A familiar group of voices was recently heard praising the State BJP government for notifying the New Pillory at Old Goa as “Haat Katro Khambo” or hand-cutting pillar, while also demanding that its history be included in Goa’s school textbooks. Some of these claims include accounts of ancestors allegedly being tortured at this pillar during the Portuguese Inquisition for refusing to convert to Christianity. There is no clear historical consensus about the pillar’s origins or use. It was reportedly built in the late 16th century and had fallen into ruins by 1886. Veteran historian Percival Noronha has stated that the pillory existed during the Adil Shah period and was used to punish criminals, including through the cutting off of a hand. He did not associate it with the Inquisition. In the absence of conclusive historical evidence supporting the “hand-cutting pillar” narrative, the government should exercise caution before officially adopting such terminology. The monument’s documented historical name, New Pillory or Pelourinho Novo, should be retained until credible historical evidence establishes otherwise. Goa’s history must be taught accurately and responsibly, without allowing disputed narratives to fuel communal divisions.
JERRY FERNANDES, Saligao
