This is the title of Wendell Rodricks latest book, “ Poskem: Goans in the Shadows”, and he was in Chennai for a book reading.
Posko means adopted in Konkani. Wendell Rodricks suggested it was a Sanskrit root word, but I am not able to confirm that.
It seems that two hundred years ago, this practice took root in Goa
among all the communities. Goa was and is a rural state. With the Portuguese
arrival, the inquisition started with conversions of the Hindus into Catholics.
Mixed race was frowned upon. When the Portuguese needed brides, the local Goans
were not agreeable. They shipped in women from Malacca.
Either out of poverty, illegitimacy, or hoping to grant their children brighter future, families offered their offspring to houses. It did not matter what religion only who took the children in.
These children, Poskem, were given the family name, but did not figure in the birth records. The children got food, and clothing, and mostly went to the kitchens. Some were playmates to the blood children, and later caretakers of the property. They had no rights, all depended on the person who took them in. Many were treated well and married off; others just lived in the shadows.
Rodricks book is about four Poskem children. A large slice of Goan history combines with great cooking recipes. In the book, Rodricks links the four children through food and therefore the book has interesting recipes. Mario’s drawings accentuate the descriptive passages and characters
Either out of poverty, illegitimacy, or hoping to grant their children brighter future, families offered their offspring to houses. It did not matter what religion only who took the children in.
These children, Poskem, were given the family name, but did not figure in the birth records. The children got food, and clothing, and mostly went to the kitchens. Some were playmates to the blood children, and later caretakers of the property. They had no rights, all depended on the person who took them in. Many were treated well and married off; others just lived in the shadows.
Rodricks book is about four Poskem children. A large slice of Goan history combines with great cooking recipes. In the book, Rodricks links the four children through food and therefore the book has interesting recipes. Mario’s drawings accentuate the descriptive passages and characters
Above all, it is Wendell Rodricks who delights the audience
with a charming mix of plain speak anecdotal style of conversation, and fluent
grasp of local history. He throws in caste, conversions, costumes,
inquisitions, Rosa, his minimalist style of design, trivia, and his personal
choices with frank candour. He has no desire to shock. Rather like an honest
villager, he calls a spade a spade.
Asked if Goa was the most secure place for women, he mentions the Napoleonic Civil Law that the Portuguese practise and still in force today. Everyone inherits an equal share from each other. He says that is the reason why many prefer to marry in Goa is that it allows husband and wife equal share in each other's property.
An excellent evening organised by Prakriti Foundation, and conducted by Ranvir Shah. The evening was informative, entertaining, and above all showcased Goa with affection and pride.
Asked if Goa was the most secure place for women, he mentions the Napoleonic Civil Law that the Portuguese practise and still in force today. Everyone inherits an equal share from each other. He says that is the reason why many prefer to marry in Goa is that it allows husband and wife equal share in each other's property.
An excellent evening organised by Prakriti Foundation, and conducted by Ranvir Shah. The evening was informative, entertaining, and above all showcased Goa with affection and pride.
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