Education learning and Literature in Goa | Goa State PSC (GPSC) Preparation - GPSC (Goa) PDF Download

 Page 1


EDUCATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERATURES  
Education occupies an apex position in civilization and 
culture in the history of the mankind. Education was 
considered as.invaluable asset in ancient and medieval India. 
People believed that education surpassed all kinds of riches 
landed property, gold and cattle. Education was a non 
perishable permanent asset. Education protects the individual 
like a mother, it guides him like father, like beloved 
education removes obstacles, gives happiness and wealth. An 
illiterate and uneducated is just like a beast. 1  An attempt 
is made in this chapter to survey briefly the educational 
institutions ancient and medieval Goa. 
The Brahmins were associated with education all the 
regions of India. The first three Varnas  were normally 
educating their children. Primary education commenced with the 
sacrament (samskaras)  of vidyFrambha which has also been 
called Aksharasvikarna.  At the beginning of the fifth year of 
the child the above sacrament was performed. It seems that 
till 10th century A. D. there was no special sacrament held 
for the formal commencement of teaching of 
alphabets(aksharasvikarna).  In ancient period the primary 
education began after-the thread ceremony.2 
Page 2


EDUCATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERATURES  
Education occupies an apex position in civilization and 
culture in the history of the mankind. Education was 
considered as.invaluable asset in ancient and medieval India. 
People believed that education surpassed all kinds of riches 
landed property, gold and cattle. Education was a non 
perishable permanent asset. Education protects the individual 
like a mother, it guides him like father, like beloved 
education removes obstacles, gives happiness and wealth. An 
illiterate and uneducated is just like a beast. 1  An attempt 
is made in this chapter to survey briefly the educational 
institutions ancient and medieval Goa. 
The Brahmins were associated with education all the 
regions of India. The first three Varnas  were normally 
educating their children. Primary education commenced with the 
sacrament (samskaras)  of vidyFrambha which has also been 
called Aksharasvikarna.  At the beginning of the fifth year of 
the child the above sacrament was performed. It seems that 
till 10th century A. D. there was no special sacrament held 
for the formal commencement of teaching of 
alphabets(aksharasvikarna).  In ancient period the primary 
education began after-the thread ceremony.2 
References to the Brahmins are available in Goa from c. 
400 A.D. From this it is evident that Brahmins had settled in 
Goa from the above period. The Siroda copper plate mentions 
two Brahmins namely Govindaswami and Indraswami of Bharadwaj 
gotra. They were Rigvedi Brahmins. 3  In another copper plate 
of gaa6kan Mauryas there is a reference to Sathavedi Brahmins. 4 
 References made to the Brahmin in the copper plates indicate 
that Brahmins were settled on the banks of the rivers of Goa. 
Such Brahmin settlements were at Kushasthali (Cortalim), 
Veranypur (Verna), Kardalipur(Kavalc), Sankhavali (Sancole), 
Mathagram(Margao) Loutalim and Raid. All these settlements 
were . in Saasasti(Salcete). There were two Brahmin settlements 
in Tiswadi. These were namely Dipavati (Diwadi) and 
Chudamani(Chorao). After the first migration of Saraswat in c. 
800 A.D. Some of them might have settled in the above 
villages and the references to these settlements are found in 
SKH. 5  The Kadamba rulers of Goa were patrons of learning. 
The Dcgamve grant of Sivachitta describes Gopakapattana as the 
city filled with the palanguinis carrying pandits. 6  Even 
outside Goa in other parts of their kingdom Kadambas 
established agraharas. The Kadamba queen Kamaladevi founded 
an agraharas at Degamve. 7  Copper plate of Kadamba ruler. 
Gulhadeva mentions Priol Savai-Verem, Nageshi and Betaki. 8  
Tribhuvanamalla established Brahmapuri at modern Goa 
Vclha(Ti.swadi). 12 Brahmins well versed in Vedas, religion and 
Page 3


EDUCATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERATURES  
Education occupies an apex position in civilization and 
culture in the history of the mankind. Education was 
considered as.invaluable asset in ancient and medieval India. 
