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On Sat, 22 Mar 2003, Gilbert Lawrence wrote: > Finally we are very selective in quoting facts or history: > One GoaNetter loves to repeatedly portray Portuguese rule in a negative > light. He conveniently forgets that Albuquerque had no intentions to > come to Goa. He unsuccessfully tried Calicut, Cochin and Crangamore. > Albuquerque was invited to Goa by the Hindu Goans to end the atrocities > of Muslim rule. And while the Portuguese confiscated and destroyed much Timoja was not a Goan Hindu. He belonged from an area south of Goa that is now in Karnataka named Bankapur. Besides, I have read in some books that his brother, Sabaji was a governor of Goa serving the Adil Shahis of Bijapur. >From what I have read of Timoja, he has been described as an opportunist and a pirate. Therefore, his reasons for enlistment of the Portuguese help was purely out of political and monetary gain rather than motivated by a sense of moral conviction against perceived atrocities. >And while the Portuguese confiscated and destroyed much >property, (including during the inquisition) there are no historical >accounts of wanton human killing. Portuguese accounts themselves have proudly described the massacres of the Muslims following the capture of Goa. During later years, especially the period of inquisition, this extended towards all non-catholics. Dr. Teotonio D'Souza or Jorge Noronha can correct me if I am wrong. Regardless, I think it would be prejudicial to base a conclusion of right or wrong on such simplistic analyses. When we look back into historical accounts, all we are left with is the result and not always the events that led up to them or state of the mind and mood of the people that shape such events. Whatever the Portuguese, Hindu or Muslim past of Goa, we must accept their legacy as a part of history and preserve this to the best of our abilities. The Portuguese rule of Goa may have been traumatic but there still remains an obligation on us to preserve this part of our history. This does not mean that we should ape the Portuguese, but rather try and preserve their architecture and literary works. Over the years, I expect Goa to further get submerged within the greater Indian identity. However, if we preserve these instruments of our past, our future generations can look back and understand the road they took to get where they are. -- Tariq Siddiqui [EMAIL PROTECTED] ******************************************************************************* Rockets Lover! Laker Hater !!! ******************************************************************************* _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.goanet.org/mailman/listinfo/goanet