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{{short description|Village in Goa, India}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Neura
| other_name = Velakula
| settlement_type = Village
| image_skyline = Neura Village Panchayat.jpg
| caption = Neura Panchayat Ghar (2017)
| etymology =
| leader_title = [[Goa Legislative Assembly|Member of Goa Legislative Assembly]]
| leader_name = [[Viresh Borkar]]
| leader_party = [[Revolutionary Goans Party|RGP]]
| leader_name1 = Usha Anand Naik
| leader_title1 = [[Sarpanch]]
| leader_name2 = Vinod Vaikunt Kamat
| leader_title2 = Deputy Sarpanch
| governing_body = Village Panchayat
| government_type = [[Gram Panchayat]]
| population_total = 5000
| population_as_of = 2018
| population_density_km2 = auto
| pushpin_map = India Goa#India
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = India
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Goa]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[North Goa district|North Goa]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Tehsils of India|Sub-district]]
| area_land_km2 = 28
| subdivision_name3 = [[Tiswadi]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|15|26|35.24|N|73|55|4.62|E}}
| website = {{url|www.vpneura.com}}
}}

'''Neura''' is a picturesque village located in the [[Tiswadi]] taluka of [[Goa]], India. Known for its charming villas and grand mansions, Neura has a rich historical background. During the reign of the [[Kadambas of Goa|Kadamba dynasty]], the village thrived as a bustling hub, primarily due to its Naval quarters. It was also a prominent center for learned [[Brahmin]]-[[Sinai (surname)|Sinais]].

==History==
===Early history===
In the era of the [[Kadambas of Goa|Kadamba dynasty]], a prominent port thrived near the present-day [[Agaçaim]] Beach. Remnants of the ancient port wall can still be glimpsed during low tides. The shipyards, which were the hub of skilled shipbuilders and seasoned sailors of that period, were situated a short distance away in the village of Neura, known in those times as ''Velakula''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://historiadegoa.com/2021/10/22/ribeira-grande-the-royal-dockyard-of-goa-medieval-shipbuilding/|title=Ribeira Grande: The Royal Dockyard of Goa & Medieval Shipbuilding|date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>

In the Gopaka plate inscription, it is documented that Jaykeshi I took decisive action in AD 1052 by establishing a powerful fleet at Velakula, a significant port situated on the banks of the [[Zuari River]]. Velakula was an important maritime trading hub that had historical connections with the Tajjika or Arab community, and it was governed by the Goa [[Shilahara]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=N. T. |date=2017-06-26 |title=Why Hindu Kadambas Allied With Muslims – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2017/06/26/opinions/opinion/why-hindu-kadambas-allied-with-muslims/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Portuguese period===
In the historical [[annals]] predating [[Portuguese India|Portuguese dominion]], the village of Neura occupied a unique position within the region of [[Goa]], owing to its strategic location between two ancient capitals, [[Gopakapattana]] and [[Velha Goa]] (Old Goa). Neura not only possessed expansive ''khazan lands'', but it also encompassed two distinct ''gaunkarias'' or ''[[comunidade]]'' villages known as Neura-O-Grande and Neura-O-Pequeno.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhatt |first=S. C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E7Qrc4Z-ZdAC&q=Neura&pg=PA69 |title=Land and people of Indian states and union territories : (in 36 volumes) |date=2005 |publisher=Gyan Publishing House |isbn=978-81-7835-356-2 |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, the village took pride in boasting an influential harbor, further enhancing its significance in the local landscape.<ref name=":1" />

===Contemporary period===
In the annals of Goa's history, the village played a significant role. Its noteworthy contributions to agriculture have been chronicled throughout the years, underscoring its prominence. However, according to local residents John and Maria Gonsalves from Guddivaddo, the advent of [[pisciculture]] brought about a drastic transformation that irreparably impacted Neura's agricultural pursuits.<ref name=":1" />

Many residents expressed deep sadness over the negative impact of pisciculture, a practice adopted by a small group of individuals, on the village's agriculture. According to Vinod Kamat, the former ''[[sarpanch]]'', the once renowned agricultural fields of Neura, which covered a vast area of {{Cvt|10|km}}, have been completely destroyed as a result of illegal and unlawful fishing activities taking place in the village.<ref name=":1" />

