Monumental Ruins of Goa Dourada

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, consecrated in 1605 and home to the body of St. Francis Xavier since 1624, emerged as a symbolic monument representing Goa amidst the city's decline from its golden period (1540–1630) to its ruination by the mid-17th century. This study reveals how Portuguese colonial policies, particularly during the Pombaline era, accelerated Goa Dourada's decay while Bom Jesus endured as a pilgrimage center and cultural landmark. By analyzing the overlapping histories of urban decline and monumental survival, the research contextualizes Bom Jesus' significance in 19th-century Goa, offering insights into the interplay between architectural preservation and colonial transformation.

Prabhakar Kandolkar, V. (2024). Monumental Ruins of Goa Dourada. Goa’s Bom Jesus as Visual Culture, 29–59. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003558064-2