Voices in the Liberation Struggle
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VOICES IN THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE THE CASE OF GOA - 1947 - 61 A THESIS SUBMITTED TO GOA UNIVERSITY FOR THE AWARD OF , DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 4 BY An 7 I ANITA A. RAUT DESAI ;\ C u UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF Prof. PETER RONALD DeSOUZA GOA UNIVERSITY TALEIGAO PLATEAU, GOA. 403 203. DECEMBER 2003 STATEMENT REQUIRED UNDER ORDINANCE 19.8 (VI) RELATING TO PH.D DEGREE The present thesis entitled 'Voices In The Liberation Struggle- The Case Of Goa- 1947-61', is a bonafide record of research work done by me under the supervision of Dr. Peter Ronald deSouza; Department Of Political Science, Goa University. I further state that no part of the thesis has been submitted for a degree or diploma or any other similar title of this or any other university. Anita A. Raut Desai Place : Taleigao Plateau Date : act . CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the Ph. D. thesis entitled 'Voices In The Liberation Struggle- The Case Of Goa- 1947-61', is an original work carried out by Ms. Anita A. Raut Desai under my guidance and that no part of this work has been presented for any other Degree or Diploma, Fellowship or other similar titles. 0 V f s'\ 0 / N • ‘1 t , Le, Date: 2-9 Prof. Peter Ronald DeSouza. Goa University. ( CONTENTS ) Page nos. Preface i- ii CHAPTER ONE — INTRODUCTION 1 - 20 Historical Background Of Portuguese Colonialism. Portuguese Colonial Period. Monarchical regime of Portuguese colonialism Conversions of the natives to Christianity. Inquisition in 1560. The establishment Of Constitutionalism in Portugal in 1820. The period of Republican between 1910 to 1926. The dictatorship Of Dr. Salazar From 1926 to 1961. British Colonialism And Portuguese Colonialism- A Comparison. Understanding British Imperialism. Relationship Between Portuguese And British Rule. First Phase Of Liberation Struggle. Reasons For Struggle And Revolts. Its Impact On Portuguese Colonialism. Last Phase Of Liberation Struggle. Liberation Struggle In India. Indian National Movement and Goa Liberation Struggle. Explaining The Research Theme. Structure Of The Thesis. Research Methods. CHAPTER TWO — THE STRUGGLE FOR LIBERATION AGAINST PORTUGUESE RULE 21 - 67 Background Of The Struggle. Prominent Events Of The liberation Struggle. 18th June 1946 Movement For Civil Liberties. Liberation Of Dadra And Nagar Haveli. Movement For liberation Of Goa. (15 th August 1954 to 15th August 1955). Evaluation Of The Liberation Struggle Of Goa. CHAPTER THREE — THE ORGANIZATIONAL LANDSCAPE OF LIBERATION STRUGGLE 68 - 102 The Influence Of Ideology. Types Of Organization. Their Different Stages Of Formation. CHAPTER FOUR — THE GENDERED FACE OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE 103 - 140 Background To Women's Involvement. Civil Disobedience Movement And Women. Liberation Struggle And Women. Case I: 26'h November 1954- Arrest For Shouting 'Jai-Hind'. Case II: Satyagraha Of 17 th February 1955. Case III: Satyagraha Of 6th April 1955. Participation of Women In The liberation Struggle. (1946-61) CHAPTER FIVE — CASTE AND COMMUNITY PROFILE 141 - 170 Caste Profile Of Goan Society. Caste Conflicts In Goa. Role Of Caste In The Last Phase Of The Liberation Struggle. Role Of Community In The Liberation Struggle. Impact Of Caste On The Liberation Struggle. CHAPTER SIX — VOICE OF FREEDOM OF GOA 171 - 199 The Significance of Absence of Civil Liberties And Its Impact. Reflections On The Broadcast Of Voice Of Freedom. Struggle For Civil Liberties. Anti-colonial Struggle For Asia and Africa. Anti-colonial. Struggle In Goa. Impact of Voice Of Freedom Of Goa On The Liberation Struggle. CHAPTER SEVEN — CONCLUSION 200 - 209 GLOSSARY OF NAMES 210 APPENDIX — I QUESTIONNAIRE 211 APPENDIX - II IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE 212 APPENDIX - III ORGANIZATIONS LISTING 213 APPENDIX - IV ORGANIZATIONAL UNIONS AND SPLITS 214 APPENDIX - V LIST OF FREEDOM FIGHTERS INTERVIEWED 215 - 216 BIBLIOGRAPHY 217 - 221 4 PREFACE The Liberation Struggle Of Goa has a special place in the Indian National Movement. I say this because, firstly, it was the rule of Portuguese on this land of Goa which lasted for about a period of 450 years and secondly India was ruled by a different colonial power i.e., the British. Further there was a lot of difference between the rule of Portuguese on Portuguese India or 'Estado da India' and British on British India. Though two different colonial powers, with two different types of government, were ruling on the land of Hindustan at the same period, neither the Indians nor the Goans in any way felt that Goa was different from India. In fact, if we look at the entire liberation struggle of Goa it was characterized by the two demands; (i) the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule and (ii) its