Danny Piedade Moraes currently resides at the Mangor Hill, Vasco da Gama, and in his leisure time, he loves to travel and write. Danny’s passion for traveling takes him to various destinations, thus offering him opportunities to experience different cultures, traditions and histories. These travels not only enrich his personal life but also provide inspiration and material for
his writing. Writing, another of Danny’s passions, allows him to articulate his thoughts, share his insights and document his experiences and historical research, thus contributing to his intellectual and creative fulfillment.
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. Reflecting on this wisdom, ‘The Impact of Chieftains’ is a compelling book that delves into
the multifaceted roles chieftains have played throughout history. This book explores how these leaders balanced the need to assert authority with the equally important skill of listening to their people,” says Danny.
Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the early 16th century, Goa was inhabited by various indigenous communities with their own chieftains or leaders. These chieftains held authority over their respective communities and were responsible for governance, justice, and local administration. Overall, chieftains in the history of Goa represented the indigenous governance structures that existed before and during the early phases of Portuguese colonization. Their roles varied from resistance leaders to collaborators, and their influence shaped the social, political, and cultural landscape of Goa over centuries.
These chieftains often faced the challenge of making decisions that could change the fate of their communities, requiring both boldness and wisdom. Through detailed accounts and historical analysis, the book sheds light on how chieftains navigated governance, warfare, and diplomacy. Their influence shaped the social, economic, and political landscapes of their times. Reading this book not only provides a deeper understanding of historical leadership but also offers timeless lessons on the power of courageous and compassionate leadership. Stay happy and enrich your knowledge with this insightful read.
Being a child of the village, Danny admired the vicinity and was curious about the label of ‘criminals of Padres’ (Crimidors of priest) given to Cuncolim people. Growing up in a village environment instilled in Danny a deep sense of admiration and connection to his surroundings. This upbringing sparked a curiosity in him about the historical and social narratives associated with his community. One particular label that intrigued him was ‘criminals of Padres’ (Crimidors of priest), a term historically used to describe the people of Cuncolim. Danny’s curiosity led him to delve into the origins, context, and implications of this label, seeking to understand why it was assigned and what it signified.
He has been interested in the impact of chieftains based on the revolt of 1583 and aims to present accurate facts to the public. Danny’s historical interests are centered around the 1583 revolt, a significant event in his community’s history. He focuses on understanding the role and impact of local chieftains during this period. His research aims to uncover and present accurate facts about the revolt, countering misconceptions and ensuring that the public memory of this event is based on well-researched, factual information. This endeavor of Danny, reflects his commitment to historical accuracy and his desire to educate the public
about their heritage.
Throughout the challenging process of research and writing, Danny received unwavering support from his family. His son Dion and his daughter Dianne were particularly instrumental in this journey. They provided emotional encouragement and practical assistance, especially during the typing and organizing of his manuscript. Their constant support was crucial in helping Danny navigate the complexities of his research and writing, making the process more manageable and fulfilling.
Danny’s writings are structured into detailed chapters that explore various aspects of the historical events he studies. Chapter 3, titled ‘The Desecration,’ offers an in-depth account of a significant and possibly traumatic event in the historical narrative, detailing its causes, its impact, and aftermath. Chapter 4, ‘Emergence of Organized Resistance Efforts and Formation of Alliances,’ delves into the responses to this event, highlighting how local communities organized resistance efforts and formed strategic alliances to combat the challenges they faced. These chapters reflect Danny’s meticulous approach to documenting and analyzing historical events.
“Public perception is often based on hearsay, and it was challenging to organize the information,” explains Danny, further stating that he has observed that the public’s understanding of historical events is often shaped by hearsay and unverified accounts, leading to misconceptions and incomplete narratives. This realization presented a significant challenge in his research, as he had to carefully sift through various sources, verify facts, and organize the information into a coherent and accurate narrative. “Despite these challenges, I remained committed to presenting a factual account, understanding the importance of accurate historical representation,” he says.
Danny has accumulated a wealth of information from diverse sources. The compilation we see today is a fruit of what Danny has been gathering over several decades, his matter includes inputs given by his dear villager, Abel Moraes living in Jamboolwadi, Mumbai. These discussions often took place in informal settings, such as while preparing meals together. Abel shared his knowledge and perspectives on historical events, contributing to Danny’s understanding and research. This method of gathering information highlights the importance of oral histories and personal anecdotes in constructing a comprehensive historical narrative.