Portuguese Impact: Education & Economy
1. Education
During the first three centuries of Portuguese rule, education imparted in Goan society was mainly of religious nature. The educational institutions which imparted primary, secondary, and higher education, convents and seminaris founded by the various missionaries. The main aim of the education given by the state and the missionaries was to achieve prozelytization(conversion) of the population of Goa.
 |
| Basilica Bom Jesus |
The efforts of the new missionaries to learn Konkani language and and to teach Goans the christian doctrine through the local medium lasted only for a century, and then the missionaries changed their policy and made the Portuguese government to force Portuguese language on the people of Goa. Efforts were made to destroy the local language.
Also Read: How exactly did Portuguese conquer Goa?
Also Read: Read the ruthless Salazar regime
The educational policy of Portuguese government in Goa underwent a great change during the period of constitution from 1822 and during the republican period from 1912. During these years there were government primary schools and secondary schools, that were established. In 1812, liceum schools were introduced. The religious institutions and seminaries were monopolised, and imparted the education for priesthood.
 |
| Portuguese-era court building |
In 1812, the government founded the institution to teach naval and military arts and mathematics. Later, it was renamed as 'Eschola Mathematicia E-militar.' In 1844, 'Escola Medica' or medical school was started which conducted courses in sugeory and pharmacy. In 1854, teacher training school was established. In the same year, high school called Liceonacional de Nova Goa was established. And about the same time, a class for teaching chemistry was founded.
In course of time, Escola Matematica E-militar was closed and in it's place, a school for expeimental science called- 'Instituto professional' was was established. After the establishment of English teaching schools in Bitish-India, several English medium schools were privately opened in Goa in 19th century. In the second-half of the 19th century, Portuguese government opened bilingual schools in the new conquest, where primary education was imparted in Portuguese and Marathi. The government primary schools admitted students irrespective of their caste.
But, until 1910, the Hindus were discriminated against the prescribed syllabus, were taught through printed textbooks which were introduced for the first time in Goa during the Portuguese period. Mass production of textbooks at cheaper rates was facilitated through printing press which was brought by Jesuits in Goa in 1556.
The education system introduced by Portguese had a casting impact on the Goan society. Education was open for all castes and creed after 1910. Thus, people of all castes could avail education. Whereas, in pre-Portuguese Goa only the high-castes were allowed to take education.
 |
| Tristao Braganca Cunha |
The knowledge of Science, arts and humanities were imparted in the schools and colleges. The English and Latin opened the vistas of modern western Science and literature. The knowledge of History of Europe made Goans conscious to the right of freedom. Unfortunately, although the western knowledge penetrated in the Goan society, nearly twenty years before it arrived in other parts of India. The fact that education in early century was mainly of religious type, reduced it's beneficial effect.
One reason for low percentage of literacy in Goa was the result of policy, which aimed total suppression of native culture and the imposition of Portuguese culture. The general effect of such a imposition of Portuguese culture. The general effect of such a system was the total uprooting of the Goan christians from the native culture which T.B Cunha termed as 'demoralisation of Goans'
2. Economy
The rural economy of pre-Portuguese Goa society consisted of self-sufficient village based on agriculture. The land was commonly owned by village community and private property was limited. The village community looked after the interest of the village. After the conquest of Goa, Albuquerque promised the Goans that, they would not interfere in their customs and traditions. However, as the time passed, the Portuguese began to find ways and means of facing the Goans. They made offers to find out what was the nature of taxes paid by the Goans to the earlier rulers.
Hello knowledge seekers, I’m Ram patil. I’m the creator of "Informative Mind". I’m Here to ensure that, the reader'gains knowledge on wide variety of subjects like History, political science, Environment etc. Hope you have fruitful time scrolling down my blog. Do not hesitate to comment me your experience of reading every post. Thankyou.
0 comments:
Post a Comment