Goa is a unique region of India whose history is closely linked to the Portuguese colonization period of over 450 years. The Portuguese presence has left a significant mark on the culture, architecture, religion and lifestyle of the region. Goa stands out from other Indian states due to its blend of Indian and European traditions.
Beginning of Portuguese colonization

In 1497 Vasco da Gama paved a sea route to India, and already in 1510 the Portuguese navigator Afonso de Albuquerque conquered these lands, ousting the ruler of Bijapur, Adil Shah.

This development turned Goa into a key trading port and military base for Portugal in Asia. The main objective of the Portuguese was to control trade routes and a monopoly on spices.
Development of Portuguese India

During the 16th century, Goa became the most important center of the Portuguese empire in Asia. Panaji (then known as Panjim) and Old Goa (Velha Goa) developed as administrative and religious centers. Old Goa acquired the status of capital city, becoming a prosperous city with magnificent cathedrals, palaces and monasteries. During this period, the famous Basilica of Bom Jesús, where the relics of St. Francis Xaverian are kept, was built.

The Portuguese actively promoted the spread of Catholicism, built churches and schools, and tried to introduce the European way of life. However, this was accompanied by repression of the local population, including forced Christianization and the destruction of Hindu temples.
Economy and trade

Spices, silk, gold and other goods passed through Goan ports, making the region prosperous. The Portuguese established trade links with Persia, Arab countries, China and other parts of Asia. Goa also became a center for the slave trade, which added to tensions with the local population.
Decline and struggle for independence

By the 18th century, Portugal’s influence began to wane due to the growing power of the British and French empires. Old Goa gradually declined due to epidemics and economic problems. In 1843, the capital was moved to Panaji.
The first steps to liberating Goa

On August 15, 1947, India gained independence and Britain was forced to abandon its colony. India was faced with the task of uniting the disparate territories. This led to the formation of the Indian Union, which existed until January 26, 1950, when India became a Republic. The process of unification of territories began and in 1948 the Principality of Hyderabad became a part of the Indian Union.

At that time, the Indian subcontinent consisted not only of the lands of former British India, but also of many principalities and colonial possessions of European powers. If it was possible to reach a peaceful agreement with the French territories, a compromise with Portugal was impossible. Goa remained under Portuguese control.

Portugal, under the leadership of António Salazar, refused to discuss the transfer of the enclaves. Salazar argued that Goa had never been part of the Mughal Empire and therefore had no historical connection to India. The Indian side responded with geographical and ethno-linguistic arguments, but diplomacy stalled.
In 1946, the Portuguese government suppressed the peaceful action and its leaders were arrested.
In 1954, India introduced a visa regime for residents of Portuguese India, which effectively paralyzed land communication between the enclaves.
Second attempt at satyagraha in Goa (1955)

Within Portugal itself, calls began to be made to give up the hold on Goa. In 1954, a group of Portuguese historians and writers proposed the idea of self-determination for Goa within a renewed Portuguese Federation. In 1956, the Portuguese ambassador to France, Marcelo Matias, almost convinced dictator António de Oliveira Salazar to hold a referendum on self-determination in Goa, but this was strongly opposed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense.
Nevertheless, despite some hesitation, Salazar decided not to back down. In 1955 Goa was granted “administrative autonomy”, becoming the only one of the Portuguese overseas provinces to be granted such status.

In the summer of 1955, India made a second attempt to deploy satyagraha (peaceful struggle) in Goa. On August 15, 3,000 to 5,000 Indians attempted to march to Goa from six different directions. However, the Portuguese police and military tried to stop the protesters and shots rang out. According to various sources, between 21 and 30 people were killed and about 2,000 participants were arrested.
Economic blockade and closure of the consulate

Immediately after the 1955 shootings, India closed all borders with Portuguese India, completely banning the transportation of people and goods between these territories. On September 1 of the same year, India closed its consulate in Panaji and also cut telephone lines, resulting in a complete blockade of Portuguese India.

