Says ‘Hath Katro Khamb’ lacks historical evidence and asks State government to reconsider
The Goa government recently renamed the heritage site Pelourinho Novo pillar in Old Goa as ‘Hath Katro Khamb’.
PANAJI
US-based Goan historian and researcher Dale Menezes has formally objected to the Goa government’s recent notification renaming the heritage site Pelourinho Novo pillar in Old Goa as “Hath Katro Khamb,” saying there is no historical evidence to support the name.
In his submission, Menezes argued that the government’s move could distort the historical record. He noted that, while the site is known by various names locally, no archival or scholarly sources confirm “Hath Katro Khamb” as its authentic title.
“There is no historical evidence that this name was ever used in official or community records,” Menezes stated, urging authorities to reconsider the notification.
The objection comes amid growing debate over heritage conservation and cultural identity in Goa. Critics say attaching unverified names to historic sites undermines efforts to preserve the state’s legacy.
Menezes, who has written extensively on Goa’s colonial and post-colonial history, stressed the need for thorough research before formalising heritage names.
He warned that politicising heritage risks eroding public trust in conservation initiatives. “Heritage must be safeguarded through evidence-based processes, not arbitrary decisions,” he said.
The State government has not yet responded to the objection. Officials had earlier defended the notification as part of a wider effort to recognise local cultural expressions.
As the debate continues, heritage activists and scholars are expected to weigh in, potentially sparking a broader discussion on how Goa can balance cultural memory with historical accuracy.
