Raigad (Maharashtra): Language is the medium of communication and it continuously grows and evolves. Sometimes, a particular language takes words from other languages following which a new language or dialect emerges.
Such is the case of Korlai in Maharashtra, which has till now preserved Portuguese language and is spoken across the village with a mixture of Marath.
In the village, generations of Portuguese race have been living for 700 years and there are 250 families. The senior citizens in these families use only Portuguese language in daily communication. Even after Portuguese rulers left the village, their language and culture have been kept alive by these families.
Korlai was ruled by Portuguese emperors
The first steps of Portuguese touched Indian land in 1498 through Vasco D Gama. After Kerala, they established their rule in Goa and Div Daman. Portuguese then set their foot in Konkan also expanding their empire at Revdanda, Choul and Korlai. In 1505, they entered into Choul. At that time, wars between Portuguese and Nizam were common. Nizam the second, built Korlai fort after the death of Burhan Nizam. It was won by Portuguese in 1594 and their empire was established.
Portuguese families still exist in Korlai
The new Portuguese rulers first made local Marathi people as their slaves but a need for language arose to communicate with them. A new language emerged from it which is known as Creole.
After the peace treaty executed between Portuguese and Maratha rulers, the Portuguese returned to home country. Still, their language is prevailing in Korlai. Some families of Portuguese race namely Vegas, Martis, Desouza, Rujriya, Parera, Pena Roch, Gomes and Farnandis live here today.
Creole language mix of Portuguese and Marathi
Korlai is home to Roman Catholics, Hindus and Muslims. Mainly Roman Catholic people can be seen speaking the Portuguese language which is known as the Creole language. The local people call it as Nau Linag language. This is originated from the mix of Marathi and Portuguese languages. Old aged people use this language and though new generation speaks it, their pronounces comprises of mixture of two languages. But Roman Catholics in the village have preserved Portuguese language and culture.
