An Amalgamation of the Indian and the Portuguese

The traditional Indo – Portuguese house is a unique combination of the Indian and the Portuguese architectural design. The contribution of the Portuguese way of architecture was an additional dimension to the already defined interior style of the Indian houses. Indo Portuguese civil architecture was based fundamentally on the interconnection and reciprocal social intercourse between the two architectural models; the local Hindu model.

Within this interconnection; whilst Portuguese architecture acquired a position in relation to the structure and the design of the façade, the Hindu architectural style controlled the interiors, displaying a strong resistance to the Portuguese spatial styles. Thus, the locals still displayed a strong sense of Nationalism and Individuality.

The cultural fusion affected the house design which displayed the European lifestyle as against the local Goan way of living. It symbolised the Portuguese influence on the local tradition, culture and also displayed a subtle acceptance of the European Dominance. These houses provided a status quo to the owners of the houses displaying their superiority in wealth and their connections to the Portuguese masters.