Hidden within its whitewashed stone walls lie dark hidden tales of the past.
An exposed red laterite stone gateway leads into the annals of the Fort Aguada Jail Museum. The iconic, historic fort was, until 2015, the state central Jail and has housed notorious prisoners including Charles Sobraj. Another prisoner, Bakhia made headlines for his daring bid to escape from the shackles of confinement.
During Portuguese rule, many freedom fighters and high-profile nationalist satyagrahis were jailed within the sturdy walls of Fort Aguada. As a reminder of the past, one comes face to face with a statue carrying a lifeless comrade in its arms representing the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
During the liberation movement of Goa, many freedom fighters protested Portuguese suppression and participated in various satyagrahas. The Portuguese responded by beating and shooting at them, leading to injury or even death. The statue of the man was originally sculpted by famous Goan sculptor, the late Vishnu Mahadev Cuncolienkar. Another statue of a lady with broken shackles is said to resemble Mother India, free from foreign yolk.
The jail compound hugs the rocky coastline, an apt locale to house prisoners, but affords picturesque views. To the right one comes across a water fountain, flowing with clear waters, and the source of life for its earlier occupants.
A stone plaque above the spring states: “The Most Catholic King Dom Filippe Ill of Portugal, during his reign and being second time the Viceroy of this State Count Admiral Dom Francisco da Gamma, ordered the City to build that fountain from one per cent revenue to provide in it the watering-place for the ships of this port which was constructed by the City Councillors in the year 1624.”
The name Aguada (agua meaning water) comes from the fresh potable drinking water tank that flows within and was used to supply water to the ships voyaging from this port.
As one saunters along, the beautiful scenery is hard to miss. If only the swaying palms could speak the history it witnessed! Soon, you come across another gateway across the core block entrance, guarded with a large bell on the outside and a stone guardhouse designed for one guard on the inside.
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Read the full article in the latest issue of Viva Goa Magazine. Pick your copy from the nearest supermarket/bookstore today!
