Houses of dominance: an overview of the portuguese manor houses in the Province of the North (1521-1739)

Abstract

Located in a strategic geographical area on the west coast of India, the northern region of Konkan, in the present-day northern parts of the state of Maharashtra, the Western parts of the Union Territory of Daman, and the southern parts of the state of Gujarat, have attracted communities and maritime trade since time immemorial. The arrival and establishment of the Portuguese on these lands in the early 16th century caused a paradigm shift in terms of maritime trade and territorial dominance. During their two-century occupation in Northern Konkan, the Portuguese were responsible for introducing artistic, architectural, cultural, and religious practices and traditions. Many of these have been rapidly disappearing due to the accelerated urbanization of the territory around Mumbai. However, among the remnants that can still be found in the former Northern Province territory are the remains of manor houses built by Portuguese landlords. Almost all these manor houses, the traces of which have not disappeared, are now in ruins and their remains are completely neglected.