Cuncolim 1858 Revolt
This is with reference to the news-report about ‘Nationalists’ demand to include the history of ‘Cuncolim 1858 Revolt,’ in the School Curriculum (O Heraldo, June 12, 2023).
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I wish to point out the only genuine source, to those interested in knowing the truth is The History of Cuncolim authored by late Adv Lingu R Dalvi, son of Cuncolim.
Adv Lingu R Dalvi wrote in Portuguese under the title Historia de Cuncolim and was translated into English by Dr H Nagvenkar.
In a brief summary of the book the same Dr Nagvenkar wrote: “…it is treasure of historical facts pertaining to Goa, particularly to Cuncolim and its surrounding villages. The book gives detailed and vivid account of atrocities committed by the Portuguese on the Hindu religion in Cuncolim and other areas and the fearless and violent reaction of the Hindus of this region in the form revolt of the brave people of Cuncolim against the Portuguese rule and their religious fanaticism.”
The violent revolt by the Hindus of Cuncolim was against the five priests from ‘different nations’ (not only from Portugal) and not against the Portuguese regime, as regularly claimed by the ‘Nationalists.’
Not many know as recorded by Adv Lingu R Dalvi, in the above mentioned publication, that “….during the periods of insurrections in Goa… of Ranes of Sattari and Marathas, Cuncolim also suffered a lot. During the revolt of Dipu Rane in1854, the rebels…plundered and burnt houses, kidnapped two family members of Volvotker and in1895, captained by Dada Rane this village was attacked, looted by a few rebels, kidnapped four members of the Keni family…. the residents became horrified and panicky, that for some months they had to leave their houses and properties.”
It would be of interest to know if our revered ‘Nationalists,’ claim that the Ranes of Sattari and the Marathas are of Portuguese decent!
It’s strange if not pathetic, to claim the revolt of the Hindus of Cuncolim ‘was the first war fought in Asia against any foreign power.’
To make such preposterous claims is a clear indication that some Goans suffer from inferiority complex. Goans never fought against power foreign or local and this claim is to hopefully hide their inferiority complex. This is evident now, how Goans only make and write flowery statements, while Goans and Goa is ruthlessly and continuously destroyed, by the Central and the Goa Governments.
As a Goan Christian, I severely condemn the unchristian violent actions of the five priests, for destroying the temples and houses of the Hindu residents of Cuncolim and I fully understand their anger and humiliation, which culminated in the violent deaths of the five priests and of the five innocent lay persons, who had
accompanied the five Priests.
Sergio Carvalho, Mapusa
Discipline among pedestrians needed
When it comes to preventing road accidents all attention is focused on the vehicle drivers. Traffic cops try everything possible from penalizing violators of traffic rules to enlightening road-users on the need to wear helmets and seat-belts. They even give roses to those who wear a helmet. All this is fine. But what about the pedestrians who do not follow specific rules while crossing the road? As a general rule pedestrians are expected to cross the road only at pedestrian crossings, or ‘zebra crossings’. But in Goa it is seldom the case. Even tourists could be following the rules in their home state, but not when in Goa. As a matter of fact pedestrian crossings have lost their significance in the state. Citizens cross the road as per their convenience, even if there is a pedestrian crossing in close proximity. Motorists, many-a-times, are blamed for not slowing down at pedestrian crossings. However if the concept of using the pedestrian crossing is alien to Goans, motorists cannot be taken to task for not slowing down at zebra crossings. If pedestrians also show some discipline, road accidents can be prevented. Barriers may not be present along the road median which can prevent the pedestrians from crossing a two-lane road. Here is where citizens have to use the pedestrian crossing. The police need to enlighten the pedestrian on this aspect and if necessary even penalize them for road-crossing at wrong places.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Stop ‘Goa Files’
The recent comments by CM Pramod Sawant and attempt at reopening the wounds of the Inquisition by the Portuguese in Goa, have caused communal rifts and comments by hate mongers. To add to this chaos, the planned event from June 16 to 22, by some right wing Hindutva outfits has caused a sense of communal disharmony in Goa.
There is clear evidence through the documents and other sources that the Inquisition was not aimed at Hindus. The subjects of the Inquisition were newly converted Christians. Moreover, the Inquisition had nothing to do with temple breaking. In fact there is no clear evidence to prove that Portuguese destroyed temples out of hate to build churches, though it is clear that there were restrictions on Hindu practices in Portuguese occupied territories of Goa especially on the Ilhas.
St Francis Xavier was not involved in bringing in the Goa Inquisition.
It is my request to the readers to carefully read various books related to this topic like that of Alan Machado Goa’s inquisition: facts, fiction, factoids, and not only depend on the book by AK Priolkar.
This is a topic of deep research even though many things are clear through the sources available. Those who were not even affected by it should stop playing ‘being victims’ for the sake of power and politics and our CM Pramod Sawant must make sure that communal harmony is preserved in Goa, at all costs.
Mathew Almeida, Bastora
When leaders have no vision
The letter titled, ‘When leaders have no vision, they dig the past!’ by Tony Fernandes (O Heraldo June 15) is a fitting tribute to the Goa CM Dr Pramod Sawant who is well known for shooting himself in the foot, especially where mining and Mhadei are concerned.
Being an educated person, and a doctor at that, he should know that you cannot erase the past 500 years of the Portuguese rule just by making a statement and rebuilding temples. We the people of Goa are the real living temples of God who have been sold to the highest bidders whether it is our land, minerals or our rivers.
For a change our learned doctor can advise us how much a homeopathy doctor earns a year and how much land he can amass out of his legal earnings.
Matias Lobo, Tivim
