The earliest archaeological evidence of Hindu traditions in Goa dates from the regional dynasties of Bhojas and Mauryas (400–600 CE). Especially well preserved from this period are the man-made rock caves of Arvalem (Bicholim) with aniconic representations of Sūrya and Śiva (Mitterwallner, 1981). During the rule of the Deccan-based dynasties of Chalukyas (600–700 CE) and Shilaharas (800–1000 CE), Gopakapattana (today Velha Goa, Tiswadi) became the new capital of Goa, replacing the ancient Bhoja city of Candrapura (today Chandor, Salcette). Archa…