Goa Goa (pronounced /o./ ( listen); Konkani: ) is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population.

Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole.[3] It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators.[3] Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants, and conquered it soon thereafter. The Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years, until it was annexed by India in 1961.[4][5] Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot. Contents:- Etymology/History/Geography and climate/Subdivisions/Flora and fauna/Economy/Transport/ Demographics/Languages/Tourism/Historic sites and neighbourhoods/Museums and science center/People and culture/Dance and music/Theatre/Food/Architecture/Sports/Government and politics/Media and communication/ Education See also * 18 Citations * 19 References * 20 Further reading * 21 External links Etymology The name Goa came to European languages from the Portuguese, but its precise origin is unclear. In ancient literature, Goa was known by many names such as Gomanta, Gomanchala, Gopakapattam, Gopakapuri, Govapuri, Govem, and Gomantak.[6] The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the area now known as Goa, as Goparashtra or Govarashtra which means a nation of cowherds. Gopakapuri or Gopakapattanam were used in some ancient Sanskrit texts, and these names were also mentioned in other sacred Hindu texts such as the Harivansa and the Skanda Purana. In the latter, Goa is also known as Gomanchala. Parashurambhoomi is a name that the region is referred to in certain inscriptions and texts such as the Puranas.[7] In the third century BCE, Goa was known as Aparantha, and is mentioned by the Greek geographer Ptolemy. The Greeks referred to Goa as Nelkinda in the 13th century. Some other historical names for Goa are Sindapur, Sandabur, and Mahassapatam.[8] History Main article: History of Goa Goa in 1509, in Braun e Hogenberg, 1600 Goa's known history stretches back to the 3rd century BC, when it formed part of the Mauryan Empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor, Ashoka of Magadha. Buddhist monks laid the foundation of Buddhism in Goa. Between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE, Goa was ruled by the Chutus of Karwar as feudatories of the Satavahanas of Kolhapur (2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE), Western Kshatrapas (around 150 CE), the Abhiras of Western Maharashtra, Bhojas of the Yadav clans of Gujarat, and the Konkan Mauryas as feudatories of the Kalachuris.[9] The rule later passed on to the Chalukyas of Badami, who controlled it between 578 to 753, and later the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed from 753 to 963. However from 765 to 1015, the Southern Silharas of Konkan ruled Goa as the feudatories of the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas.[10] Over the next few centuries, Goa was successively ruled by the Kadambas as the feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyani. They patronised Jainism in Goa.[11] In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the Delhi Sultanate. However, the kingdom's grip on the region was weak, and by 1370 they were forced to surrender it to Harihara I of the Vijayanagara empire. The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to the territory until 1469, when it was appropriated by the Bahmani sultans of Gulbarga. After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell to the hands of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur who established as their auxiliary capital the city known under the Portuguese as Velha Goa. The S Cathedral at Old Goa, an example of Portuguese influence Coat of Arms of Goa as a Portuguese possession 19351961 In 1510, the Portuguese defeated the ruling Bijapur kings with the help of a local ally, Timayya, leading to the establishment of a permanent settlement in Velha Goa (or Old Goa). In 1843 the capital was moved to Panjim from Velha Goa. By the mid-18th century the area under occupation had expanded to most of Goa's present day state limits. Simultaneously the Portuguese lost other possessions in India until their borders stabilised and formed the Estado da India Portuguesa, of which Goa was the largest territory. After India gained independence from the British in 1947, Portugal refused to negotiate with India on the transfer of sovereignty of their Indian enclaves. On 12 December 1961, the Indian Army commenced with Operation Vijay resulting in the annexation of Goa, Damman and Diu into the Indian union. Goa, along with Daman and Diu was made into a centrally administered Union Territory of India. On 30 May 1987, the Union Territory was split, and Goa was made India's twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining Union Territories. Geography and climate Goa coastline Goa encompasses an area of 3,702 km (1,430 sq mile). It lies between the latitudes 145354 N and 154000 N and longitudes 734033 E and 742013 E. Most of Goa is a part of the coastal country known as the Konkan, which is an escarpment rising up to the We stern Ghats

range of mountains, which separate it from the Deccan Plateau. The highest point is the Sonsogor, with an altitude of 1,167 meters (3,827 feet). Goa has a coastline of 101 km (63 miles). Goa's main rivers are the Mandovi, the Zuari, the Terekhol, Chapora River and the Sal. The Mormugao harbour on the mouth of the River Zuari is one of the best natural harbours in South Asia. The Zuari and the Mandovi are the lifelines of Goa, with their tributaries draining 69% of its geographic area. These rivers are one of the busiest rivers in India. Goa has more than forty estuarine, eight marine and about ninety riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers is 253 km (157 miles). Goa has more than three hundred ancient tanks built during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty and over a hundred medicinal springs. Most of Goa's soil cover is made up of laterites which are rich in ferric aluminium oxides and reddish in colour. Further inland and along the riverbanks, the soil is mostly alluvial and loamy. The soil is rich in minerals and humus, thus conducive to plantation. Some of the oldest rocks in the Indian subcontinent are found in Goa between Molem and Anmod on Goa's border with Karnataka. The rocks are classified as Trondjemeitic Gneiss estimated to be 3,600 million years old, dated by the Rubidium isotope dating method. A specimen of the rock is exhibited in the Goa University. Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is the hottest, seeing day temperatures of over 35 C (95 F) coupled with high humidity. The monsoon rains arrive by early June and provide a much needed respite from the heat. Most of Goa's annual rainfall is received through the monsoons which last till late September. Goa has a short winter season between mid-December and February. These months are marked by nights of around 21 C (68 F) and days of around 28 C (84 F) with moderate amounts of humidity. Further inland, due to altitudinal gradation, the nights are a few degrees cooler. During March 2008 Goa was lashed with heavy rain and strong winds. This was the first time in 29 years that Goa had seen rain during March. Subdivisions Talukas of Goa. Talukas in purple shades belong to North Goa district, and orange denote South Goa. The state is divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa. Panaji is the headquarters of the North Goa district and Margao of the south district. Each district is governed by a district collector, an administrator appointed by the Indian government. The districts are further divided into eleven talukas Talukas of North Goa are Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, Sattari and Tiswadi, the talukas of South Goa are Canacona, Mormugao, Quepem, Salcete and Sanguem. Headquarters of the respective talukas are Mapusa, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, Valpoy, Panjim, Chaudi, Vasco, Quepem, Margao and Sanguem. Goa's major cities include Mapusa, Margao, Mormugao, Panaji and Vasco . The region connecting the first four cities is considered a de facto conurbation, or a more or less continuous urban area. Flora and fauna Main article: Flora and fauna of Goa Equatorial forest cover in Goa stands at 1,424 km2 (549.81 sq mi),[6] most of which is owned by the government. Government owned forest is estimated at 1,224.38 km2 (472.74 sq mi) whilst private is given as 200 km2 (77.22 sq mi). Most of the forests in the state are located in the interior eastern regions of the state. The Western Ghats, which form most of eastern Goa, have been internationally recognised as one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. In the February 1999 issue of National Geographic Magazine, Goa was compared with the Amazon and Congo basins for its rich tropical biodiversity[citation needed]. Goa's wildlife sanctuaries boast of more than 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 species of birds, over 48 kinds of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles.[14] Rice is the main food crop with pulses, ragi and other food crops are also grown. Main cash crops are coconuts, cashewnuts, arecanuts, sugarcane and fruits like pineapples, mangos and bananas.[6] The State has a rich forest cover of more than 1,424 km. Goa's state animal is the Gaur, the state bird is the Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul, which is a variation of Black-crested Bulbul, and the state tree is the Asan. Rice paddies are common in rural Goa. The important forests products are bamboo canes, Maratha barks, chillar barks and the bhirand. Coconut trees are ubiquitous and are present in almost all areas of Goa barring the elevated regions. A large number of deciduous vegetation consisting of teak, sal, cashew and mango trees are present. Fruits include jackfruits, mangos, pineapples and blackberries. Goa's forests are rich with medicinal plants. Foxes, wild boars and migrating birds are found in the jungles of Goa. The avifauna includes kingfishers, mynas and parrots. Numerous types of fish are also caught off the coast of Goa and in its rivers. Crabs, lobsters, shrimps, jellyfish, oysters and catfish form some of the piscine catch. Goa also has a high snake population, which keeps the rodent population under control. Goa has many famous National Parks, including the renowned Salim Ali bird sanctuary. Other wildlife sanctuaries include the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Molem Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Madei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located on the island of Chorao. Goa has more than 33% of its geographic area under government forests (1224.38 km) of which about 62% has been brought under Protected Areas (PA) of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park. Since there is a substantial area under private forests and a large tract under cashew, mango, coconut, etc. plantations, the total forest and tree cover constitutes 56.6% of the geographic area. Economy Gross State Domestic Product (in millions of Rupees)[15] Year GSDP 1980 3,980 1985 6,550 1990 12,570 1995 33,190 2000 76,980 Train carrying iron ore to Marmagao Port, Vasco

