LHist2021 at 07:47, 3 October 2023

2023-10-03T07:47:12Z

New page

{{short description|Goan journalist and writer (1843–1929)}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific_suffix = [[Esquire]]
| name = Leopoldo da Gama
| birth_name = Leopoldo Copriano Gama
| other_names = L.C. Gama
| image =
| caption =
| birth_place = [[Saligão]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India)
| birth_date = {{circa|1843}}
| education = Latinidade and Portuguese School
| death_date = {{death date and age|1929|4|27|df=y|1843}}
| death_place = [[Penha de França, Goa]], Portuguese India, Portuguese Empire
| occupation = {{hlist|Journalist|writer}}
| years_active = 1874–1917
| known_for = Assertive style of [[argumentation]] in [[polemical]] writings
| module = {{Infobox officeholder
| embed = yes
| office = Deputy [[Postmaster General]] of Portuguese India, Goa
| term_start = 12 December 1874
| term_end = unknown}}
}}

'''Leopoldo Cipriano da Gama''' [[Esq.]] (born '''Leopoldo Copriano Gama'''; {{circa|1843}} – 27 April 1929) was a [[Goan]] journalist and writer who was active during the era of [[Portuguese India]]. He was one of the notable contributors in the Portuguese [[weekly newspaper]] called "''A Convicção''". Through his articles, he skillfully conveyed his [[humanistic education]], ensuring that the [[Portuguese literature|Portuguese content]] he presented to readers was thoughtfully organized and devoid of excessive, unprocessed facts.

In his book titled "''Goa and Its Future''," published in 1966, author Sarto Esteves acknowledges the individuals that made significant contributions to the field of journalism. Da Gama, Dada Vaidya Hari Vithal Desai, Liberio Pereira, and [[Luís de Menezes Bragança]] were among the respected figures who achieved prominence within the journalistic landscape.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Esteves |first=Sarto |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oNQLAAAAIAAJ&q=Leopoldo+da+Gama |title=Goa and Its Future |date=1966 |publisher=Manaktalas |language=en |access-date=2023-09-28 |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929074712/https://books.google.com/books?id=oNQLAAAAIAAJ&q=Leopoldo+da+Gama |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to Sushila Sawant Mendes, a journalist associated with ''[[O Heraldo]]'', da Gama, Menezes Bragança, António de Noronha, Pascoal Gomes, João Barreto, Minguel Caetanco Dias, Bernardo da Costa, and António Gregório de Costa played significant roles as influential figures within their community. These individuals were instrumental in upholding the liberal Portuguese legacy and exerted considerable influence over their own people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Portuguese Liberal Thought: Kindling the Goan Mind |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Edit/By-invitation/Portuguese-Liberal-Thought-Kindling-the-Goan-Mind-/204707 |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=oHeraldo |archive-date=2023-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928072544/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Edit/By-invitation/Portuguese-Liberal-Thought-Kindling-the-Goan-Mind-/204707 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Early life==
Leopoldo Copriano Gama was born in {{circa|1843}} in [[Saligão]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], during the [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India) to Luis Antonio Gama and Carlota Guilhermina Gonsalves.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gA03REgT2U0C&q=Leopoldo+Cipriano+da+Gama+1843 |title=Boletim eclesiástico da Arquidiocese de Goa |date=1962 |publisher=Paço Patriarcal. |language=pt-BR |access-date=2023-09-29 |archive-date=2023-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930082825/https://books.google.com/books?id=gA03REgT2U0C&q=Leopoldo+Cipriano+da+Gama+1843 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=30 June 2006 |title=Death Certificate |url=https://goaonline.gov.in/Appln/UIL/BirthDeathCertificate_af?__Key=&_Mode=D&__cscKey= |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=Goa Online |archive-date=30 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930082842/https://goaonline.gov.in/HomePage |url-status=live }}</ref> He was an alumnus of the Latinidade and Portuguese School for boys in Saligão, which was established by Fr. Lazaro de Souza and was among the first four Government Public Schools in Goa. This educational institution had a specific focus on teaching [[Latin]] and [[Lyceum]] classes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mascarenhas |first=Fr. Nascimento |date=2009-12-27 |title=Historical view of education and schools in Saligao |url=http://www.saligaoserenade.com/2009/12/27/historical-view-of-education-and-schools-in-saligao/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702102109/http://www.saligaoserenade.com/2009/12/27/historical-view-of-education-and-schools-in-saligao/ |archive-date=2011-07-02 |access-date=2023-09-28 |website=Saligao Serenade}}</ref>

