CABO DE RAMA
(Deriving its name from the Hindu Epic the Ramayana, this ancient fort far predates the Portuguese rule in
Goa, making it one of the oldest forts in Goa. Though time and the elements
have weathered this proud structure, it still stands today, guarding the mouth
of the Sal River and commanding panoramic views of the ocean and the
surrounding countryside.)
The fort is located
in Cancona, a town in the South of Goa, about 16 km north of Agonda Beach.
This ancient fort has
been standing on the bluff overlooking the Cape for centuries. It changed hands
many times during its history and was controlled sometimes by the Hindu rulers
and sometimes by the Muslim rulers. The Portuguese wrested it from the control
of the Raja of Soonda in 1763 and remained in control of it for the rest of the
colonial rule of Goa.
When the fort was no
longer useful as a military bastion, it was converted into a prison in 1935 and
continued to be used in this capacity until 1955.
The fort covers an
impress 180,000sq.m. and is built, like most of the other ancient structures of
Goa out of laterite rock. When the Portuguese took over the fort, they
constructed military barracks, command posts and officers’ quarters. They also
equipped it with 21 canons and the embrasures to hold the same.
As was their habit
they constructed a church within the walls of the fort. This church, dedicated
to St. Anthony, is still in use today. Its cleanly white washed structure makes
a vivid contrast with the blackened walls of the fort.The citadel now lies in
ruins and only one of the walls is completely preserved. However, the main
entrance to the fort has been completely reconstructed and lends an imposing
air to the monument. Although this fort cannot be said to be in good repair, it
is nevertheless still an impressive and historically significant monument.
Today only the Church
is still in regular use and consequently is the best maintained part of the
fort. The buildings that were used as a prison are also reasonably habitable
and are used as a government outpost, occasionally housing scientists and
researchers from the National Institute of Oceanography.
It is notable,
however, that there are still a couple of ancient canons which were left behind
when the Portuguese abandoned the place, and have been left there ever since.
One can walk around the fort walls, taking in the view of the surrounding
countryside. From the Western wall, the full panorama of the Arabian Sea lies
beneath. There is also a narrow, and steep pathway that can be used to travel
from the fort down to the beach below.
he fort gets its name
from Lord Rama, hero of the epic Ramayana. It is said that he and his beloved
wife Sita took refuge here during the time they were exiled from Ayodhya. Hence
the fort and the cape have been named for him. Although not as impressive as
some of the other forts, those who prefer to do their sight-seeing with a
certain amount of solitude would probably appreciate the peace and quiet that
prevails here.