Before they came across this strange name 'Bigadi Balam' of the middle section of the seven- km-long Campal-Miramar-Caranzalem estuarine beach while searching Google Maps and Google Earth, very few were aware of the massive ongoing toponymical assault on the identity of Goa. This article is about toponymy, the science that studies geographical names or toponyms as its subject.
There are different kinds of Goa within the state of Goa, with a geographical area of 3,701 square km. The most common division was created by historical geography. The old conquests and the new conquests vertically divide Goa. Then ecologically, the two divisions of Goa are the government forests and the area outside these 1,250 sq km of managed areas. So effectively, what matters for demographic, political, administrative, economic, social, and cultural purposes is a balance area of 2,451 sq. kms. This is a highly urbanised area of India which gives Goa a top national rank in urbanisation. But, a negative externality of urbanisation and tourism is the incremental cultural pollution accelerated by technology like Google Maps.
Homo sapiens have spent not less than 2,500-3,000 generations in Goa, shaping the original matrix of Goan cultural identity. What emerged through thousands of years of cultural evolution and socio-linguistic efforts were the place names - geographically distinct names, many of which belong to the languages and dialects that have been lost. A knowledgeable senior citizen from the ST community of Goa Ramnath Mangeshkar from Nagali-Taleigao, once offered to show me the location called 'Don Pavlar' (near two feet), where he said that before the building boom at the edge of the lateritic plateau close to the NIO colony, there were large carved imprints of human feet or petroglyphs. He disagreed with the legend associated with the Portuguese place name 'Dona Paula'. His knowledge was consistent with local tribal toponymical heritage later corrupted by the
Portuguese.
Now, what Google Maps and Google Earth reveal is a culture shock. We have trekked on Morjim beach several times, but now we find a rock named as 'Warehouse Rock' and a 'Southern Cross' as new names. If you explore the dangerous seaside cliff of Aguada popular with adventurous foreign tourists, you see new, unfamiliar names like 'Bears' Claw' and 'Kaurati's Cave' at the base of the cliff. Their photos have been uploaded anonymously. But who authorised these persons to play with the toponymy of Goa on Google Maps?
I came across hundreds of similar alien place names which pointed to the interference by the casual visitors to Goa. This is a new form of cultural assault. How do we understand its implications? Such toponymical assaults, deliberately altering or destroying place names, can profoundly impact Goa's identity, cultural heritage, and social cohesion. This aggression can manifest through renaming, erasing, or imposing new names on geographical locations. Such acts often carry political, cultural, or ideological motivations, and their consequences extend beyond merely altering maps. Throughout history, states and empires have used toponymical assault to assert dominance, erase cultural diversity, or reshape collective memory. The renaming of places can be a tool for conquest, symbolising a shift in power dynamics. For instance, conquerors may rename cities or landmarks to eradicate the memory of previous civilizations or to impose their cultural and political ideologies on the conquered territories.
Toponymical assault directly impacts a state's cultural identity and collective memory. Place names often carry historical and cultural significance, reflecting a community's stories, struggles, and triumphs. Altering these names disrupts the continuity of cultural narratives, leading to a loss of connection between present and past generations. This deliberate manipulation of toponyms can undermine a community's sense of self and disrupt the transmission of cultural heritage.
The consequences of toponymical assault extend beyond symbolic gestures, influencing the daily lives of individuals. Communities may experience a sense of disorientation and loss as familiar places are renamed or erased. The reshaping of toponyms can also exacerbate social divisions, as different groups within a state may resist or embrace these changes, leading to conflicts over the interpretation of history and cultural identity. Recognising the significance of toponyms in preserving cultural heritage is crucial for mitigating the impact of toponymical assault. Efforts to document and safeguard original place names, coupled with educational initiatives, can contribute to the resilience of cultural identity.
Toponymical assault represents a complex and impactful form of manipulation that extends beyond the mere alteration of place names. It shapes historical narratives, impacts cultural identity, and influences social dynamics within a state. As societies grapple with the consequences of toponymical assault, efforts to preserve and protect original place names become crucial in safeguarding the rich tapestry of human history and cultural heritage.
What shall we do to protect age-old traditional place names to preserve ethnic Goan identity? It involves a combination of legal measures and community involvement. The Goa government can enact or strengthen legislation recognising and protecting traditional place names as part of the state's cultural heritage. Specific provisions within these laws should address preserving traditional names, making it illegal to alter or replace them without thorough consideration and community consultation. The Goa government can implement legal frameworks that require community consultation before any changes to place names are considered. The government can also establish mechanisms for communities to voice their concerns and preferences regarding preserving traditional names, ensuring active participation in decision-making processes. We must develop a comprehensive database of conventional place names, documenting their historical and cultural significance. The new legislation can mandate the creating and maintenance of such databases to serve as references for decision-makers, researchers, and the public.
Besides this, we need to integrate education about the importance of traditional place names into school curricula to raise awareness among younger generations. Such educational programmes can foster a sense of pride and understanding of the cultural significance of these names, encouraging future generations to participate in their preservation actively. Legal penalties must be introduced for unilaterally changing traditional place names without proper authorisation or community consent. Such corrections may include fines, legal action, or requirements to revert to the original names, acting as a deterrent against arbitrary alterations. There needs to be provisions in existing or new legislation that recognise and protect the rights of STs and OBCs of Goa, including their right to maintain their cultural identity, including traditional place names.
The toponymical assault launched against the identity and culture of Goa through Google Maps and Google Earth needs to serve as an eye-opener. I have proposed to Google to correct the name of 'Bigadi Balam' to middle Caranzalem beach. Goan heritage lovers must also join efforts to restore original place names and save the Goan identity from being spoiled by irresponsible and culturally insensitive use of new technologies.