Local residents and representatives of the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) have reportedly objected to attempts to refer to the historic 16th-century pillar at Old Goa monument as “Hatkatro Khambo”, or “hand-cutting pillar”, arguing that such a description could create an inaccurate and unnecessarily violent impression of its history. The pillar itself bears the inscription “Pelourinho Novo”, also referred to as “Novo Khambo”, while its English rendering is “New Pillory.” These established names are part of the monument’s documented identity. Any proposal to replace or supplement them with a dramatically different designation should therefore be supported by clear and credible historical evidence. The government has a responsibility to ensure that heritage-related decisions are based on verifiable evidence. Before introducing a new official terminology, authorities should consult qualified historians, archaeologists, conservation experts and archival institutions and make the underlying evidence available for public scrutiny. If credible archival or archaeological evidence demonstrates that “Hatkatro Khambo” was historically used as the monument’s name suggests, that evidence should be examined openly. If not, established historical terminology should be respected. Goa’s heritage deserves careful scholarship, transparency and consistency.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