Described as possessing quick thinking and a spirited nature, da Gama exhibited a broad cultural knowledge and expressed himself with precision. According to [[J. Clement Vaz]], da Gama's command of [[classical literature]] was unparalleled, and he demonstrated a profound understanding of significant works in [[French literature|French]] and [[English literature]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Vaz |first=J. Clement |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7DJLxYBYA-YC&dq=Leopoldo+da+Gama&pg=PA178 |title=Profiles of Eminent Goans, Past and Present |date=1997 |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |isbn=978-81-7022-619-2 |language=en |access-date=2023-09-28 |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929074714/https://books.google.com/books?id=7DJLxYBYA-YC&dq=Leopoldo+da+Gama&pg=PA178 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Style==
Da Gama's literary style was described by [[Luís de Menezes Bragança]] as follows: He was a true journalist, possessing quick mental agility, a strong fighting spirit, and a diverse range of knowledge. His articles consistently revealed his [[humanistic education]]. Additionally, his skill in portraying history was remarkable. He had the ability to illuminate and suggest historical events in international chronicles, drawing appropriate parallels that went beyond superficial details and delving into their profound significance and far-reaching consequences. In debates, he was both a justifier and a formidable opponent. His arguments were convincing, his sarcasm devastating, and his wit disorienting.<ref name=":2" />

==Career==
Prior to embarking on his literary pursuits, da Gama rose to prominence through his service as a government official within the Portuguese Government. In accordance with historical records found in [[The Asiatic Society of Mumbai#Journal|The Journal of the Bombay Branch of Royal Asiatic Society]], which was published in 1875, da Gama assumed the position of Deputy [[Postmaster General]] of [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], on 12 December 1874, around the age of 30–31.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Branch |first=Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland Bombay |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KrPRGHtMlhcC&dq=Leopoldo+Cipriano+da+Gama&pg=PR55 |title=Journal of the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society |date=1875 |publisher=Probsthain |language=en |access-date=2023-09-29 |archive-date=2023-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930082826/https://books.google.com/books?id=KrPRGHtMlhcC&dq=Leopoldo+Cipriano+da+Gama&pg=PR55#v=onepage&q=Leopoldo%20Cipriano%20da%20Gama&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:A Convicção.jpg|thumb|The fifth issue of ''A Convicção'' published on 23 January 1909.]]
During the late 19th century, da Gama directed his focus towards producing literary works in the Portuguese language. He made his debut in the literary world through his contribution to "''A Convicção''," (The Conviction) a weekly magazine that originated in his native town of [[Saligão]] in 1887. The magazine, under the editorial guidance of Francisco Salvador Pinto, Gustavo Adolpho de Frias, Paschoal João Gomes, and da Gama, published its inaugural edition on 15 January 1887.<ref name=":3" />

Da Gama relocated from Goa to [[History of Bombay under Portuguese rule (1534–1661)|Bombaim]] (now [[Mumbai]]) in 1891 with the purpose of dedicating himself to his literary pursuits. His endeavors primarily involved editorial work for weekly newspapers. During this period, da Gama became a member of the ''[[Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa]]'', a Portuguese [[scientific society]] headquartered in [[Lisbon]]. As a C class member, he joined a diverse community of intellectuals, journalists, and politicians from various corners of the globe.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lisboa |first=Sociedade de Geografia de |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UWgvAQAAMAAJ&dq=Leopoldo+Cypriano+da+Gama&pg=PA137 |title=Lista de socios |date=1900 |publisher=Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa |language=pt-BR}}</ref>

[[File:A EVOLUÇÃO weekly newspaper 1895.jpg|thumb|The first issue of ''A Evolução'' published on 2 January 1895.]]
Between 1890 and 1891, da Gama engaged in editorial activities for the [[weekly newspaper]] "''Horas Vagas''" (Vacant Hours) alongside Julio Ribeiro. Subsequently, from 1891 to 1892, da Gama assumed the role of editor for another weekly newspaper known as "''A Colonia Goana''" (The Goana Colony).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Śiroḍakara |first=Pra Pā |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dixuAAAAMAAJ&q=leopoldo+cipriano+da+gama |title=Goa's External Relations: Seminar Papers |date=1992 |publisher=Rajhauns Vitaran |isbn=978-81-85339-88-7 |language=en |access-date=2023-09-29 |archive-date=2023-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930082907/https://books.google.com/books?id=dixuAAAAMAAJ&q=leopoldo+cipriano+da+gama |url-status=live }}</ref> Following these endeavors, da Gama returned to Goa and commenced his writing contributions to the weekly newspaper "''A Evolução''" (The Evolution). The first issue was published in [[Nova Goa]] (now Panaji) on 2 January 1895. However, the same year on 13 November, the newspaper was suspended, with its last 31st issue.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Costa |first=Aleixo Manuel da |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5NgZAAAAMAAJ&q=evolu%C3%A7%C3%A3o+leopoldo+cipriano |title=Literatura goesa: apontamentos bio-bibliográficos para a sua história |date=1967 |publisher=Agência-Geral do Ultramar |language=pt-BR |access-date=2023-09-29 |archive-date=2023-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930082827/https://books.google.com/books?id=5NgZAAAAMAAJ&q=evolu%C3%A7%C3%A3o+leopoldo+cipriano |url-status=live }}</ref>

