Know About The centuries-old pillar ‘Pelourinho Novo’ better known as ‘Hathkatro Khambo’

Hathkatro Khambo: Old Goa located on the banks of River Mandovi, Old Goa or Velha Goa (Velha pronounced as Vell-yea) means Old in Portuguese) was founded in the 15th century by the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, is said to have rivalled Lisbon in its splendour as the later capital of the Portuguese.

Old Goa, India was known as “Rome of the East” thanks to its magnificent churches. Today, only half a dozen impressive churches and cathedrals and the fragment of a portal have been preserved.

Pelourinho Novo - Hathkatro Khambo
Pelourinho Novo – Hathkatro Khambo

Know About Hathkatro Khamb

The centuries-old pillar ‘Pelourinho Novo’, better known as ‘Hathkatro Khambo’, is situated at Old Goa, near the complex of churches which are world heritage monuments.

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It is an intriguing pillar dating back from Kadamba era believed to be built in 12th-13th century and was part of the temple relic then.

‘Hat Katro Khambo’ is referred to as in Konkani, Hat means Hand, Ktro means Cut and Khambo called Pillar which roughly translates as a pillar where hands were cut.

Some people say that the reason behind this name could have been because in the olden days, petty criminals were displayed and punished by cutting off one of their hands.

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Historians claim that the freedom fighters were tied to the pillar by Portuguese rulers and then tortured.

Hatkatro Khamb is in the same area where Christians hold fair for Xavier whom they treat as a Saint.

This pillar is standing even today as a witness of extreme oppression by Portuguese rulers, of Hindus in Goa; but it is in very bad shape today.

The condition of this ‘Hatkatro Khaamb’ is very pathetic. The two chains on its sides have been pulled out and taken away by someone. There is no fence around this ‘khaamb’ for its protection. No board has been put up there explaining the history of this ‘khaamb’.

Several people fought against the tyrant Portuguese regime with valour. Their hundreds of descendants are living in Goa even today; whereas some of them have settled in other States after losing everything in such a fight. These families settled in other States still feel very close to Goa.

Ref: Declare the ‘ Hatkatro Khamb ’ in Goa as a National Monument!

Map Location of Hatkatro Khamb

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About the Narayanan Srinathan

Narayanan Srinathan is an author and digital marketing expert for the entire 'Live Planet News' and covers the latest business, technology, health, and entertainment news for www.liveplanetnews.com

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