Goa is the smallest Indian state by area and the fourth smallest in terms of population. It is located in the South-west Indian region called Konkan. The state is bound by Maharashtra on the north and Karnataka on the east and south. The Arabian Sea acts as its western boundary. It is India’s richest state with the GDP per capita two and half times more as compared to the rest of the country.

The state is renowned for its beaches, temples, churches and the world heritage architecture. Apart from this it is also rich in flora and fauna owing its location to the Western Ghats which are classified as a bio-diversity zone.
The early history of Goa can be traced back to the 3rd century BC when it became a part of the Mauryan Empire under the great King Ashoka of Magadha. Two thousand years ago it was ruled by the Satvahanas of Kolhapur (Maharashtra). Consequently it was ruled by Chalukyas, Silharas, the Kadambas and the Chalukyas of Kalyani.

It was also ruled by the Mughals and the Adil Shahi dyanasty of Bijapur. Finally it was annexed by the Portuguese and they had supremacy over it for nearly 5 centuries. The influence of this is visible till this day in the architecture, cuisine, music and the lifestyle of the Goan people.

Goa is also the Beach Capital of India with its pristine sea beaches and the surrounding natural beauty. But what is also one of the more interesting aspects are the numerous forts spread across the whole of the state.

Forts have always been related to history which is in fact the reflections of the past gone by. The state of Goa was a Portuguese seat of power for nearly 500 years and hence there are remnants of this rule which can be seen as the forts. At present most of these forts are in a dilapidated condition and yet scaling the heights to these structures is a fun filled and aat the same time a challenging activity.

All these fortresses were once parapets of military expertise and now they are used for various purposes like the prison or a heritage hotel. One of the forts also houses the Governor of the state. The forts in Goa are all strategically located and strongly garrisoned to avoid any trouble and in turn to protect the entrance to the port or the province around. Even though many of these structures are in ruin now, yet they remain an integral part of the Goan architecture.

Important Forts of Goa:
Aguada Fort derives its name from the original Portuguese word Aguada which means water. The presence of fresh water springs on the fort site accounted for its being named thus. The ships that sailed from Portugal halted here and this was their first stop after a long journey for a fresh water supply before they moved inland. There is a harbor for local ships on the northern side. At present the fort houses the Central Jail and a 19th century lighthouse also stands in the precincts of the fortress.

Chapora Fort is also made of red laterite and was built in 1617, on the site of an existing Muslim structure. The name Chapora is the corrupted version of the word Shahpura or “The Town of the Shah.” It was built as a border outpost and later deserted by the Portuguese in 1892.

Mormugao Fort is located near the famous Marmagoa Harbor and was built to protect it and the town of Vasco de Gama in 1624. The fort covered an area of six miles in circumference and had towering bulwarks, five prisons and a chapel. It had 53 guns and a garrison with four officers and was considered to be an important fort on the western coast.

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Category: Travel
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