more homely, were easy to be converted. They made their confession during Lent, some confessed their sins fortnightly, others monthly and six or seven of them every Sunday and they received Communion in the Church of Our Lady of Grace Church (Chorão Island). Some Chorão women, on the occasion of their baptism, wore some much gold to the extent of astonishing the missionaries. They belong to the caste of Chardo. In 1566 Chorão had 2470 converts and few Brahmins had promised to become Roman Catholics later. In 1582 there were three thousand converts in Chorão and all its inhabitants were Roman Catholics and many came from outside to receive baptism. Ilha dos Fidalgos A large number of magnificent buildings with storeys rose up surrounded by lovely flower garden and sometimes due to want of space attached to one another. It was here that most of the nobility and rich resided, spending a life of comfort and luxury. This was the reason why Chorão Island became known as "Ilha dos Fidalgos" (Island of Noblemen). Tradition has it that when these Fidalgos went for Mass, a special place was set apart to protect their superfine umbrellas, chiefly made of red damask. The fidalgos would be found often lounging near the ferry point on the south-eastern side of the island, waiting for patmarios (sail boats) to cross over to Old Goa or Ribandar. The Fidalgos as well as the common folk took great delight in chewing on snacks available then and gulped down hot tea in the shacks. They enjoyed the freshly steamed merem (snack) and sipped the hot cha (tea) at that spot. Cheese of Chorão Chorão was once famous for its European-style ripened cheese, produced from dairy cattle since the 16th century, and known as Queijo da Ilha de Chorão (Cheese from the island of Chorão). Chorão Cheese was popular with both the Goan natives and the Portuguese gentry in Goa. Chorão Cheese also used to be exported even as far as Macau. Due to the emigration of cheesemakers from the island, the cheese industry became extinct in the 19th century. Forts of Chorão Two well equipped fortresses guarded Chorão Island from the incursion of Marathas. The Fortaleza de São Bartolomeu de Chorão (Saint Bartholomew Fort of Chorão) was built in 1720 in the north eastern part of Chorão Island. It had a lovely castle within its enclosures. Among other things