Introduction

Design Resource

Terracotta Wall Hangings - Panaji, Goa

Native Handicrafts of Goa

Prof. Bibhudutta Baral, Divyadarshan C. S. and Harsha Kulkarni

Introduction

Goa is one of the India’s most popular tourist destination and also well-known for its variety of handicrafts. It is situated at Konkan region to the western part of India and surrounded by the Maharashtra state to the north and also connects with Karnataka to east and south. Goa attracts huge numbers of international and domestic tourists every year mainly for its Exotic beaches, Wild life sanctuaries, Spice plantations, Plentiful of foodstuffs, Discos, Nightclubs, Casinos, etc. It has a flavor for all right from a party lover to nature lover.

Goa was a part of Mauryan Empire around third century BC. Later Kolhapur Satvahanas and Chalukyas of Badami took over the authority. Gradually other dynasties followed until the Vijayanagar Empire established itself for almost a century. Later the historical era ended with the arrival of Bahmani Sultans of Gulbarga. After that the dynasty was in the hands of Adil Shahis of Bijapur. Years later Portuguese came as a merchants and defeated the presiding Bijapur sultan Yousuf Adil Shah then conquered Goa and existed about 450 years in Velha Goa or old Goa and thereafter it was occupied by British Empire until it was annexed by India in 1961.

This historic city still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese. Now the civilized state has prudent and hardworking people. Goa is also known as multi-lingual state, the two major languages are Marathi and Konkani. The national language of India, Hindi is well understood and also the most commonly spoken language English is used widely. Goa flourishes with well-known churches and temples and a symphonic co-existence triumphs between people of various faith today, it is also one of the India’s maximum per-capita incomes by establishing the basis of its economy with fishing, tourism, farming and iron-ore mining.

Goa is one of the smallest state in India which covers an area about 3702 square kilometers. It has a hot and humid climate most of the year as it is located near the Arabian Sea. Goa receives annual rainfall from June and last till September. The climate is very favorable from the late October and has a short winter season which lasts between mid-December to February.

Goa state has been divided into two districts that is North Goa and South Goa. Panaji is the capital city of Goa. Earlier it was pronounced as Panjim by Portuguese and later it turn into Panaji. It fascinates tourists by its eminent structures like “Immaculate Conception Church”, “Basilica of Bom Jesus”, Se Cathedral, Bird Sanctuary, popular beaches and many other places to get around. There is also very convenient mode of transportation in and around Goa, One of the most popular mode is renting a motorcycle and explore many things. Taxis, Local bus service, Auto rickshaws and cabs are available conveniently.

Tourists are not fulfilled unless they take remembrance of their memorable vacation by wandering around the traditional markets of Goa towns and villages. The outstanding native handicrafts of Goa are most popular souvenir items which include Shell work, Crochet, Brassware, Paper- Mache, attractive Terracotta and pottery works and many more.

Terracotta home decors are seen in wide practice in Goa and the raw materials are generally obtained locally. In many states of India, Terracotta products have a lot of Importance and is practiced from many generations. This traditional crafts produced by the potters are with artistic perfection and realistic finish.

Terracotta is an art that is made from natural clay, which gives reddish brown in color by its characteristic. It is one of the simplest process for creating decorative items with much lower material costs. Wall Hangings which are made from Terracotta is the magnificent art work that are specially used to design and decorate walls which fascinates the visitors. Some of the special products are custom designed and prepared. This art is practiced for more than two decades in the Artisan family and are successful by introducing contemporary designs in the products.

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Terracotta Wall Hangings - Panaji, Goa