History of Goa
As the smallest state in India, Goa is known to many as “India lite” – a place to experience the exoticness of India in smaller, easier to process doses. However, Goa was colonilized by Portugal rather than Britian, which gives this region a unique heritage and the Portuguese influences evident throughout Goa make it stand out among the rest of British-influenced India.
The history of Goa dates to the third century B.C. At that time Goa was part of the Mauryan Empire. The area was later under the rule of the Kolhapur Satavahanas before becoming part of the Chalukya Dynasty from 580 to 750 A.D. Goa was then controlled by a succession of rulers including the Silharas, the Kadambas, and the Kalyani Chalukyas.
The Delhi Sultanate took over the governance of Goa in 1312, but lost it to the Vijayanagara empire in 1370. Begining with Harihara I, the Vijayanagara ruled over Goa until 1469. The Bahmani sultans of Gulbarga then controlled the area until surrenduring to the Adil Shahis of Bijapur. The Bijapur were defeated by the Portuguese in 1510 who established a permanent settlement in the Bijapur’s capital, Velha Goa or “Old Goa.”
Under Portuguese colonialization, there was intense pressure to convert to Christianity with many Goans succombing to the repressive measures employed by the government. A large number of Goans fled the area to avoid the religious repression as well as the ongoing wars between the Portuguese and the Deccan sultanate and the Marathas. By the mid-1800s, Portugal had lost most of its India territories, with Goa being their largest remaining territory.
When Indian Independence was declared in 1947, Portugal refused to give up their territory. In December 1961, Operation Vijay commenced and the India army invaded. As a result, Goa, Diu, and Damman were annexed into the Indian union. In May 1987, this annexed territory was split with Diu and Daman remaining as the Union Territories and Goa being declared the twenty-fifth state of India.
Today, Goa is a have on India’s west coast. Hundreds of thousands of tourists make their way to the state every year, drawn to its beaches, temples, and unique architecture. Visitors can enjoy the beach resorts, visit traditional villages or explore the cities of the region. They’ll find modern five star hotels in Goa as well as other urban conveniences such as great food, shopping, and nightlife.
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