People believed that education surpassed all kinds of riches 
landed property, gold and cattle. Education was a non 
perishable permanent asset. Education protects the individual 
like a mother, it guides him like father, like beloved 
education removes obstacles, gives happiness and wealth. An 
illiterate and uneducated is just like a beast. 1  An attempt 
is made in this chapter to survey briefly the educational 
institutions ancient and medieval Goa. 
The Brahmins were associated with education all the 
regions of India. The first three Varnas  were normally 
educating their children. Primary education commenced with the 
sacrament (samskaras)  of vidyFrambha which has also been 
called Aksharasvikarna.  At the beginning of the fifth year of 
the child the above sacrament was performed. It seems that 
till 10th century A. D. there was no special sacrament held 
for the formal commencement of teaching of 
alphabets(aksharasvikarna).  In ancient period the primary 
education began after-the thread ceremony.2 
References to the Brahmins are available in Goa from c. 
400 A.D. From this it is evident that Brahmins had settled in 
Goa from the above period. The Siroda copper plate mentions 
two Brahmins namely Govindaswami and Indraswami of Bharadwaj 
gotra. They were Rigvedi Brahmins. 3  In another copper plate 
of gaa6kan Mauryas there is a reference to Sathavedi Brahmins. 4 
 References made to the Brahmin in the copper plates indicate 
that Brahmins were settled on the banks of the rivers of Goa. 
Such Brahmin settlements were at Kushasthali (Cortalim), 
Veranypur (Verna), Kardalipur(Kavalc), Sankhavali (Sancole), 
Mathagram(Margao) Loutalim and Raid. All these settlements 
were . in Saasasti(Salcete). There were two Brahmin settlements 
in Tiswadi. These were namely Dipavati (Diwadi) and 
Chudamani(Chorao). After the first migration of Saraswat in c. 
800 A.D. Some of them might have settled in the above 
villages and the references to these settlements are found in 
SKH. 5  The Kadamba rulers of Goa were patrons of learning. 
The Dcgamve grant of Sivachitta describes Gopakapattana as the 
city filled with the palanguinis carrying pandits. 6  Even 
outside Goa in other parts of their kingdom Kadambas 
established agraharas. The Kadamba queen Kamaladevi founded 
an agraharas at Degamve. 7  Copper plate of Kadamba ruler. 
Gulhadeva mentions Priol Savai-Verem, Nageshi and Betaki. 8  
Tribhuvanamalla established Brahmapuri at modern Goa 
Vclha(Ti.swadi). 12 Brahmins well versed in Vedas, religion and 
philosophy settled in the above Brahmapuri. Gardens of coconut 
and cultivated lands from the village of Nerul(Bardez), 
Pale(Tiswadi) Madkai(Ponda) were allotted to the maintenance 
of the Brahmins. 9  Marcela(MahgshElg) in Ponda taluka has the 
tradition of learning. Hence it was called as MahEshElTi. Many 
Brahmins well versed in scriptures lived in Mall - ash- 6.1E. Paithan 
also a well known centre of learning like Paithan on the banks 
of Godavari. 10  
It seems that a temple of SarefWati the godess of learning 
was built in madgaon region. For the maintenance of the temple 
lands were allotted to Brahmins. Three houses were 
constructed. One was for the priest who worshipped the goddess 
Saraswati and delivered discourse on religion and puranas and 
another was for the supervision of agrahara and the third for 
the scribe. 11  ' Jayakeshi I established agrahara in 
Kudatarika(Curtorim) on fifth dark half of the month of 
ieshtha Saka year 971 corresponding to Wednesday 27th May 1949 
A.D. The donee learned Brahmin Madhaviicharya. 12  Jayakeshi III 
Princes of Wales Museum inscription mentions about the 
establishment of a Brahmapuri. A piece of land to the west of 
Unakal was exempted from all the taxes was granted for the 
maintenance of the Brahmapuri. A school measuring twenty six 
hands in length and twenty one hands in width was constructed 
in the prescints of the temple. 13  
There was an administrative division called As -Cigar in 
Page 4


EDUCATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERATURES  
Education occupies an apex position in civilization and 
culture in the history of the mankind. Education was 
considered as.invaluable asset in ancient and medieval India. 