Commercial area in Panjim. Goa's gross state domestic product for 2007 is estimated at $3 billion in current prices. Goa is one of India's richest states with the highest GDP per capita and two and a half times that of the country as a whole, and one of its fastest growth rates: 8.23% (yearly average 19902000).[16] Tourism is Goa's primary industry: it handles 12%[17] of all foreign tourist arrivals in India. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summer time (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays. The land away from the coast is rich in minerals and ores and mining forms the second largest industry. Mining in Goa focuses on ores of iron, Bauxite, manganese, clays, limestone and silica. The Marmagao Port handled 31.69 million tonnes of cargo last year, and accounts for over 39% of India's Iron Ore exports. The leaders in the Goan Iron Ore industry include Sesa Goa (now owned by Vedanta Resources) and Dempo. Rampant mining in areas rich in Iron Ore and other minerals is now threatening the forest cover as well as posing a health hazard to the local population. Mining corporations are also indulging in illegal mining in some areas without proper permits. Agriculture, while of shrinking importance to the economy over the past four decades, offers part-time employment to a sizable portion of the populace. Rice is the main agricultural crop, followed by areca, cashew and coconut. The fishing industry provides employment for about forty thousand people, though recent official figures indicate a decline of the importance of this sector and also a fall in catch, perhaps coupled with the fact that traditional fishing has given way to large-scale mechanised trawling. Medium scale industries include the manufacturing of pesticides, fertilisers, tyres, tubes, footwear, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, wheat products, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, brewery products. The Goa government has recently decided to not allow any more special economic zones (SEZs) in Goa. This is in stark contrast to policy followed by other states of India. SEZs are known to bring tax revenues for the government and employment option for local citizens since industries flock there for lower tax rates as compared to other areas. Currently there are 16 planned SEZs in Goa. This decision was taken by state government after strong opposition to SEZs by political parties and Goa Catholic Church.[18] Goa is also notable for its low beer, wine and spirits prices due to its very low excise duty on alcohol. Another source of cash inflow into the state comes from many of its citizens who work abroad and remit money to their families. Transport Most of Goa is well connected by roads. Goa's sole airport, the Dabolim Airport, is both a military and civilian airport catering to domestic and international airlines that stop en route to other Indian destinations. The airport also handles a large number of chartered flights. Goa receives international flights from Qatar, Dubai, Sharjah and Kuwait in the Middle East and from Britain, Germany and Russia during the charter flight tourist season. Dabolim Airport is serviced by the following carriers Air India, Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Air, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways, besides Charter flights from the UK, Russia, Germany operated by Thomas Cook, Condor, Monarch Airlines etc. Goa's public transport largely consists of privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Government-run buses, maintained by the Kadamba Transport Corporation, links both major routes (like the Panjim Margao route) and some remote parts of the state. In large towns such as Panjim and Margao, intra-city buses ply. However, public transport in Goa is less developed, and residents depend heavily on their own transport, usually motorised two-wheelers. Goa has two National Highways passing through it. NH-17 runs along India's west coast and links Goa to Mumbai in the north and Mangalore to the south. NH-4A running across the state connects the capital Panjim to Belgaum in east, linking Goa to cities in the Deccan. The NH-17A connects NH-17 to Mormugao Harbour from Cortalim, and the new NH-17B, is a four lane highway connecting Mormugao Harbour to NH-17 at another location, Verna, via Dabolim airport. Goa has a total of 224 km (139 mi) of National highway, 232 km (144 mi) of state highway and 815 km of district highway. Hired forms of transport include unmetered taxis, and, in urban areas, auto rickshaws. A unique form of transport in Goa is the Motorcycle taxi, operated by drivers who are locally called "pilots". These vehicles transport a single pillion rider, at fares that are usually negotiated. River crossings in Goa are serviced by flat-bottomed ferry boats, operated by the river navigation departments. Goa has two rail linesone run by the South Western Railway and the other by the Konkan Railway. The line run by the South Western Railway was built during the colonial era linking the port town of Vasco da Gama, Goa with Hubli, Karnataka via Margao. The Konkan Railway line, which was built during the 1990s, runs parallel to the coast connecting major cities on the western coast. The Mormugao harbour near the city of Vasco handles mineral ore, petroleum, coal and international containers. Much of the shipments consist of minerals and ores from Goa's hinterland. Panjim, which is situated on the banks of the Mandovi, also has a minor port, which used to handle passenger steamers between Goa and Mumbai till the late 1980s. There was also a short-lived catamaran service linking Mumbai and Panaji operated by Damania Shipping in the 1990s. Demographics See also: Goans Population Growth Census Pop. % 1951 547,000 1961 590,000 7.9% 1971 795,000 34.7% 1981 1,008,000 26.8% 1991 1,170,000 16.1% 2001 1,343,998 14.9% Source:Census of India[19][20] Hindu-Christianity Unity Memorial at Miramar Beach.

