and its Survival

Dr G Santhosh Kumar Cochin University of Science and Technology , , K K Subramaniyan (1939-2014) Konkani language

• Konkani is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by people in and parts of , and Kerala states • Almost all Konkani settlements outside Goa happened from migrations from 16th century onwards ( 1501 – 1600 ) History of Konkani

• The first line was inscribed circa 981 AD and the second line in 116-17 AD. The language of these lines is Konkani*

Jain pilgrimage center of *according to Dr. S.B. Kulkarni (former head of Department of Marathi, Nagpur University) & Dr. Jose Pereira (former professor, Fordham University, USA) First ever printed Indian Language!

• Portughese missionaries established a printing press in Saint Paul's College, in 1556 • Konkani enjoys the privilege of possessing the first text printed in any Indian language • The script used was Roman and not in

A History of : From 1500 to 1992 By Manohararāya Saradesāya Exodus of Konkani people • was most merciless and cruel Portughese conquest

• Goa was a great and prosperous trading port on the Indian coast • The Portuguese conquest of Goa occurred in 1510 on behalf of the Portuguese admiral D. Afonso de Albuquerque • Albuquerque attacked Goa at the invitation of a local chieftain Thimayya, an exciled Hindu • Albuquerque entered Feb 1510, but succeeded in his second attempt Dec 1510 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portuguese_conquest_of_Goa Konkani speakers into Canara

• Influx happened in three time-lines : • Exodus between 1312 and 1327 when Malik Kafur of the Sultans Alauddin Khilji and Muhammed bin Tughlaq destroyed Govepuri and the Kadambas • Exodus subsequent to 1470 when the Bahamani kingdom captured Goa, and subsequently in 1492 by Sultan Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur • Hindu exodus due to persecution and proselytisation of by Portuguese Jesuist and Franciscan missionaries subsequent to 1500 • Hindu, Muslim and Neo-Catholic Christian exodus during the Inquisition ordered by St. which was established in 1560 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konkani_in_Karnataka_and_Kerala Konkani Speakers in Cochin

• Konkani speakers are found predominantly in the Cochin and Ernakulam Alapuzha, districts of Kerala • The migration of GSBs to Kerala were mainly in two phases - in the 13th century (the exodus of 1294 AD) and subsequently in the 16th century (1522 AD) • There are pieces of evidence to prove that stray members of the Saraswat community had their settlement in Cochin since the early part of 13th century A.D • Saraswats were already there when Vasco da Gama arrived Calicut in 1498 AD http://www.gsbkerala.com/gsbhistory.htm#exodus Konkanis in Cochin Hortus Malabaricus

• 1678-1693 • Konkani Speaking Physicians contributed • Konkani names of Plants are mentioned

Ranga Botto, Vinaique Pandito and Apu Botto

• Same story of birth of Kerala!! • Konkan is divided into three states – Maharashtra ( Konkan Region) – Goa – Karnataka ( North Canara ) • Each group claim the language Konkani as their own Konkani Dialects

• People of origin and Konkan Brahmins speak Chitpawani that is influenced by Marathi • People of Konkan speak Malavani and speak Gomantaki • Muslim Konkanis (converted due to Tipu) speak a mixture of in parts of Mysore, Coorg, and Srirangapattanam One language in Many Scripts!

• To write Konkani, , Nagari, Roman, Arabic, and scripts are used • Portughese recorded earlier works in konkani in Roman Script • Controversy with Marati • Konkanis of Karnataka use • Konkanis of Kerala are confused on which script to use! http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/konkani/konkani.htm Revival of Konkani as a language

• It is belived that earlier works of Konkani were destroyed • Revitalising of Konkani by Goembab • Written 7 books in the Shenoi Goembab and 22 in Devanagiri. (23 June 1877 – 9 April 1946) This included short stories, dramas novels, poetry, essays, linguistics, philosophy & history • Honoured as Konkani Person of the Millennium Official Language

• Goa got freedom in 1961 • Included in 8th Schedule of in 1992 ( 71st amenmend) • Govt. has the responsibility to develop Community

• Known as Mooppans, , Konkana sudras • Speak purest form of Konkani similar to those of remote villages of Goa • Isolated living might have caused this? • Learned local language for daily living Organizations

– Has 126 konkani organizations from 13 countries – The Konkan Daiz Yatra is the oldest Konkani organisation – Vishwa Konkani Parishad - 2005 – Jagotik Konkani Songhatan (Global Konkani Organization) – 2011 How to revive our language

• Konkani speaking people are spread all over India; awareness about all groups and their culture • A repository for - An archival of culture • Spreading of the language to youngsters • Research • Identify the persons who have contributed and honor them Congratulations!

• Padmasree Purushothama Mallaya – 2015 Padma Award for Literature and Education

founder of Konkani Bhasha Prachar Sabha and recipient of many honors

Is always at the forefront of movement to strengthen Konkani language and culture Thanks! [email protected]