Book review: Mazya Govyachea bhumit by Prabhakar Dhage

By John Fernandes,

Mazya Govyachya Bhumit” literary translation of which comes to “In My Goan Land” a book in Marathi language written by Pudhari local daily editor Shri Prabhakar Dhage which is compilation of thoughts pertaining to Goa, which the author presented in different chapter. Through the Book the author present different issues which are crucial and affects Goa.

In his first chapter “The Cuncolim Revolt” the author highlights that the Cuncolim Revolt which took place in 1583 is the first revolt against the European in the History of India. However he says that as the history is written by the rulers, there is no mentioned about the Cuncolim Revolt anywhere in the history of India. The authors says that it is a revolt to preserve the religious and Cultural identity of Goans.

Through the Chapter “problem of Emigration” the author says it result in change in social, Religious, Economic, cultural aspect of Goan Society. When both parents works abroad then it affect the family bond and directly affect the life of children.

In the chapter “Dudhsagar is danger” the author highlights that the existence of the world famous tourist spot of Goa Dudhsagar is in danger as there is a plan from the Karnataka Government to divert the water of Katla and Palona river to kali river which are the tributary of Dudhsagar . If Karnataka Government succeeds in its plan then the Dudhsagar will die once for all. The rampant cutting of trees by timber lobby, builder, railway contractor also endangers the water fall states the author further. The tourist or visitors who visits the Dudhsager are responsible for endangering the life of the Monkeys over their, as the monkey are provided with artificial food by the visitors such as biscuit, banana the monkey loss their habits of searching for food though the area is full of natural food for the monkey, as a result in the tourist off season the monkey dies of starvation.

In the chapter “The Baina Problem has really solved?” After the Baina demolition drive taken up by the then BJP government the prostitution problem did which Baina was facing did not solve but it aggravated as after the demolition, the prostitution concentrated at Baina spread different parts of Goa. The author says that Goa is known for its prostitution in reported by an Italian Voyager way back in 1666.

“Goan Sea getting rough” the author says tourist are attracted to Goa because of the beaches. The tourism department which promotes tourism for 365 days don’t have any concrete plan to protect Goan beaches. The rampant cutting of mangroves, marvels, release of hazardous waste from the industries and hotels, endangers the sea. If it continues the future of Goan beaches and seashore is in danger warns the author.

In the chapter “Police losing their credibility” the author says that the Goan police works as per the whims and fences of their political bosses. Citing the example of lifting Minister Philip Neri Rodrigues from the Assembly the author says due to political blessing the police ready to do any thing. Only those police have political backing are being promoted. The author further says that there is a nexus between real estate developer, politician, police , bureaucrats including those appointed from Delhi and other intellectual to sell Goa to outsiders for their selfish gains.

“ Goan Cherapunji is thirsty of development” This chapter starts with, still rural India is being ruled from the cities. The author terms Netraveli of Sanguem taluka is a Goan Cherapunji but is faces water problem during summer season. The problem of water which these area faces is due of mining that are going on in those area. There is wide scope for developing eco tourism, Nature club, krushi tourism, to generate sustainable development and employment opportunities to the local youth but the government is list bother about the same. The government is not bothered to develop ecotourism in those areas it want to promote mining. The author highlights how the mining companies who are all out to loot Goa make false propaganda that if mining stops people in mining areas will die out of starvation. Proving this propaganda to be false and misleading the author highlight that after the stop of mining in Netravali after its declaring as wild life sanctuary in 1999 the people residing there in are now living therein with more dignity then before when mining was going on.

There are also other chapters which deal with other vital issues affecting Goa and Goans. Those who know Marathi language should read this book.

Foral de Goa

A CODE OF GOVERNANCE

Maria de Lourdes bravo da Costa Rodrigues writes about the first Indo-Portuguese document that codified the local laws, customs, and taxes and was adopted by the rulers to govern Goa.

The Foral de Goa or what is commonly known as the ‘Foral de Afonso Mexia’, as he headed the committee responsible for the codification, is the first Indo-Portuguese document issued by the Portuguese document issued by the Portuguese in Goa and conceded by King D Joao III to the gaoncares, tenants, residents and settles of the villages and islands of the city of Goa. It was issued by royal orders on 16th September, 1526, by Afonso Mexia, the Vedor of Fazenda (inspector of the revenue office).

The objective of the foral was to find out the rights, traditional uses and customs which the people followed and the rights and privileges which the Portuguese crown should maintain. It also sought to know what the people paid to the rulers of the territory before the Portuguese took over, especially in relation to inheritance, taxes, obligations and other duties.

The foral was meant for the citizens of islands under the Portuguese which consisted of Tissuari, Divar, Chorao and Jua. Amongst these, the island of Goa was the biggest and the most important. In Portugal, the foral was a royal charter conceded by the king, or any other lay or ecclesiastical authority, to a certain territory, containing norms that discipline the relations of its settlers or inhabitants between themselves or with the crown, and to fix the contribution to the royal treasury.

When Afonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa there were various usages and customs under which the territory was administered by the rulers before the arrival of the Portuguese. They decided to continue with them, not to displease the people, and to codify them. They invited important and knowledgeable people in Goa and with their help recorded them.

The foral has 48 clauses in which the most important and significant usages and customs are recorded. When the need arose, the government added to the clauses the necessary amendment or addition. For example on 14 August 1534, the first correction was made with additions at the request of Goans, by Nuno da Cunha, governor of Goa, in settlement of case of Sinay brothers.

In the first clause, the foral tells us that in the organization of the islands each village of those islands had certain number of Gaoncares. Gaoncare means governor, administer and benefactor. Although the foral does not give us the correct origin of Goa it mentions in the same clause that four men were the first settlers of the land who were known as gaoncares for having cultivated, administered and governed well the territory. Clause two gives the list of villages that are part of the Islands of Tissuary. Since the structure of the foral also has as its objective to guarantee collection of rents, clause two to seven is on taxation.

At large it is a study of Goan society. It tells us about administration, politics and economics of the society. It describes the day-to-day life and the important roles exercised by the gaoncares in social affairs. They had privileges in relation to the other members of the comunidade. These were not only in decision making and power but also in public functions as well as in the day-to-day matters. They behaved as if they were the rightful owners of the comunidade. For example, they had to be served first the betel leaf for social functions. Even when the government honored them with a pachori – a white coloured tunic, thrown on the shoulder of the one honoured – the important gaoncar had the privilege to be the first one. Dancers too performed first at the main gaoncar’s house and harvesting started at his field. It was a male-dominated society with woman’s role relegated to the house, with no right to voice any ideas in public. In judicial matters the gaoncares were heard by local authorities and decisions taken accordingly.

Though the gaoncares had a number of privileges they were responsible to collect the taxes on behalf of the king and send it to him, and those from the island of Tissuary, Divar, Chorao and Jua (St Estevam) had to annually, at their cost, clean the wall and city of Goa of grass and other growth as well as undertake other services that came up from time to time.

The foral also mentions at clause 39 penal punishment in case of some sins. For example, if gaoncares of the island of Chorao or other islands ran away to the Muslims, their land and movables would be auctioned to the people as well as the right to gaoncarias. The rules for lending money and recovery of the loan are mentioned from clauses 22 to 24. Clause 25 listed those who could not be witnesses in matters wherever required. Other important points in the foral include inheritance and partition, the abuses of the royal officers and the gaoncares, the fines and action against culprits.

Though the foral does not give in detail the social life of others besides the gaoncares and does not speak about the Muslims who must have been in Goa, it throws light on the lifestyle and governance of Goa not only in the beginning of the Portuguese rule but prior to it as well.


Times of India, September 16, 2009, Panaji

Ponsalimol Rock Carvings under mining threat

This photo Essay is made possible due to pictures received from Rivona team of - Goa Federation of Mines Affected People (GOAMAP). It is depicting mining threat to the historical site that has ancient rock carvings on the banks of Kushavati River.
The site is preyed by mining companies; on the one side is existing mine in operation bearing T.C. Number 14/1952 of Badruddin Mavani but operated by Radha Timblo covering 100 hectares of land that is involved in dumping of mining overburden on the Kushavati river banks under the direct approval of its all the illegalities by the Mines Minister who is also the current Chief Minister of Goa.
The second mines that is threatening is presently not in operation but has pit of its own. It was in operation till 10 years ago. It belongs to Damodar Mangaljis bearing T.C. No. 84/1953 covering 82 hectares. The company has put in place its boundary with new coloured poles that signifies the preparation of the company to re-start the mining here in near future.

This site in Ponsalimol is recognised by Goa Government's Archeology department but remains largely neglected. There is not even proper shelter for its staff to protect from monsoon rains.
The site that comes within Rivona Panchayat jurisdiction and in Colamb village that has 23 mining leases is frequented by large number of history, culture, archeology enthusiasts.

The site has concentration of rock carvings right on the banks of Kushavati River.
The interpretations are still being being arrived at and no settled views on the same. Debates are still going on the meaning of these carvings.
Common sense view looks senses these carvings as those of wild animals, birds, humans in various posses, fishing implements and many more.
The dense location of the carvings are visible...

Damodar Mangalji's abandoned mine near the Rock carvings. preparations are going on to get this activated again. Mining industry hardly care for the Rock carvings and Historical Heritage. All that it cares for is profits, that too profits at all costs - human, heritage, culture, mountains, water, agriculture, bio diversity, settlements, wildlife and number of other priceless and valued things.

This - above - is a shelter for the official protectors of this valuable historical site!
This is a government of Goa's board directing towards the Rock Carvings. Visit this site in Colamb, Rivona Panchayat jurisdictions before it is blocked and destroyed for mining of Iron ore or Manganese from the ground.

Sebastian Rodrigues