A native of Goa is called a Goan in English,Goenkar (

) in Konkani, Govekar (

) in Marathi, Gos (male) or Goesa (female) in

Portuguese. Goa has a population of 1.344 million residents, making it India's fourth smallest (after Sikkim, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh). The population has a growth rate of 14.9% per decade.[21] There are 363 people for each square kilometre of the land.[20] Goa is the State with highest proportion of Urban Population with 49.76% of the population living in urban areas.[22] The literacy rate of Goa is over 82%.[23] The sex ratio is 960 females to 1000 males. The birth rate is 15.70 per 1,000 people in 2007.[24] Goa also is the State with lowest proportion of Scheduled Tribes at 0.04% in India.[25] Religion in Goa[26] Religion Percent Hinduism 65% Christianity 26% Islam 6% Others 3% Distribution of religions Includes Sikhs (0.07%), Buddhists (0.04%), Jains (0.06%) and Others (0.24%). According to the 2001 census out of a total population of 1,343,998. 886,551 (65%) were Hindus, 359,568 (26%) were Christians, 92,210 (6%) were Muslims, 970 (0.07%) were Sikhs, 649 (0.04%) were Buddhists, 820 (0.06%) were Jains and 3530 (0.24%) belonged to other religious communities.[26] Languages The Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 makes Konkani in the Devanagari script the sole official language of Goa, but provides that Marathi may also be used "for all or any of the official purposes". The Government also has a policy of replying in Marathi to correspondence received in Marathi.[27] Whilst there have been demands for according Marathi and Konkani in Roman script co-equal status in the state, As of October 2008[update], Konkani remained the sole official language.[28][29] Konkani is spoken as a native language by about 61.21% of the people in the state. Other linguistic minorities in the state as of 1991 are Marathi (27.12%), Kannada (3.41%), Urdu (2.81%), and Hindi (2.09%).[30] The Portuguese language, which was used during the colonial era, is less popular now.[citation needed] Tourism See also: Tourism in Goa Taj Hotels Fort Aguada Beach Resort Goa Carnival is one of the main attractions of Goa. Tourism is generally focused on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. In 2004, there were more than two million tourists reported to have visited Goa, about 360,000 of whom were from abroad. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.[citation needed] With the rule of the Portuguese for over 450 years and the consequential influence of Portuguese culture, Goa presents a somewhat different picture to the foreign visitor than other parts of the country. The state of Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, churches, and temples. The Bom Jesus Cathedral, Fort Aguada and a new wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa are other tourism destinations. Vagator Beach. Historic sites and neighbourhoods Goa has two World Heritage Sites: the Bom Jesus Basilica [32] and a few designated convents. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, regarded by many Catholics as the patron saint of Goa (the patron of the Archdiocese of Goa is actually the Blessed Joseph Vaz). Once every twelve years, the body is taken down for veneration and for public viewing. The last such event was conducted in 2004. The Velhas Conquistas regions are also known for its Goa-Portuguese style architecture. There are many forts in Goa such as Tiracol, Chapora, Corjuem, Aguada, Gaspar Dias and Cabo de Rama. In many parts of Goa, mansions constructed in the Indo-Portuguese style architecture still stand, though in some villages, most of them are in a dilapidated condition. Fontainhas in Panaji has been declared a cultural quarter, showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa. Some influences from the Portuguese era are visible in some of Goa's temples, notably the Shanta Durga Temple, the Mangueshi Temple and the Mahalasa Temple, although after 1961, many of these were demolished and reconstructed in the indigenous Indian style. Museums and science center Goa also has a few museums, the two important ones being Goa State Museum and the Naval Aviation Museum. The Aviation museum is the only one of its kind in the whole of India.[citation needed] Also, a place not well known to tourists is the Goa Science Center, which is located in Panjim.[33] The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is also located in Goa at Dona Paula.[34] There is a Wax Museum located in Old Goa next to the Churches that is worth seeinglikely the only one of its kind in India. People and culture Main article: Culture of Goa Shanta Durga temple at Kavlem. The tableau of Goa showcases religious harmony by focusing on the Deepastambha, the Cross, Ghode Modni followed by a chariot. Western royal attire of kings and regional dances being performed depict the unique blend of different religions and cultures of the State. The festival of music and dance, Shigmo Mel or the Holi and Spring celebrations,signify unity in diversity.[35] Prominent local festivals are Chavoth, Diwali,

Christmas, Easter, Shigmo, Samvatsar Padvo, Dasara etc.The Goan Carnival and new year celebration is known to attract a large number of tourists. Dance and music Goan Hindus are very fond of Natak, Bhajan and Kirtan. Many famous Indian Classical singers hail from Goa, including Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kishori Amonkar, Kesarbai Kerkar, Jitendra Abhisheki and Pandit Prabhakar Karekar. Some traditional Goan art forms are dekhnni, fugdi, corridinho, Mando and dulpod. Theatre Natak, Tiatr and Zagor are the chief forms of Goa's traditional performance arts. Other forms are Ranmale, Dashavatari, Kalo, Goulankala, Lalit, Kala and Rathkala. Stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata along with more modern social subjects are narrated with song and dance.[36][37] The drummers, keyboard artists, and guitarists are part of the show and give the background score. Food Rice with fish curry (Xit kodi in Konkani) is the staple diet in Goa. Goan cuisine is famous for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Coconut and coconut oil are widely used in Goan cooking along with chili peppers, spices and vinegar giving the food a unique flavour. Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions among the Goan Catholics. An exotic Goan vegetable stew, known as Khatkhate, is a very popular dish during the celebrations of festivals, Hindu and Christian alike. Khatkhate contains at least five vegetables, fresh coconut, and special Goan spices that add to the aroma. Sannas, Hitt are variants of idli and Polle,Amboli,Kailoleo are variants of dosa;are native to Goa. A rich egg-based multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca is a favourite at Christmas. The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is feni; Cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms.[citation needed] See also: Goan cuisine, Music of Goa, and Goa literature Architecture This section's tone or style may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. Specific concerns may be found on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. (July 2009) Goan-Portuguese villa Fontainhas is a protected area in Panjim for its old architecture. People living in the houses can only renovate the insides the outside look has to be left as it is. The architecture of Goa is a combination of Indian, Mughal and Portuguese styles. Since the Portuguese ruled for four centuries, many churches and houses bear a striking element of the Portuguese style of architecture. Goa was also under the Mughal rule and thus one finds monuments built in the typical Mughal style complete with the domes. Sports Football is the most popular sport in Goa and is embedded in Goan culture.[38] Its origins in the state are traced back to 1883 when the visiting Irish priest Fr. William Robert Lyons established the sport as part of a "Christian education".[38][39] On 22 December 1959, the Associao de Futebol de Goa was formed, which continues to administer the game in the state under the new name, Goa Football Association.[38] Goa, along with West Bengal and Kerala.[38] is the locus of football in the country and is home to many football clubs in India's I-League. The state's football powerhouses include Salgaocar, Dempo, Churchill Brothers, Vasco Sports Club and Sporting Clube de Goa. The state's main football stadium, Fatorda (or Nehru stadium), is located at Margao and also hosts cricket matches. A number of Goans have represented India in football, and four of them, namely Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, Bruno Coutinho, Mauricio Afonso, and Roberto Fernandes have all captained the national team at one time or another. In recent decades, a growing influence of cricket is visible.[citation needed] Goa now has its own cricket team. Dilip Sardesai remains the only Goan to date to play international cricket for India.[41] For more details on this topic, see Goans in sports. Government and politics In the Parliament of India, Goa has two seats in the Lok Sabha, one representing each district, and one seat in the Rajya Sabha. Goa's capital is Panaji, known as Panjim in English and earlier called Pangim in Portuguese times, and known in the local language as Ponnje is the administrative capital of Goa lying on the left bank of the Mandovi near Panaji. Goa's legislative assembly building is located in Porvorim the seat of the Goa assembly, which lies across the Mandovi River. The state's judicial hierarchy relates to Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay, which is the capital of Goa's neighbouring Maharashtra state), as the state comes under the Bombay High Court. A bench of the High Court is present in Panaji. Unlike other states, which follow the British Indian model of civil laws framed for individual religions, the Portuguese Uniform Civil Code, based on the Napoleonic code, has been retained by the Goa government. Goa has a unicameral legislature consisting of a forty member Legislative Assembly, headed by a Chief Minister who wields the executive power. The present Chief Minister of Goa is Mr. Digambar Kamat and the Leader of Opposition is Mr. Manohar Parrikar. The ruling government consists of the party or coalition garnering the most seats in the state elections and enjoying the support of a simple majority of the House. The governor is appointed by the President of India. The governor's role is largely ceremonial, but plays a crucial role when it comes to deciding who should form the next government or in suspending the legislature as has happened in the recent past. After having stable governance for nearly thirty years up to 1990, Goa is now notorious for its political instability having seen fourteen governments in the span of the fifteen years between 1990 and 2005.[42] In March 2005 the assembly was dissolved by the governor and President's Rule was declared, which suspended the legislature. A by-election in June 2005 saw the Congress coming back to power after winning three of the five seats that went to polls. The Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the two largest parties in the state. In the assembly pole of 2007, Congress-led coalition won and started ruling the state.[43] Other parties include the United Goans Democratic Party, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.[44] Media and communication

