Chorão (formerly known as Choddnnem), is an island along the
Mandovi River near
Tiswadi, Goa, India. It is the largest among other 17 islands of Goa. It is located away from the state capital, the city of
Panaji and away from the city of Mapusa.
Chorão is accessible by the ferry from Ribandar. Chorão village is known for its Luso-Goan churches and houses. It is also known for its bird sanctuary. It is one of six major islands between the
Mandovi and
Zuari, the others being:
*
Ilha de Goa
*
Divar,
*
Cumbarjua,
*
St Estevam,
*
Vanxim and
* Several other small
mangrove
A mangrove is a shrub or tree that grows mainly in coastal saline water, saline or brackish water. Mangroves grow in an equatorial climate, typically along coastlines and tidal rivers. They have particular adaptations to take in extra oxygen a ...
islands and
sand banks.
Etymology
Etymologically, the island's name "Choddnnem" is derived from the
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
word .
[The Island of Chorão (A Historical Sketch) 1962 By Francisco Xavier Gomes Catão page 1 ] Chudda means headwear and Monnim (Mani) signifies some thing worn in the shape of a necklace or a jewel of cylindrical shape.
The Portuguese noblemen found the island a pleasurable place to live and hence the name Ilha dos Fidalgos (Island of Noblemen).
History
Pre-Portuguese History of Chorão
'The First Wave' of Indo-Aryan migration to Goa happened between the Christian era 4th–3rd century BC to 3rd–4th century AD. Descendants of these settlers eventually formed 96
Brahmin
Brahmin (; ) is a ''Varna (Hinduism), varna'' (theoretical social classes) within Hindu society. The other three varnas are the ''Kshatriya'' (rulers and warriors), ''Vaishya'' (traders, merchants, and farmers), and ''Shudra'' (labourers). Th ...
clans. Ninety-six in Konkani is ''Shennai'', from which comes the surname Shenoy or Shenvi (spelled ''Sinai'' in Portuguese). Of the ninety-six Sinai clans, ten families settled in Chorão.
The Shenvi Brahmins would henceforth go on to dominate the socio-economic and religious sphere of Goan life.
According to Goan historian
José Gerson da Cunha, Chorão was a site of an ancient
Tirtha (sacred pool) and was known as ''Mahakshetra'' (Great country or place).
The Shenvi Brahmins were much respected, handsome, well-behaved and skillful.
Jesuit
The Society of Jesus (; abbreviation: S.J. or SJ), also known as the Jesuit Order or the Jesuits ( ; ), is a religious order (Catholic), religious order of clerics regular of pontifical right for men in the Catholic Church headquartered in Rom ...
missionary and writer
Luís Fróis described the residents of Chorão as follows, "These Brahmins are very polite and of keen intelligence. They are fine gentlemen, fair and well proportioned. Possessing many qualities which are not possible to enumerate. The wives of these Brahmins are a reserved type of people, steady in their habits. They are honest, naturally modest in their disposition and are devoted to their husbands whom they serve well. They do not remarry on the death of their husbands and do not use coloured dresses and since the imposition of the law forbidding
sati or widow burning they shave their heads even though they may be young. Their sons are very able men, fair, gentle in their demeanour and of good common sense". (The
tonsuring of widows was also later abolished by the Portuguese like Sati system.)
Chorão's Brahmins were served by temple attendants called Kalavants (the community is now known as
Gomantak Maratha Samaj in Goa). According to P. D. Xavier, "the Kalavant system might have originated from the widows who ran away and took shelter in the village temples to escape
sati, the inhuman practice of burning the
widow
A widow (female) or widower (male) is a person whose spouse has Death, died and has usually not remarried. The male form, "widower", is first attested in the 14th century, by the 19th century supplanting "widow" with reference to men. The adjecti ...
on her husband"s pyre."
Christianization of Chorão
The island was
Christianised by the Jesuits as they did the adjoining islands of
Divar and
Salcete. In 1510, this area was one of the first to be conquered by the Portuguese and by 1552, the island of Chorão had a population of just above 3,000, 300 of whom were Christian and by this time, a small church was built. By the end of 1559, over 1,200 had accepted
baptism
Baptism (from ) is a Christians, Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by aspersion, sprinkling or affusion, pouring water on the head, or by immersion baptism, immersing in water eit ...
in total. The following year, in 1560, the first bishop from the
Jesuit
The Society of Jesus (; abbreviation: S.J. or SJ), also known as the Jesuit Order or the Jesuits ( ; ), is a religious order (Catholic), religious order of clerics regular of pontifical right for men in the Catholic Church headquartered in Rom ...
order, Dom João Nunes de Barreto set up residence in Chorão, which eventually became a Noviciate.
