Goa Inquisition

Quick Facts: Who was Goa Inquisition?

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Goa Inquisition

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The religious tribunal established by the Portuguese to enforce Catholicism in Goa.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Goa Inquisition (Portuguese: Inquisição de Goa, Portuguese pronunciation: [ĩkizɨˈsɐ̃w dɨ ˈɣoɐ]) was an extension of the Portuguese Inquisition in Portuguese India with its Headquarters at the City of Goa. Its objective was to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and allegiance to the Apostolic See. The inquisition primarily focused on the New Christians accused of secretly practising their former religions, and Old Christians accused of involvement in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Also among the targets were those suspected of committing sodomy; they were given the second most harsh punishments. The inquisition was established in 1560, briefly stopped from 1774 to 1778, and was reconvened and continued until it was finally abolished in 1812.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Crypto-Hinduism practiced by the Goan Catholics was viewed as a challenge to the Church's doctrine. Those accused of such practices were often instructed to confess and realign with Catholic teachings. Imprisonment, torture, death penalties, and intimidating people into exile were used by the Inquisition to enforce Catholic religious control. The Inquisitors also seized and burned books written in Sanskrit, Dutch, English, or Konkani, as they were suspected of containing teachings that deviated from Catholic doctrine or promoted Protestant, Hindu or Muslim doctrine. The Inquisitors aimed to ensure Catholic teachings were absolutely enforced.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The aims of the Portuguese Empire in Asia were trading spices, spreading Christianity, and suppressing Islam (due to the Al-Andalus Islamic rule of Iberia which lasted 781 years). The Portuguese were motivated by both missionary fervor and economic incentive. Examples of this include the Madura Mission of Roberto de Nobili, the Jesuit mission to the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar, as well as the subjugation of the Malankara Church to the Latin Church at the Synod of Diamper in 1599. In 1545, Francis Xavier wrote to King John III of Portugal requesting a Goan Inquisition. Between the Inquisition's beginning in 1561 and its temporary abolition in 1774, around 16,000 persons were brought to trial.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1545: 1545 Milestone — In 1545, Francis Xavier wrote to King John III of Portugal requesting a Goan Inquisition.
2. 1560: 1560 Milestone — The inquisition was established in 1560, briefly stopped from 1774 to 1778, and was reconvened and continued until it was finally abolished in 1812.
3. 1561: 1561 Milestone — Between the Inquisition's beginning in 1561 and its temporary abolition in 1774, around 16,000 persons were brought to trial.
4. 1599: 1599 Milestone — Examples of this include the Madura Mission of Roberto de Nobili, the Jesuit mission to the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar, as well as the subjugation of the Malankara Church to the Latin Church at the Synod of Diamper in 1599.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Goa Inquisition

True or False: “The Inquisition was immediately established upon the arrival of Vasco da Gama in India.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Vasco da Gama arrived in 1498; the Goa Inquisition was formally established later, with requests originating as early as 1545.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Goa Inquisition