CASA DE MORGADO

 

G O A

The village of Cortalim is the centre point between three townships - the capital Panjim, the port town Vasco da Gama and the commercial hub, Margao.

On the banks of the river Zuari, this picturesque village was known as Kushtashali, after a holy reed that was found only in this area. The village was home to the Hindus whose temple was destroyed by the Portuguese conquerors. These simple people fled with their deities across the river and set up, what is now the famous temple of Mangueshi in the village that bears the same name.

The Portuguese began conversions in South Goa from this village and all the converts were rewarded with large tracts of land. Our story now comes to this palatial house which was built more than 400 years ago.

 

Photograph of the house before it was renovated recently

Dona Peregrina Aurora Viegas, the only daughter of a very influential family was betrothed to Dom Pedro Minguel Torcato Jose Ataide whose family was of Portuguese origin and with a close association with the Governor at that time. The marriage meant that, despite the fact that Dom Pedro Minguel Torcato Jose Ataide was a landlord of no small means, he had to reside at "Casa de Morgado" to carry on the family line. This couple was the great grandparents of the present owners of this house.

The grandfather Francisco Jose Caetano Ataide was a 'Regidor' (administrator) of two talukas (provinces) known as Pernem and Sanguem. His wife, Maria Plautila was a teacher of Portuguese.


Their son, Dom Pedro Minguel Jose Torcato Ataide was a man of letters and the secretary to Divan Chamanlal in Jaipur. He owned mines of Manganese and was a freedom fighter protesting against the Portuguese regime in Goa. After the Liberation of Goa from the Portuguese, he worked as a teacher and was elected the 'Sarpanch' (village head) until his death in 1975. His wife, Mary was a headmistress of a high school for well over 25 years and a principal of a junior college prior to her retirement in 1987.


This palatial house will now be inherited by Elmer and Eldon, the two sons of Beulah - the daughter of the Ataides - and Alaric, their son-in-law.

The stories of the families who lived in "Casa de Morgado" are many. We at "Casa de Morgado" wish to revive Goan culture and hospitality by opening our hearts and our home for you to share, and hope this will bring in the warmth of Goa to your souls.

 

casa de morgado :: the essence :: the concept :: what we offer :: location :: goa - a paradise
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