The Portuguese Inquisition in Goa: Faith, Fear, and Assimilation

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Portuguese Inquisition in Goa, a lesser-known but brutal chapter of colonial history. They discuss how the Inquisition was established in 1560, targeting converts from Hinduism and Islam suspected of secretly practicing their old faiths. Lucas details the role of St. Francis Xavier, who requested the Inquisition, the auto-da-fé ceremonies in the streets of Old Goa, and the destruction of temples and manuscripts. He explains the concept of 'crypto-Hindus' and how the Inquisition used informants and forced conversions to enforce Catholic orthodoxy. The conversation delves into specific cases, like the trial of the Brahmin Gonçalo Fernandes, and the impact on Goan society, leading to mass emigration and the loss of indigenous culture. They touch on the decline of the Inquisition in the 18th century under the Marquis of Pombal and its final abolition in 1812. Lucas emphasizes how the Inquisition was not just religious persecution but a tool of social control and colonial domination, leaving a deep scar on Goan identity. The episode ends with a reflection on how the legacy of forced conversion still echoes in modern India. #GoaInquisition #PortugueseColonialism #StFrancisXavier #AutoDaFe #CatholicChurch #ReligiousPersecution #ColonialIndia #CryptoHindus #OldGoa #MarquisOfPombal #ForcedConversion #16thCentury #History #FexingoHistory #Colonialism #Inquisition #Goa #PortugueseEmpire #EuropeanImperialism #AgeOfExploration Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo