NT BUZZ
The Xavier Centre of Historical Research, Porvorim, is all set to host a lecture on ‘Translating Territories: ‘The Novas Conquistas and the Making of a Luso-Marathi State’ by Kaustubh Naik, a doctoral candidate, Department of South Asia Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, on June 12, 4 p.m.
When the Portuguese empire expanded into the New Conquests of Goa during the 18th century, they faced a massive challenge: they could not govern their new lands without understanding the local language. This lecture explores how Marathi became an indispensable tool of survival and statecraft for the Portuguese empire, shifting from a language used for foreign diplomacy to the everyday engine of local government.
At the heart of this story is a network of native Hindu scribes and interpreters, particularly from the Shenvi community. For generations, families like the Kamat Waghs held a near-monopoly on the role of lingua do estado (state interpreter). These multilingual scribes bridged the gap between European rulers and local chieftains, transforming traditional concepts of administration into legal Portuguese frameworks.
By the 19th century, the colonial administration’s reliance on Marathi led the Portuguese state to formally introduce it at the Lyceum. The talk shows how the empire’s need to understand its subjects ended up strengthening a section of Hindu elites. By working within the language of the state while preserving their own vernacular records, these intermediaries used their position in the colonial system to advance socially and at times, resist its authority.
The talk will be moderated by associate professor of History, Goa University, Taleigao Parag D Parobo.
This lecture is free to attend and open to all. Prior registration is required.
