Goa Travel Guide - History

The Muslims were forced to leave Goa in 1370 and Harihara became the ruler. His sect ruled the area for almost one hundred years, turning Goa into an important port. They were however conquered in 1469 by the Bahmini Sultans of Gulbaga. This dynasty ended when Adil Shah of Bijjapur conquered the region. Adil Shah made Goa Velha the second capital and resided in Panjim, but his rule was to end with the advent of the Portuguese who arrived in Goa in 1510.

The main purposes of the Portuguese were twofold: to control the spice routes that were now being controlled by the Turks and to spread Christianity. They set up base in Old Goa, but had soon spread their control to the provinces of Bardez and Salcete.

It was only in 1961 that the Portuguese were finally forced to leave Goa, as India had become an independent state. In 1987 Goa was conferred statehood. The influence of the Portuguese had impacted the Goan way of life for many hundreds of years and this influence can still be felt today. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Goa found its place among popular tourist destinations and the numbers travelling to the state grow every year.