--- On Mon, 3/16/09, Roland Francis <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> How soon before the Goans line up for this stigma too?
>
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Roland,
Funny you should mention this because just the other day I was going to write a
post about renders who are now asking for OBC status in Goa.
The word render is a corruption of the verb stem "rend" which in the Latin
means to rendre. Rend was the tax paid by toddy-tapers and hence they came to
be known as renders (historians can correct me on this one if I am wrong).
Renders for some reason in Goa, were classed as sudra. The work was no doubt
menial but the fact of the matter was, they earned a fairly decent living. They
were all mundkars who tapped the coconut trees of their bhatkars. The more
successful of them might have set up a small distillery with an adjoining
tavern. Now, renders hated being classed as sudra and there are probably a good
few renders turning in their graves, to know that such a status is being
officially sought. The renders of yesteryears were self-sufficient and thriving
enough for the government to impose a tax on them. They didn't lead lavish
lives but certainly the food and alcohol flowed freely in their houses. They
educated their children so that they may have a
better life. what has happened to us to cripple us our spirit in this way?
I am sure the day is not far when our bamons and bhatkars will also be seeking
OBC status.
best,
Selma
