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Konkani is a term used to refer both to a language and to an Indian ethnic group. The word derives from "kum", meaning 'Mother Earth' and "Kana", meaning 'dust' or 'atom'. The Konkani have been principally a farming community through most of their history, though now moving increasingly towards tourism.

Konkani is an Indo-Aryan language.

The Konkani people trace their history as far back as 4000 BC; their current centre is in Goa and are thought to have settled there around the 11th century AD. The Konkani were a coastal people, also settling in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. Konkani brahmins are well known for the fact that they eat fish, a food that is generally forbidden for this caste (who are generally vegetarian). There are also populations of Konkani Catholics, converted by the Portuguese starting from the 16th century, and Muslims.

The Konkani language is spoken widely in the Konkan region consisting of Goa, South coastal Maharashtra, coastal Karnataka and Kerala, each region having a unique dialect and pronunciation style. It is said that the language was spread to these areas by the Goans who fled the Portuguese inquisition of Goa during the early years of Portuguese rule. The text is written both in traditional Devnagri and Roman script, which originated during the Portuguese rule. The Kannada script is used in MangaloreMangalore is the chief port city of the state of Karnataka, India. It is the capital of Dakshina Kannada District. It lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea, and is known for its beaches, temples and industries. Notable among Mangalore's industries is the r, and other coastal regions of Karnataka.

The first known book in Konkani was writted in 1651Events January 1 Charles II crowned King of Scotland in Scone. This is his first crowning. June 28 June 30: The biggest battle of the 17th century, Battle of Beresteczko, between Poles and Ukrainians, won by Poles. September 3 English Civil War: Battle of by Friar Thomas Steven, titled Doctrina Christi (the Doctrines of Christ). It is presumed that the Portuguese destroyed all prior Konkani texts in the 16th century15th century 16th century 17th century more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. Events Beginning of the " Little Ice Age" a cooling period that resulted in lower crop yi.

The Konkani language had been in danger of dying out — the progressive WesternisationWesternisation is a process whereby traditional, long-established societies come under the influence of Western (European or American) culture in such matters as industry, technology, economics, lifestyle, food and moral and cultural values. It has been a of the Indian subcontinent (including the strong Portuguese influence in Goa from the 16th century) has resulted in English being widely spoken among Catholics, while Hindu nationalism has led to Marathi being widely adopted by Konkani Hindus. This trend was arrested in 1985 by a strong Konkani movement in Goa that had broad support from both religious groups. Konkani is now widely spoken in Goa, and is the official state language. It has since been given official language status in the Indian Constitution.