Maritime Bharat- GOA

– Kamal Chadha
Goa, located on the west coast of India, has a rich and dynamic maritime history. Its favorable geographic positioning made it a significant center for maritime trade and naval power for successive empires.
The Goa region has evidence of maritime activity dating back to prehistoric times, including ancient rock art that depicts sea creatures and boats.
The ancient city of Gopakapattana (now Goa) was an important center of trading activity with connections as far as Rome and the Middle East in ancient times.
The maritime history of Goa is usually divided into different periods according to the various powers that dominated the region.
Early History and the Kadamba Dynasty: The earliest records point to Goa being an active hub for maritime trade during ancient times under the rule of the Mauryas and Satavahanas. It is speculated that Goan merchants used to participate in sea trade with the Romans. Later, under the Kadamba Dynasty (1050-1350 CE), Goa flourished as a critical port for exporting spices and importing horses.
Portuguese Control: A prominent period of Goa’s maritime history starts with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1510 under the leadership of Afonso de Albuquerque. The Portuguese transformed Goa into the capital of their eastern empire. It became a bustling port city, facilitating trade between Europe and the East.
Post Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, the Portuguese-held territories, including Goa, were brought under Indian control after Operation Vijay in 1961. Despite transitions of power, Goa has maintained its significance as a maritime hub and is home to an important Indian Naval base and a major port, and renowned tourist centre.
Goa’s rich maritime heritage is still visible today in the form of forts, churches, and the cultural blend of east and west abundantly evident in Goan society.

Lesser-Known

Battle of Goa, 1510
sEach of these facts tell a part of Goa’s lesser-known maritime story.
The Battle of Goa (1510): This is a landmark event in Goa’s maritime history. It was a conflict between the Portuguese admiral Afonso de Albuquerque and the Bijapur sultanate, resulting in the Portuguese capturing Goa. Albuquerque established a permanent settlement marking a significant shift in the area’s maritime power.
Longest Colonial Control: Goa remained a Portuguese colony for over 450 years, making Goa the longest-held European colony in Asia.
Shipbuilding: Goa’s long history as a maritime center includes a tradition of shipbuilding that goes back centuries. The ships built here were famed for their quality and navigational capabilities.
Revolt of the Ranes: This was a series of rebellions against Portuguese rule in Goa during the mid-19th century. One of the reasons for these uprisings was the increase of water taxes by the Portuguese, highlighting the large role maritime activities played in Goa’s economy.
Legend of Dona Paula: A major tourist attraction in Goa is the Dona Paula jetty. The legend of Dona Paula involves the daughter of a Portuguese Viceroy in colonial India, Dona Paula de Menezes. She is said to have died of heartbreak and her spirit allegedly haunts the area.
The Recovery of the ‘St. Anthony’: The St. Anthony was a Portuguese galleon that sank off the coast of Goa in the late 17th century carrying a wealth of treasure. In 1994, a team led by marine explorer Robert Marx discovered the wreck and brought to the surface a trove of historic artefacts – making it one of the most significant archaeological recoveries in India’s maritime history.
– Marex Media