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History of Goa

admin — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:28:09 +0000

Goa’s history extends back to the third century BC when it formed a portion of the Mauryan Empire.

It was later ruled by Satvahanas of Kolhapur around two thousand years ago and later by the Chalukyas of Badami, who controlled it between 580 and 750 AD. Over the next several centuries, Goa was ruled by Silharas, the Kadambas and the Chalukyas of Kalyani.

In 1312, Goa came under the government of the Delhi Sultanate but by 1370, the sultanate was forced to surrender Goa to Harihara I of the Vijayangara Empire.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama was the first European to set foot in India by means of a sea route. He eventually came to Old Goa. The Portuguese arrived and set about seizing the colony and controlling the spice trade in India.

India gained independence from Britain in 1947 but Portugal refused to accede to India’s demand that they release control of Goa. Finally, in 1961, the Indian army took over and moved the Portuguese out of Goa.

Goa

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:34:42 +0000

Goah is a small Indian state which is made up of rich culture, tradition and natural resources.

Goa is the smallest state of India in terms of area. In terms of population, it is the fourth smallest. It is bounded on the north by the state of Maharashtra and by Karnataka on the east and south. The Arabian Sea forms its western coast. This state is located on the west coast of India in the region known as Konkan and Konkani is the official language. The people are called Goan.

Vasco da Gama is the largest city of Goa. The state is divided into two districts: the North Goa and the South Goa. The headquarters of North Goa is Panaji (Panjim) and Marqao is the South’s. Its temperature is typically very warm especially during the months of May.

See also

Goan traditions

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:34:27 +0000

Ganesh Chaturthi, Divali, Shiqmo, The Carnival, Christmas and Easter Sunday are the most popular celebrations in Goa.

The year of 960 brought about changes in the celebration of Shiqmo and The Carnival. Up to present times, these two celebrations are being seen more as a way to attract tourists and they only last for several days.

Goa also follows traditions in music. Western English songs are very much appreciated in most parts of the state. Manddo, which originated from the 19th century, is sung and danced during special occasions. Some of Goa’s traditional dance forms are dekhnni, corridinho, and fuqdi.

Goa Tourism

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:34:12 +0000

Each year, Goa is visited by both domestic and international tourists.

It is renowned for its beaches and temples of architectural heritage. One example of these temples is the Basilica of Bom Jesus which can be found in Old Goa. This structure draws many Christians around the world to travel to the state.

Tourism is generally the prime industry of Goa. It handles almost 12 percent of the arriving tourists in India. The focus of tourism in this state lies on mostly on its coastal areas.

Goa Natural Resources

admin — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:33:55 +0000

The main rivers of Goa are Mandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chapora and Betul.

The navigating length of the state’s rivers has a total of 253 km. The Mormugao, which is located on the mouth of Zuari, is definitely one of the best natural harbors in the South Asia. It also has many estuarine, marine and riverine islands.

Forests including the government owned flora and fauna of Goa are also some well known sites. Some of Goa’s important forest products are bamboo canes, chillar and Maratha barks and the bhirand. Coconut trees and a huge number of vegetation are also products of Goa’s forestry.