabo" (Portuguese for "Palace of the Cape") until it gained official status as the residence of the governor of Goa, this palace is said to be built between the 16th and 17th centuries in the erstwhile Portuguese India. The fort is strategically positioned facing the Arabian sea opposite the well-preserved 17th century Forte Aguada.
History
In 1540, the eighth governor of Portuguese India, Estêvão de Gama, proposed the idea of constructing some fortifications to guard the entrance to the Goa harbor. As per their long-established defense strategy they quickly built a church and fort and subsequently attached a convent. The Cabo (Portuguese for "cape") was converted into one of the best equipped and important fortresses over the years, although these days nothing remains of the old citadel that served as the Franciscan Convent. Since the canons were not often used, the buildings at some point of time were also used as temporary accommodation for the archbishop. Over course of time it became the official residence of the Portuguese governor of Goa.
It is said to be a strategically designed fort, not just holding panoramic views of the meeting of three water bodies, the Mandovi and Zuari rivers with the Arabian sea, but also of the river bay, Fort Aguada and the busy port of Mormugao. The scenic beauty and solitude combined with its uniqueness and planning are some of the attractions that remain at the Palacio do Cabo. The small church founded in 1541 at the very end of the mansion is dedicated to Our Lady of The Cape (Nossa Senhora do Cabo). This church also served as a landmark for the seafarers and celebrates its annual fest (feast) on 15 August.
The Palácio do Cabo is now known as the Raj Bhavan, the official name given to the residence of the governors of the states in India. It is also said to be among the finest residences of Indian governors owing to its location and display of Portuguese-Goan architecture. Indeed, it is said to hold the title as the oldest as no other residence of a governor of India has its origin over four hundred years ago.
Architecture and antiques
The palace is a double-storey structure of great dimensions and architectural significance. While the ground level consists of the office chamber and residence of the governor in addition to few guest suites. The upper level holds halls for gatherings (Durbar hall), conferences and banquets along with the main kitchen and additional guest suites or rooms. A row of varandas (verandahs) elevated on pillars on the rear side of the mansion overlook the Mandovi river to the right, the Zuari river to the left, and the Arabian sea ahead.
Bohemian chandeliers, Chinese porcelain, silver and wooden furniture form the assets of this palace. The pieces of antique Chinese porcelain are said to be presumably manufactured in Canton. A worn-out set of crockery having a similar design with Portuguese coat of arms were specially ordered for the use of the Portuguese governor general. An excellent collection of high quality solid wooden furniture with exquisite workmanship adorn some of the spaces in this palatial mansion. A set of intricately carved chairs with figurines of Hindu gods and temples indicate the complete harmony between Christians and Hindus that existed in Goa. Five tall Cantonese vases believed to be over 300 years old as well as two large-sized Cantonese bowls, all of which hold the Portuguese coat of arms are among the prized antique items at the palace. So are two wooden Ormolu mounted chests with veneer wood inlay and carara marble tops. On the walls of the Durbar Hall are large mirrors and a painting of a fisherman by Francisco Jose Rezende (1866). Carved furniture of ingenious and rare workmanship form part of the collections of the palace - the quality of which has not diminished even after use for centuries, owing to the up-keep.