Tourism
of Goa
Art
and Culture
The
Land of Artistes and Craftsmen
Goa is a land of crafts and
craftsmen, where aesthetic quality finds a natural expression. Goa has a
rich and magnificent tradition of the classical arts. Over the years, Goans
have excelled in poetry, music and the fine arts.
The exquisitely
carved rosewood and teak furniture, the terracotta figurines, the classic
brass items and the unique gold jewellery designs all speak of an age still
valuable in this technology obsessed world.
The folk paintings of
Goa have been traced to different places from ancient temples, churches and
palatial manors to humble households. They mostly depict episodes from the
epics - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana and the Puranas and also scenes
from the New Testament.
During the Portuguese colonisation, local
craftsmen played a major role in the development of the exquisite
furnishings and decorations used in residential houses, churches and
chapels. This art can still be seen the Christian Art Museum at Old Goa.
Goans have contributed greatly to the world of music. Many famous
names on the Indian music scene originate from Goa. Famous singers such as
Lata Mangueshkar and Kishori Amonkar in the classical variety and Remo
Fernandes in pop music, are from Goa.
Konkani literature has
produced many great names such as Bakibab Borkar who have contributed to the
development of Konkani as a national language with some superlative writing.
Local craftsmen in Goa produce a wide variety of crafts ranging
from terracotta pottery and figures to superb brass lamps and decorative
items.
A large number of Goans have also played a major role in
drama and Hindi film industry in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.
About
Goa