Azad Gomantak Dal
The Azad Gomantak Dal (ⓘ) was an armed revolutionary organization that sought to end Portuguese rule in Goa. Unlike non-violent movements advocating for Goa’s independence, the AGD engaged in armed resistance to overthrow Portuguese rule.[1] The AGD was inspired by the Azad Hind Fauj led by Subhash Chandra Bose.[2]
Formation
[edit]Following the suppression of peaceful protests against Portuguese rule, a faction of independence activists opted for an armed movement, leading to the establishment of the AGD.[1][3][4] The AGD thus broke away from the peaceful National Congress Goa (NCG) in June 1947, at a meeting held at the Shantadurga temple in Cuncoliem. With loaded pistols, the Dal recited their oath:[5]
With an invocation to God and salute to the weapon held in my hand, I do, hereby, take the oath and solemnly declare that I fully accept the primary objective of a speedy deliverance of Indian land from the Portuguese occupation. I am aware of the perils and obstacles in the path towards Goa's freedom, and I shall extend myself to the utmost, unwaveringly, to achieve our ultimate aim.
Ideology
[edit]The AGD believed that armed resistance was necessary to overthrow Portuguese rule, differentiating itself from non-violent movements advocating for Goa’s independence. The group carried out guerrilla-style attacks against Portuguese military and administrative targets. The group was instrumental in various operations that undermined Portuguese authority in Goa.[1][4]
Organization and training
[edit]The AGD established a structured training system to prepare its volunteers. By August 1956, the organization had approximately 240 trained fighters stationed across Goa and Daman.[2]
Training camps
[edit]Training camps were conducted under the supervision of experienced military officers, including Captain D.G. Gole from Poona and Colonel Sher Jang Chaudhary from Delhi. The primary organizers were Prabhakar Vitthal Sinari (assigned to the North) and Prabhakar Trivikram Vaidya (assigned to the South). Specialized training in weaponry and explosives was provided in the forests of Sattari (Morle and Krishnapur) and Sanguem (Dudhsagar and Mollem), as well as in the regions of Ambali, Vajre, Kudal, and Parghat.[2]
Ideological education
[edit]Volunteers were also provided with ideological instruction on subjects such as the history of the Indian and Goan independence movement and socialism. These lectures were delivered by Shyamrao Lad, Jhotiko P.D. Souza, and Mahabaleshwar Naik.[2]
Communication network
[edit]To maintain coordination between units, the organization established communication centers in various locations, including Aronde, Satarda, Banda, Terekhol, Kankumbi, and Castlerock. These centers were managed by a network of activists including Tony Fernandes, Krishnarao Rane, and several others.[2]
Key activities
[edit]AGD members carried out several attacks against Portuguese installations. Among their significant operations was an attempt in July 1947 to seize the Fazenda (Portuguese treasury) in Mapuça. The organization also played a crucial role in the 1954 Indian annexation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, contributing to the takeover of the enclave from Portuguese government.[3]
On 31 July 1954, volunteers of the AGD, accompanied by some volunteers of Jana Sangh, made their way into Nagar Haveli and captured Nairoli. On 2 August, AGD volunteers captured Silvassa and 155 Portuguese soldiers, and hoisted the Indian flag there. On 11 August, AGD volunteers captured Khandel, ending the independence of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.[6]
On 18 February 1955, Bala Raya Mapari from Assonora was tortured to death while imprisoned at the Mapusa police station. A member of the AGD, he is considered as the first martyr of the later phase of the independence movement.[7]
During the period leading up to Indian annexation of Goa, AGD fighters engaged in skirmishes with Portuguese forces and facilitated Indian intelligence efforts in the region. Despite their contributions, the AGD's role was downplayed in official accounts following Goa's annexation.[8]
Raids and sabotage
[edit]Between January and May 1955, the AGD executed several raids on police stations and military outposts to seize weapons and ammunition. Notable operations included:[2]
| Date | Location | Leaders |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 1955 | Banastarim Police Chowki | Mohan Ranade |
| 9 February 1955 | Guleli Police Chowki | Krishna Mayenkar and Krishnarao Rane |
| 11 February 1955 | Assonora | Kanoba Naik |
| 12 February 1955 | Canacona | Dattaram Desai and Prabhakar Vaidya |
| 19 February 1955 | Ravna Military Chowki | Prabhakar Sinari |
| 12 March 1955 | Calangute Police Chowki | Yashwant Agvadekar |
| 1 April 1955 | Cuncolim Police Chowki | Prabhakar Vaidya and Dattaram Desai |
| 17 May 1955 | Kalem and Halarn Police Chowki | Rajnikant Kenkre, Ramdas Chanfadkar, and Shambhu Palekar |
Offshoot
[edit]Prabhakar Sinari later founded an offshoot of the AGD called the Rancour Patriótica.[9]
Notable members
[edit]- Prabhakar Sinari – Often referred to as the "Che Guevara of Goa," Sinari was a leading commander within the AGD. He coordinated attacks on Portuguese military targets and later sought recognition for the group's contributions.[10]
- Vishwanath Lawande – A founding member of the AGD, Lawande was active in armed operations against Portuguese forces and took part in efforts to disrupt colonial administration.[3]
- Mohan Ranade – Ranade participated in multiple raids on Portuguese posts, leading to his imprisonment by the Portuguese authorities.[4]
- Dattatray Deshpande
- Leo Velho Mauricio
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Malkarnekar, Gauree (19 December 2021). "Revolutionaries take the road less travelled". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Lawande, Vishwanath (1999). Halarnkar, Tanaji (ed.). [Konkani Encyclopaedia] (in Goan Konkani). Vol. 1. Goa: Goa University. pp. 160–161 – via Wikisource.
- ^ a b c Sakhardande, Prajal (15 September 2013). "Lawande and the Azad Gomantak Dal". The Navhind Times. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
- ^ a b c "THE SINARI SALUTE TO FREEDOM FIGHTERS". Herald Goa. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ Kulkarni 2024, p. 28.
- ^ Prabhakar, Peter Wilson (2003). Wars, Proxy-wars and Terrorism: Post Independent India. Mittal Publications. p. 39. ISBN 978-81-7099-890-7.
- ^ Faleiro 2023, p. 70.
- ^ Malkarnekar, Gauree (15 August 2022). "'We were happy with the freedom, but no one could celebrate in Goa'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ Faleiro 2023, pp. 78–79.
- ^ "Che Guevara of Goa: Prabhakar Sinari". The Navhind Times. 11 December 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
Bibliography
[edit]- Faleiro, Valmiki (24 July 2023). Goa, 1961: The Complete Story of Nationalism and Integration. Penguin Random House India Private Limited. ISBN 978-93-5708-175-7. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
- Kulkarni, Neelesh (2024). Uprising: The Liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Westland Non-Fiction. ISBN 978-93-6045-865-2.