Maria de Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues
Maria de Lourdes Bravo da Costa Rodrigues is an Indian writer and historian, noted for her work on the history, culture, games and cuisine of Goa.
Life and career
Early and personal life
Rodrigues has a Masters in History and Library and Information Science. She had a brother, Pedro, who died in 2024.Initial career
Rodrigues has previously been a librarian at the Goa State Central Library. While working as a librarian she uncovered an original photo of Metropolitan Alvares Julius. She also spoke at Goa University’s international conference "Goa: 1961 and Beyond."Writing career
Rodrigues has researched Goan cuisine, documenting its roots, influences, and distinctive features. She has discussed how Goan food culture has evolved over time due to various local and colonial interactions. Her commentary also touches on how different communities within Goa have contributed to the region’s unique culinary identity. In March 2023, she completed her thesis on Food History of Goa: its multifaceted aspects from 1900-1961, thus completing her PhD from Goa University. This was released as a book in 2025.Rodrigues has also contributed to major publications such as The Navhind Times, OHeraldo, Goa Today and Gomantak Times.
Works
Feasts, Festivals and Observances of GoaGames That We Played: Traditional Goan SportsThe Congresso Provincial da India Portuguesa and the problem of alcoholism in GoaTasty Goan Morsels: Goan Food, Preparation and Ingredients and Feasts- ''Portuguese Colonialism, Food, and Society in Goa 1900-1961''