integration with the Indian Union. Even after India's Independence in 1947, Portuguese rule in Goa was considered as the last vestige of Colonialism on Indian land and Goans as well as Indians fought to eradicate it from the Indian soil. They believed that the Indian National Movement would not come to an end if Portuguese were not driven off from India. Thus with this background one should see the participation of Goans as well as Indians in the liberation struggle of Goa. Portuguese, in Goa, were responsible not only for colonization but also for making the natives of Goa, Christians, which continued to have its impact on Goa's social life. Further its impact was also seen on the liberation struggle of Goa where two communities fought hand in hand. The liberation struggle of Goa was not only fought on the land of Goa but even in India and at the international level. 'Voices In The Liberation Struggle — The Case Of Goa- 1947-61', strives to understand the role played by the Goan as well as Indian nationalists through their voices either recorded directly or taken from the secondary sources. These are those voices which were either neglected or not given importance in the larger understanding of the liberation struggle, which was mostly dominated by the big voices. I could complete this work with the assistance of many people. First and fore most I would express my heartfelf gratitude to my guide, Prof. Peter Ronald DeSouza, who not only encouraged me to continue my studies even after my Masters in Arts but also guided me in my research work and gave critical comments on my work. His belief that I can do much better, encouraged me to work hard all the time. Without his assistance, guidance, supervision and encouragement, it would have been impossible on my part to complete this work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff members of Goa University Library, especially Shri. Chulu Naik for helping me in locating the refernce material, Central Library — Panaji, Gomant Vidya Niketan Library — Margao, Xavier Centre Of Historical Research, Porvorim and Azad Bhavan Library and Gomantak Marathi Academy Library, Porvorim. Since the topic 'Voices In The Liberation Struggle- The Case Of Goa- 1947-61, demanded a lot of primary work including interviews of freedom fighters, I thank all those who at times helped me by spending their time for interviews and by going out of their way so that I could collect the material on the liberation struggle of Goa. My special thanks in this respect goes to Shri. Vasant Karapurkar- Margao Goa who time and again helped me to contact the freedom fighters, providing .the secondary material on the movement and, at times taking me to the houses of the freedom fighters so that I could meet them and interview them. I also thank Mrs. Libia Lobo Sardesai, who gave me an access to her personal documents, spent her valuable time with me explaining the things. I admit that without her assistance I would not have been able to write my chapter VII- Voice Of Freedom Of Goa. I thank Department of Political Science, Goa University especially Dr. Rahul Tripathi and Dr. Aureliano Fernandes, H. 0. D. for helping me in official work with respect to my Ph. D. I would also like to thank Dr. A. S. binge, Principal, Dr. Arun Heblekar, ex-Principal, who always encouraged me to complete my thesis. I also thank my colleagues of P. E. S.s Shri.Ravi Sitaram Naik College of Arts and Sceince- Famiagudi- Goa, for their kind co-operation. • I am indebted to my Papa. Who always kept me reminding that I should complete my research and constantly pressing by his inquiries about my work. In my odd times he supported me morally so that I could complete my work in time. I dedicate my work to him. At this point I cannot forget remembering my Aaee, Mama and Tinu, who were kind enough to support and encourage me to complete my thesis. This work could not seen the light of the day if Mahesh was not by my side today. His constant encouragement and all time help gave me strength to complete the work. I also thank my Father-in-law (Dada), who spent his valuable time in providing reference material, going through manuscript and giving important suggestions on it. Though it is not possible to remember all of them by their names, I am greateful to those who directly and indirectly, assisted me in completing this work. Anita A. Raut Desai ii CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION `Goa Is India, and therefore every Indian must of right claim it as a part of his country and work for its liberation from foreign rule and to unite with India'. - Dr. T. B. Cunha. Historical Background of Portuguese Colonialism. The Portuguese arrived by sea on the Indian land on 20t h May 1498 near Calicut to establish trade relations between Europe and the East. However, it took them just twelve years to invade Goa and to settle down on this land of India for about a period of 450 years.