I am not questioning for a moment the reality of Goa being a elite-driven plutocracy (with strong caste connotations) in the pre-1961 era, far more than it is even now.
However, that reality doesn't give us the license to jump to just about any conclusions about the place. Literacy in 1961 was *not* about 10%, it was far higher, and quite comparable (if not better than) many other parts of India, except Kerala and a few other places. I am open to correction if the figures speak otherwise. The literacy rate increased in Goa from 10.91% in 1881 to 17.5% in 1931 and 31.23% in 1960. The Old Conquests hadthe highest number of literate and educated persons. Among the Old Conquest talukas, Bardez had a high literacy rate, even though it had less number of schools per 100 sq.km. This could be because of greater contacts with the outside world and better economic conditions. In its turn, literacy helped to maintain better living conditions. Among the New Conquest talukas, Ponda had higher literacy rate of 7.85% in 1881. It rose steadily to 14.2% in 1921 and 22.46% in 1960. Minimum literacy rate wa in Satari. The literacy rate was higher among the Catholics and Muslims, Many Hindus knew to read andwrite in more than one language. Source Health and Hygiene in Colonial Goa (1510-1961) by Fatima da Silva Gracias. Text available online. P 56 This page shows that Goa was ahead of most Indian states in terms of literacy in 1971, but that was a full decade after the end of Portuguese rule, and one could quibble over where the credit should go: http://www.education.nic.in/cd50years/g/z/EI/0ZEI0401.htm Kerala, Mizoram, Chandigarh, Pondicherry were ahead then too... FN Frederick Noronha +91-9822122436 +91-832-2409490
