GOA, a large and strong town of Asia, in the peninsula on this side the Ganges, and on the Malabar coast. It was taken by the Portuguese in 1508, and is the chief town of all the settlements the Europeans have in India. It stands in an island about 12 miles in length, and six in breadth; and the city is built on the north side of it, having the conveniency of a fine salt-water river, capable of receiving ships of the greatest burthen, where they lie within a mile of the town. The banks of the river are beautified with a great number of handsome structures; such as churches, castles,
castles, and gentlemen's houses. The air within the town is unwholesome, for which reason it is not so well inhabited now as it was formerly. The viceroy's palace is a noble building; and stands at a small distance from the river, over one of the gates of the city, which leads to a spacious street, terminated by a beautiful church. This city contains a great number of handsome churches, convents, and cloisters, with a stately large hospital; all well endowed, and kept in good repair. The market-place takes up an acre of ground; and in the shops about it may be had the produce of Europe, China, Bengal, and other countries of less note. Every church has a set of bells, some of which are continually ringing. Their religion is the Roman Catholic, and they have a severe inquisition. There are a great many Indian converts; but they generally retain some of their old customs, particularly they cannot be brought to eat beef. However, there are many Gentooes in the city, who are tolerated, because they are more industrious than the Christians, and better artists. The clergy are very numerous, and illiterate; but the churches are finely embellished, and have great numbers of images. The houses are large, and make a fine shew; but within they are but poorly furnished. The inhabitants are contented with greens, fruits, and roots; which, with a little bread, rice, and fish, is their principal diet, though they have hogs and fowls in plenty. However, they are very much addicted to women; and are generally weak, lean, and feeble. Captain Hamilton stood on a hill near the city, and counted above 80 churches, convents, and monasteries; and he was told, that there were about 30,000 priests and monks. The body of St Francis Xavier is buried in St Paul's church; and, as they pretend, performs a great many miracles. It is remarkable, that none of the churches, except one, have glass windows; for they make use of clear oyster-shells instead of glass, and all their fine houses have the same. Goa itself has few manufactures or productions; their best trade being in arrack. The river's mouth is defended by several forts and batteries, well planted with large cannon on both sides; and there are several other forts in different places. It is 250 miles N. by W. of Cochin. E. Lon. 74. 0. N. Lat. 15. 31.