Cuncolim Weaving a Tale of Resistance-Rowena Robinson

Cuncolim: Weaving a Tale of Resistance This article narrates the zeal of the 'gauncars' of Cuncolim who, in spite of being in the forefront in killing five Jesuits in 1583 and subsequently subjected to conversion to Christianity, retain their hold over hereditary privileges in land and ritual. Not only do the gauncars defend their officiating role in the church rituals in face of rising challenge of the non-gauncars backed by the church authorities, they also defy the sovereignty of the church by paying annual visits to the Hindu deity, Shantadurga, seeking favours.