[''Sarasvati's Children: A History of the Mangalorean Christians'', Alan Machado Prabhu, I.J.A. Publications, 1999, p.101 ]
Jesuit missionary and writer
Luís Fróis in his letter dated 10 December 1560 says "Most of these
Brahmins
Brahmin (; ) is a ''Varna (Hinduism), varna'' (theoretical social classes) within Hindu society. The other three varnas are the ''Kshatriya'' (rulers and warriors), ''Vaishya'' (traders, merchants, and farmers), and ''Shudra'' (labourers). Th ...
can speak
Portuguese and are happy to learn the doctrine pertaining to Faith and Morals". With incredible brevity the whole of the Island of Chorão prepared itself for the general
baptism
Baptism (from ) is a Christians, Christian sacrament of initiation almost invariably with the use of water. It may be performed by aspersion, sprinkling or affusion, pouring water on the head, or by immersion baptism, immersing in water eit ...
which was fixed for 8 August 1560. The
archbishop
In Christian denominations, an archbishop is a bishop of higher rank or office. In most cases, such as the Catholic Church, there are many archbishops who either have jurisdiction over an ecclesiastical province in addition to their own archdi ...
along with some priests visited Chorão Island first, followed by Father Melchior Carneiro and the provincial. It being the month of August, a time when it rains heavily, the repairs of the church were hurriedly completed. The
Viceroy
A viceroy () is an official who reigns over a polity in the name of and as the representative of the monarch of the territory.
The term derives from the Latin prefix ''vice-'', meaning "in the place of" and the Anglo-Norman ''roy'' (Old Frenc ...
Dom Constantino of Braganza came with
retinue
A retinue is a body of persons "retained" in the service of a noble, royal personage, or dignitary; a ''suite'' (French "what follows") of retainers.
Etymology
The word, recorded in English since circa 1375, stems from Old French ''retenue'', ...
and brought his musicians who played on a variety of instruments like trumpets, drums and charamelas. Viceroy Dom Constantino of Braganza also stood as god-father (sponsor) to the important men of the place treating them with love and affection. This alone was more than sufficient to keep the neophytes happy. As many as possible were baptised that evening. Father Joseph Ribeiro stayed behind and baptized the remaining. In all, therefore the number of the converts reached 1207, the greater part of the people of the Island having already been baptized before.
Fróis says that a greater number of those who embraced Christianity in Chorão were Chaudarins (Toddy-Tappers). They also made better Christians and being more homely, were easy to be converted. They made their confession during Lent, some confessed their sins fortnightly, others monthly and six or seven of them every Sunday and they received
Communion in the Church of
Our Lady of Grace Church (Chorão Island).
Some Chorão women, on the occasion of their baptism, wore some much gold to the extent of astonishing the missionaries. They belong to the caste of
Chardo. In 1566 Chorão had 2470 converts and few Brahmins had promised to become
Roman Catholics
The Catholic Church (), also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptized Catholics worldwide as of 2025. It is among the world's oldest and largest international institut ...
later. In 1582 there were three thousand converts in Chorão and all its inhabitants were Roman Catholics and many came from outside to receive baptism.
Ilha dos Fidalgos
A large number of magnificent buildings with storeys rose up surrounded by lovely flower garden and sometimes due to want of space attached to one another. It was here that most of the nobility and rich resided, spending a life of comfort and luxury. This was the reason why Chorão Island became known as "Ilha dos Fidalgos" (Island of Noblemen).
Tradition has it that when these Fidalgos went for Mass, a special place was set apart to protect their superfine umbrellas, chiefly made of red damask. The fidalgos would be found often lounging near the ferry point on the south-eastern side of the island, waiting for patmarios (sail boats) to cross over to
Old Goa or
Ribandar
Ribandar is a town in Tiswadi, Goa, located between the cities of Panjim (Nova Goa) and Old Goa (Velha Goa).
Etymology
The name Ribandar originates from "Rayachem Bandar" in Konkani meaning the wharves, docks or portage of the ''Rayas'' ...
. The Fidalgos as well as the common folk took great delight in chewing on snacks available then and gulped down hot tea in the shacks. They enjoyed the freshly steamed merem (snack) and sipped the hot cha (tea) at that spot.
Cheese of Chorão
Chorão was once famous for its European-style
ripened cheese, produced from
dairy cattle
Dairy cattle (also called dairy cows) are cattle bred with the ability to produce large quantities of milk, from which dairy products are made. Dairy cattle generally are of the species '' Bos taurus''.
Historically, little distinction was ...
since the 16th century, and known as ''Queijo da Ilha de Chorão'' (Cheese from the island of Chorão). Chorão Cheese was popular with both the Goan natives and the Portuguese gentry in Goa. Chorão Cheese also used to be exported even as far as
Macau
Macau or Macao is a special administrative regions of China, special administrative region of the People's Republic of China (PRC). With a population of about people and a land area of , it is the most List of countries and dependencies by p ...
. Due to the emigration of cheesemakers from the island, the cheese industry became extinct in the 19th century.
Forts of Chorão
Two well equipped fortresses guarded Chorão Island from the incursion of
Marathas
The Maratha Empire, also referred to as the Maratha Confederacy, was an early modern India, early modern polity in the Indian subcontinent. It comprised the realms of the Peshwa and four major independent List of Maratha dynasties and states, Ma ...
