Goa celebrates Statehood Day

On May 30, 2020, Goa celebrated its Statehood Day. Goa was the 25^th state to join the union of India.

History

• As India gained independence on August 15, 1947, India requested the Portugese to cede their territories. 
• However, Portuguese refused. In 1961, Indian Government launched Operation Vijay and annexed Daman and Diu, islands and Goa with the Indian mainland.
• On May 30, 1987, the territory was split and Goa was formed. Daman and Diu remained the Union Territory. Konkani is the official language of the state.

Controversy

• As Goa was formed controversies emerged that Goa should be merged with Maharashtra or Mysore. 
• However, in 1967 a opinion poll was conducted and was concluded that Goa will remain as state and Daman and Diu shall remain as union territory.

Role of Goa in history

• Goa attracted monks and missionaries that left great impression in the culture of Goa. 
• Apart from this, Goa was a part of Vijayanagar Empire in 1370 and later was a part of Bijapur Sultanate as well.

Portuguese in Goa

• The Portuguese conquered Goa in 1510 under the leadership of Afonso de Albuquerque. 
• As they conquered Goa, they took control of the spice trade.