Goa under Portuguese rule - History of Goa

Without an outline of its Portuguese heritage history of Goa is partial. The Portuguese invasion of Goa occurred during the year 1503. Since then it has been a chaotic history- culminating in the liberation of the state in the year 1961.

In the year 1503 Alfonso -de- Albuquerque laid the foundation of the Portuguese rule in the state when he came to India as the head of a squadron. Once he was anointed the in- charge for Portuguese affairs in Goa, he laid a siege on the state during the year1510. Goa was then under Sultan Adil Shah. However, Albuquerque was defeated and sent back. Albuquerque returned in a few months with the demise of the sultan. Now, he was accompanied by Timoja, a Hindu chieftain. He captured Goa and declared it the head of the Portuguese empire in India. This was the year 1510.

Albuquerque made numerous contributions into the Goan society in his five years of rule- notable among these was the abolition of the Hindu practice of Sati. Portugal was the supreme naval power in India by virtue of its control over Goa at the time of his death.

The Portuguese continued its plan of growth and by 1543 had brought regions like Salcette and Bardez under its control. The areas that were initially conquered were known as "Velhas Coquistas" that roughly interprets into 'old conquests'! The history of Goa marked its 'golden era' towards the end of the 16th century.

Portugal's overwhelming interest in India was commercial. This plundering sustained with all the totaling of new places like Daman, Diu and Mumbai. Then again, a host of weak successors subsequent to Albuquerque failed to consolidate the gains made at this time. Even then- Portugal occupies a big 450 years in the history of Goa.

The Portuguese ruling marks a time of monetary prosperity in the history of Goa. Prior to the advent of the Portuguese, Goa was barely referred to as a transit point for the Arabian horses to locations in the subcontinent and also like a harbor for transporting Muslims to Mecca. The Portuguese law changed the territory right into a booming and modern seaport into the extent that Goa came to be referred to as 'The Rome of the east'!

The Christian missionaries spread education in the state and contributed to its literacy. There had been significant additions in the field of art and music during this period. Goa also turned the destination of choice for a number of goldsmiths as well as silversmiths. This contributed to the development of the exquisite filigree work- a multipart work of foliage and jewels on metal. The tongue of the people as well underwent a transformation- with the establishment of Portuguese as the language of choice for all official work.

Yet, the history of Goa was once again struggling with an upheaval - the wealthy and economically successful era was not to last- and this time it was to be in the form of the Dutch and English colonizers!

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