WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: A statue bearing the features of what experts believe to be a Paulistas sculpture was unearthed, during digging work for the Smart City project near Hindu Pharmacy in Panjim, on Tuesday. This find has sparked intrigue, excitement and speculation among historians and locals alike.
Picture this: a bearded giant stomping down the street of a quiet Goan village, with a musical instrument at his waist and a mountain tied to his back, enveloping everything in his path with the holy melody of hymns. Bizarre myths of this kind prevailed during Portuguese rule in Goa. This is the story of how the Paulists of the Colégio do São Paulo came to be immortalised in myths and legends of local folklore.
While digging on Tuesday, the statue split into two pieces just below the waist. It exhibits distinct characteristics reminiscent of Paulists’ sculptures commonly found in Siridao and parts of Tiswadi. Historian Sanjeev Sardesai who was called to the spot said, “It is something related to the Paulistas and similar to the ones at Siridao. It is 100% similar, especially the man with the beard, the dog and the instrument he is carrying.”
‘Paulistas’ was the term used to refer to the Jesuits of the Society of Jesus who were tasked with spreading the Catholic faith in the Asian colonies of the Portuguese Empire. The word originated as a reference to their headquarters in the East – the College of St Paul in Old Goa – from which sprung most of their missionary work in the rest of the colonies.
Three exquisitely carved statues, referred to as Paulists, still stand in the coastal village of Siridao today – two, including a colourful one on the road leading to the hilltop chapel, and a faded stone statue behind the church, with each holding its own significance within the community. Legends even speak of a colossal humanoid entity known as ‘Paulist’ that once roamed the land, adding to the mystique surrounding these sculptures.
Various theories abound regarding the origin and purpose of these enigmatic statues. Some speculate that they retain traces of Hindu influence, while others propose that they served as guardians erected by landlords to protect their domains.
One of the most common myths relates to the construction of the Ribandar Causeway or the Ponte Conde de Linhares, which is believed to have been built by the Paulists overnight, with the light of a single lamp. However, this bridge was commissioned by the Viceroy of Portuguese India – Dom. Miguel de Noronha, the 4th Count of Linhares -- but it is a known fact that the Jesuits did provide financial and economic support for its construction.
Further examination and study of the fourth statue promise to shed light on its age and original location, offering insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
