Goa Brahmins

Goa Brahmins

Goa Brahmins, also known as Gauda Saraswat Brahmins, trace their roots to the Saraswat Brahmins who originally settled in the Gauda region (present-day Bengal) and later migrated to Goa. They are considered to be one of the oldest Brahmin communities in India.

According to Skanda Purana and ancient inscriptions, Gaud Saraswat Brahmins are a Saraswat Brahmin community which had migrated to Konkan from Gaud,  They are also called Pancha Gauda Brahmins.
Parashuram had brought ten gauda sages to Goa,  to help natives in performing ancestral rites, fire sacrifice and dinner offerings. The fourth chapter of Sahyadrikhanda describes the Gotras of these Brahmins and praises them as “best brahmins, honored by the kings, good-looking, with righteous behavior, and expert in all rites.
The Trihotras, the Agnivaisyas, the Kanyakubjas, the Kanojis, and the Maitrayaṇas, these five are said to be the five Gaudas.
Goa Brahmins have their own distinct customs, traditions, and rituals. They primarily follow the Vedas and adhere to the Smartha tradition, which encompasses the worship of multiple deities including Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the divine mother, Devi.
The Goa brahmin, ancestors identified themselves as of the Saraswat section of the northern Gaud division, in contrast to their Maharashtra and Karnataka Brahman neighbours of the southern division. Many Saraswats left Goa after the invasion of Malik Kafur  to the neighbouring regions and during the period of religious persecution of the Portuguese also Saraswats migrated for security and freedom to uttar kannada, Udupi, Dakshin Kannada, South Konkan and Kerala.
The objective of Portuguese Goa Inquisition was to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and allegiance to the Apostolic See of Rome. Religious conversions took place through Goa Inquisition with persecution of hindus and destruction of Hindu temples.
The Goa inquisition is regarded by all contemporary portrayals as the most violent inquisition ever executed by the Portuguese Catholic Church. It was marked by an unparalleled barbarism, inhumanism and fanaticism, the most horrifying and bloodiest inquisition faced by Goan Hindus.
Goa witnessed the most brutal genocides in the history of mankind, during Portuguese rule.  It is heartbreaking that this Inquisition has no place in Indian history books, nor is this cruelty openly discussed, on any platform.  After 451 long years of tyrannical rule by the barbaric Portuguese, they were overthrown and Goa was liberated on December 19, 1961, which is now honoured as Goa Liberation Day.
 Forced conversions led to crypto hinduism  (practising Hinduism in secret while posing to be Christians) with those accused of it imprisoned and depending on the criminal charge, were sentenced to death. I understand that there is a museum of such persecuted hindus, was set up at Goa, to discourage crypto hinduism.
The Inquisitors also seized and burnt  all religious scriptures,/books.
The major aim of the Portuguese Empire in Asia were combating Islam, spreading Christianity, and trading spices. The Portuguese were guided by missionary fervour and intolerance.
In 1541, idol worship was forbidden in the Portuguese colony of Goa and over 350 temples were destroyed by the Portuguese soldiers. It had been officially declared that being a believer of any religion other than Roman Catholicism was forbidden for residents of Goa.
During 1560, King John III of Portugal issued an order, on 8 March 1546, to forbid Hinduism, destroy Hindu temples, prohibit the public celebration of Hindu feasts, expel Hindu priests and severely punish those who created any Hindu images in Portuguese possessions
The rapid rise of converts in Goa has been described as mostly the result of Portuguese economic and political control over the Hindus, who were vassals of the Portuguese crown.
Although most of the Goa converts, now carry Portuguese surnames, they have retained their knowledge about their ancestors, such as Bhat, Kamat, Nayak, Pai, Prabhu, Shenoy, and Shet.

Traditionally, Goa Brahmins have been associated with occupations such as priesthood, teaching, and administration. They have made significant contributions to the fields of Sanskrit literature, philosophy, and music. Many prominent scholars, writers, and artists from the brahmin community have emerged over the centuries.
The cuisine of Goa Brahmins reflects their cultural heritage and is known for its unique flavors and preparations. Vegetarian dishes are predominant, with the use of coconut, rice, and spices being common.
It’s worth noting that while Brahmins as a social group have historically enjoyed privileges and high status, India has undergone significant social changes in recent years, and there are ongoing discussions and debates about caste-based inequalities and the need for social reform.
Gaud Saraswat Brahmins have both Madhvas and Smarthas among them. Gaud Saraswats follow Dvaita, Vedanta.
Among Gaud Saraswat Brahmins the Madhvas are Vaishnavites, while the Smarthas are considered as Shivites & Shaktites.
We must salute Goans who, inspite of the threat of torture and death, had refused to give up their culture, and taught hindu values to their successors and retained their surnames as suffix.