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Goa, the smallest state in India is blessed with exotic beaches. Being a famous beach destination in the world, Goa is visited by millions of tourists from across the globe.
Goa History
The history of Goa dates back to 3rd century BC during the rule of Mauryan Empire. At the beginning of the Christian era, the Satyahanas of Kothapur ruled in Goa and eventually the Chalukyas of Badami took over the charge of Goa who ruled here from 580 to 750 AD. Then the Sillharas, the Kadambas and the Chalukyans of Kalyani ruled for the next few centuries.
The Muslim invasion took place in 1312, but the Harihara evacuated the Muslims from Goa’s soil. The rule of Harihara lasted for about 100 years and Goa became an important harbor for carrying Arabian horses to Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagar kingdom. The Bahmani Sultans of Gulbarga invaded Goa in 1469. When this dynasty was fragmented, Goa was taken over by the Adil Shahas of Bijapur.
After Vasco Da Gamma’s discovering sea route to India, the European colonizers sailed their ships to Indian soil. The Dutch, British colonizers established their colonies in many seaside areas of India. The Portuguese came and succeeded in establishment of a permanent centre in Velha Goa or Old Goa. They defeated the Bijapur kings in 1510.
During the Portuguese rule, a large portion of the population of Goa was converted into Christianity. The Marathas and the Deccan Sultanate had regular tussle with the Portuguese. The British also occupied Goa from 1812 to 1815 during the war of Napoleonic.
The capital of Goa was shifted to Panaji from Velha Goa in 1843. The Portuguese expanded their territory gradually and on the other hand they lost their possessions simultaneously. When India gained independence in 1947, the Portugal refused to handover Goa to Indian union. In 1961 Goa and Daman and Diu was annexed to Indian Union after a war led by Indian army namely Operation Vijay. It became a Union Territory and later in 1987 it was declared as a state by the Central Government.
Goa Trivia :
Area : 3660 sq km (1430sq miles)
Capital : Panaji
Languages : Konkani (Official language as per the Constitution), Marathi, English and Portuguese
Temperature : Between 20°C and 34°C
Climate : Generally humid with wet and dry seasons.
Altitude : Sea Level to 1022 meters
Rainfall : Annual 350 cms from Southwest Monsoons (June to September)
Rivers : Tiracol/Araundem(23kms), Chapora/Colvale (29kms), Baga (2Kms), Sinquerim, Mandovi (34Kms), Zuari (77kms), Sal (24Kms), Talpona (11Kms)
Lakes : Mayem, Santa Cruz, Curchorem, Cacora, Carambolim, Chimbel, Curtorim, Benaulim.
Sanctuaries : Bondla, Cotigao and Molem (Wildlife), Chorao (Bird)
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