Main article: Media in Goa Goa is served by almost all television channels available in India. Channels are received through cable in most parts of Goa. In the interior regions, channels are received via satellite dishes. Doordarshan, the national television broadcaster, has two free terrestrial channels on air. DTH (Direct To Home) TV services are available from Dish TV, Tata Sky & DD Direct Plus. The All India Radio is the only radio channel in the state, broadcasting in both FM and AM bands. Two AM channels are broadcast, the primary channel at 1287 kHz and the Vividh Bharati channel at 1539 kHz. AIR's FM channel is called FM Rainbow and is broadcast at 105.4 MHz. Private FM radio channels available are Big FM at 92.7 MHz, Radio Mirchi at 98.3 MHz, and Radio Indigo at 91.9 MHz. There is also an educational radio channel, Gyan Vani, run by IGNOU broadcast from Panaji at 107.8 MHz. In 2006, St Xavier's College, Mapusa, became the first college in the state to launch a campus community radio station 'Voice of Xavier's'. Major cellular service operators include Reliance Infocomm, Tata Indicom, Vodafone (previously Hutch), Bharti Airtel, BSNL and Idea cellular. Local newspaper publications include the English language The Herald (Goa's oldest, once a Portuguese language paper known as O Heraldo), the Gomantak Times and the Navhind Times. In addition to these, The Times of India and the Indian Express are also received from Mumbai and Bangalore in the urban areas. The Times of India has recently started publication from Goa itself serving the local population news directly from the state capital. Among the list of officially-accredited newspapers are Sunaparant in Konkani (Devanagari script), The Navhind Times, The Herald Times and The Gomantak Times in English; and Gomantak, Tarun Bharat, Navprabha, Goa Times, Sanatan Prabhat, Govadoot (all in Marathi). All are dailies. Other publications in the state include Goa Today (English-language, monthly), Goan Observer (English, weekly), Vavraddeancho Ixtt (Roman-script Konkani, weekly) Goa Messenger, Gulab (Konkani, monthly), Bimb (Devanagari-script Konkani) . Education Goa University According to the 2001 census, Goa has a literacy rate of 82% with 89% of males and 76% of females being literate.[45] Each taluka is made up of villages, each having a school run by the government. Due to the low levels of corruption and the quality of the government schools, private schools are less in demand, compared to the rest of the country. All schools come under the state SSC whose syllabus is prescribed by the state Education department. There are also a few schools run by the all-India ICSE board or NIOS board. Most students in Goa complete their high school using English as the medium of instruction. Primary schools, on the other hand are largely run in Konkani and marathi (in private, but government-aided schools). As is the case in most of India, enrollment for vernacular media has seen a fall in numbers in favour of English medium education. As per a report published in the times of India, 84% of Goan schools run without an administrative head. After ten years of schooling, students join a Higher Secondary school, which offers courses in popular streams such as Science, Arts, Law and Commerce.A student may also opt for a course in vocational studies. Additionally, many join three year diploma courses. Two years of college is followed by a professional degree. Goa University is the sole university in the state located in Taleigao and all Goan colleges are affiliated to it. There are four engineering colleges and one medical college in the state. The Goa Engineering College and Goa Medical College are run by the state whereas the other three engineering colleges are run by private organisations. Among the best known schools in Goa include Vidya Prabhodini at Porvorim, K.B. Hedgewar High School, the Progress high school, Don Bosco High School, People's high school, Mushtifund high school in Panaji, A. J. De Almeida high school in Ponda, Vidya Bharati Mahila Nutan, Manovikas in Margao etc. Among the best known colleges in Goa include G.V.M's S.N.J.A higher secondary school, Don Bosco College, D.M's college of Arts Science and Commerce, St Xavier's College, Carmel College, Chowgule College, Dhempe College, Damodar College, MES College, etc. The private engineering colleges are Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, Shiroda, and Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Verna. There are also colleges offering pharmacy, architecture and dentistry along with numerous private colleges offering law, arts, commerce and science. There is also two National Oceanographic Science related centres, NCAOR and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Vasco and Panjim. In 2004, BITS Pilani university started its Second Campus, BITS Pilani Goa Campus near Dabolim. In addition to the engineering colleges, there are quite a few polytechnic institutions such as the Father Agnel Polytechnic, Verna and the Institute of Shipbuilding Technology, Vasco da gama which impart technical and vocational training. Many residents, however, choose to take up courses in other states as the demand for a course in Goa is more than that available. Goa is also well-known in India for courses in marine engineering, fisheries, hotel management and cuisine. The State also hosts one of the best business school in the country the Goa Institute of Management which is autonomous and was founded in 1993 by Romuald D'Souza. Portuguese is taught as a part of the school curriculum, often as a third language in some schools. The Goa University also offers Bachelors and Masters degrees in Portuguese. See also Flag of India.svg Goa portal * Goans * History of Goa * Portuguese India * Konkani language * Invasion of Goa * Goa Trance The state is divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa. Panaji is the headquarters of the North Goa district and Margao of the south district. Each district is governed by a district North Goa North Goa is one of the two districts that make up the state of Goa, India. The district has an area of 1736 km, and is bounded by Sindhudurg and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra state to the north and east respectively, by South Goa District to the south, and by the Arabian Sea to the west.

