The Namazgah Mosque

Visiting the vast countryside finally culminates towards the bare mountains where a lot of mining activity is observed resulting in a patches of dark red brown earth.

Mining contributes to the natural wealth in a large way thereby lending a major boost to the Goan economy. A majority of barges heavily laden with ore material are seen making their way towards the coastal port town of Vasco.

Viewed from this height, the town of Bicholim is spread out below and in the distance are the Sivalik Mountains with the mines to the left, and behind. A short distance to the right there is a small structure set on the crest of a bleak hillside. This is Namazgah Mosque, an interesting diversion to see a tiny remnant of Muslim history.

The scenic view from the mountains spreading out towards Bicholim and the Sivalik mountain range with the mines at the left hand side. At a short distance towards the right is found a small structure built on the peak of a hillside. This is the Namazgah Mosque, a significant remnant of Muslim history in Goa.

The Namazgah Mosque was built based on an interesting incident involving the defeat of the Portuguese by the combined forces of the Mughal emperor Akbar (he had rebelled against the emperor to join forces with the Marathas) and the Maratha king, Sambhaji. The mosque was built by Akbar to celebrate this victory. Built on a hillside with enchanting views towards the east, the mosque has a distinctive and unusual design layout. One km from the main road, lies the busy town of Bicholim.

Leaving Bicholim, one can also take the road to Sanquelim wherein on the left lies the Datta Mandir. This temple is amidst natural surroundings along the side of a river with woods all around. Traditionally built, there is a presence of a dome. This temple is dedicated to the three headed God, Dattatreya who is mainly worshipped for his miracles involving curing people of unstable mind.

The main festival of the temple, Datta Jayanti celebrating the birth of the Lord, is held each year in December. At the river intersection just before Sanquelim, one can find another famous shrine, The Vithal Mandir, which was built in the age old 14th century. This ancient temple houses the idol of Lord Vithal, in fact, there are 3 black idols installed, those being the Lord Vithal himself, with Goddess Laksmi and Saraswati on either side. He was the family deity of The Ranes of Sattari. Sattari was once a province consisting 70 villages was a wild spot of the Goan territory running into deep forests and foothills of the north east and was very less populated.

One of the most powerful families, the Sardesais of Rane hailing from a Rajput descent, ruled Sattari. They were feudal allies of the Bhonsles of Sawantwadi, but later after the capture of Sattari by the Marquis of Castelo Novo in 1745 joined hands with the Portuguese, The Bhonsles although unhappy to let go of their territory, were helpless due to the treaty signed in 1755.

The terms of the treaty were constantly not obeyed by the Ranes demanding more rights, and their guerilla raids in the neighbouring territories resulted in 14 rebellions against the Portuguese between 1782 and 1822. There were further more rebellions between 1833 to 1912 mainly to protest against increase in taxes which were dealt with by the Portuguese culminating in the rebellious leaders either being imprisoned or deported to African colonies. The family house of Rane now lies near the Vithal temple in Sanquelim.