You Know History of Goa

Goa is a small state on the western coast of India. Goa was the first part of India that was colonized by Europeans and also the last to be liberated. In the past it was known as Govapuri, Gomant or Aprant. The Arab sailors knew it as Sindabur, or Sandabur, and the Portuguese as Goa. Goa is one of those states of India to have a fascinating history. In fact, of all other things the rich history of Goa has made this smallest state of India famous and has interested historians through years. The history of Goa, which is popularly known as the beach capital of India, dates back to 3rd century BC. It was during this time Goa became a part of Mauryan Empire. Colonial rule, glorious culture, oppressive rulers make the rich history of Goa. Portuguese in Goa is however responsible only not for destruction and conversion; they have also helped the state in their architecture, cuisine and lifestyle. A number of beautiful churches, like St. Cajetan church and Bom Jesus basilica have been built during the rule of Portuguese. Though India earned her independence from the British rule in the year 1947, Goa had remained a Portuguese colony. In the year 1961, erstwhile Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, sent armed forces and under name of ‘Operation Vijay’, the Indian army took over Goa in just two days. Since then Goa became one of the Union Territories of India. Goa has a rich history, which is both intriguing and appalling to historians and the common man. Goa was plundered by a number of rulers and lastly by the Portuguese from whom Goa sought independence in 1961. Given below is a brief insight into the history of Goa, its discovery, plundering, different rulers and the smooth transition to the present. The original name of Goa was actually Konkan and the people were known as Konkani and so was the language. Today Goa boasts of a rich historical legacy and one can see an amalgamation of the past in the present, beautifully merging into one another. The Portuguese built extensive churches with exquisite architecture and one can see the Portugal influence in the buildings of Goa even now. Even today Christianity is one of the major religions being followed here in Goa apart from Hinduism. On the other hand, its control of the seas and above all the lucrative spice trade made it a much-coveted prize for rival colonial powers. Until a century before the arrival of the Portuguese adventure Vasco Da Gama who landed near Kozhikode in Kerala in 1498, Goa had belonged for over a thousand years to the kingdom of Kadamba. In the interim it had been successfully conquered by the Karnatakan Vijayanagars, the Muslim Bahmanis and Yousuf Adil Shah of Bijapur but the capture of the fort at Panaji by Alfonso De Albuquerque in 1510 signaled the start of a Portuguese occupation that was to last for 450 years. Ironically the primary language used in many schools is none of the above – for most children are actually taught English. The arguments about continuing or abandoning this policy of placing such importance on English rage on. Most feel that continuing use of English is a distinct advantage to their children who will need it if they are to find good jobs in the future. Meanwhile children in Goa are taught three or four languages as a standard part of the school syllabus.