Initiatives In Daman, Diu And Dadra Nagar Haveli

INTACH has been entrusted with the mapping of the cultural heritage for both Union Territories and three conservation projects in Diu by the Government of the U.T. of Daman and Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli (DNH).

Under the domain of Portuguese until 1954 (DNH) and 1961 (Daman and Diu), their influence can still be recognized in the traditions, religion, architecture, cuisine, etc. A comprehensive cultural mapping is been carried out by all four divisions of INTACH. To date, about 60 buildings have been identified in DNH and 400 in Daman.

Two projects for conservation and adaptive re-use in Diu which are believed to have been built in the mid-16th century by Portuguese are:

• The Saint Francis Assisi’s Church and Convent,
• The Saint Thomas Church,
• The sea fortress Panikotha, for which detailed project reports (DPRs) have been submitted.

The Fortress of Panikotha was built before the Portuguese entered Diu. The Portuguese got the domain of the fortress on the 25th October 1535, in celebration of the treaty of Peace and Friendship between the Portuguese and the Bahadur Shah.