About Us
The Evolution of CLR
Preface
The Roots of CLR
The “CLR” in the name CLR Association represents the three neighbouring villages of Curtorim, Loutulim and Raia. It is quite amazing that some 9000 plus miles away hundreds of families with their roots in these villages like to associate and socialize with such enthusiasm. Many might ask why do we have this association of three villages when quite evidently each of the villages could sustain their own association, as do many other villages of Goa.
There are indeed some “binding agents” that keep these villages together and some “catalysts” that trigger the enthusiasm. For starters all three villages are located on the southern/western bank of the river Zuari as it snakes its way into the Arabian Sea, which is a few miles downstream. For centuries, several dynasties that ruled this area found the location to be of strategic importance because it is tucked away from the dangers of the sea and yet conveniently accessible.
Until the Portuguese invasion in the 16th century, most residents were Hindus of common origin namely the Saraswat’s from northern India. Already at that time most residents of the three villages traditionally participated in and celebrated common Hindu feasts being descendants of similar origins. When the Portuguese conquered south Goa they continued to use Rachol (a sub-village of Raia) as their fortress and military base. A few years later the Portuguese invited the Jesuits to commence the major aggressive process of christianisation of South Goa. The Portuguese rulers initially housed the Jesuits in Rachol and the process of Christianisation started in Raia and then spread to the neighbours on each side ie Curtorim and Loutulim. The forced conversion to Christianity and the resentment towards the Portuguese drove these three already blended communities even closer together.
The Portuguese stayed for 400 plus years spanning several generations. During this time, they focussed on education in the Christian faith. All through this time the bonds that were nurtured in the pre-Portuguese days were strengthened during the Portuguese era. Over the four centuries the majority of the marital unions in these villages happened between the residents of these three villages. As a result, most residents had family associations in all three villages.
Finally, some 40 years ago many of us who lived in Bombay (now Mumbai) were aware of the existence of three village associations Curtorim, Loutulim and Raia. And there was one obvious observation. Pretty much the same people patronized all three associations. So when the founders of the CLR got together in Ontario they wisely saw no point in having separate associations.
The historical and cultural profile of each of the villages is as follows:
Curtorim
Curtorim (Curtore or Kurhtori) is a straddling village bounded on its northern side by the Zuari river, to the east by Chandor, to the south by Sao Jose de Areal, Fatorda/Margao to the west and Raia to the Northwest. It is set in a fertile valley, vivid green during monsoon season, earning the name of Granary of Salsete Taluka (Saxtti Bhatacho Kodo, Celereiro de Salcete).
The name Curtorim was assigned to this village by the Portuguese. The ancestors of Curtorim were Saraswat Hindus, usually surnamed Pai and Kamat, the latter being the majority. In the 16th century, the Portuguese and the Jesuits changed the religious and cultural landscape of the village.
Curtorim’s main interest since its evangelization in the 16th century centers on the Church of St. Alex (Santo Aleixo), one of the oldest churches in Goa. It was built in 1597 (rebuilt in 1647) on the site of the former ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Ravalnath (a form of Lord Shiva), the remains of which are visible even today. Its builders certainly had an eye for location and, refusing to accept the obvious, built the church with its back to the center of the village, allowing the front of the church and its square to face across the serene waters of a palm-fringed lake to wooded slopes, an enviable setting.
Today Curtorim has a predominantly Catholic population. The Church of St Alex is the main feature of the village.
Over the years, Curtorim has earned an outstanding reputation for heroics in the armed forces and in the field of music. The village boasts of having perhaps the greatest number of its sons decorated for bravery in India's conflicts with her neighbours than any other village in Goa. It abounds with retired military officers and former freedom fighters. A number of world class performers of contemporary Goan music and, believe it or not, western classical music have their origins in this village. There was a period between late 19th century and early 20th century, the peak period for mando compositions, when the most prolific mando composers to-date, Arnaldo de Menezes and Giselino Rebelo called Curtorim their home. Curtorkars have continued this tradition, with one or other group bagging top prizes at the Annual Mando Festival, organized by the Goa Cultural and Social Centre. Many sons and daughters of Curtorim grew up learning western classical music and then went on to make their mark in many of the world’s most elite centers for music.
Loutulim
Loutulim is situated on the left bank of the river Zuari and is flanked on the north, west and south by luxuriant hills and the villages of Quelossim, Verna and Raia respectively. The river, the hills and the rice fields in-between contribute to the diverse beauty and complement the rich and diverse heritage of the village. The name Loutulim was derived from the words “Lov” a luxurious growth of wild grasses and “Tollem” meaning pond.