Despite their isolation, the Portuguese actively developed their enclaves. Under the leadership of Governor General Paulo Benar-Gedes, schools, hospitals, roads and even airports were built. The TAIP airline, established in 1955, linked Goa with other Portuguese colonies. However, all efforts to improve living conditions could not eliminate the local population’s desire for reunification with India.

In response, the Goa Liberation Party (Azad Homantak Dal) and the Goan United Front were active in the struggle for Goa’s independence and insisted on armed resistance. The Indian government provided them with financial support and arms. The armed groups used bases in Indian territory and operated with the support of the Indian police force.

Their actions included the destruction of infrastructure – telephone lines, roads and locomotives – to create intolerable conditions for the Portuguese administration and provoke a popular uprising. These actions were important because the people of Goa showed little enthusiasm for the struggle. Firstly, many of them were used to a peaceful life under Portuguese rule and were afraid of change, and secondly, the standard of living in Goa was much higher than in the rest of India.
Operation Vijay

The year 1961 marked a turning point in history when India conducted a successful military operation to retake Portuguese territories on its soil. This event ended more than four centuries of Portuguese domination in the region and marked the end of its colonial era.

In the summer of 1961, taking advantage of Portugal’s distraction from the rebellion in Angola, India began preparations for a military operation to retake the enclaves. Operation Vijay (“Victory”) was planned to involve all branches of the military.

In December, more than 45,000 Indian soldiers, supported by air and naval forces, moved on Goa, Daman and Diu. The Portuguese garrison, numbering only about 3,500 men, was unable to offer serious resistance. Within 36 hours, India had gained complete control of the enclaves.

On December 19, 1961, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru announced the return of Portuguese territories to India. This event was not only an important step towards national consolidation, but also signaled the final decline of European colonialism in Asia.
Traces of Portuguese heritage in Goa, India

Today, Goa is one of the most popular tourist regions in India, attracting millions of visitors with its beaches, architecture and unique heritage that combines Indian and Portuguese culture. Goa has also retained the Portuguese language as a cultural heritage, although it is used less and less frequently in everyday life. Nevertheless, the Portuguese influence is felt in the music, dance and traditions of the region. Goan cuisine combines elements of Portuguese and Indian traditions, with dishes such as vindaloo pork and balchau fish.

The architecture preserves Catholic churches, monasteries and colonial style houses. Walking around Goa, you will notice details reminiscent of the Portuguese heritage: clay cockerels on the roofs of houses, Catholic churches in small villages. The Portuguese not only built fortifications, but also transformed the region with temples, schools and mansions, converting the local population to Catholicism. Many Goans still practice Catholicism, and holidays such as Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated in the region.
Mixed marriages between Portuguese and Indians became commonplace, and Christian symbolism began to infiltrate local traditions, creating a unique cultural fusion. The surnames of the inhabitants are Torquala, Fernandes, Bragança.
What to see in Goa: top sights
The state of Goa in India is known for more than beaches, night markets and yoga retreats. It hides a rich cultural heritage left over from the Portuguese colonization. These are majestic churches, exquisite mansions and ancient villas that are worthy of every traveler’s attention.
Old Goa: temples and museums

Старый Гоа (Velha Goa) — это исторический центр региона, включенный в список объектов ВсемIt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attractions are located on a spacious street surrounded by churches.
Basilica of Bom Jesus is a 16th century red brick Baroque temple that houses the relics of St. Francis Xaverian.
St. Catherine’s Cathedral (Se Cathedral) – Goa’s largest Catholic church, built to commemorate the victory over the Muslims on the day of St. Catherine of Alexandria. It houses the famous “golden bell” and fifteen altars, each decorated with scenes from the lives of saints.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is an exquisite building with rococo elements, now converted into a museum.
In addition to these famous churches, tourists should visit the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine and the Monastery of St. Monica. Each of these places takes you back to an era when Portuguese culture actively shaped the region.

One of the key landmarks is the Viceroy’s Arch, built in 1599. The Viceroy’s Arch was built in 1597 and was used by noble viceroys coming from Portugal to enter the city.
Today, Goa continues to amaze with its blend of cultures. European traditions are intricately intertwined with Indian traditions, creating a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else.