Jesuits in India 2

Who was St. Francis Xavier?

A co-founder of the Jesuit order who played a key role in the early missionary work in India, particularly in Goa.

: Who succeeded Ignatius of Loyola as the head of the Jesuit order?

James Lainez succeeded Ignatius in 1556, followed by Francis Borgia.

What significant political event occurred in India in 1556?

Akbar ascended to the Mughal dynasty throne and began a 49-year reign.

What was the relationship between the Jesuits and King John III of Portugal?

King John III was a good friend of the Jesuits, which helped create a peaceful environment for their missions in India.

What was Akbar’s approach to religious tolerance?

Akbar held interfaith talks, invited representatives of various faiths to his court, and initiated Din Illahi, a religious syncretism.

What were some of the social reforms introduced by Akbar?

Prohibiting sati, legalizing widow remarriage, abolishing the pilgrim tax at Mathura, and raising the age of marriage.

What was the significance of Bassein for the Jesuits?

Bassein served as the base for Jesuit missions in northern India, housing a school, hostel, and residence.

What were the Paraguay Reductions?

Settlements created by priests to concentrate indigenous people into urban communities for conversion to Christianity and European culture.

Who were "Rice Christians"?

Converts to Christianity who received material assistance but had to demonstrate readiness for baptism, overseen by officials like Pai dos Cristaos.

What was the College of St. Paul’s in Goa known for?

It attracted students for its moral teachings, historical plays, musical performances, and academic debates.

What role did Brother Pedro Afonso play in Jesuit missions?

He was skilled in medical and surgical practices, providing care for the sick and marginalized.

What were the dietary habits of Jesuits like St. Francis Xavier?

Xavier consumed simple foods, primarily rice and fish, and wore an old patched cassock and biretta.

What was the Jesuit practice regarding education and cultural engagement?

Jesuits worked to learn Indian religions and cultures and engaged in dialogues with Hindus.

Who was the first Indian Jesuit?

Pedro Luis, who assisted in printing Tamil catechisms.

What was Akbar’s tomb and its significance?

Akbar’s tomb is located in Sikandra, Agra, reflecting his legacy of cultural integration and secular governance.

What was the primary goal of Jesuit missions in India?

The primary goal was to convert the local population to Christianity while also establishing educational institutions and promoting social reforms.

What kind of support did Jesuits provide to converts after baptism?

They provided material assistance and spiritual guidance, with officials like Pai dos Cristaos responsible for instructing and protecting converts.

How did Jesuits participate in the Inquisition in Goa?

Jesuits took part in preaching during the auto da fe and were allowed to express their opinions only on theological matters.

What was significant about the printing press donated to the Jesuits by King John III?

Though intended for use in Ethiopia, it was used in Goa to produce early printed works, including the Konkani version of the short Catechism of Xavier.

What notable achievement did Fr. Henry Henriques accomplish on the Fishery Coast?

He mastered Tamil and produced a grammar and vocabulary in that language, facilitating communication and evangelization.

What was the Jesuit practice regarding the care of marginalized individuals?

Jesuits cared for slaves left to die and visited prisoners condemned to death, demonstrating their commitment to social justice.

How did Jesuits in Goa view the Thomas Christians?

They were wary of their doctrinal orthodoxy due to associations with Nestorianism but engaged with them to understand their practices.

What was the impact of Jesuit educational institutions in Goa?

They provided moral and intellectual training, contributing to the cultural and educational landscape of the region.

Describe the communal living aspect of the Jesuit settlement at Trinidade.

Modeled after the Paraguay Reductions, it involved shared resources and a communal lifestyle among the Jesuits and local converts.

What was the rationale behind the laws petitioned by Jesuits to favor Christians in Goa?

The laws aimed to protect the rights of Christian converts, ensuring they retained property rights and access to care for orphans.

What characterizes the “auto da fe” in the context of the Inquisition?

It was a public event where individuals accused of heresy were tried and punished, often with Jesuits playing a role in preaching.

What was the role of Jesuits in promoting cultural integration during Akbar's reign?

Jesuits fostered dialogue and understanding between different religious and cultural groups, contributing to a more inclusive society.

What did the term "indipetae" refer to?

It referred to Jesuits in Europe who volunteered for missions in India, expressing a desire to spread Christianity.