Colonialism, nationalism and reconstruction of history of science: the case of Goa

Abstract

This paper argues that nationalist ideology influenced the writings of Goan elites who joined their Indian counterparts. The latter glorified the pre-modern history, literature, art, and architecture of India as a response to the colonial assertions of its superiority. In the case of Goa, the colonial authorities propounded the concept of Goa Dourada, or golden Goa under Portuguese rule. The local elites countered this concept through 'Goa Indica', thus exhibiting the relationship of colonial Goa with colonial India. In the process, the scholars such as Menezes Braganza, Panduranga Pissurlencar, and Adeatado Baretto discussed the contribution of ancient Indians to the field of science and technology. The glorification of ancient Indian science and technology contributed to the rise of 'pseudo-science', which is considered a byproduct of the anti-colonial movement. However, the rise of 'pseudo-science' was an unavoidable development, particularly in the colonial period. The Goan historians, while reconstructing the history of science, followed their counterparts in British India to show that Goa was a part of India. Scholars were able to achieve national unity in the pre and post-colonial periods by studying science and technology.