In God's Name...
Some of the early works of unappreciated Goan artists have found acceptance in the Xavier Centre of Historical Research. UPPERCRUST takes you on a guided tour. The Xavier Centre of Historical Research is not very obvious to a layman visiting Goa. Located in Alto Povorim in Bardez, XCHR is on the way to Panjim. The institute does not just deal in grooming young Catholic monks, but houses a museum that celebrates the ancient art of Goa and a library which bridges the gap between past generations when the books were published, to the Goa of present times.  "The Centre speaks for itself. Our library comprises books on Goan history as well as those describing the struggle for freedom in India," says Father W. Mendonsa. The Centre has a small green garden with an old well in the centre. It houses young priests and has conference halls on the ground and first floor. On the third floor are study rooms and the museum. The main building is connected to the library which has a gargantuan collection of rare books on the history of Goa, India and even Portugal. "The history of Portugal has a lot to do with the birth of Goa as it was a Portuguese colony for decades," says Father Mendonsa.The Jesuits in India established this research centre and other formidable educational institutes like the St Xavier's Colleges of Arts and Science in Bombay and Ahmedabad. The Xavier Centre of Historical Research was founded in 1977 by the Society of Jesus and in 1993 it became a recognized affiliate of Goa University, for co-ordination of research and academic activity. The Centre is designed to serve as a base for scholarly research in the history and cultural heritage of India, with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural and social issues affecting the State of Goa. The main building was constructed only in 1983, from where the Centre now seeks to provide youth with a forum for exchange of ideas, information and expertise for visitors to Goa. The Centre is looking to working in collaboration with like-minded groups and individuals for promotion of these objectives.  The library, on the third floor of the building, is not very appealing to the casual visitor but is a haven of information and rare books as well as unpublished research material in English and Portuguese. The Centre owns a priceless collection of manuscripts that belonged to the historic Mhamai House of Panjim which deal with private coastal and hinterland trade during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The library is restricted to reference only as the Centre cannot risk losing these prized possessions. It has a collection of approximately 2000 books with more than 1500 periodicals including old newspapers like Goan India, Avida, Portuguesa, Anglo Lusitano and many others. It has sections with books on topics as varied as the Portuguese in Asia, travel, overseas expansion, art and architecture. "The membership is nominal. People can choose to take a day's membership, a week or an annual membership. This way, it helps tourists as well as research students access books in the library. The membership for a day is a nominal Rs. 50 while the annual fee is Rs. 500. Students studying for their masters can access the library for only Rs. 250 annually," he informs.The Centre's latest project has been the museum of Chistian Art. "People in Goa have been unaware of Goan artists and their art has never received its due. This museum is an ode to those forgotten artists," says Fr. Mendonsa.  The museum exudes an artistic blend of the east meet west. For 30 years, Goa was part of the Muslim Bijapur kingdom under the rule of Adil Shah. The Portuguese took control over this province after defeating him. Before the province fell to the hands of Adil Shah, it was ruled by the Hindus. The 450 years of exposure to the Portuguese culture has lent Goa the best of both worlds. It gave a twist to its monuments and churches. "One can say that Goa was the first to experience globalization for a long time," adds the Father who thinks talent in Goa is limitless.The museum has a collection of paintings by Francis D'souza, Gaitonde and Laxman Pai. Fr. Mendonsa starts to speak about the Goans being unappreciative of local artists. "The great Goan painter Angelo de Frocesca studied at Shantiniketan and was the first to paint Goans with Indian features. Initially this art was not accepted by the Goan masses and Angelo de Frocesca was ostracized but now people are open to such interpretations," he explained.  The museum has paintings made on wood and water-colour used on paper; sculptures made on polychrome wood have found their way into the museum. In one of the shelves, sits a miniature baby Jesus carved out of ivory. Pointing out to skeletons kept in a corner, Fr. Mendonsa says, "They used to be hung outside churches on November 2nd every year commemorating the 'All Soul's Day' that sends out the message that every being is transient."In a few ways, Fr. Mendonsa and XCHR are trying to get people acquainted with the Goa that exists beyond the sea, sand and surf. People who walk into the Centre can be assured of walking out intellectually richer about Goa and thus, India. |
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