Panaji: In an effort to revive the extinct Modi Marathi script and create local expertise to decipher Goa’s historical records, the state archives department has partnered with Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Govt College, Virnoda, Pernem, to train 69 students, teachers and local residents free of cost.The initiative comes at a time when Goa faces a severe shortage of experts in Modi Marathi, despite a large number of the state’s temple, land and village records being written in the script. As a result, many Goans have to rely on experts from Maharashtra, often at considerable expense, to decipher old documents.The 30-hour, two-credit course is being taught by Pune-based Modi Marathi expert Girish Mandke and is coordinated by Balaji Shenvi, director of archives, along with professor Rohit Phalgaonkar of the history department at Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Govt College.Phalgaonkar said the course aims to spark interest in the script and encourage more Goans to pursue advanced training before the knowledge disappears from the state.“The script originated around the 17th century, and land, temple and village records up to the 20th century are found in Modi Marathi in Goa, especially in the new Portuguese colonial conquests like Canacona, Sanguem and Pernem. Today, locals have to approach experts in Maharashtra to get these documents deciphered. We want at least a few people in Goa to continue studying the script before it vanishes from the state’s soil,” he said.He said Goa has only around three people capable of deciphering Portuguese calligraphy, while the last person proficient in the Goykanadi script has passed away. The college, he said, is trying to ensure Modi Marathi does not meet the same fate.“Modi Marathi was taught at the elementary school level in Goa until the 20th century but is now extinct. It is a running script with no spaces between words and was typically written without lifting the pen. The script evolved over time, with changes in style and calligraphy. Only a handful of scholars in Goa can read it today. Those who learn the script will have significant opportunities to earn from this specialised knowledge,” Phalgaonkar said.The Goa archives department, established in 1595, is the oldest archives department in the country. It houses a vast collection of records that are yet to be studied, including correspondence between the Marathas and the Portuguese written in Modi Marathi.Of the 69 participants, 60 are students, six are residents of Pernem and three are teachers. The course concludes on July 30. Participants who secure at least 75% attendance and pass the examination will receive certificates. The same course is also available at Goa University and concludes on July 31.
