British cemetery

India / Goa / Taleigao /
 cemetery  Add category
The cemetery is the only evidence of the presence of British forces in Goa that was otherwise ruled by the Portuguese.he cemetery came into existence over two centuries ago when the Portuguese sought help from the British to protect Goa from French troops.
Ten thousand soldiers were deputed and were stationed at Mormugao, Cabo (Dona Paula) and Fort Aguada. The British ruled Goa between 1797 and 1813 and reportedly built huge fortifications at these sites. The cemetery has 103 graves where the first burial dates to 1808 and the last known burial is over a century later in 1912.The cemetery is part of Goa's tryst with Napoleonic history and a tribute to the men who gave their lives to ensure Goa remained protected in case of an invasion by the French navy. The site holds tremendous tourism potential. The Kirkee (Khadki) war cemetery in Pune, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, is impressive, with tremendous effort taken to see that the graves are maintained and the men laid there are honoured. The Goa government needs to protect and project this site as it is of great historical significance In November 1983, when 39 heads of Commonwealth countries descended on the state for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm), former prime minister of UK, Margaret Thatcher paid a visit to the cemetery along with her husband, Denis.
The cemetery today is locked and has bushes growing around the graves. The tombstones don't appear to be painted or maintained. The state directorate of archives and archaeology is responsible for its maintenance.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   15°27'29"N   73°47'51"E

Comments

  • British Cemetery dating back to 1805-1810- when the British garrisoned Goa to avoid it falling into the hands of Napoleon by the Portuguese.
  • Can u tell more about it...like ur own opinion ?
This article was last modified 6 years ago