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Frustrated on all sides, the missionaries advised their masters, the Pope and the king of Portugal, that the only way left for imposing Christianity firmly on Indian soil was the Rigour of Mercy to be employed wherever the Portuguese exercised absolute power over their subjects. This was a euphemism for the use of force for the spread of Christianity. The Pope agreed and the king of Portugal issued orders accordingly. Once again, it is a very well-documented story. Hundreds of Hindu temples in Portuguese possessions were demolished and churches were built out of the debris The lands and other incomes attached to temples were transferred to the churches. It was made a crime punishable with confiscation of property and imprisonment to make images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses or to worship them even in private homes. Hindus were prohibited to celebrate their religious and social ceremonies. Hindu sannyasins and yogis were forbidden to enter Portuguese territories. Brahmins were forced to attend church services compulsorily on Sundays. It was made increasingly difficult for Hindus to live in their ancestral homes by depriving them of the means of livelihood. Their places in trade and services were reserved for converts who were provided with many other incentives. Hindu laws of inheritance were altered so that a convert could claim a share of the parents” Properties during their life-time. Hindu Women who married Christians and got pouverted were offered rich dowries, Those who deserted their husbands for the new faith could get a share in the family Property. Every Hindu child whose father died was declared an orphan and taken away forcibly by the friars, Mothers and relatives refusing to part with the infants or hiding them away were severely punished. Hindus who removed their images to neighbouring Kingdoms or went to Worship them outside Portuguese Possessions Were liable to lose their civic tights and Properties. There were many other ways in which Hindus were humiliated and converts enabled to strut around as lords of all they surveyed. (en) |