Contents- Historical background/ Geography/ Administration/ Language Historical background Much of the today's North Goa territories (Pernem, Bicholim, and Sattari) were under the Kingdom of Sawantwadi. While Ponda was sometimes with Sunda Kingdom or Marathas or Kingdom of Sawantwadi. Hence these territories were seen as safe haven for the Hindus who were under the continuous fear Portuguese Inquisition. These territories were conquered by Portuguese as part of New Conquest in late 18th centuries. These territories then remain with Portuguese till 1961 till it was annexed by India. Goa and two other former Portuguese enclaves became the union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, and Goa was organized into a single district in 1965. On 30 May 1987, Goa attained statehood (while Daman and Diu remained a union territory), and Goa was reorganized into two districts, North Goa and South Goa. Geography Its geographical position is marked by 15o 48 00 N to 14o 53 54 N latitudes and 73o E to 75o E longitudes Administration The administrative headquarters of the district is Panaji, which is also the capital of the state of Goa. The district forms a part of greater region called Konkan. The district is divided into four subdivisions, Panaji, Mapusa, Bicholim, and Ponda, and six taluks, Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, Sattari and Tiswadi. Language Konkani is mother tongue of majority of people living in North Goa district. Marathi and Konkani are spoken by a substantial number of people as mother tongue. English and Hindi are understood by a majority of the population. Portuguese is also spoken and understood by a small number of people. South Goa South Goa is one of the two districts that comprise the state of Goa, India. The district has an area of 1,966 km and a population of 586,591 (2001 census). It is bounded by North Goa District to the north, Utara Kannada District of Karnataka state to the east and south, and by the Arabian Sea to the west. Contents:- Historical background/Administration/Language Historical background The Portuguese established a colony in Goa in 1510, and expanded the colony to its present boundaries during the 17th and 18th centuries. Goa was annexed by India on December 19 1961. Goa and two other former Portuguese enclaves became the union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, and Goa was organized into a single district in 1965. On 30 May 1987 Goa attained statehood (while Daman and Diu became a separate union territory), and Goa was reorganized into two districts, North Goa and South Goa. Administration The administrative headquarters of the district is Margao. The district is divided into three subdivisions, Margao, Mormugao, and Quepem, and five taluks, Salcete, Mormugao, Quepem, Sanguem, and Canacona. Language Konkani is mother tongue of majority of people living in South Goa district. Marathi and Konkani are spoken by a substantial number of people as mother tongue. English & Hindi are understood by majority of the population. Panaji Panaji (Konkani: Ponnji, pronounced [p], [pi+( listen), Marathi ) is the capital of the Indian state of Goa. It lies on the banks of the Mandovi estuary, in the district of North Goa. With a population of 65,000 in the city and approximately 100,000 in the metropolitan area, Panaji is Goa's third largest city after Vasco da Gama and Margao. Panaji means Land that never floods. Panaji is the capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, located on the left bank of the Mandovi River, piled up against terraced hills, a jumble of concrete buildings with whimsical balconies and red-tiled roofs, bleached clean churches and a riverside promenade, with red-roofed houses built in Latin style. It also has modern houses, well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with gulmohar, acacia and other trees. The Baroque church on the main square, pretty villas, cobbled streets and interesting buildings give Panaji a Portuguese ambience. Contents:-Etymology/Geography/History/Demographics/Climate/Landmarks/Other attractions/Education/Research centres/Government offices/Politics Etymology The word Panjim is etymologically derived from the words panjani and khali, which mean "a boat and "a small creek" respectively, in Sanskrit. Thus the modern word Panaji is a corrupt form of the old world Panjakhali as inscribed on the copper-plates found, belonging to the rule of Kadamba king Tribhuvanamalla.[1] The official name is Panaji. The Portuguese name was Pangim. The city is called Panjim in English. It has been spelt as Panaji since the 1960s. The city is called paaje or Ponnji in Konkani. Earlier a small village on the river front, in 1843 the city had been renamed Nova Goa (Portuguese for New Goa) when it officially replaced the city of Goa (now Old Goa) as the administrative seat of Portuguese India, though the viceroy had already moved there in 1759. Geography Panaji is located at 1529N 7350E / 15.48N 73.83E / 15.48; 73.83.[2] It has an average elevation of 7 metres (23 feet). History When Operation Vijay ended Portuguese colonial rule, Panaji was incorporated into India with the rest of Goa and the former Portuguese colonies, in 1961. Panaji became a state-capital on Goa's elevation to statehood in 1987. Between 1961 and 1987, it was the capital of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. A new Legislative Assembly complex was inaugurated in March 2000, across the Mandovi river, in Alto Porvorim. Panaji is also the administrative headquarters of North Goa district.

Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[3] Panaji had a population of 58,785. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Panaji has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 77%. In Panaji, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. Climate Panaji features a tropical monsoon climate. The climate in Panaji is hot in summer and equable in winter. During summers (from March to May) the temperature reaches up to 32C and in winters (from December to February) it is usually between 28C and 20C. The monsoon period is from June to September with heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The annual average rainfall is 2932 mm (115.5 inches). Landmarks The heart of the city is the Church Square or Municipal Garden with the Portuguese Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, originally built in 1541. Other tourist attractions include the old and rebuilt Adilshahi Palace (or Idalcao palace), dating from the sixteenth century, the Menezes Braganza Institute and the Central Library, the Mahalaxmi Temple, the Jama Masjid mosque, the Chapel of St. Sebastian and the Fontainhas, area in general which is considered to be the Old Latin Quarter, as well as the nearby beach of Miramar. Hanuman Mandir at Mala on hill top (altinho) and its annual Jatra in February is a major attraction of the Panaji. The Carnival celebrations in February include a colourful parade on the streets. This is followed by the Shigmo/ xigmo, or Holi. The Narkasur parade on previous night of Dipavali in the city is very colourful. Well-known places in Panaji are the 18th June Road (a busy thoroughfare in the heart of town and a shopping area for tourists and locals), Mala area, Miramar beach and the Kala Academy cultural centre known for its structure built by architect Charles Correa. Kala Academy in Panaji is a place where Goa showcases its culture and art. Other attractions Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary named after the orthinologist Dr Salim Ali. The sanctuary, located in Chorao, plays host to rare and endangered bird species both migratory and resident. Miramar, Bambolim, Dona Paula Beach: Goa is famous for its beaches, and Miramar, Bambolim, Dona Paula are three popular beaches located near Panaji. Also located in Panjim, is the Goa Science Center which was opened to the public in December 2001. Dona Paula: Dona Paula is the meeting point for two of the Goas famous rivers. These two rivers meet at Arabian Sea. The official residence of the Governor of Goa, Known as Cabo Raj Bhavan is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula. Miramar Beach: This beach is located near to Panaji. This is one of the overcrowded beaches in Panaji, which remains full with local and international tourists throughout the year. Education Some prominent educational Institutes in Panaji are * V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar. * The Progress High School. * Goa Medical College * Santa Cruz High School, Santa Cruz * Don Bosco High School. * Goa Institute of Management. * Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, at Altinho. * Dhempe College of Arts & Sciences, at Miramar. * Sharada Mandir at Miramar * Mary Immaculate Girls High School at San Tome/Fontainhas. * Peoples High School at Mala * Mushtifund High school. * Goa College of Pharmacy * Goa Polytechnic Panaji * Goa College of Fine Arts * Dr. Hedgewar High School * The Rosary High School Miramar * Our lady of Rosary (Green Rosary) Donapaula * Taleigao Chess Academy devoted to promote chess as learning tool Besides this, the only university in Goa the Goa University too is situated at Taleigao Plateau on the outskirts of Panaji. Research centres The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) is situated at Dona Paula, on the outskirts of Panaji city. They carry out research in fields related to marine sciences. Government offices The Goan government, as well as the Indian government, has its major offices in Goa. * Passport Office, Panaji * Junta House houses government offices. * Industrial Development Corporation Goa

