The Directorate of Archives and Archaeology, Government of Goa, in a recent public notice, has invited citizens, NGOs and associations to report to the government on any historical sites destroyed by Portuguese rulers or historical sites destroyed during Portuguese rule in Goa. In simple terms, people are to bring to the department's notice any piece of history left behind or forgotten. Representations are to be made along with relevant documents or photographs to be submitted by November 22, 2022.
The motive behind this exercise appears suspicious, and one wonders why the Archives and Archaeology department, which is the custodian of Goa's historical treasure trove, including monuments and heritage, is now trying to seek information from everyday citizens. The Directorate of Archives and Archeology claims to be the oldest archive in the country and dates its inception since February 25, 1595. Moreover, it claims to possess the oldest Portuguese record that dates back to the year 1498. It claims to have material on the rise and fall of the Portuguese empire in India, besides the freedom struggle of Goa and vital records from churches in Goa.
The department lists out its mission of preserving the documentary heritage of Goa for posterity, conserving and maintaining cultural heritage and encouraging the public to study Goa history. The department's profile is rock solid. Given the stature of being the country's oldest archives, there can be no dispute that Goa's heritage assets are well-identified.
So, what is the need to dig up the past and revisit history 61 years after the Portuguese left? What is the pressing need to stir up a contentious past, knowing well that it could unearth controversy? Last year, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's statement about rebuilding temples destroyed by the Portuguese stoked controversy, and there was a certain level of unease within communities. The move, which the CM explained as an endeavour to restore heritage, was met with scepticism and slammed as an attempt to polarise the majority community.
Surprisingly, the department that holds a legacy in archives is now asking the people to 'treasure-hunt' for history. It leaves suspicion because the government is trying to look beyond what it already has in its possession. The floodgates are opened for chaos, and we may see a dimension of history that no one ever imagined.
Going to the people for history will be an extensive and complicated exercise. The notice is only sowing seeds of another communal discord and ill-will among people. Wading into history and heritage will divide people and communities and could cause irreparable damage to the peace that the State has been synonymous with.
Instead of opening fresh controversies, the State government must focus on preserving and protecting the rich heritage that every Goan is proud of. Goans are content with what the State has. The temples, churches and other heritage assets together form this unique vibe and identity of Goa, and that should not be disturbed at any cost. This attempt to dig up forgotten heritage is malicious and ill-conceived.
