Modern History : Advent Of Europeans In India

Q 7 / 55

UPSC CSE Prelims 2021

Consider the following statements:
  1. St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order.
  2. St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.
  3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Statement 1 is correct. St. Francis Xavier was one of the six founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order) in 1534, along with Ignatius of Loyola.

Statement 3 is correct. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated annually on December 3rd in Goa. This day commemorates his death and his significant contributions to Christian missionary work in India, particularly in Goa. His relics are preserved in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Incorrect Options

Statement 2 is incorrect. St. Francis Xavier did not die in Goa. He passed away on Sancian Island, near the coast of China, in 1552. His mortal remains were later brought to Goa in 1553 and enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. While a church (Basilica of Bom Jesus) is dedicated to housing his relics, he did not die in Goa.

Since Statement 2 is incorrect, options 1, 2, and 4 are also incorrect as they include Statement 2.

SOURCEA Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum, Chapter 1: Advent of Europeans in India