. The Fortaleza de São Bartolomeu de Chorão (
Fort São Bartolomeu) was built in 1720 in the north eastern part of Chorão Island. It had a castle within its enclosures. Among other features, it had eleven cannons and was used for the defense of the fort that surrounded Chorão island and those of Calvim. According to José Nicolau da Fonseca, it was probably erected at the same time as the Fort of Naroa. The fort was abandoned in 1811 and now lies in total ruins.
Epidemics in Chorão Island
Main Article :
Epidemics in Chorão Island
Education Institutions
In 1559, the Jesuits founded a school in Chorão for the children of the village. It is recorded that the number of them at one time reached 400. Reading, writing and Christian doctrine were taught in this school. According to the belief of the people the school was functioning in a building situated at the western part of the hill built as a residence of the Jesuits by Fr. Dom João Nunes Baretto S.J. Patriarch of Ethiopia. The
Konkani __NOTOC__
Konkani may refer to:
Language
* Konkani language is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Konkan region of India.
* Konkani alphabets, different scripts used to write the language
**Konkani in the Roman script, one of the scripts used to ...
language which was a great help for the conversion work was probably taught in this school. It was meant for the Jesuits.
Seminary of Chorão
Main Article :
Real Colégio de Educação de Chorão
Latin School
According to a decree issued on 19 April 1871 after a resolution had been passed by the Communidade of Chorão on 6 February 1870, it was decided to establish on the Island of Chorão at the expense of the Communidade of Chorão a School of
Latin
Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...
, the payment of the Professor who was to be appointed by the Government of the State.
[Boletim Official No.34 of 1871.]
English School
In 1944 Fr. Elias Gama wanted to build a new English school on Chorão Island, he could not do it as there was one founded by Mr. Januario Pereira of Boctavaddo, St Barthomews High School, though it was not actually running. It was the merit of Fr. Elias Gama to restart it. On 6 November 1952 a new building of a school was inaugurated by Dom
José da Costa Nunes. The medium is English and the school prepares for the S.S.C examination.
Villages
The Chorão island constituted of three
comunidades namely:
Saude is the centre of the island.
Chorão
This village is located on the south of the island.
Village Church
Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Graça
Our Lady of Grace Church (Chorão Island)
St Bartholomew's Church(Chorão Island)
Ambelim
This village is located on the north west of the island.
Village Church
Igreja de São Bartolomeu, Chorão
St Bartholomew's Church (Chorão Island)
Caraim (Caroi)
This village is located on the north east of the island.
Village Church
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Chorão Island)
Bird Sanctuary
The Chorão Island is attractive primarily because of its amazing flora and fauna. There are many mangroves – the amazing and beautiful forests growing in the water.
Chorão is also home to the
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, in the western part of the island, on an area of 178 hectares. It is the largest bird sanctuary of Goa is located. The reserve has got its name from the famous Indian ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali and now it proudly bears the name of "Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary". The territory of this National Park is inhabited by migratory and local birds of over 400 species. The crocodiles can also be seen among the aquatic inhabitants of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
People of Chorão Island
Gallery
File:Our Lady of Grace Church (Nossa Senhora de Graça), Chorão Island.jpg, Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Graça (Our Lady of Grace Church)
File:St. Jerome Chapel, Chorão.jpg, Capela de São Jerônimo (St. Jerome Chapel). Only remaining relic of the Seminary of Chorão
File:St Bartholomew's Church (Chorão Island).jpg, Igreja de São Bartolomeu (St Bartholomew's Church)
File:Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Chorão Island).jpg, Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saúde
File:Chapel of Sacra Familia Chorão Island.jpg, Capela de Sacra Família (Chapel of Sacra Familia)
File:Chapel of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Chorão Island.jpg, Goa's First Chapel Dedicated to Saint Teresa of Calcutta
File:Salim Ali Sanctuary.jpg, Salim Ali Sanctuary
See also
*
Our Lady of Grace Church (Chorão Island)
*
Chapel of St. Jerome (Chorão Island)
*
St Bartholomew's Church (Chorão Island)
*
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Saúde (Chorão Island)
*
Chapel of Sacra Familia (Chorão Island)
*
Real Colégio de Educação de Chorão
*
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Notes
References
Bibliography
*The Island of Chorão (A Historical Sketch) By Francisco Xavier Gomes Catão, Mar Louis Memorial Press, Alwaye (1962)
*Etimos das Aldeas de Goa, em o Oriente Portuguese, Chantre F.X VAZ, Vol XIII(1916)
*The Koṅkaṇî Language and Literature By José Gerson da Cunha (1881)
*An Historical and Archaeological Sketch of the City of Goa By Jose Nicolau Da Fonseca (1878)
*Goa: Hindu temples and deities By Rui Gomes Pereira, Antonio Victor Couto Published by Pereira, (1978)
*Conversions and Citizenry : Goa under Portugal, 1510–1610 By Délio de Mendonça (1958)
Notes
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chorão (Island)
Islands of the River Mandovi
Comunidades of Goa
Konkani
Villages in North Goa district
Islands of Goa
Geography of North Goa district
Tourist attractions in North Goa district
Islands of India
Populated places in India