Goa Art & Culture
Goa
is a land of crafts and craftsmen, where aesthetic quality finds a natural expression.
Goa has a rich and magnificent tradition of the classical arts. Over the years,
Goans have excelled in poetry, music and the fine arts.
The exquisitely carved rosewood and teak furniture, the terracotta figurines,
the classic brass items and the unique gold jewellery designs all speak of an
age still valuable in this technology obsessed world.
The folk paintings of Goa have been traced to different places from ancient
temples, churches and palatial manors to humble households. They mostly depict
episodes from the epics - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana and the Puranas and
also scenes from the New Testament.
During the Portuguese colonisation, local craftsmen played a major role in the
development of the exquisite furnishings and decorations used in residential
houses, churches and chapels. This art can still be seen the Christian Art Museum
at Old Goa.
Goans
have contributed greatly to the world of music. Many famous names on the Indian
music scene originate from Goa. Famous singers such as Lata Mangueshkar and
Kishori Amonkar in the classical variety and Remo Fernandes in pop music, are
from Goa.
Konkani literature has produced many great names such as Bakibab Borkar who
have contributed to the development of Konkani as a national language with some
superlative writing.
Local craftsmen in Goa produce a wide variety of crafts ranging from terracotta
pottery and figures to superb brass lamps and decorative items.
A large number of Goans have also played a major role in drama and Hindi film
industry in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.
