Kon: तेरेखोल tērēkhōla
‘Steep Bank’ [Terekhol]
From Mar: tīra, ‘bank’; and Mar: khōla, ‘deep’.
Tiracol is physically separated from Goa by the Terekhol/Tiracol River and a ferry ride. It is geographically part of Maharastra but politically, culturally and historically, part of the Pernem Sub-District of North Goa.
Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle built Terekhol Fort in the 17th century. The Portuguese captured it in 1746 and retained control until December 1961. The Portuguese-era Fort Tiracol is now a Heritage hotel,
The Times of India (13/09/12) remarked that the:
“Latin etymology would mean terra collis—a land of hills, and true to its name, Tiracol is blessed with green hills surrounding the picturesque village.”
For related place names see Indian Place names and Goa place names.
Fort Tiracol and St Anthony’s Church RobertBarathian