Fr. Mousinho Athaide, the [[parish priest]] of St. John the Evangelist church, shared the sentiment of distress. He highlighted that in addition to the devastation caused to agriculture, Neura's ''khazans'' have also suffered significant damage due to the lack of action taken by the ''[[panchayat]]'' and ''comunidades'' against those responsible for the wrongdoings.<ref name=":1" />

==Etymology==
Oscar de Noronha, a resident of [[Miramar, Goa|Miramar]] and a native of Neura, expressed his belief regarding the origin of the term 'Neura.' In Noronha's view, the origins of the word can be traced back to the villagers' cultivation of a specific variety of rice called '<nowiki/>''nevri''.' However, alternative theories propose that 'Neura' derived its name from '''navrak'',' which translates to 'town of boats.' This idea finds support in the historical context of the region, as the area known today as 'Velfali khazan' served as a safe harbor for ships during the [[Kadambas of Goa|Kadamba era]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2018-03-27 |title=A village where fields lie under water - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/a-village-where-fields-lie-under-water/articleshow/63472889.cms |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

==Geography==
The village encompasses a land area spanning 28 square kilometers and serves as a residence for approximately 5,000 inhabitants. It shares its borders with the neighboring villas of [[Agaçaim|Agasaim]], [[Goa Velha]], and Azossim-Mandur. Moreover, to the south lies the [[Zuari River]], which further enhances the picturesque surroundings of Neura.<ref name=":1" />

==Wards==
The village is organized into a village panchayat consisting of seven [[Ward (electoral subdivision)|wards]]. Within these wards, known as "''vadde''" (singular: ''vaddo''), Neura is further divided into distinct traditional village units. Some of these vadde include ''Igorjevaddo'', ''Padri Bhat'', ''Shenkrem Bhat'', ''Guddivaddo'', ''Dhondea Bhat'', ''Neura Pequeno'', and ''Dev Bhat''.<ref name=":1" />

==Landmarks and education==
One of the notable landmarks in Neura is the revered Shri Dhondeshwar Temple. The village is also home to two esteemed educational institutions, namely the Dayanand Arya High School and the Azmane High School.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome To Village Panchayat Neura |url=https://www.vpneura.com/ |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=www.vpneura.com}}</ref>

==Architecture==
[[File:NEURA- St John Evangelist (1541).jpg|thumb|St. John the Evangelist Church (2015)]]
In close proximity to the ruins of the Ravalnath Temple, which suffered destruction during the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese era]], stands the historic Church of St. John the Evangelist. Constructed between the years 1541–1542, this church serves as a testament to the region's colonial history.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Milagres Chapel, Neura.jpg|thumb|Our Lady of Miracles Chapel (2017)]]
Additionally, near the outskirts of Neura village, the St. Sebastian Chapel can be found, dating back to the 17th century. This chapel, perched atop a hillock, provides a serene setting and is complemented by the neighboring Chapel of Our Lady of Miracles, constructed in 1796.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Neura village in Goa, Goa Neura village information, Neura church of St. John the Evangelist, Places to visit in Neura Goa |url=https://www.goaholidayhomes.com/information/neura.html |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=www.goaholidayhomes.com}}</ref>

==Notable people==
*[[Viresh Borkar]] - Indian politician and businessman, who currently serves as a member of the [[Goa Legislative Assembly]], representing the [[St. Andre Assembly constituency]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-19 |title=Inspired by freedom fighter grandfather, Viresh Borkar chose revolutionary path |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/inspired-by-freedom-fighter-grandfather-viresh-borkar-chose-revolutionary-path/articleshow/90313648.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-08-13 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
*[[Bernardo Peres da Silva]] (1775–1844) - [[Goan]] politician and former medical practitioner, who served as a Governor of [[Portuguese India]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=BPS - the first Goan Governor |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/BPS-the-first-Goan-Governor/177560 |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last=Moraes |first=George M. |author-link1=George M. Moraes|year=1990 |title=The Kadamba Kula: A History of Ancient and Mediaeval Karnataka |url= |location= |publisher=Asian Educational Services |page= |isbn=9788120605954}}
*{{cite book |last=Kadamb |first=S. G. |author-link= |year=2010 |title=The Kadambas of Goa |url= |location=Panjim |publisher=Broadway Publishing House |page= |isbn=9789380837109}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

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[[Category:Geography of Goa]]
[[Category:Villages in North Goa district]]

Neura, Goa - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Creating a new article