FAITH ON FIRE

In the 16th century the Portuguese conquered the city of Goa and nearby Islands. Later they conquered more territory. In 1540 they embarked upon religious and cultural conversion of the locals with extreme ferocity. Conversion created some 'good Christians' but some others who followed old customs and traditions became 'offenders of religion'. The Inquisition was established to try and punish such 'offenders'. The Pai family of Raia Village became a victim of these circumstances when it professed Hindu religion. It got disintegrated, displaced and suffered in other ways. One of the couples stayed on in the village at the cost of giving up their religion and culture by embracing Christianity. The protagonist became a devout Christian and served the community. Yet he was sentenced to be burnt to death by the Inquisition. The couple's life was a tragedy. This story is of that tragedy.