Goa : A Daughter’S Story

Goa: A Daughter's Story, written by Maria Aurora Couto, is a novel about 450 years of Goa's history. The novel describes how the state of Goa came into existence in the initial chapters, the author describes how various dynasties fought over the territory and how the Portuguese came to occupy Goa for 450 years. She sheds light on the religious, cultural and linguistic influences of the Marathas and the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for a time. This book tells the story of Maria Aurora Couto and her childhood in Portuguese - ruled Goa. As the young wife of a civil servant, she lived and taught in various parts of India . The author moved back to Goa in 1960, accompanying her husband, who was the first Administrator of the state of Goa. The novel throws light on the state of affairs post 1960, as Goa tried to assimilate itself with the rest of newly - independent India. On a deeply personal note, the author brings to light the history of religious persecution under the Portuguese and the forced conversions to Christianity . The author discusses the prevalence of the caste system among Goan Christians and questions its modern relevance. As the novel moves to modern Goa, the book discusses the impact of widespread corruption in public life. The author highlights the apathy and vested business interests which have led to the environmental degradation of this paradise.