Indian Christianity

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA : M. M. NINAN
The Portuguese Inquisition was formally established in Portugal in 1536 at the request of the King of
Portugal, João III. When the Portuguese came into India, the inquisition also followed.. We know of the
Inquisition trials there against the physician Jeronimo Diaz, burned at the stake in 1560, and against the
great scientist Gracia da Orta, condemned by the Inquisition after his death, his remains exhumed,
burned, and his ashes thrown into the river (1580).
Goan Inquisition record shows the following statistics
Number of autos da fe
with known sentences
71
(1600–1773)
Executions in
persona
Executions in
effigie
Penanced
Total
57 64 4046 4167
Both the Spanish and the Portuguese inquisitions followed the procedures used by medieval inquisitors.
Both national inquisitions also became involved in the censorship of books during their struggle to
suppress Protestantism.
It essentially confused Culture with Religion as is evident from the following prohibitions instituted by Goa
Inquisition.
Prohibitions Regarding Marriages
-The instruments for Hindu songs shall not be played.
-While giving dowry the relatives of the bride and groom must not be invited.
-At the time of marriage, betel leaf packages (pan) must not be distributed either publicly or in private to
the persons present.
-Flowers, or fried puris, betel nuts and leaves must not be sent to the heads of the houses of the bride or
groom.
-Gotraj ceremony of family God must not be performed.
-On the day prior to a wedding, rice must not be husked, spices must not be pounded, grains must not be
ground and other recipes for marriage feast must not be cooked.
-Pandals and festoons must not be used.
-Pithi should not be applied.
-The bride must not be accorded ceremonial welcome. The bride and groom must not -be made to sit
under pandal to convey blessings and best wishes to them.
Prohibitions Regarding Fasts, Post-death Rituals
-The poor must not be fed or ceremonial meals must not be served for the peace of the souls of the
dead.
-There should be no fasting on ekadashi day.
-Fasting can be done according to the Christian principles.
-No rituals should be performed on the twelfth day after death, on moonless and full moon dates.
-No fasting should be done during lunar eclipse.
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