Consider the following statements: [Medieval India]

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 the St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3 only

Answer: c

Explanation:

St. Francis Xavier

●  born April 7, 1506, Navarre [Spain]

●  died December 3, 1552, Sancian [now Shangchuan] Island, China;

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

St. Francis Xavier was the greatest Roman Catholic missionary of modern times who was instrumental in the establishment of Christianity in India, the Malay Archipelago, and Japan.

 In Paris in 1534 he pronounced vows as one of the first seven members of the Society of Jesus, or Jesuits, under the leadership of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

 Feast of St Francis Xavier or Goinchea Saibache Fest, (Lord of Goa Festival), is the biggest of all the Christian festivals in Goa. This feast is celebrated every year in Old Goa on 3rd December at the Basilica of Bom Jesus

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Read: Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2021