MELBOURNE
A Goan architect based in Australia has documented the overlooked Islamic heritage of Goa, particularly the mosques built during the Adil Shah period, in her new book.
Tinusha Pereira, who hails from Margao, released her book ‘Islamic Heritage of Goa: The History You Weren’t Told, Adil Shahi Mosques of Goa’ worldwide on September 10.
THE PURPOSE
Speaking to The Goan about the purpose of her new book, Tinusha said Goa’s history and school texts largely highlight the Portuguese and Maratha periods, celebrating churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the See Cathedral, and temples such as Shree Mangueshi and Shree Nageshi.
“By contrast, Islamic-period sites in Goa have received very little attention. Where do the mosques, dargahs and other Islamic structures fit within Goa’s architectural landscape?”
“This book addresses that gap by documenting surviving mosques from the Adil Shah period and highlighting their distinctive blend of Persian, Deccan and Goan influences, placing them within a more inclusive account of Goan heritage.”
THE INTEREST
Tinusha said her interest in the subject was first sparked during her final-year thesis at the Goa College of Architecture in 2009.
“I grew up with a sense that Goa was different from the rest of India, being more empathetic, more open and accepting, and that sense shaped how I saw our communities. For my thesis, I wanted to design a structure that reflected this spirit of unity between faiths: Hindus, Muslims and Christians living side by side,” explained Tinusha.
“That’s when I realised how little I know about Goa’s Islamic heritage.”
Tinusha admitted that she had not heard of these Mosques before starting her research.
“It wasn’t something we were taught in school, and it never came up during my five years of architectural studies. It struck me how absent this history was from our books and classrooms, as though it had been silently erased,’ said Tinusha.
THE RESEARCH
Tinusha then began researching about these mosques and sought to know who had built them, the stories behind them, the people, the rulers and the dynasties.
“That journey led me to the Adil Shahis, whose presence in Goa predated the Portuguese conquest of 1510. The more I uncovered, the more I felt this was a forgotten chapter of our history, waiting to be retold,” said Tinusha.
She said her book is a tribute to that dynasty, to their contributions to art, architecture and the cultural fabric of Goa.
“This book reflects how their presence still subtly shapes who we are today, even if we don’t always realise it,” she added.
“This has been both a professional and a deeply personal journey for me. My hope is that this book opens a small window into a part of our heritage that deserves to be seen, studied and preserved.”
“If this book helps even a few readers see Goa with a wider lens and recognise these structures as part of our shared story, then it will have served its purpose. Above all, this book is my invitation to visit these sites with interest and care and to include them in the way we speak about Goa.”
THE BOOK
The book was released on Amazon and online bookstores worldwide on September 10.
The book can be ordered on Amazon and other major online retailers across Australia, India, UK, USA, UAE, Singapore and Europe, as well as Booktopia and Readings in Australia.
“I'm also planning to make it available in local bookstores in Goa in October,” said Tinusha.
THE IDENTITY
Tinusha said she was born and educated in a Catholic household where respect for people and culture was central.
“I have always loved every form of art, i.e. poetry, sketching, dance and music. I completed my degree in Architecture from Goa College of Architecture and worked as an architect in our family practice, Dream House Builders in Navelim. After marriage, I moved to Melbourne-Australia in 2015,” said Tinusha.
THE INFLUENCE
Tinusha described Goa as a place with many influences, all of which have shaped Goans.
“Growing up in the 90s, I always felt Goa was more religiously tolerant and more accepting of different cultures compared to the rest of India, because that was something we were always exposed to. It goes back to Goa’s history as a melting pot of different cultures, its strategic location and its role in trade,” said Tinusha.
“Although we are part of India, Goans have a distinct identity. If I imagine Goa as a person, India as the mother, Portugal the father, and the Middle East, China, and other European countries as close relatives. Together they shape us, yet Goa remains its own person with unique qualities and a personality that should be preserved.”
“While studying my master’s degree in London, I researched the Goan diaspora in Swindon and observed how Goans adapt seamlessly, whether in architecture, dress or language, more easily than many other migrant groups. That adaptability is possible because our culture has always been multi-layered.”
