Curtorim

Curtorim is a town in the Salcette taluka of South Goa district in the state of Goa, India. It is located on the west coast of India.

Geography

Curtorim is located at .^[1] It has an average elevation of 38 metres (125 feet).

History

Curtorim was named by the Portuguese. Earlier it had been called by various other names. It was called ex Codtary, then it became Coddetary, then Kardally, Cuddtari, Kuddasthali (Sthali means place). Chicalim, Quelshim, Sancoale, Cortalim, Verna, Margao, Raia, Loutolim, Benaulim, Curtorim and Guirdolim were notable Saraswat Brahmin villages.^[2] The Daivajnas from Curtorim migrated to Karnataka.

Religion

Curtorim has a predominantly Catholic population. The Church of St Alex is the main feature of the village. It is one of the oldest churches in Goa. It was built in 1597 amidst a scenic natural backdrop of a lake Angoddi Tollem across woods on the site of an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Ravalnath (a form of Lord Shiva). The remains of the ancient temple of Ravalnath are still visible today.^[3] The church of St Alex was first a chapel church; in 1808 it was converted to a church.

Culture

A number of world class performers of western classical and contemporary music have their origins in this village. The village also boasts having perhaps the greatest no of its sons decorated for bravery in India's conflicts with her neighbours than any other village in Goa. It abounds with retired military officers. General Sunit Rodrigues was the first Goan Chief of Army staff and is presently the Governor of the State of Punjab. His majestic ancestral house, which can be seen from the Church of St Aleixo, unfortunately lies abandoned and in slow decay.Cedric Estibeiro from Dando Curtorim is one of the best musician in curtorim

Politics

The first MLA of curtorim was Mr.Enio Pimenta who also was a prominent freedom fighter.^[4]

References