People believed that education surpassed all kinds of riches 
landed property, gold and cattle. Education was a non 
perishable permanent asset. Education protects the individual 
like a mother, it guides him like father, like beloved 
education removes obstacles, gives happiness and wealth. An 
illiterate and uneducated is just like a beast. 1  An attempt 
is made in this chapter to survey briefly the educational 
institutions ancient and medieval Goa. 
The Brahmins were associated with education all the 
regions of India. The first three Varnas  were normally 
educating their children. Primary education commenced with the 
sacrament (samskaras)  of vidyFrambha which has also been 
called Aksharasvikarna.  At the beginning of the fifth year of 
the child the above sacrament was performed. It seems that 
till 10th century A. D. there was no special sacrament held 
for the formal commencement of teaching of 
alphabets(aksharasvikarna).  In ancient period the primary 
education began after-the thread ceremony.2 
References to the Brahmins are available in Goa from c. 
400 A.D. From this it is evident that Brahmins had settled in 
Goa from the above period. The Siroda copper plate mentions 
two Brahmins namely Govindaswami and Indraswami of Bharadwaj 
gotra. They were Rigvedi Brahmins. 3  In another copper plate 
of gaa6kan Mauryas there is a reference to Sathavedi Brahmins. 4 
 References made to the Brahmin in the copper plates indicate 
that Brahmins were settled on the banks of the rivers of Goa. 
Such Brahmin settlements were at Kushasthali (Cortalim), 
Veranypur (Verna), Kardalipur(Kavalc), Sankhavali (Sancole), 
Mathagram(Margao) Loutalim and Raid. All these settlements 
were . in Saasasti(Salcete). There were two Brahmin settlements 
in Tiswadi. These were namely Dipavati (Diwadi) and 
Chudamani(Chorao). After the first migration of Saraswat in c. 
800 A.D. Some of them might have settled in the above 
villages and the references to these settlements are found in 
SKH. 5  The Kadamba rulers of Goa were patrons of learning. 
The Dcgamve grant of Sivachitta describes Gopakapattana as the 
city filled with the palanguinis carrying pandits. 6  Even 
outside Goa in other parts of their kingdom Kadambas 
established agraharas. The Kadamba queen Kamaladevi founded 
an agraharas at Degamve. 7  Copper plate of Kadamba ruler. 
Gulhadeva mentions Priol Savai-Verem, Nageshi and Betaki. 8  
Tribhuvanamalla established Brahmapuri at modern Goa 
Vclha(Ti.swadi). 12 Brahmins well versed in Vedas, religion and 
philosophy settled in the above Brahmapuri. Gardens of coconut 
and cultivated lands from the village of Nerul(Bardez), 
Pale(Tiswadi) Madkai(Ponda) were allotted to the maintenance 
of the Brahmins. 9  Marcela(MahgshElg) in Ponda taluka has the 
tradition of learning. Hence it was called as MahEshElTi. Many 
Brahmins well versed in scriptures lived in Mall - ash- 6.1E. Paithan 
also a well known centre of learning like Paithan on the banks 
of Godavari. 10  
It seems that a temple of SarefWati the godess of learning 
was built in madgaon region. For the maintenance of the temple 
lands were allotted to Brahmins. Three houses were 
constructed. One was for the priest who worshipped the goddess 
Saraswati and delivered discourse on religion and puranas and 
another was for the supervision of agrahara and the third for 
the scribe. 11  ' Jayakeshi I established agrahara in 
Kudatarika(Curtorim) on fifth dark half of the month of 
ieshtha Saka year 971 corresponding to Wednesday 27th May 1949 
A.D. The donee learned Brahmin Madhaviicharya. 12  Jayakeshi III 
Princes of Wales Museum inscription mentions about the 
establishment of a Brahmapuri. A piece of land to the west of 
Unakal was exempted from all the taxes was granted for the 
maintenance of the Brahmapuri. A school measuring twenty six 
hands in length and twenty one hands in width was constructed 
in the prescints of the temple. 13  
There was an administrative division called As -Cigar in 
Sanguem taluka. This may be a corruption of AstagrahIra.  This 
division consisted eight agraharas, these are namely Rivona , 
Jambavali, Colamb, Curdi,Curpe, Netravali, Vichundrem and 
Talauli. 14  However, no epigraph references arc available 
about this group of eight agraharas.  Incidentally in Curdi 
Netravali and Vichundrem temples belonging. to Kadamba period 
have been found. The temple of Nundem was one of the earliest 
temples of Goa and was of c. 500 A.D. From this it is evident 
Brahmin were in Sanguem taluka from c. 500 A.D. During Kadamba 
period this group of eight agraharas might have come into 
existence. 
