Dona Paula

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The original name of Dona Paula was "Odda Vell".

The area called Dona Paula is named after Dona Paula Amaral e Souto Maior, wife of a Portuguese Fidalgo (Landlord) Dom Antonio de Souto Maior and the daughter of a Portuguese Governor Amaral de Menezes.

Her maiden house is at St. Tome, on way to Old Goa, alongside the NH17.

Dona Paula de Menezes (daughter of Amaral de Menezes, the Portuguese Governor of Jaffnapattam) was married to the Portuguese landlord Dom Antonio de Souto Maior to whom belonged the land from Miramar to the land site, from where comes the name Dona Paula.

Dona Paula died on 21 st December 1682 and is buried in the chapel inside the Raj Bhavan. Dona Paula's summer house was at Caranzalem, next to Rosary Chapel, which is presently the residence of the Priest and till date has her Coat of Arms.

Many people believe that the name was derived from the above couple that committed suicide and the statue is erected in their honour. This is wrong.

The twin statues at Dona Paula islet, are to commemorate the Far East Travellers and built in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Knox by Yrsa Von Leistner.