Ancient artefacts find home

Goa’s only college-based archaeological museum at Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye College showcases 67 artefacts

RAMANDEEP KAUR 

Goa’s rich history is now on display at the newly inaugurated Museum of the Archaeological Studies Center at Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye College, which showcases centuries-old artefacts carved in stone and wood.

The museum was inaugurated on October 2 by Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA, Rohan Khaunte and is the culmination of efforts by Rohit Phalgaonkar, curator and coordinator of the Archaeological Studies Center. The initiative was supported by the state’s Education Secretary, Prasad Lolayekar and the director of the Directorate of Higher Education, Bhushan Sawaikar.

The idea for the museum emerged in 2022 as part of the Department of History’s efforts to give students practical exposure to archaeological sources, which are essential for understanding Goa’s past. “In Goa, students studying history have limited exposure to archaeology compared to other states. There are fewer sites, and practical interaction with artefacts has been minimal,” explains Phalgaonkar.

To bridge this gap, the department began conducting field explorations across villages in Goa. These visits allowed students to experience archaeology firsthand, engage with local communities and identify historically significant artefacts. “Through these interactions, villagers began sharing old objects, some broken or unused, which had immense archaeological value. These led to a plan to house and preserve the artefacts at the college. With official permission from the Directorate of Higher Education, the museum was established, receiving support from the then director, Prasad Lolayekar, who recognised the academic and cultural importance of the initiative,” he adds.

The initiative prioritises participation from the community. Awareness campaigns conducted in Pernem Taluka facilitated the documentation of two villages, Paliem and Korgaon, through collaboration with local panchayats. Students visit these villages, interact with residents, explaining the historical significance of artefacts and encouraging them to contribute items for preservation. “A third village is scheduled to be documented this year. This participatory approach benefits both students and local communities,” says Phalgaonkar.

The museum houses a diverse collection of sculptures, stone relics, wooden objects and temple fragments. Among its highlights are a 4×4 meter wooden temple ceiling from the Betal Temple of Poingunin, recovered in pieces and reconstructed at the college with guidance from a wood conservation expert from Uttar Pradesh. “It was like assembling a giant jigsaw puzzle,” Phalgaonkar recalls, adding that the ceiling, featuring intricately carved wooden lotuses, is unique in Goa.

Another amazing artefact is an early Vishnu sculpture discovered by student Tejas Naik on the premises of the Bhagwati Tue temple. The fragments, recovered from a water tank, were restored and authenticated by associate professor Manjiri Bhalerao of Indology at Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth.

The Archaeological Studies Center also runs workshops and training sessions to improve students’ skills. Students learn artefact identification, preservation, and archaeological research techniques. Recently, the Center collaborated with the Archaeological Survey of India’s Mysore branch to conduct a three-day workshop on Brahmi script and epigraphy, by expert Aditya Singh Reddy. “Such initiatives provide students with rare, specialised skills in archaeology,” Phalgaonkar says.

The center’s work has received formal recognition. “Village panchayats have appreciated the documentation work, and the Department of Archaeology, Goa has acknowledged the center,” Phalgaonkar notes. The college has signed MoUs with Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth and the Yakkai Charitable Trust, Coimbatore, while another MoU with Deccan College, Pune, is in the pipeline.

However, he says, convincing students and communities about the importance of preserving artefacts was initially challenging. “Some students viewed broken stones and wooden fragments as insignificant,” says Phalgaonkar. “But with hands-on experience, awareness campaigns, and real-life examples like Tejas Naik’s discovery, students began to appreciate their value.”

While primarily intended for academic use, Phalgaonkar says anyone interested in art, sculpture, or Goa’s ancient history is welcome to visit the Centre. “We are exploring interactive features to make exhibits more engaging. Digital integration may come later. A new science wing at the college, proposed by the government, will house the Center for Archaeological Studies on its ground floor, including the museum and a chemical laboratory for artefact testing and research,” he informs.