Da Gama was a notable contributor to ''[[The Gazette of India|Gazeta da India]]'', a weekly periodical that served as a [[public journal]] and was published in [[Candolim]] in 1893. Over the course of its publication, the journal released a total of 73 issues, with the first one appearing in February and the final issue being published on 4 August. Initially, the content of the journal was authored by Francisco Pinto up to issue number 15, after which da Gama took over as the primary writer. The editing responsibilities for ''Gazeta da India'' were undertaken by Roberto da Nazareth.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last1=Leal |first1=Sebastião Correia Lobo de Andrade da Silva |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H0fgAAAAMAAJ&q=leopoldo&pg=PA30 |title=Jornaes indo-portuguezes: publicaçâo commemorativa da Exposiçâo da Imprensa realisada em maio de 1898 ; contendo a descripçâo dos jornaes publicados em Goa, Damâo, Diu e Bombaim desde 1821 até ao presente |last2=Leal |first2=Silva |date=1898 |publisher=Imprensa de Libanio da Silva |language=pt-BR |access-date=2023-09-30 |archive-date=2023-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930082827/https://books.google.com/books?id=H0fgAAAAMAAJ&q=leopoldo&pg=PA30#v=snippet&q=leopoldo&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the latter part of his professional journey, da Gama assumed the role of director for a prominent political and literary news weekly called "''Vida Nova''" (New Life). The publication was first launched in 1913 in the town of [[Mapuçá]] and was overseen by the editor, Mazone Rozo da Gama. Spanning a duration of four years, from 1913 to 1917, the periodical comprised a total of 196 issues. The archives documenting the existence of this publication are housed at the ''[[Biblioteca Geral da Universidade de Coimbra]] in [[Coimbra]], Portugal.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Geral |first=Universidade de Coimbra Biblioteca |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MvUcN6TrHQIC&dq=Leopoldo+Cypriano+da+Gama&pg=PA557 |title=Publicações Periódicas Portuguesas Existentes na Biblioteca Geral da Universidade de Coimbra (1911 - 1926) |publisher=UC Biblioteca Geral 1 |language=pt-BR}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Da Gama was a [[polemicist]] known for his assertive style of argumentation. Through his convincing arguments, incisive sarcasm, and disorienting humor, he often left his opponents at a disadvantage. According to Vaz's writings, his opponents frequently found themselves intellectually challenged and unable to effectively respond. Da Gama demonstrated a willingness to appreciate and acknowledge individuals who embraced alternative perspectives on life and the world, reflecting an open-minded approach to differing viewpoints.<ref name=":0" />

During his formative years as a reader, [[Luís de Menezes Bragança]] developed a deep appreciation for the literary contributions of da Gama. Particularly, he found great delight and admiration in da Gama's articles pertaining to [[international politics]], as well as his polemical writings published in "''Horas Vagas''" and later in ''[[The Gazette of India|Gazeta de India]]''. Da Gama's writing style was characterized by its spirited nature and intellectual vigor, reflecting a resolute determination in his scholarly endeavors.<ref name=":0" /> On 27 April 1929, aged 85–86, da Gama died in [[Penha de França, Goa|Penha de França]], Goa.<ref name=":1" />

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book |last=da Gama |first=Leopoldo Cypriano|year=1912 |title=Luis Xavier Corrêa da Graça: apontamentos biographicos |location=[[Nova Goa]]|publisher=Arthur & Viegas|pages= |language=Portuguese|oclc=174391203}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last=da Cruz |first=Antônio |year=1974 |title=Goa: Men and Matters |location=Vasco da Gama, Goa, India|publisher=Ashok Printing Press|pages=VIII |oclc=1378615707}}
*{{cite book |last1=Pereira |first1=Policarpo |last2=Dempo |first2=Voicunta Sinai |last3=Sardessai |first3=Venctexa V.|year=1972 |title=Menezes Braganza: Biographical Sketch|pages=54 |oclc=3034883}}
*{{cite book |year=1953 |title=[[Boletim do Instituto Vasco da Gama]]|location=Bastora, Goa|publisher=Tipografia Rangel|pages=174 |language=Portuguese|oclc=7619629}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:da Gama, Leopoldo}}
[[Category:1843 births]]
[[Category:1929 deaths]]
[[Category:Journalists from Goa]]
[[Category:Portuguese-language writers]]
[[Category:People from South Goa district]]

Leopoldo da Gama - Revision history

LHist2021 at 07:47, 3 October 2023