* Goa Education Development Corporation * Sports Authority of Goa * Bombay High Court - Goa bench * Press Information Bureau (Government of India's Press Office) * All India Radio, Altinho * Doordarshan Complex, Altinho The Goa Assembly is situated at Alto Porvorim, some two kilometres away from Panaji. The hillock called Altinho houses some major central government offices and the residences of prominent officials and politicians. Politics The Member of Legislation (MLA) for Panaji is Manohar Parrikar of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who was also chief minister of Goa for around five years. The C.C.P. (Corporation of City of Panaji) administers the city and its chief is Carolina P. The Governor of Goa, Dr. S. S. Sidhu, stays at the Raj Bhavan (Cabo Raj Nivas), at Dona Paula around 9 kilometres from Panaji. Margao Margao (Konkani: Moddganv, pronounced [mw]( listen)) Marathi is the second largest city (population approximately 80,000) and commercial capital of the Indian state of Goa. It is the administrative headquarters of South Goa district and of the Salcete taluka. Contents:- Etymoglogy/ Geography/ History/ Demographics/ Education/ Transport/ Language/ Tourism/ Landmarks/ Culture Etymoglogy Margo is the Portuguese spelling, with Margao being common in English. It is derived from Mathagrm which means a place with a matha. Geography Margao is located at 1518N 7357E / 15.30N 73.95E / 15.30; 73.95.[1] It has an average elevation of 31 metres (102 feet). Nestled on the banks of the River Sal, Margo is amongst the oldest recorded towns in Goa.[citation needed] Margo is famous for the huge Portuguese style mansions which dot its landscape. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in Goa and includes several suburbs including Aquem, Fatorda, Gogol, Borda, Comba and Davorlim. History The Old Fish Market (Before it was shifted near the kadamba bus-stand.) Margao in pre-Portuguese times was one of the important settlements in Salcete and known as Matha Grama (the village of Mathas) as it was a temple town with nine Mathas in temple schools. Most of the inhabitants were Brahmins (GSB and Daivajnas). It was then famous for its many beautifully built temples. Long before the Portuguese came here, it had a university with a library.[citation needed] During the Portuguese conquest in 1543, Hindu temples were demolished and Catholic churches were built in their place.[citation needed] Almost all traces of Hindu settlements were wiped out.[citation needed] The first church to be built in Margo, and its replacement in 1579, were destroyed by raiders along with the seminary that had been built alongside.[citation needed] The present church was built in 1675.[2][3] The initial settlement of Margao grew from the site of the ancient Damodar Temple. The original temple was demolished and the temple tank was filled up to be replaced by the Holy Spirit church and church grounds[citation needed]. The Hindus carried their deity Damodar (a form of Lord Shiva) across the Zuari Agranashini river to the Hindu territories held by the Sonde rulers.[citation needed] While the western side of the Church developed as a market place, the settlement grew on the eastern side, that is, the Borda region, with the church at its core and extended outwards. The Holy Spirit main square is defined on one side by the church with its baroque architecture and the parochial house, and on the other side by the palatial mansions of affluent elite Catholics, positioned in a row. The Associao das Communidades building and the school being the odd exceptions. They add to its character and sense of scale. They have a maximum height of two stories, and balces and varandas facing the square. Parallel to the church square is the commercial street (old market). There is also a landscaped area next to the church called Praa da Alegria (joy square). Margao's importance as an administrative and commercial area grew with the increasing dependence of the surrounding towns and villages; leading to the administrative centre with the town hall at its centre being built in the south. The commercial market became attached to it and was hence called maud-gao or the market town of Goa, and since then the city has grown towards the east. In 1961, Goa was incorporated into the Indian Union, and Margao was declared as the administrative centre of the district of South Goa. Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[4] Margao had a population of 78,393. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Margao has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 73%. In Margao, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.[citation needed] Education Margao hosts many prestigious schools and colleges. Among the schools known for excellence is Loyola High School.It is run by the Jesuits 'SJ' of Goa. It is an all boys' school known for producing some of Goas most famous sons and students who excel both in academics and in sports. Bhatikar Model High School (formerly known as Model English High School) was established in the year 1935 and is one of the leading educational institutions in the state of Goa as per the curriculum prescribed by the Directorate of Education, Goa, and the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Goa. The other educational institutes in Margao include St. Joseph High School at Aquem, Presentation Convent (for girls), Fatima Convent (for girls) near Old Bus Stand, and Manovikas at Sonsodo. Margao is also the location of two of the best colleges in Goa - The Parvatibai Chowgule College, and Shri Damodar College of Arts and Commerce. There is also an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) which imparts technical education. Transport

