An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar...
Goa, before the Portuguese arrived: a travel back in time
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Goa's early history is marked by prominent empires such as the Mauryas, Sattavahans and Bhojas. The Kadambas notably were in charge from 10-14th CE. Their capital city was Chandrapur (present-day CHANDOR) about 11kms from MARGAO.
A placard near Nossa Senhora de Belem church states Chandor or Chandrapur was the capital of the Kadamba dynasty
In the course of time, the KADAMBAS built a formidable navy and changed their capital to Govapuri or Gopakapattana (present-day village of Goa Velha) about 1km from Pilar, Tiswadi taluka. Owing to it being a natural port, Gopakapattana was used to carry on trade with distant lands.
By 1350 AD, the Bahmani muslim Sultanate of Gulbarga held sway over the land, and later followed by Adil Shah of the Bijapur Sultanate who was the last monarch before the Portuguese annexed Goa.
How did goans live before the Portuguese?
Clearly goan customs, traditions, religion and cultural lifestyle existed even before that. Let's take a look...
Goa's traditional religious and cultural celebration shines through at Shigmotsav festival parade that coincides with Holi
Traditional goan attire
Attire is often a result of a region's lifestyle and culture. Fishing has traditionally been the means of livelihood; little wonder then that men usually wore a loincloth 'kashti' with a thick cloth covering (like a blanket) draped over their shoulders.
The coming of the Portuguese brought in a wave of western clothing like formal suits, that confused goans who wanted to dress like their new masters, but still found it difficult to give up the 'kashti'. My dad used to have big laughs each time he related how for special occasions his grandfather wore a 'kashti' with a formal blazer on top.
kashti [loincloth] worn by goan men of yore
A goan woman's traditional attire called as'saddo
Pre-Portuguese goan homes and means of livelihood
A Coconut tree is versatile and grows in abundance along the coast making it a lucrative means of livelihood. Peeling out the husk and utilising it for making coir and various other products was another occupation besides fishing.
Distilling cashew feni has and is still very much a means of livelihood to this day.
A local tavern scene in Goa
After a hard day's work, there's the local tavern to drink your blues away.
A vast majority of goan houses were simple thatch-covered roof and mud wall huts with a few basic needs.
Above video is a showcase of pre-Portuguese traditional goan lifestyle and dress.
Much of adlēm goēm ie. Goa of yore stayed even during the Portuguese.
![kashti [loincloth] worn by goan men of yore](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFMpOaEv1TzFaNCnG2Uv1Ya6rOcsNog2njJKiDHwJr5UFXCLIcUd4x2mUT-fMwvZiGjNrVeTOmjGqM9Fcqkfy-fwnVFltFwyvkM41IOFkZGMrkcxFcaWhj2lMuvWm3f4x4Z2jEOt1UUJxrA8M5cxVZYONX0IZwjOCLBzP84_U-0BOyBJQXLDGNutqYTE/s640/IMG_20220306_170430.jpg "kashti [loincloth] worn by goan men of yore")
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