Most of the well known temples were the centres of 
learning. Epigraphs from south India reveal that many temples 
' acted as the centres of learning. 15  However, there arc no 
inscriptions referring to such temples from Goa. 
Karhadc Brahmins were probably teachers in temples of 
Goa. Other Brahmins did not recognise Saraswats hence they 
were engaged in worldly pursuits like agriculture, commerce 
and administration." However, there were some Siiraswat 
Brahmins who were well versed in Vedas and Pufanas. In the 
inscription of Madhavamantri references to Ghaisas and the 
Chitpavan Brahmin are found. Like Rxrahar'as, ghatikzisthanas  
were the centres of learning. Those who were educated in 
GhatikasthEnSs  were considered as great scholars. The above 
Ghaisas  in Vijayanagara inscription might have been a product 
Page 5


EDUCATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERATURES  
Education occupies an apex position in civilization and 
culture in the history of the mankind. Education was 
considered as.invaluable asset in ancient and medieval India. 
People believed that education surpassed all kinds of riches 
landed property, gold and cattle. Education was a non 
perishable permanent asset. Education protects the individual 
like a mother, it guides him like father, like beloved 
education removes obstacles, gives happiness and wealth. An 
illiterate and uneducated is just like a beast. 1  An attempt 
is made in this chapter to survey briefly the educational 
institutions ancient and medieval Goa. 
The Brahmins were associated with education all the 
regions of India. The first three Varnas  were normally 
educating their children. Primary education commenced with the 
sacrament (samskaras)  of vidyFrambha which has also been 
called Aksharasvikarna.  At the beginning of the fifth year of 
the child the above sacrament was performed. It seems that 
till 10th century A. D. there was no special sacrament held 
for the formal commencement of teaching of 
alphabets(aksharasvikarna).  In ancient period the primary 
education began after-the thread ceremony.2 
References to the Brahmins are available in Goa from c. 
400 A.D. From this it is evident that Brahmins had settled in 
Goa from the above period. The Siroda copper plate mentions 
two Brahmins namely Govindaswami and Indraswami of Bharadwaj 
gotra. They were Rigvedi Brahmins. 3  In another copper plate 
of gaa6kan Mauryas there is a reference to Sathavedi Brahmins. 4 
 References made to the Brahmin in the copper plates indicate 
that Brahmins were settled on the banks of the rivers of Goa. 
Such Brahmin settlements were at Kushasthali (Cortalim), 
Veranypur (Verna), Kardalipur(Kavalc), Sankhavali (Sancole), 
Mathagram(Margao) Loutalim and Raid. All these settlements 
were . in Saasasti(Salcete). There were two Brahmin settlements 
in Tiswadi. These were namely Dipavati (Diwadi) and 
Chudamani(Chorao). After the first migration of Saraswat in c. 
800 A.D. Some of them might have settled in the above 
villages and the references to these settlements are found in 
SKH. 5  The Kadamba rulers of Goa were patrons of learning. 
The Dcgamve grant of Sivachitta describes Gopakapattana as the 
city filled with the palanguinis carrying pandits. 6  Even 
outside Goa in other parts of their kingdom Kadambas 
established agraharas. The Kadamba queen Kamaladevi founded 
an agraharas at Degamve. 7  Copper plate of Kadamba ruler. 
