Archaeological Survey of India
Portuguese era cannon bullets discovered with the Basilica do Bom Jesus, in Goa
The discovery of cannon bullets during excavation work in an archaeological site in Goa revealed an arsenal of the Portuguese era, where coins were cast and built war ships.
An report sent by the Archaeological Institute of India (ASI) to the Asian country’s Tourism Department reveals that it was discovered in Goa, close to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a Arsenal of the Portuguese Era.
According to the report, the site was not only used to store weapons, but was part of a wider defensive complexwhich included a foundation of weapons, a stable of elephants, a mintand one naval shipyard.
According to the document, “European weaponry and naval equipment were stored or manufactured on site. ”
The arsenal was found following excavations made at the site after the discovery of cannon bullets, says the.
Quoting authors and historians of Portuguese maritime and colonial history, the report concludes that the place of discovery of cannon bullets coincided with the location of a Arsenal identified in historical reports Over the years.
“This area of the arsenal is located inside the walls of the Old Goa Citywhich was the Capital of the Portuguese State of India“, Says the report.
“The archaeological profile of this area is marked by the presence of cannon bullets of various sizes, weights, materials, as well as various types of ceramic and porcelain fragments of distinct ceramic traditions,” the report adds.
According to the document, Afonso de Albuquerquewhich led the Portuguese achievement of Goa in the early 16th century, began the development of the military complex, “and Its greatness was documented by European travelers“.
Sources cited in the report suggest that Arsenal may have preceded the Portuguese conquest and existed during the Adil Shahi periodwhat implies would be a prominent building even before the arrival of Albuquerque.
“When Albuquerque entered Goa, found in the quay 40 ships Big, 26 Bergantins, numerous shapes and other war -related materials, ”says the report.
O Arsenal was later rebuilt. “Around 1540, there were about 700 workers on site, and Arsenal reached its peak in the late 16th century“It reads in the document.
The report states that the French browser François Pyrard de Lavalduring his visit, in 1608, he described it as “well -fortified and equipped with stone -built rooms to reduce the risk of fire. ”
On June 9, 1753 he launched a large fire, which damaged part of the building. “Arsenal was renewed and expanded in 1773. However, with the decline of Portuguese influence, Arsenal lost its importance And it was closed in 1856 ″, adds the report.
“Arsenal was supposedly a walled enclosure within a walled city. Considering the Importance of the foundry of weapons and the coin houseera strictly kept by the Portugueseand only authorized staff who worked on site was allowed to enter, ”says a tour guide who conducts guided tours in Goa, quoted by The Indian Express.
“To launch an attack on enemy ships or armed troopsthe Portuguese, at the time, used stone cannon bulletssince they fragmented into pieces in the impact and caused more damage, in opposition to the metal cannon bullets, ”adds the guide.
“Portuguese cannons were typically smaller in size and could be assembled in ships or land. On the other hand, its range was limited. These cannons were supposedly built in this arsenal, ”concludes the guide.
