Invoking the Ghost of Mexia: State and Community in Post-colonial Goa

Abstract

Afonso Mexia, was one of the founding figures of the Estado da India. This essay uses a contemporary reference to Mexia, by the Association of the Components of Comunidades, to draw links between the colonial past and postcolonial present, displaying how the legal and social orders of the respective eras twine with each other. In doing so, the article contemplates the various contestations within communities, and between community and State, as citizenship is sought to be (re)defined in the former Portuguese territory of Goa.

Keywords

• Goa
• comunidade
• Estado da India
• citizenship