The Margao Railway station is Goa's biggest and most important[citation needed] as it is a railway junction positioned at the intersection of the Konkan Railway and the South Western Railway. Almost all trains passing through Goa stop here, and it is the gateway to south Goa. Hence Margao is used more commonly as a transit stop rather than as a tourist destination, by many people who either head off down south to Palolem (38 km) or to Benaulim and Colva which are about six kilometers away. Margao is connected by road to other cities like Mangalore, Udupi, Karwar, Ratnagiri, and Mumbai through national highway 17(NH-17). Also there is road which connects Margao to Ponda and other towns of Goa state. The city hosts the test track for Skybus Metro,[5] an elevated rail system which is patented by the Konkan Railway Corporation.[6] The Skybus Metro project was later scrapped due to an accident which occurred during the test drive killing one engineer and a seriously injuring a crew of three.[7] Language Konkani is the most widely spoken language in Margao. Marathi is the other significant language. Portuguese is also spoken and understood by a small number of people. English & Hindi are understood by a majority of the population. Tourism Margao city hall Margao Municipal Garden, located in the heart of the city. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, picture taken from the Monte Hill. Can of curry from Margo, in Portugal. The city has many sights and destinations. These include the 'Closed' Market called, in the Portuguese language, Mercado de Afonso de Albuquerque or in Konkani as "Pimplapedd" or "Pimpalakatta," the municipal building (Cmara), the municipal garden, Anna Fonte (natural springs), Old Market or Mercado Velho, Holy Spirit Church, grand colonial mansions (especially the Seven Gables House near the church), the chapel at Monte Hill, the Hindu crematorium or 'Smashan' and the Muslim burial ground or 'Kabrasthan' both situated on Pajifond's Rua das Saudades. Some of the city suburbs include Pajifond, Aquem, Gogol, Borda, Malbhat, Kharebandh, Old Market, Navelim and Comba, the last two being the oldest parts of the city. There are a number of churches and temples in Margao, since the population is predominantly Roman Catholic or Hindu with a Muslim minority. The famous churches in Margao are the Holy Spirit Church, the Grace Church, The St Sebastian Church in Aquem and the Monte Hill Chapel, the famous temples are the 'Damodar Temple' (Saal), the 'Hari Mandir', the 'Maruti Mandir' at Davorlim the 'Saibaba Temple' at Davorlim, the 'Shiv Temple' (Ling) at Fatorda near Nehru Stadium. There are 2 mosques in Margao, One in the Malbhat area and one on the Monte hill catering to the Muslim population in these areas. There is also a Jain temple at Pajifond. Landmarks Some lesser known information about some famous landmarks: Margao city hall: The city hall is situated in the heart of the city. Margao municipal garden: The northern segment of the Margao municipal garden was developed by the Mavany family and is named after Aga Khan, during his visit just before Goa's liberation. The entire garden is now Municipal property and is maintained by the Margao Municipal Council. Narcinva D. Naik residence/Damodar Sal:Swami Vivekananda stayed in this house during his visit to Goa in October 1892.[8] The mansion also houses Margao's well-known temple-hall "Dambaba Saal". Culture The town is also known as the cultural capital of Goa. A culture center named 'Ravindra Bhavan' was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Digambar Kamat in July 2008 at Fatorda. It also has Goa's only sports stadium, the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda.[9] Some of the theaters in Margao include OSIA Multiplex, Vishant and Lata. The Dindi festival at the Vithal Rakhumai temple in the Comba ward occurs on the 2nd day after Diwali. A procession of the deity takes place at night through the city. A large congregation of Hindus in the festive attire can be seen at the huge open air market outside the temple. The feast of the Holy Spirit Church, locally known as purumetache fest occurs just before the Monsoon sets in. People from all over Goa congregate at the special market to buy spices and dried fish to be used during the oncoming rainy season. The usual specialities that are found in the cuisine of Goa are also to be found in Margao. The curry of Margao is a praised local speciality. Cans of curry of Margao are currently exported to Portugal. Margo is also the name of a brand of spices sold in Portugal. Bardez Bardez (Konkani: / ardes, pronounced *bardes+) is the name of a region and taluka in North Goa. The name is credited to the rahmin immigrants who migrated to the Konkan via Magadha in Gangetic India from Aryavarta, in the north-western part of the Indian sub-continent. Bardez or more properly Bara desh means "twelve countries" (or lands). The form "country" probably refers to clan territorial limits, or to the Brahmin comunidades, of which the twelve, in no particular order, are Aldona, Moira, Olaulim, Nachinola, Siolim, Anjuna, Candolim, Serula, Saligao, Sangolda, Assagao, and Pomburpa. Bardez is delimited on the north by the Chapora River, on the south by the Mandovi River, on the east by the Mapusa River which originates in Bardez itself, near the capital city of Mapusa, and on the west by the Indian Ocean. A native of Bardez is called a Bardezcar (Konkani: /Bardeskar), in the native Konkani language. Bardez is the site of the legislature of Goa, in the southern village of Britona. Other famous sites are the fort of Aguada, the beaches of Candolim, Sinquerim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator villages, the hill-top monastery and boarding-school of Monte Guirim which was

restored by Padre Luna after Pombal's devastation, the village communities of Salvador do Mundo, Penha da Franca, Siolim, Moira, Porvorim, Colvale, Saligao and Sangolda, to name but the most prominent. The Institute of Hotel Management, Goa [1] and St. Xavier's College are located in Bardez. The Comunidade of Anjuna was famous as a hippie settlement; among Goans, it is famous as the birthplace of Padre Agnelo Gustavo de Sousa, one of the two most prominent Goan saints, the other being Padre Jose Vas, "Apostle of Sri Lanka". Bicholim Bicholim (Konkani: ; Marathi: , pronounced [icol+) is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the state of Goa, India. It is a town in the territory of Goa, and the headquarters of the concelho (district) of the same name; the Concelho of Bicholim, located in the north-east quarter is one of the seven that make up the Novas Conquistas or New Conquests, territories added to Goa comparatively latter than the first three of the Velhas Conquistas. The town is located about 30 kilometres from the capital Panjim. It is in the mining heartland of Goa. Contents:-History/ Geography/ Demographics/ Economy/ Socio Political/ Mayem Lake/ Arvalem Caves and Waterfalls/ Bicholim Industrial Estate History A part of Bicholim was once part of Kingdom of Sawantwadi till late 18th century, but the major part was of an independent landlord (PrabhuSarDesai's of Sankhali/Sanquelim) It was taken over by Portuguese in late 18th century as part of New Conquest. Geography icholim is located at 1536N 7357E / 15.60N 73.95E / 15.60; 73.95.[1] It has an average elevation of 22 metres (72 feet). Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Bicholim had a population of 14,913. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Bicholim has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 84% and female literacy of 75%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. Economy Mining constitutes a major chunk in the economy of Bicholim with about 36% of the population working for a single iron ore mine owner (Dempo). Wednesday is the market day where people in and around Bicholim gather in the main market region for trading small goods/commodities. Socio Political Bicholim has 3 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, a polytechnic institute, a number of hospitals, temples, churches and mosques, and a protected site, pandava caves. Some of the prominent temples are the Shanta Durga temple and the Mahadeva Temple. The Shanta Durga temple is close to the banks of the river, which is a tributary of river Mandovi. The church of Our Lady of Grace dominates the city square. The high school run from the precints of the church complex is one of the prominent schools of Bicholim. A historic monument Nimuz ghar (possibly Namaz Ghar) stands on the hilltop prominently overlooking the town of Bicholim. The monument was built to commemorate the victory of the combined Muslim and Hindu forces over the Portuguese. Another prominent landmark of the town is the Tribunal started by the Portuguese to deal with civil and criminal cases after the Nova conquesta. As in other communities of Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi or Chawath is a celebrated with its own unique touch in Bicholim. A folk dance called 'Ghode Modni" which has a cavalry theme is a specialty of Bicholim. Mayem Lake Bicholim has an idyllic landscape dotted with serene lakes and majestic waterfalls. The tranquil Mayem lake is a major tourism destination in Bicholim. Located amidst rolling hills and surrounded by a countryside, the lake is one of the most pristine nature spots in Goa. The Goa Tourism Development Department has developed a boating area and a resort here. Arvalem Caves and Waterfalls The Arvalem caves are ancient rock cut caves dating back to the 5th century. Also known as 'Pandavas Caves,' the cave complex draws tourists and archeologists alike. Bicholim Industrial Estate Set up by the Goa Industrial Development Department, the Bicholim Industrial Estate located at Honda is home to more than 50 industrial workshops and manufacturing units specializing in a range of products and services such as Aluminium & Steel Fabrication, Plastics, Mining Equipment, Rolling Mills, Bus Body, etc. Pernem Pernem (Konkani: Peddnnem, pronounced [p+) is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. Geography Pernem is located at 1543N 7348E / 15.72N 73.80E / 15.72; 73.80.[1] It has an average elevation of 47 metres (154 feet). Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Pernem had a population of 5285. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Pernem has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 70%. In Pernem, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. Ponda

Ponda (Konkani:

