New Christians, Converted Hindus, Jesuits, and the Inquisition

Abstract This paper analyses the complex relationship between Jesuits, New Christians, converted Hindus, and Inquisition. The collaboration of Jesuits with Holy Office did not prevent voices from being raised within Society Jesus against tribunal’s practices, which were observed caution by first Jesuit leaders. For their part, conversos initially welcomed into even assumed high positions in Society, such as second superior general. Despite difficult history intolerance inquisitorial persecution seventeenth century, Portugal became prominent advocates cause. In turn, Hindu conversion strategies fueled disputes tensions Inquisition Goa. Their strained relations make these an important historiographical subject for understanding many plots dramas Portuguese society under Old Regime.