Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: On 19th December 1961, India annexed Goa from Portuguese rule through Operation Vijay, following years of failed diplomatic efforts. It was initially a UT and was Declared the 25th Independent State of India on May 30, 1987
History:
Goa, a Portuguese colony since 1510, continued as such after India gained independence in 1947.
Timeline:
| Year | Event |
| 1510 | Goa became a Portuguese colony after Admiral Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the Sultan of Bijapur. |
| 1928 | Tristão de Bragança Cunha established the Goa National Congress, a pivotal moment in Goan nationalism. |
| 1946 | Ram Manohar Lohia leads a historic rally in Goa, calling for civil liberties, freedom, and integration with India. |
| 1949 | Formal diplomatic relations were established between India and Portugal. |
| 1950 | Bilateral relations declined due to Portugal’s refusal to surrender enclaves of Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. |
| 1951 | Portugal changed its constitution, claiming Goa as an overseas province, potentially linked to NATO membership. |
| 1961 | Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli integrated into India. |
| 1961 | Operation Vijay was launched by the Indian Government to annex Daman Diu and Goa on December 19, ending Portuguese rule. |
| 1961 | Liberation of Goa brings an end to 451 years of Portuguese overseas provincial governance. |
| Reason for the delay in securing Goa | Prime Minister Nehru, hesitant to engage in military conflict, focused on diplomacy. Tensions escalated in 1955 when Portuguese forces fired on satyagrahis, leading to 25 deaths |
| Overall, the differences between groups advocating satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) and military action contributed to delays in the liberation of Goa. | |
| About Goa | Goa is situated on the southwest coast of India in the Konkan region, separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. |
| Sonsogor is the highest point. Seven major rivers include Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Kumbarjua Canal, Talpona, and Sal | |
| Protected Sites: Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Mollem National Park. |
