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Paulist Artefact Discovered in Goa
Context:
Recently, workers from Panaji found a stone carving dating back hundreds of years during the Portuguese rule in Goa.
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- The granite/sandstone-made slab is a bearded man playing a musical instrument with a dog near his feet.
- The structure of the man has been linked to the “Paulists”.
- The Jesuit missionaries arrived in Goa in the 16th century intending to propagate Catholicism in the Portuguese Empire’s Asian colonies.
Key Findings:
- The sculpture is similar to three other Paulist sculptures and images already existing in the Siridao area.
- The sculpture dates back to the 19th century, around the time when Panaji (Panjim) became Goa’s capital.
Historical overview of the Paulist Missionary in Goa:
- They arrived in Goa in the 16th century under King John III of Portugal to spread Catholicism.
- They conducted missionary work and religious conversions.
- St. Francis Xavier established the College of St. Paul, a seminary for priests and the first Jesuit headquarters in Asia.
- Their efforts included the destruction of Hindu temples.