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History of Goa:Colonial Era
What was the Goa Inquisition, and how did it impact Goa?
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The Goa Inquisition was a period of religious persecution in the Portuguese colony of Goa, India, during the 16th and 17th centuries. Established in 1560, it aimed to convert Hindus, Muslims, Jews, and New Christians to Roman Catholicism. The Inquisition employed brutal methods such as imprisonment, torture, and burnings at the stake. Its agents had extensive powers to investigate, arrest, and confiscate property. The impact on Goa was profound. Many individuals were coerced into converting to Catholicism, leading to the suppression of indigenous customs and traditions. Temples and mosques were destroyed, and historical records were lost. The Goa Inquisition’s influence gradually declined, and it was officially abolished in 1812. However, its legacy left a lasting impact on Goa’s social, cultural, and religious dynamics, shaping the region’s complex identity.