Neeuq

Situated along the western Konkan coast of India, Goa has a tropical monsoon climate and is renowned both for its beaches and layered architectural heritage.

Historiography and school texts have typically foregrounded the Portuguese colonial period and the Maratha presence in Goa, a focus that has shaped modern Goan identity. Monuments in Old Goa such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Sé Cathedral are widely celebrated, as are major Hindu temples such as Shree Mangueshi and Shree Nageshi in Ponda.

By contrast, the Islamic-period sites in Goa have received comparatively limited scholarly and public attention. Where do the mosques, dargahs and other Islamic structures fit within Goa’s architectural landscape?

This beautifully illustrated architectural study addresses that gap by documenting surviving mosques from the Adil Shah period, analysing their design and construction and placing them within a more inclusive account of Goan heritage and its multiple influences.

Architect and researcher Tinusha Pereira explores the distinctive blend of Persian, Deccan and Goan influences reflected in these surviving structures.

Through meticulous measured drawings, fieldwork and historical analysis, the book reconstructs the original design intensions and function of these mosques, shedding light on their architectural development and cultural importance.

Highlighting the role of religious tolerance and cross-cultural exchange, this work reveals a unique architectural legacy in need of greater recognition and preservation.