Introduction / Context:
Religious and historical monuments in India are frequent topics in general knowledge exams, particularly those recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Saint Francis Xavier was a prominent Christian missionary whose relics are preserved in a famous church in Goa. This question checks whether you can identify the correct monument that houses his tomb.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The state is Goa, known for its churches and cathedrals.
- The question refers to the tomb and relics of Saint Francis Xavier.
- Options mention Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Monte Hill, and St. Alex Church.
- We assume knowledge of basic facts about Old Goa monuments.
Concept / Approach:
The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is world famous because it enshrines the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier. The silver casket containing his relics is displayed in a side chapel of this basilica and is periodically exposed for public veneration. While Se Cathedral and other churches in Goa are important architectural landmarks, the specific association with the relics of Saint Francis Xavier belongs to the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall from history and tourism information that the Basilica of Bom Jesus is especially known for housing the remains of Saint Francis Xavier.
Step 2: Remember that it is one of the churches of Old Goa recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Step 3: Look at the options and identify Basilica of Bom Jesus among them.
Step 4: Recognise that Se Cathedral and other churches, although important, do not contain the saint s tomb.
Step 5: Select Basilica of Bom Jesus as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Tourist guides, history books, and official heritage listings all state clearly that the Basilica of Bom Jesus houses the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. Photographs of the silver casket and the interior of the basilica are commonly shown in travel literature about Goa. This consistent information across multiple sources confirms that this basilica, and not the other listed churches, is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Se Cathedral: This is another major church in Old Goa, dedicated to Saint Catherine, and is famous for its bells and size, but it does not house the relics of Saint Francis Xavier.
Monte Hill: A location known for a chapel and scenic views, but not for enshrining the saint s relics.
St. Alex Church: A church in Goa, but again not associated with the tomb of Saint Francis Xavier.
Common Pitfalls:
The main confusion is between Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, as both are large and historic churches in Old Goa located close to each other. Many candidates mix them up because they remember only that the relics are in a big church in Old Goa. A good memory trick is to link the word Bom with the word bones, reminding you that the basilica with that name is the one associated with the saint s remains.
Final Answer:
The tomb containing the relics of Saint Francis Xavier is enshrined in the
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa.
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