In 2010, the Seminary
of Rachol celebrated its 400 years of existence. It has largely been known for
its rich historical and cultural background in the history of Goa. But this
structure is deteriorating and so is in great need for restoration. From the
crumbling walls, to the peeling paintings, everything in the 400 –year –old heritage
institution is screaming for attention.
I’ve personally been to
the Rachol Seminary, and the numerous fresco paintings and artifacts inside the
seminary walls are magnificent. Almost everything is of grand importance from
the past. A Historian or an Art lover would not mind spending days in the peaceful
environment of the seminary and learning more about the history of the
structure and marvel of the paintings. The more one gets to know, the more
interesting it gets. But some of the paintings and artifacts are in a very
sorry state. Even hand written manuscripts on songs written in the form of
musical notes that are of enormous importance are just left to decay in the
stacks of store rooms in the Seminary.
When the rector of the
Seminary, Denis Fernandes was asked about the restoration plan for the Seminary,
he commented saying,” The application was also for the restoration of the
paintings. But when the ASI director and superintendent came for an inspection,
they passed the project only for the laterite footpath in front of the church”.
The priceless paintings, some of which seem already beyond recovery, are not
part of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) funded project. While their
importance is understood, the funds are not available.
The Seminary has its
own expenditure to look after which it does with the donations they get from
people, and so are left helpless to the worsening of the structure. One hopes
that the government will soon take interest into the matter in order to save
the historical site that contributes to our Goan history.
By Ovia Xavier
No comments:
Post a Comment