Gulhadeva mentions Priol Savai-Verem, Nageshi and Betaki. 8  
Tribhuvanamalla established Brahmapuri at modern Goa 
Vclha(Ti.swadi). 12 Brahmins well versed in Vedas, religion and 
philosophy settled in the above Brahmapuri. Gardens of coconut 
and cultivated lands from the village of Nerul(Bardez), 
Pale(Tiswadi) Madkai(Ponda) were allotted to the maintenance 
of the Brahmins. 9  Marcela(MahgshElg) in Ponda taluka has the 
tradition of learning. Hence it was called as MahEshElTi. Many 
Brahmins well versed in scriptures lived in Mall - ash- 6.1E. Paithan 
also a well known centre of learning like Paithan on the banks 
of Godavari. 10  
It seems that a temple of SarefWati the godess of learning 
was built in madgaon region. For the maintenance of the temple 
lands were allotted to Brahmins. Three houses were 
constructed. One was for the priest who worshipped the goddess 
Saraswati and delivered discourse on religion and puranas and 
another was for the supervision of agrahara and the third for 
the scribe. 11  ' Jayakeshi I established agrahara in 
Kudatarika(Curtorim) on fifth dark half of the month of 
ieshtha Saka year 971 corresponding to Wednesday 27th May 1949 
A.D. The donee learned Brahmin Madhaviicharya. 12  Jayakeshi III 
Princes of Wales Museum inscription mentions about the 
establishment of a Brahmapuri. A piece of land to the west of 
Unakal was exempted from all the taxes was granted for the 
maintenance of the Brahmapuri. A school measuring twenty six 
hands in length and twenty one hands in width was constructed 
in the prescints of the temple. 13  
There was an administrative division called As -Cigar in 
Sanguem taluka. This may be a corruption of AstagrahIra.  This 
division consisted eight agraharas, these are namely Rivona , 
Jambavali, Colamb, Curdi,Curpe, Netravali, Vichundrem and 
Talauli. 14  However, no epigraph references arc available 
about this group of eight agraharas.  Incidentally in Curdi 
Netravali and Vichundrem temples belonging. to Kadamba period 
have been found. The temple of Nundem was one of the earliest 
temples of Goa and was of c. 500 A.D. From this it is evident 
Brahmin were in Sanguem taluka from c. 500 A.D. During Kadamba 
period this group of eight agraharas might have come into 
existence. 
Most of the well known temples were the centres of 
learning. Epigraphs from south India reveal that many temples 
' acted as the centres of learning. 15  However, there arc no 
inscriptions referring to such temples from Goa. 
Karhadc Brahmins were probably teachers in temples of 
Goa. Other Brahmins did not recognise Saraswats hence they 
were engaged in worldly pursuits like agriculture, commerce 
and administration." However, there were some Siiraswat 
Brahmins who were well versed in Vedas and Pufanas. In the 
inscription of Madhavamantri references to Ghaisas and the 
Chitpavan Brahmin are found. Like Rxrahar'as, ghatikzisthanas  
were the centres of learning. Those who were educated in 
GhatikasthEnSs  were considered as great scholars. The above 
Ghaisas  in Vijayanagara inscription might have been a product 
of ghatikgsth5n3s. 
 Ghaisas might have been derived from 
Ghatik5s8hilsi  Ghatisas and finally Ghaislis. 17  
The traditions of establishing Brahmapuri continued in 
the Vijayanagara period. MEdhavamantri the Governor of Goa 
during the Vijayanagara period established Brahmapuri at 
village Gavala Mauli in Tiswadi." References to 
agraharSs  
and Brahmapuris  are found in the inscriptions. Though personal 
_)(  
name Ghaisas is mentioned in the above inscription, no 
references to ghatilastEnEs  are found in the epigraphs of Goa. 
Inscriptions mentioned that king Gulhadev was well 
versed in political science, literature, architecture and 
logic. 19  Though these subjects are mentioned in the 
inscriptions inscriptions are silent about the subjects taught 
in the agratarEs  and Brahmapuris.  
The traces of Buddhism have been found in Goa in Lamgaon 
and Rivona. These were small Buddhist Monasteries. These may 
have been small centres of education. Jaina Bastis of 
Bandivade and Kudne may have also been Jaina centre of 
learning. 
The medium of instructions in agratairEs  and Brahmapuri  
was sanskrit. But the language of the region was' Konkani. 
m:  Konkani has no script of its own. Konkani did not 
get any 
royal patronage or encouragement. 2°  During the Yadava period 
Marathi developed and the people of Goa found Marathi easier