What do you get when two associate professors from two esteemed colleges work together on a book? You get a comprehensive book on the history of Goa, ‘The Quest for Goa: History and Heritage of Goa from Ancient Times to 2019’. While they show that the research was easy to compile a book of 423 pages, it took years of reading and verifying different sources of archival documents to bring forth a book. Both authors, Dr Sharmila Pais e Martins and Prof Prajal Sakhardande are noted associate professors of history and their expertise has gifted a concise yet thorough book on the history of Goa.
The book will be released on May 30 at 5.30pm at Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim. Turning through the pages of the book, one will be amazed by the range of history that Goa has, beyond its usual political and economic history. The book covers chapters on the various movements led by brave Goans as well as Goans who led the cultural scene right from authors, theatre and film personalities, artists and sportsmen.
Dr Sharmila Pais e Martins has been awarded a PhD in History for her study on the History and Politics of Elections in Goa: A Study (1821-1962). An associate professor of the Department of History, at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, she recently released her first book, ‘The Encounter with the Ballot in Colonial Goa: A Historical and Analytical Study (1821-1961)’. Prof Prajal Sakhardande is an associate professor and head of the department of History at Dhempe College of Arts and Science in Miramar, Panjim. He has written several books, including ‘Goa Gold Goa Silver, Her History, Her Heritage: from earliest times to 2019’.
How did they work together on the book? “The concept of this work was mooted out by a publisher long ago. But the busy schedule kept this idea in abeyance. Since I have known the co-author Prajal Sakhardande for a long time, it was not difficult to execute this project. History of Goa offers a vast field of study and therefore, the work was divided into three phases. Prajal largely focused on the Pre-colonial phase, and I concentrated on the colonial regime. The phase after 1961 was mutually investigated. It was after the publication of my first work, the ‘Encounter with the Ballot in Colonial Goa’ that I seriously applied my mind on this work, although a data base was created many years ago,” says Dr Sharmila.
Prof Prajal adds, “This book is broadly divided into four parts of the history of Goa, which includes the earliest times to pre-Portuguese era till 1510, Portuguese Goa from 1510 to 1961, 1961 to Statehood of Goa in 1987 and Statehood to 2019, which we ended with
Manohar Parrikar’s death, which was a
watershed moment for Goan politics.”
Published by Goa 1556, the book is divided into 34 very
interesting chapters and photographs. It not only covers political history but
also covers social history, conversions, various pre-Portuguese dynasties,
religious heritage like temples and churches, economy and administrations and
various people’s movements in Goa. It talks about the era of defections and
political instability. The cover illustration and design of the book is by Ian
Martins.
“All those who led the movements were young. The Half Ticket
Students’ Agitation was led by young students. The youth will also get inspired
when they read the book on how these movements were led and it we will also
encourage them to do something for Goa. The book is informative, very lucid and
presents Goa in a nutshell,” adds Prof Prajal, who has been associated with
movements such as Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan, Goa Bachao Abhiyan, Goa’s Movement
against SEZs, Save Coconut Chipko Andolan, Save Mhadei Save Goa Front, and
Goa’s Movement for Special Status.
The ‘Quest for Goa’ will offer some novel aspects to readers.
“Issues on transport and communication, mining, evolution of tourism in Goa,
grains of truth from Goan culture, Aaya Ram Gaya Ram’ Politics in Goa will
offer a comprehensive understanding of the issues investigated. The purpose of
our work was to reach out to a wider community of readers with as many details
as possible within a concise space. Thus, a deliberate attempt has been made to
record the past in a simple manner by avoiding jargons and technical language,”
adds Dr Sharmila.
When it comes to research, Goa’s pre-Portuguese and Portuguese
history is well documented. However, the challenge arose for the authors to
verify every source of history post Statehood. “Historians like A F X Gomes Catao
and Goan historians like Filipe Nery Xavier, were very focused, intensive and
authenticated work. After Liberation, I feel sometimes fieldwork is not done or
archival documents are not consulted. Post 1987, fortunately, in the
Legislative Assembly, they have digitalised all the records of the assembly
debates which happened. Newspapers were also very helpful. You cannot rely on
newspapers only, you have to corroborate and verify,” informs Prof Prajal.
Speaking about the subject of history in colleges in Goa, Dr
Sharmila says, “The subject of history, and particularly History of Goa is
taught in almost all colleges of Goa offering courses in social sciences. The
enrolment trends show that history is a very popular subject contrary to
perceptions that it does not allure the youth. Moreover, Goan history features
prominently in the new course structure that is to be implemented shortly, to
familiarise the students on the local culture and heritage of the region.”
Prof Prajal explains how history can be interesting for
students, “What I have noticed is that whenever I have taken my students on
field trips, they enjoy learning history. When I take them to Chandor and show
that this is the first capital of Goa, they can relate to it better. I feel a
field-oriented study is required. They need to see caves and places like Old
Goa and other heritage places. The practical component should be there.”
As
Goa’s Statehood Day will be celebrated on May 30, it is important to know
whether the youth of Goa understand its importance. “I don’t feel they
understand. They need to first feel for Goa. We try our best to ingrain it in
them. They should realise that Goa is a blessing for all of us,” says Prof
Prajal while Dr Sharmila says, “There is a serious need to make them conscious
of these important historical developments. Some may have an understanding
while others are either indifferent or unaware. Sadly, the reading habits are
on the decline.”