Quepem- The lesser known part of Goa
Racheal Fernandes
C194240
The unexplored Regions of Quepem
'' Better to see something one's than to hear about it a thousand times ''.
Quepem is one of the lesser known villages in Goa. It lies 15km east of Margao and is known for its few tourist attractions like it's Temple's, Churches, Restaurant's, Beaches, Festivals and Historic Landmarks.
Sometimes I think that I am very lucky to be a part of this small place. There are many beautiful things here which some people dont know. Quepem is like the very few ancient places where everything is so very fascinating and everything here seems so magical like the ''PALÃCIO DO DEÃO''.
It is built in an unusual style blending elements of Hindu and Portuguese Architecture. Another of it's outstanding features are the lush gardens which have managed to preserve their historical features and have since old times ,been known as the most beautiful pleasure gardens in Goa.
Jose Paulo was born to Faustino Da Costa Pereira de Almeida and Margarida Ignacia Da Braga in Portugal. He was part of the entourage of archbishop.Dom Frel Manuel de santa Catarina.He arrived in Goa on 3rd October 1779,at 19 years of age. Jose Paulo spent the remaining 55 years of his life in Goa. He died on the 10th of January 1835 at his residence in the chapel of the Mount at old Goa.
Bestowed with exceptional faculties of intelligence. He rapidly rise to positions of responsibility. He began his public carrier in the Archidiocese as Secretario-Escrivao Da camara pontificia on 30th October 1779.He spent a great amount of his energies dedicated to the rehabilitation of the two seminaries of chorao and Rachol.
He is also said to be the founder of Quepem.
The Deao in Quepem:
In 1787, Pe.J.p de Almeida transferred his residence from old Goa to Quepem and founded an Hamlet the Quepem was in those day's covered with forest. He ordered planting of rice,coconut palms and other fruit trees. He established a market, hospital and other facilities for the benefit of the inhabitants. He also founded the St.Cruz church,at his own cost as inscribed on the pyramidal structure in the churchyard.
It is believed that the Deao began by erecting two columns at the entrance of Quepem. Thereafter, he obtained permission that criminal offenders who entered this village across these columns to work could be rehabilitate themselves in this village which he had founded. Thus,he was able to establish Quepem as arable,self sustaining and habitable place.
It is known the origin of this story,but one is able to still see the bases of these columns at the entrance of Quepem. He constructed in Quepem for his occasional stay a spacious house that he modestly described as a Farm House .It was later Justifiable come to be known as the ''palacio Do Deao''.
Another thing which is so captivating is the Quepem Dam which is also known as the 'Quepem Bandh'.
The Quepem Dam is another beautiful place to visit. It is located right over the Kushawati River and is said to be one of the oldest Dams in South Goa Quepem Taluka.
This Dam was built during the Portuguese regime. It's a lovely place to have picnics or spend time with family and friends.
It is a small natural Dam constructed on the River in Quepem.
The waterfall on this Dam is especially beautiful during the monsoon. The water flowing is sweet water and possesses high mineral content. During the Rainy days the water which flows from the Dam looks so vibrant that one cannot take his eyes away from it.
The Dam is so attracting that many people visit here,so also one can walk to the other side of the Dam but only during the summer days when water level is less and the path is not slippery. It's a bit creepy but it's lively.
My village,rising from the plain. Shaded with trees and leaves like a piggy bank filled with memories. You'll see why a person would want to live here forever.....
Comments
Post a Comment