KERI: In the country’s conscience, the 1857 uprising against the Britishers emerges as the first revolt against colonial rule. But Goa, or at least groups here, rose against Western colonisers around 300 years prior to the 1857 uprising.
As Goa enters its 60th year of liberation from 450 years of Portuguese rule, it is worth recollecting the continuous resistance the colonisers met in their efforts to bring Goans under their control.
As early as 1555, Goans opposed the imposition and collection of an exorbitant land revenue. In July, 1583, finding their religion in danger, Cuncolim locals resorted to the murdering the priests and their companions at work in their village. In response, the Portuguese invited the village leaders ‘for discussions’ at the Assolna fort. Here, 15 of the village leaders were treacherously butchered. In 1654, a Goan Vicar Apostolic, Mathews Castro of Divar, plotted against the Portuguese. In 1787, the native Christian missionaries of Goa revolted against the white missionaries under Father Pinto, but it was foiled.
“Though all the revolts from 1583 to 1912 by Goans did not aim to eliminate the alien rule and achieve a sovereign status for Goa, they displayed the extraordinary courage and persistent efforts of the mutineers to protect their age-old traditions, culture and privileges. Adventures of Deepaji Rane and other leaders are indeed inspiring,” said Jayu Kolekar, history teacher at Panchakroshi Higher Secondary School, Arambol.
Rane’s revolt of 1852 that began with the conquest of Nanuz fort on January 26, shook the Portuguese. This revolt led to restoration of the concessions and rights to the Ranes for a brief period. In 1869, Kustoba Rane revolted to avenge the injustice done to him. For three years, he gave the Portuguese sleepless nights, until his assassination.
In 1912, under Shambhu More of Sonal, the last revolt of Rane took place.