Panaji, Goa – The Goa Government has taken a commendable step by declaring the historical sites of ‘Mardangad’ in Ponda and ‘Hath Katro Khamb’ in Old Goa as protected monuments under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1978.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has wholeheartedly welcomed and congratulated the state government on this decision. The move fulfils a long-standing demand of Goa’s Hindu community.
Shri. Satyavijay Naik, Goa State Coordinator of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, stated, “The government has now addressed a demand that the Hindu community in Goa has been raising for several years.”
He further explained, “Mardangad Fort in Ponda is the only fort in Goa constructed by Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This fortress stands as a symbol of Maharaj’s valour and prowess. The Mardangad Samvardhan Samiti has been working to preserve all of Goa’s forts along with their history and culture, so that this historical heritage can be passed on to future generations. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has actively participated in this committee’s efforts. The government’s announcement represents a significant victory for the campaign led by the Mardangad Samvardhan Samiti. Coming just before the day commemorating the sacrifice of Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (18 March), this declaration serves as a true tribute to him.”
Shri. Ramesh Shinde, National spokesperson of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, also congratulated the Goa government, noting, “Hath Katro Khamb is the sole surviving historical evidence of the inhumane atrocities committed against Hindus in Goa by the tyrannical Portuguese rulers. The Samiti has campaigned for many years to ensure the preservation of this important historical site. Hundreds of memoranda were submitted, numerous agitations organised, and press conferences held to press for Hath Katro Khamb to be declared a protected monument. On the previous Goa Revolution Day, tribute was paid at the site to the martyrs of the Goa liberation struggle, drawing the attention of the government, the archaeology department, and history enthusiasts to this matter. The government’s decision marks the success of the sustained efforts by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and various other Hindu organisations.”
HJS has also urged the government to promptly notify the history of Mardangad, install information boards at both Hath Katro Khamb and Mardangad fort detailing their historical significance, include this history in school textbooks, and establish an independent ‘Fort and Heritage Development Authority’ in Goa.
