Welcome to Calizz, a heritage site that offers a glimpse into the rich Goan lifestyle throughout the ages. Spread across acres near Candolim beach, it is a treasure trove of artifacts, all belonging to the private collection of Shri Laxmikant Prabhakar Kudchadkar.
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About Calizz – The Heart of Goa
Since my childhood, I have been fascinated by the tales of the past, shared by my parents and teachers. I used to imagine building a time machine to experience the lives of people in the past and their way of living. As I grew older, my fascination waned, but the desire to step into history remained in my heart.
Thus, I embarked on a journey to explore places of historical significance across India. Little did I know that my visit to Goa would turn my childhood dream into reality, and I would discover something that would enrich my understanding of history, just like my visit to “Calizz” did.
Calizz is an indescribable place. Located in Candolim, the nerve center of tourism activities in Goa, it is a perfect blend of old and new traditions, beliefs, and architectural influences. It is not just a repository of artifacts and antiques, but a testament to the visionary Shri Laxmikant Prabhakar Kudchadkar’s passion for innovation.
Let’s take a peek into this magnificent world of creativity. At the entrance of Calizz, you’ll find two refurbished colonial mansions dating back to the Portuguese era of 1804. The architecture of these mansions showcases a seamless fusion of Indian and European styles. They serve as a perfect example of intelligent conservation, with carefully selected furnishings and art that provide modern comforts while retaining the essence of the 18th century. The walls are adorned with lime-stucco plaster, and the roof is covered with Mangalorean tiles.
The largest house of the Portuguese period was built by Dona Bertha, a woman who lived there with her three sons and a daughter. She was deeply rooted in the values and customs of her forefathers. Dona Bertha adopted a unique practice, unfamiliar to many in those days. She dedicated one of her sons to the people (who became a doctor), one to God (who became a priest), and one to the devil (who became a lawyer).
The main house is divided into two sections: the residence of the family and the consulting rooms for the lawyer and doctor. The spacious rooms in Calizz exude an old-world charm, furnished with period pieces and elegant antiques.
Beautiful frescoes adorn the walls, while stenciled borders embellish each door’s entrance. Verandas and patios, integral to Goa’s coastal lifestyle, capture the welcoming breeze and inspire family activities in the outdoors.
Goa enjoys a unique advantage with its highly indented coastline, deep draft, and seaport facilities. In the past, trade thrived from Goa to various European destinations. To highlight the significance of trading in Portuguese Goa, there is a Tobacco House. This house served as a hub for tobacco trading, continuing the family tradition started by Dona Bertha’s ancestors. It displays various instruments used in the tobacco trade, as Goa was a major port in Asia and the first European colony on the continent.
Next is the Carpenter’s Hut, which showcases the vision of carpenters who played a crucial role in constructing Goan homes, turning wood into works of art. The last house from the Portuguese era is the Fisherman’s Hut, accompanied by an ancient boat used for deliveries in the bygone days.
After exploring the Portuguese era, we delve into “The Pre Portuguese Era,” which sheds light on the cultural and architectural differences of homes during that period. The first house in this segment belongs to Laxmibai, the wife of a Hindu Brahmin. Hindu homes had a different concept of privacy compared to the Western world, resulting in open layouts and versatile spaces for various household activities. Furniture was minimal, and most activities were carried out on mats or platforms. The Hindu idea of a house reflects the ordered division of space, from the vulnerable to the sacred, symbolizing the connection between humankind, nature, and the universe.
To maintain purity, certain restrictions were followed, such as women not entering sacred spaces during their monthly periods. Women prepared and cooked food at floor level, and there was no separate dining area. Food was carried to the menfolk, who ate first before women followed suit. On formal occasions, diners sat cross-legged on mats with their meals placed on low wooden platforms called Chaukis. At the entrance of Laxmibai’s house, there is a swing or Jhoola, commonly used in Hindu rituals, symbolizing bliss and detachment from worldly cares.
The last house from the Pre Portuguese era belongs to landlord Gopala Pilgaonkar. It exhibits the influence of various dynasties that ruled Goa before the arrival of the Portuguese and incorporates elements of Hindu mythology through simple theaters with sound and light systems.
Additionally, there is a gallery dedicated to Raja Ravi Varma, an Indian painter renowned for his depictions of scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics. His paintings are considered exemplary in blending Indian traditions with European artistic techniques. In Goa, people embrace the cycle that connects humanity with nature and the universe.
Calizz offers a captivating journey through Goa’s history, culture, and art, giving visitors a unique and enriching experience.
Calizz Museum Goa’s Artifact Collection:
Calizz Museum in Goa boasts a world-class collection of artifacts and antiques, renowned for their exceptional quality. The collection goes beyond boundaries of time, region, and style, offering a unique and unparalleled experience. Showcasing Indo – Portuguese art from the Portuguese era, the museum exhibits exquisite furniture, intricate ornamentation and a diverse range of civil and religious objects. Goan traditional artists have earned a well-deserved reputation for their craftsmanship, reflecting the timeless beauty & cultural fusion of Goa. The museum’s collection is a testament to the appreciation of craftsmanship where items such as furniture and crockery hold significance beyond their functional value, becoming cherished treasures in their own right.
The collection at Calizz can be broadly classified into the following categories:
Furniture:
The museum displays an impressive assortment of furniture influenced by both Indian and Portuguese styles. The collection includes chairs, armoires, cabinets, and drawers, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. A highlight is the unique Planters chairs designed for comfort and ease. With over 500 chairs, Calizz Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into furniture design.
Glassware:
The museum boasts an extensive glassware collection, featuring a wide range of items like soda bottles, large glass jars, shot glasses, crystal ware, decanters, flatware, wine goblets, and beer glasses. This diverse collection highlights the artistry of glass craftsmanship.
Metalware:
Calizz Museum houses an impressive array of brass creations, including tree oil lamps, traditional oil lamps, hanging oil lamps, candle stands, statues, and water containers. These exquisite metalware pieces reflect Goan artisans’ talents and cultural traditions.
Pottery:
The museum showcases Goan pottery’s longstanding tradition with utensils, pots, decorative flowerpots, bowls, figurines of gods, saints, and religious motifs. The skill of Goan potters is evident in these culturally significant pieces.
Miscellaneous:
Calizz Museum also holds a vast collection of miscellaneous artifacts dating back to the 1800s and earlier. These items offer unique insights into various aspects of Goan history.
The Garden of Lost Plants:
In addition to the artifact collection, visitors can explore the enchanting Garden of Lost Plants. This natural garden displays medicinal herbs, plants, and trees found throughout Goa, celebrating the region’s biodiversity and ecological significance.