Panaji: The Save Old Goa Action Committee has objected to the naming of a historic pillar in Old Goa as “Hath Katro Khambo” in a recent gazette notification, calling it inaccurate.
The group submitted photographic evidence showing the monument is identified as “New Pillory” and hundreds of villagers have signed a petition opposing the name “Haath Khatro Khamb.
” A representation has been sent to the department of archives and archaeology Goa seeking correction.“The pillory falls within the Unesco-recognised heritage precinct of Old Goa, making accuracy in naming more critical,” they said.
The appeal comes nearly two weeks after PhD scholars and journalists wrote to the department objecting to the notification issued on Feb 17, where the disputed name appears in the list of protected monuments.To support its claims, the Save Old Goa Action Committee submitted photographs of nameplates at the site. These identify the structure as “Pilourinho Novou” in Portuguese, “New Pillory” in English, and a Konkani equivalent — none matching the name cited in the gazette.
The committee has also questioned the basis for adopting the contested name, asking whether any proper site survey or historical validation was conducted prior to publication. It has sought full disclosure of the source of the nomenclature and related documentation.Calling for immediate correction, the committee urged authorities to amend the gazette notification and restore what it considers the monument’s historically accurate name. It added that official records must align with documented heritage preserved in govt archives.