Legend has it that the Goud Saraswats founded the settlement of Loutolim when they came to Goa from northern India. The saraswats were learned in Vedic lore and this group concentrated on studying subjects like astronomy, metaphysics, medicine and allied subjects and disseminating knowledge. As a result Loutulim became an important seat of Hinduism with several temples and an “agrahar” or university where Vedic studies and other subjects were taught and the people of Loutulim embraced a culture focussed on religion and education.
In 1567, the Portuguese dealt a severe blow to the village of Loutulim. In their continuing efforts to “Christianize” south Goa, the Captain of Fort Rachol ordered the burning and destruction of all the temples in Loutulim including the main temple of Shree Ramnathi.. Many Hindu gaunkars left with their idols for safer grounds across the river. Most of those who chose to stay embraced Christianity. Following the destruction of the temples and simultaneous evangelization and conversion, the missionaries consolidated their religious successes by building churches and chapels to promote Christian worship and schools to boost religious teaching and development of future priests.
The church in Loutolim was built in 1581, under the Patronage of St. Bartholomeu and later renamed Saviour of the World Church. Adjoining the church ,there is a Portaria, which traditionally was the meeting place of the villagers after Sunday mass. Here they would talk, discuss, and part. One can take it as a habit rooted in the ancient past and continues to this day. Very close to the Portaria is the sundial standing on a circular pedestal, which provides sitting accommodation. Here the village elders would spend the evening, exchanging views and opinions on various topics of interest. It was for them a well spent evening.
Today, the village of Loutolim consists of five wards namely Vanxem , Devotte, Orgao, Carvota and Rassaim. The Saviour of the World church still stands magnificent (recently refurbished) and is the main church in the village, while each of the wards has chapels affiliated to the church. Hindus and Catholics coexist in peace and harmony respecting and sharing both their cultures, which were originally one.
Through all its history and turmoils Loutulim retained its focus on religion and education and has been known for these two attributes for centuries. It is not surprising that for hundreds of years Loutulim has nurtured an unusually high number of priests and learned professionals who have served and made their mark in every continent. Loutolim is well known for the finest examples of Goan architecture observed in the houses and mansions providing a natural Goan feel to visitors. Among tourists it is known for the “Ancestral Goa” museum that recreates the Goan rural life as it was a hundred years ago.
Raia
Raia is nestled between Curtorim to the east, Loutolim to the West, the River Zuari to the north, with Nuvem, Fatorda and Margao making up its southern boundaries. The lower level eastern plains along the river bank are ideal for rich paddy fields suitable for two yearly rice crops: one from the monsoon rains and one from the irrigation from monsoon rain waters collected in reservoirs, locally known as “tollem”
The name Raia has its origin from Agni-Mukha-Roy, the first Kadamba ruler, who came from present day Mysore, to settle in Salcete. Upon the fall of the Kadamba Dynasty, the place came to be known simply as Raya and later Raia.
Raia was of strategic economic and military importance to South Goa, with the river to the north and the Rachol harbour. Trade flourished with distant Arab ports, as early as in the 7th century. Over centuries, Rachol, a sub-village of Raia was significant for its strategic location on the River Zuari and in the hinterland of South Goa. For many years Rachol was the capital of South Goa. It acted as a big obstacle to many invaders and because of its importance successive rulers continued fortifying Rachol. At its peak, it had as many as 100 cannons and provisions to withstand an invasion for up to three years. There is little evidence left of this fort, save a gateway and some walls.
The Portuguese used the Rachol fort as its strategic
military base and later permitted the Jesuit missionaries to use Rachol as its
operating base for the christianisation of South Goa. Raia happens to be the
first village in Salcete to be evangelized (circa 1558), and the first Church in south Goa was built in Rachol
(Our Lady of Snows) in 1565 over a Hindu temple site. The church was made of
mainly mud/clay and attached to the fortress in the soil. This church was
demolished many years later.
The present day church of Our Lady of Snows was built in Raia on the original site of the temple of Goddess Kamakshi or Shantadurga after the Portuguese destroyed the temple. The church was completed in 1699 after 30 years of construction work. Today this church is the focal point of the village and is famous across Goa for the “Konsachem Fest”. Although this feast takes place in most villages in Goa to celebrate the rice harvest, the feast in Raia is celebrated with great pomp including the elaborate traditional rituals with the sheaves (konsa) of rice harvest. It is attended by people of all faiths and a large number of devotees from all over Goa.
Written/compiled by Venusto Deniz
Our Mission:
To foster social cohesion and unity among residents in Canada, mainly the Greater Toronto Area, who have an affiliation to any of the three villages of Curtorim, Loutulim and Raia (CLR) either by direct ancestry or through marriage.
To support social and cultural activities to promote our Goan culture including music, art, drama, folklore etc.