Goa, the Paradise of South Asia, is one of the most delightful states of India, situated on the western coastland. Blessed with the tropical climate, it is the all time favourite tourist destination throughout the year. With a blend of Palm fringed beaches, golden sand, cultural heritage, arts and incredible history, it is the fastest growing state in terms of Industry and tourism.
On May 30, 1987, Goa became the 25th state of Indian territory. Since then May 30 is Celebrated as Goa state formation day every year. Let’s know about the history of Goa and all about its static general knowledge.
History of Goa
Goa has been the territory of Maurya emperor Samrat Ashoka around 3rd Sanctuary BC. The historic names of Goa are Sindapur, Mahassapatam, Gomanchala or Gopakapattam. In 1510, the ruling Sultan of Bijapur, Yusuf Adil Shah was defeated by the Portuguese who ruled on Goa for more than 450 years.
Liberation of Goa From Portuguese
Goa, for more than 450 years has been a Portuguese colony. After India got its Independence on August 15, 1947, Goa was still a territory of Portuguese and remained until 1961.
As most of the people of Goa were demanding for their liberation, the Indian Army under operation Vijaya, forced the Portuguese government to surrender on December 19, 1961. Now Goa was finally liberated as a free territory. Goa state liberation day is celebrated on December 19 every year.
Goa as Union Territory
Initially Goa was given a status of Union territory along with Daman and Diu by then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, for a period of 10 years. In 1967 a referendum was held for the people of Goa, to merge it with neighbouring state Maharashtra or to let it remain as UT.
The Political Angle In Goa State Formation
At that time Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), was the first ruling political party that came into power in Goa, after its liberation from Portuguese. MGP was in full favor of merger with Maharashtra. While the opposite party was the United Goans Party (UGP). Here UGP played a significant role by giving emphasis on the referendum. As per the referendum around 54% people of Goa, Daman and Diu voted against its merger with Maharashtra. So instead of people’s representatives it was the victory of Peoples.
After that a resolution was passed in the Assembly of Goa, which demanded the status of full statehood. Finally it was the day of May 30, 1987 when Goa got its status as 25th Indian state while Daman and Diu were separated as Union territory.
Static GK of Goa State
Here we are presenting some points related to general knowledge about the state that comes handley in competitive exams.
Foundation day: 30 May 1987
Capital city: Panaji
Official Language: Konkani
Other languages: Marathi, Kannada, Urdu, Malayalam, Telugu
Chief Minister: Mr. Pramod Sawant
Governor: Mr. PS Sreedharan Pillai
Total Area: 3,702 sq. Km
Area wise rank: 29th
Population Rank: 26th
Largest city: Vasko Da Gama
Rivers: Mandovi, zuari, terekhol, chopara
Natural Heritage: Western Ghats
National park and Wildlife Sanctuary: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, Milem National Park, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
State Animal: Gaur
State Bird: yellow throated bulbul
State flower: Red Jasmine
State Tree: Terminalia elliptica
Airport: Goa International Airport
No of Districts: 02
Loksabha Seats: 02
Vidhansabha Seats: 40
Folk dance: Jagir Natak
Stadiums: Nehru Stadium, GMC Stadium
Literacy rate: 87% (2011 census)
GI Tags: Khola Red Chillies, Moira banana, Cashew Feni
Some Interesting Facts on Goa
Here We are presenting some interesting facts on Goa for examination purposes.
- The highest point of Goa is called Sonsogor.
- The state has a total Forest cover more than 1,424 sq. km covering one third area of State. It provides bamboo, Maratha barks, chillar barks and bhirand, cashew, mango, jackfruits and pineapples in abundance.
- Iron and manganese mining industries play a major role in boosting Goa’s economy.
- Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Kumbarjua canal, Talpona and the Sal are seven major Rivers of Goa.
- The Goa Liberation Day is Celebrated on 19th December every year.
- In 1498, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to come to India and left the country at the last in 1961.
- About 67% of Goa’s population is in the working-age group of 15-59 years.
- The Union Shipping Minister Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya, on 30 May 2021, inaugurated the second floating jetty at Old Goa.
- In May 2021, former chief Minister Mr. Pramod Sawant launched a solar-based electrification programme for rural households in the state.
- Goa, with a coastline of about 104 km and inland waterways of about 250 km, is rich in terms of export of its marine products which stood around Rs 288.5 crore in 2019-20.
- The state has well established pharmaceuticals industries and it is an emerging destination for knowledge-based industries such as biotechnology and IT.
- Goa ranked 14 in Export Preparedness Index 2021.
- The state economy is based on fishing, agriculture, tourism, and pharmaceuticals.
- According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the FDI inflow was US $ 80.77 million between October 2019 and March 2021.