Everything that I have written in The Last Prabhu regarding the origins of the Gaunkari system (Comunidade) in Aldona is not unique to my village of origin and equally applies to all the other comunidades of Goa. Aldona was settled relatively late during the rule of the Kadambas by settlers who most probably came from Saxtti (Salcete) and established the local gaunkari system according to a pattern that was known to them and that I have described in my book. The settlers to Goa arrived from the North around 700 to 600 BC as genetics shows from where they brought the gaunkari system. The gaunkari system is therefore ancient and predates the Portuguese by at least 2200 years. The only known difference between Aldona and the rest of the Goa villages is that Aldona now has 2 comunidades and not just one, the 2nd one having been created in October 1924 due to violent caste politics.
-- Bernardo E. de Sousa Kilchgrundstrasse 55A CH-4125 Riehen/BS Switzerland Email: [email protected]
