VJP Saldanha @ 100: Tribute to the Greatest Konkani Writer
Posted on : June 9, 2025 at 6:00 AM
He has written exceptional novels in Konkani. He was one of the pioneers of Konkani novels in Mangalore. He is called as the ‘Father of Historical Novels’ for his magnificent and massive studied literature treasure. He was not just a versatile writer but was also a wonderful musician. He had so many skills, today, many may not believe.
He is none other than Vincent John Peter Saldanha.
Yes, he is the great V.J.P. Saldanha, who is also known as ‘Khadaap – ಖಡಾಪ್’ (The Rock). He literally was a rock (foundation) of Konkani literature.
Spectacular Historical Novels:
After his study on the history of Canara Christians, VJP chose to present it in a different way. Canara Christians captivity by Tipu Sultan was a deadly episode of our ancestors. VJP Saldanha, using the historical facts and characters, wrote ‘Devachye Kurpen’ novel first, which was then published in ‘Poinnari’ weekly from Mumbai. He had created many fictional characters. The protagonist Sardar Simon became most celebrated adventurous hero in Konkani. This novel became a super hit. Later same was published in ‘Raknno’. Devachye Kurpen is considered as the most wonderful novel in Konkani.
Later, after receiving enormous admiration by the readers, VJP continued the saga. He wrote total seven mighty novels regarding Tipu’s Captivity. But he gave separate titles for each novel. The further novels are: 2. Belthangadycho Balthazar, 3. Sardaranchi Synol, 4. Imfernachim Daram, 5. Sardarachem Sannidhan, 6. Bandadenth Balidan and 7. Mogachim Mahima. These 7 novels are spread across 2000 pages!
These stories were widely accepted, admired and praised by readers. Later he focused on Goa’s Inquisition. Inquisition was the main reason for Konkani Christians (and also others) to migrate from Goa to the south. VJP wrote novels on this topic and he presented five big novels. First in the series was ‘Saiba Bhogos’. Followed by 2. Purvaz Pardeshanth, 3. Vanjelachye Vater, 4. Jivo va Mello and 5. Ya Tari Mangalapuri.
VJP Saldanha has written two more separate, fantastic novels. His Sovo Surngarun, a mini novel explains the situation in Mangalore when Hyderali was becoming prominent in Mysore state’s administration. Bandadechem Daiz novel is written on the time of captivity imposition and after.
After huge popularity and demand, VJP converted his Sardaranchi Synol novel into a drama. This drama also became a blockbuster.
VJP was the finest writer. He has written many other novels, short stories, plays, poetry, hymns and articles. His writing talent is ultimate.
Magnificent Characters, Actions, Adventures and more…
VJP Saldanha was a very genius writer. His way of writing was exceptional. He is well known for creating excellent characters. His characters are very masculine. Along with Sardar Simon, he has created many wonderful characters. Few among them are Agnes Cecilia, Veronica Coelho, Rafael Mingel Kamath, Sardar Yusuf Ali, Anthulo Padval. VJP is best at creating powerful villain characters. Sardar Anthony, Dr Marian & others really mesmerise the readers in his thousands of pages of writings.
In Saiba Bhogos series, the protagonist is Synor John. Other prominent characters in it are Sinor Bulbanv Peregrin, Villain Papias etc.
VJP’s literature, particularly these historical novels, are full of adventures.There are plenty of action scenes including horse riding, sword fighting, wrestling, war scenes and many such tricky encounters. His description is very precise. His intelligence (of imagination) and execution ability is amazing. That’s why his readers get thrilled reading his writings.
Pioneer Editor in Konkani & Kannada
VJP was the founder Editor of ‘Poinnari’ weekly, from1950. He has worked as Sub Editor in ‘Navabharatha’ Daily, Mangalore. VJP had started a Kannada daily, ‘Kannada Vani’, but it did not last long. VJP was the founder Editor of St Aloysius College’s Konkani magazine ‘Amar Konkani’. He was the first President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.
VJP Saldanha was born on 9th June, 1925. Today is his hundredth birth day. VJP not just laid the foundation for the rich Konkani literature era, he also enriched it by his marvelous contribution through glorious writings.
Originally published in April Issue of Mangalore monthly, bulletin of CASK.
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Long live our Konkani
How VJP is untimate in his writings, similarly Dony is ultimate in doing analysis upon one’s literary works. About VJP he presented this superb writing which no one can imagine. Kodos to Dony on this very memorable day
A very happy 100th birthday dear VJP Saldanha. A great writer. I am a great admirer of him. I red all his novels writings in konkani magazines. In addition to that he wrote few dramas like Tharne tharne morne and few skits some of them we played in Mysore under the banner of Konkani Christian Association. We really miss him.