The Portuguese Inquisition in Goa: Faith and Empire

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Portuguese Inquisition in Goa, a dark chapter in colonial history that blended religious zeal with imperial control. They discuss the arrival of the Inquisition in 1560, following the Council of Trent and the Counter-Reformation, and its role in enforcing Catholic orthodoxy among the newly converted and the 'New Christians.' The conversation covers key figures like the first inquisitor, Aleixo Dias Falcão, and the controversial Archbishop Gaspar de Leão. They examine the inquisitorial procedures—from denunciations and secret trials to the elaborate auto-da-fé ceremonies that reinforced colonial authority. The episode also touches on the 'malabar rites' controversy and the persecution of crypto-Hindus and Muslims. Throughout, Lucas highlights how the Inquisition served not just religious but also political ends, consolidating Portuguese power in the Estado da Índia. The hosts reflect on the long-term impact on Goan society and culture, and the eventual abolition of the Inquisition in 1812. Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of how faith and empire intertwined in the Portuguese colonial project. #PortugueseInquisition #Goa #EstadoDaIndia #Inquisition #Colonialism #CounterReformation #CouncilOfTrent #AutoDaFe #NewChristians #CryptoHindus #AleixoDiasFalcao #GasparDeLeao #MalabarRites #GoanHistory #PortugueseEmpire #ReligiousIntolerance #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo