Sneha Girap (Editor)

Goa

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Country
  
Largest city
  
Vasco da Gama

Language spoken
  
Area
  
3,702 km2

Region
  
Western India

Capital
  
Founded
  
30 May 1987

Chief Minister
  
Laxmikant ParsekarBJP

Governor
  
Literacy
  
88.70% (3rd)

Population
  
1.817 million (2012)

Capitals
  
Panaji (Executive Branch), Porvorim (Legislature), Mumbai (Judiciary)

Colleges and Universities
  
Goa University

Points of interest
  
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church - Goa, Shanta Durga Temple, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Destinations
  
Panaji, Calangute, Margao, Candolim, Baga


Goa is a state located in the West India region of the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. It is Indias smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Goa is Indias richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole. It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators.

Contents

Map of Goa

Panaji is the states capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon thereafter. Goa is a former Portuguese province; the Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961.

Top ten places to visit in goa


Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.

History

Goa in the past, History of Goa

Goas history goes back 20,000–30,000 years. The rock art engravings exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India. Upper Paleolithic or Mesolithic rock art engravings have been found on the bank of the river Kushavati at Usgalimal. Petroglyphs, cones, stone-axe, and choppers dating to 10,000 years ago have been found in many places in Goa, such as Kazur, Mauxim, and the Mandovi-Zuari basin. Evidence of Palaeolithic life is seen at Dabolim, Adkon, Shigao, Fatorpa, Arli, Maulinguinim, Diwar, Sanguem, Pilerne, and Aquem-Margaon etc. Difficulty in carbon dating the laterite rock compounds poses a problem for determining the exact time period.

Goa in the past, History of Goa

Early Goan society underwent radical changes when Indo-Aryan and Dravidian migrants amalgamated with the aboriginal locals, forming the base of early Goan culture.

In the 3rd century BC, Goa was part of the Maurya Empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor, Ashoka of Magadha. Buddhist monks laid the foundation of Buddhism in Goa. Between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD, Goa was ruled by the Bhojas of Goa. Chutus of Karwar also ruled some parts as feudatories of the Satavahanas of Kolhapur (2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD), Western Kshatrapas (around 150 AD), the Abhiras of Western Maharashtra, Bhojas of the Yadav clans of Gujarat, and the Konkan Mauryas as feudatories of the Kalachuris. The rule later passed to the Chalukyas of Badami, who controlled it between 578 to 753, and later the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed from 753 to 963. From 765 to 1015, the Southern Silharas of Konkan ruled Goa as the feudatories of the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. Over the next few centuries, Goa was successively ruled by the Kadambas as the feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyani. They patronised Jainism in Goa.

In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the Delhi Sultanate. The kingdoms grip on the region was weak, and by 1370 it was forced to surrender it to Harihara I of the Vijayanagara empire. The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to the territory until 1469, when it was appropriated by the Bahmani sultans of Gulbarga. After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell into the hands of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur, who established as their auxiliary capital the city known under the Portuguese as Velha Goa.

In 1510, the Portuguese defeated the ruling Bijapur sultan Yousuf Adil Shah with the help of a local ally, Timayya. They set up a permanent settlement in Velha Goa (or Old Goa). This was the beginning of Portuguese rule in Goa that would last for four and a half centuries, until 1961.

In 1843 the Portuguese moved the capital to Panjim from Velha Goa. By the mid-18th century, Portuguese Goa had expanded to most of the present-day state limits. Simultaneously the Portuguese lost other possessions in India until their borders stabilised and formed the Estado da Índia Portuguesa or State of Portuguese India, of which Goa was the largest territory.

After India gained independence from the British in 1947, India requested that Portuguese territories on the Indian subcontinent be ceded to India. Portugal refused to negotiate on the sovereignty of its Indian enclaves. On 19 December 1961, the Indian Army began military operations with Operation Vijay resulting in the annexation of Goa, Daman, and Diu into the Indian union. Goa, along with Daman and Diu, was organized as a centrally administered union territory of India. On 30 May 1987, the union territory was split, and Goa was made Indias twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining a union territory.

Geography and climate

Goa Beautiful Landscapes of Goa

Goa encompasses an area of 3,702 km2 (1,429 sq mi). It lies between the latitudes 14°53?54? N and 15°40?00? N and longitudes 73°40?33? E and 74°20?13? E. Most of Goa is a part of the coastal country known as the Konkan, which is an escarpment rising up to the Western Ghats range of mountains, which separate it from the Deccan Plateau. The highest point is the Sonsogor, with an altitude of 1,167 metres (3,829 ft). Goa has a coastline of 101 km (63 mi).

Goa Beautiful Landscapes of Goa

Goas main rivers are Mandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chapora kushavati river and the Sal. The Mormugao harbour on the mouth of the River Zuari is one of the best natural harbours in South Asia. The Zuari and the Mandovi are the lifelines of Goa, with their tributaries draining 69% of its geographic area. These rivers are some of the busiest rivers in India. Goa has more than forty estuarine, eight marine and about ninety riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goas rivers is 253 km (157 mi). Goa has more than three hundred ancient tanks built during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty and over a hundred medicinal springs.

Most of Goas soil cover is made up of laterites rich in ferric aluminium oxides and reddish in colour. Further inland and along the riverbanks, the soil is mostly alluvial and loamy. The soil is rich in minerals and humus, thus conducive to agriculture. Some of the oldest rocks in the Indian subcontinent are found in Goa between Molem and Anmod on Goas border with Karnataka. The rocks are classified as Trondjemeitic Gneiss estimated to be 3,600 million years old, dated by rubidium isotope dating. A specimen of the rock is exhibited in the Goa University.

Economy

Goas gross state domestic product for 2007 is estimated at $3 billion in current prices. Goa is one of Indias richest states with the highest GDP per capita — two and a half times that of the country as a whole — and one of its fastest growth rates: 8.23% (yearly average 1990–2000). Tourism is Goas primary industry: it handles 12% of all foreign tourist arrivals in India. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the climate. In the summer time (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.

Tourism

Tourism is generally focused on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. In 2010, there were more than two million tourists reported to have visited Goa, about 1.2 million of whom were from abroad. As of 2013 Goa was the destination of choice for Indian and foreign tourists, particularly Britons, with limited means who wanted to party. The state was hopeful that changes could be made which would attract a more upscale demographic. Goa also stands 6th in Top 10 Nightlife cities in the world in national Geographic Book

Goa Tourist places in Goa

Over 450 years of Portuguese rule and the influence of the Portuguese culture presents to visitors to Goa a different environment than what is to be found elsewhere in India. The state of Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, churches, and temples. The Bom Jesus Cathedral, Fort Aguada and a new wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa are other tourism destinations.

People and culture

Goa Culture of Goa

The tableau of Goa showcases religious harmony by focusing on the Deepastambha, the Cross, Ghode Modni followed by a chariot. Western royal attire of kings and regional dances being performed depict the unique blend of different religions and cultures of the State. The festival of music and dance, Shigmo Mel or the Holi and Spring celebrations, signify unity in diversity. Prominent local festivals are Chavoth, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Shigmo, Samvatsar Padvo, Dasara etc. The Goan Carnival and new year celebration is known to attract a large number of tourists.

Gomant Vibhushan is the highest civilian honour of the State of Goa. It is given annually by Government of Goa since 2010.

Museums and science centre

Goa also has a few museums, the two important ones being Goa State Museum and the Naval Aviation Museum. The aviation museum is one among three of its kind in the India, the other two being in Delhi and Bengaluru. Also, a place not well known to tourists is the Goa Science Centre, which is located in Miramar, Panjim. The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is also located in Goa at Dona Paula.

Food

Goa Cuisine of Goa, Popular Food of Goa

Rice with fish curry (xit koddi in Konkani) is the staple diet in Goa. Goan cuisine is famous for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Coconut and coconut oil are widely used in Goan cooking along with chili peppers, spices, and vinegar is used in the Catholic cuisine,giving the food a unique flavour.


Goan cuisine consists of regional foods popular in Goa, located along Indias west coast along the Arabian Sea. Chicken, lamb, seafood, coconut milk, rice, and local spices are some of the main ingredients in Goan cuisine. The area is located in a tropical climate, which means that spices and flavors are intense. Use of kokum is another distinct feature. Goan food is considered incomplete without fish. It is similar to Malvani or Konkani cuisine.

The cuisine of Goa is influenced by its Hindu origins, four hundred years of Portuguese colonialism, and modern techniques. The state is frequently visited by tourists for its beaches and historic sites, so its food has an international aspect.

Chakh le india discovers true goan food


The cuisine is mostly seafood-based; the staple foods are rice and fish. Kingfish (vison or visvan) is the most common delicacy. Others include pomfret, shark, tuna, and mackerel. Among the shellfish are crabs, prawns, tiger prawns, lobster, squid, and mussels. The food of Goan Christians is influenced by the Portuguese.

The Portuguese brought potatoes, tomatoes, pineapples, guavas, and cashews from Brazil to Goa. Of these tomatoes and potatoes were not accepted by the Hindus until the late 20th century. The most important part of Goan spices, the chili, was introduced to Goan cuisine by the Portuguese and became immensely popular. None of these above-mentioned ingredients were used in Goan cuisine before the advent of the Portuguese.

Goa Cuisine of Goa, Popular Food of Goa

Goan food may be divided into Goan Catholic and Goan Hindu cuisine with each showing very distinct tastes, characteristics, and cooking styles. Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti, chouriço, and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions among the Goan Catholics. An exotic Goan vegetable stew, known as Khatkhate, is a very popular dish during the celebrations of festivals, Hindu and Christian alike. Khatkhate contains at least five vegetables, fresh coconut, and special Goan spices that add to the aroma.

Sannas, Hitt, are variants of idli and Polle, Amboli, and Kailoleo are variants of dosa; all are native to Goa. A rich egg-based, multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca is a favourite at Christmas.

The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is feni; cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms. Goa also has a rich wine culture.

References

Goa Wikipedia (,)http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/Goa_Velha_Basilica_Bom_Jesus.jpg(,)http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/India_Goa_Portuguese_Villa.jpg(,)http://www.travelmagma.com/uploads/images/8_733.jpg(,)http://www.library.yale.edu/MapColl/oldsite/map/detr1764.gif(,)http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/images/FarEast/India/Temples/Goa_OldGoa01_full.jpg(,)http://www.goaholidayhomes.com/goa-information-images-large/goan-history-24-4.jpg(,)http://www.goaholidayhomes.com/goa-information-images-large/viceroys-arch-%2520old-goa-22-4.jpg(,)http://geospatialworld.net/images/Goa_Landscape_opt.jpeg(,)http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/37212/img_0213.jpg(,)http://www.womentravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Goa.jpg(,)http://www.outdoor-photos.com/_photo/4000624.jpg(,)http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/37212/aigrettes.jpg(,)http://singhraycn.com/blog/pics/2011/07/g3rawvbi.jpg(,)http://aminus3.s3.amazonaws.com/image/g0001/u00000060/i00081585/04b75b0a0babc6f4595b3a60f8ffc4f7_large.jpg(,)http://www.toimg.net/managed/images/10024580/w647/h298/image.jpg(,)http://blog.parrikar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/siolim-sunrise1.jpg(,)http://images.travelpod.com/tripwow/photos/ta-00bd-e950-2c28/goa-landscape-baga-india%2B1152_12917085619-tpfil02aw-1066.jpg(,)http://aminus3.s3.amazonaws.com/image/g0001/u00000060/i00435116/d0078dc6e153d0e6cde6a66475925303_large.jpg(,)http://aminus3.s3.amazonaws.com/image/g0030/u00029286/i01373609/b55935db64133330e525ba6cf66a61b2_large.jpg(,)http://aminus3.s3.amazonaws.com/image/g0005/u00004953/i00127414/93c87227ac94d7688e944c66ab7f81a6_large.jpg(,)http://blog.parrikar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Tree-Sunset-Divar-Goa-11.jpg(,)http://www.interasia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/goa.jpg(,)http://www.heritagejazz.com/images/image/goa.jpg(,)http://www.apnphotographyschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/One-Misty-Morning-In-Goa.jpg(,)http://indiamarks.com/wp-content/uploads/Goa-cuisine.jpg(,)http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5egWVqinX4/UDNF8AAbkCI/AAAAAAAAAgg/6AeVghnHT_Y/s1600/goan-cuisine-goa-food.png(,)http://www.kisseslolaholiday.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image1.jpg(,)http://www.mandovifoods.com/images/recipe/ban.jpg(,)http://globalvisiontours.com/gifs/touristplace%2520giby/goa/pag/food-thali.jpg(,)http://www.whatsupgoa.com/dyn/establishments/slideshow/448/01.jpg(,)http://e179972f79f7516043ae-53e9ddd31018e7e74260f1cf6690e837.r3.cf1.rackcdn.com/article-10-5.jpg(,)http://www.theupperhousegoa.com/images/best_goan_seafood_restaurant_dinning_goa_india.jpg(,)http://www.surfindia.com/travel/flash-pics/cuisine-goa.jpg(,)http://www.theupperhousegoa.com/images/chicken_sizzlers_in_panaji_goa.jpg(,)https://goatourismblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/goa-food.jpg(,)https://shaggyley.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/1272281874_pid_dsc_0001.png(,)http://indiamarks.com/wp-content/uploads/goa-carnival.jpg(,)http://vacationadvice101.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/goa-carnival-2.jpg(,)http://www.buzzntravel.com/userfiles/images/goafestival2.jpg(,)http://www.buzzntravel.com/userfiles/images/music-festival-crowd.jpg(,)https://sureshnanda.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/suresh_nanda-goa-food.jpg(,)http://media2.intoday.in/indiatoday/images/stories//2013november/supersonic-650_122813055439.jpg(,)http://www.goaholidayhomes.com/goa-information-images-large/ganesh-chaturthi-hindu-festival-in-goa-141-2.jpg(,)http://siliconindia.info/travelcity/travel_images/D62W0F9N.jpg(,)http://www.goaholidayhomes.com/goa-information-images-large/shigmo-festival-in-goa-100-1.jpg(,)https://goatourismblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/golden-goan-culture.jpg(,)http://blog.theotherhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Picture13.jpg(,)http://www.puretravel.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Fishing-boats-line-Baga-Beach-in-Goa-in-southern-India2.jpg(,)http://www.himalayanfrontiers.com/images/beaches-and-culture-of-goa5.jpg(,)http://www.sssbpt.org/images/ashadi2013_7.jpg(,)http://www.goatrip.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/goa.jpg(,)http://www.southindia-tourism.net/gifs/goa-culture.jpg(,)http://goanreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/03.jpg(,)http://img.dpauls.com/cms/images/cityinfo/6394389_goa.jpg(,)http://www.mapsofindia.com/images2009/printable_maps/goa-tourist-map.gif(,)http://blog.sterlingholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Panaji-Church-goa-religion-and-spirtuality.jpg(,)http://cdn.wanderingtrader.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Colva-Beach-Goa.jpg(,)http://0.tqn.com/d/goasia/1/0/L/-/-/-/goa-beach.jpg(,)https://armidatrentino.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/goa-tourist-places.jpg(,)http://www.makemytrip.com/travel-guide/media/dg_image/goa/thumb/Beaches_0_19_25_goa_938_410.jpg%3F1428624000120(,)http://blog.sterlingholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/anjuna-wednesday-flea-market-goa.jpg(,)http://www.touristplacesinindia.com/churches-of-goa/images/goa-tourist-map.gif(,)http://www.maps-india.com/goa/goa-map/goa-tourist-attraction.gif(,)http://www.indiatourismpoint.com/tours/photographs/churches-of-goa-tourism/panji.jpg(,)http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8txtZZ4nKg/TzE4cFVA-CI/AAAAAAAAAQg/8IGgE7xMpF0/s1600/7560029-catholic-church-in-goa-india-picture-taken-during-the-sunny-day3.jpg


Similar TopicsCalangute
Margao
Panaji