Fonddem, pronounced [f+) is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. It is

located in the central part of Goa. Ponda lies about 29 km south-east of Panaji and 18 km north-east of Margao and is also the capital of Ponda Taluka. Ponda is well connected by road to the Goan Capital Panaji and the main railway junction of Margao. It is the industrial centre of the state of Goa with many large factories and industrial estates. Ponda is also the fastest growing city in Goa with a population of approximately 20,000. Goa's major engineering college, the Goa Engineering College, is located at nearby Farmagudi. Ponda is popularly known as the Cultural Capital of Goa. Contents: - Geography/ History/ Demographics/ Education/ Transport/ Economy/ Industries/ Places of interest/ Local sightseeing/ Religion/ Churches/ Temples/ Masjids/ Monuments Geography Ponda is located at 1524N 7401E / 15.40N 74.02E / 15.40; 74.02.[1] It has an average elevation of 42 metres (138 feet). Ponda lies strategically along the NH-4A highway connecting Panaji to Belgaum in the neighboring state of Karnataka. History Ponda formed part of the Novas Conquistas or the "New Conquests" of the Portuguese. It was ruled by the Sonde Rajas under the Vijaynagar Kingdom or the Bijapur Sultanate. The territory of Ponda was not under Portuguese rule in the 16th Century and hence was seen as a safe haven by the Hindus fleeing persecution by the Jesuits and Portuguese. The forests of Ponda were ideal places for Hindus to form make shift temples with the Idols they had salvaged from the broken temples of Sashti (Salcette). These make shift temples were slowly renovated as the Hindus prospered again and now most of the Major Hindu temples in Goa are found here. The Portuguese eventually took over the area in 1791 from the Raja of Sonda along with Quepem, Canacona and Sanguem. It began as an administrative center with the establishment of administrative offices and court and soon became a commercial center. Most of the area known as Ponda today was a part of "Quela" (Kavalem) village. However religious zeal of the Portuguese had ebbed by the 18th century and Portugal itself had seen many political and religious changes due to the prevailing inquisition. Therefore Ponda continued to have a Hindu Majority even during the Portuguese rule. Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Ponda had a population of 17,688. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Ponda has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 80%. In Ponda, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.Konkani & Marathi are widely spoken languages. Education Government engineering college of Goa is in Farmagudi, part of Ponda town. The Kamakshi Higher Secondary School is located at Curti, Ponda. St. Mary's high school, S.S.Samiti's I.V.B.D. High School,A.J.D.E Almeida high school, Goa Engineering College (Farmagudi), S.S.Samiti's Higher Secondary School of Sciences,G.V.M.'s College of Arts and Science, P.E.S. Shri Ravi Sitaram College of Art's & Science Farmagudi Ponda Goa, Dada Vaidhya High School Curti are some of the prominent schools and colleges located in Ponda. The only and best ayurvedic college and hospital i.e. BSP's gomantak mahavidyalay and research centre with kamakshi arogyadham is also located in ponda at Shiroda. Transport There are regular bus services from Panaji and Margao and they depart from the Kadamba Transport Corporation bus stand on the outskirts of the town. There are also buses to nearby villages and towns leaving from here. The interstate buses also depart from the Kadamba Transport Corporation bus stand. There are buses regularly between Hubli, Dharwad, Belagaum and Ponda run by KSRTC. Economy Industries Ponda is industrial centre of Goa. There are many industrial estates in and around Ponda . Some are Kundaim,Bethorda ,Tisk. Places of interest Ponda is also the gateway to Goa's wildlife sanctuaries, both the Bondla and the Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and also the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. The Butterfly conservatory run by the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa (NGO) is an interesting place for nature enthusiasts. It is at Pisgal, Priol and very close to the Tropical Spice Plantation. It is open for visitors. Local sightseeing Nearby cities: Margao, Vasco da Gama, Panaji Nearby beaches: Colva, Benaulim, Majorda, Betalbatim, Betul, Canaguinim, Agonda, Palolem, Rajbhag, Polem. Religion Shanta Durga temple in Kavale, Ponda As mentioned before, Ponda was a safe haven for Hindu temples. The many Hindu temples in the area include the famous being the Mahalasa Narayani at Mardol, The Shanta Durga temple, Mangueshi Temple, Ramnathi , Mahalaxmi, Nageshi and Navadurga I temples. Thus, Ponda is known as the "Temple Town of Goa." Safa Masjid, a mosque built in 1560 by the Bijapuri ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah I is there. It is one of two Islamic shrines that escaped destruction by the Portuguese in Goa. It is very close to the town of Farmagudi. Churches * Church of Holy Spirit, Margao * Rachol Seminary, Rachol Temples * Shree Gopal Ganapathi, Farmagudi * Shree Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Mardol * Shree Kamakshi Devasthan, Shiroda * Shree Mangesh Maharudra Temple, Mangeshi, Priol

* Shree Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Nagueshi * Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, Bandora * Shree Ramnathi Temple, Ramnathim * Shree Shanta Durga temple, Kavale * Shree Sanusthan Goudpadacharya, Kavale * Shree Navdurga Temple, Madkai * Shree Chandranath Temple, Paroda * Shree Navdurga Temple, Borim * Shree Shantadurga Temple, Fatorpa * Maruti Temple , Ponda * Maruti Temple, Curti * Ishwar Parwati Temple, Khadpaband * Shree Sateri Temple, Mestawada * Shree Vithoba Temple, Upper Bazar * Shree Vijayadurga Temple, Kerim, Ponda. * Shree Laxminarsimha temple, Velinga, Ponda * Shree Shantadurga Sankhwaleshvari temple, Gotna, Velinga, Ponda * Shree Saibaba Temple,Borim Masjids * Safa Shahouri Masjid, Ponda * Jama Masjid, Sanguem Monuments * Cabo de Rama * Buddhist caves, Rivona Sattari Sattari (Konkani: Sot'tori, pronounced [sttri+) is a taluka on North East side of Goa known for its greenary and dense forest. Its headquarters is Valpoi . It is the 'Fenny capital' of Goa. The Western Ghats form the eastern part of the Sattari Taluka. The Mhadei River is considered to be the lifeline of Sattari. It has a geographical area of 490 km2. The Mhadei sanctuary in Sattari covers 208 km2. of its area. Tiswadi Tiswadi is a taluka of North Goa district of the state of Goa, India.The word Tiswadi itself means thirty settlements. It refers to the thirty settlements in which the Goud Saraswat Brahmins settled when they migrated to Goa. It is geographically an Island with the Mandovi river forming its northern boundary. The taluka of Tiswadi includes the smaller islands of Divar and Chorao The present capital of Goa, Panaji lis on this island. Tiswadi is also where the city of Old Goa(Goa Velha) was established where magnificent church of Bom Jesus lies. Tiswadi including the islands of Divar and Chorao in central Goa. Contents:-History History Tiswadi with the rest of Goa was part of the Vijaynagar Kingdom of South India in the 14th century. In the 15th century the Adil shahi sultanate conquered Goa and it came under Muslim rule. Hindus were persecuted and temples were Hindu temples were destroyed. This included the famous temple of Ganesh on the Island of Divar which has been recently rebuilt. The Portuguese conquered Tiswadi under Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510. While this brought some relief, the aggressive Portuguese began forced conversions to Christianity in the 16th century. All the Hindu temples in Tiswadi were destroyed and Churches built. The populace was made to accept Christianity or leave the Island. There was a mass exodus of Konkani Hindus who left Goa for the safe havens of Ponda and the Canara, Malabar Coast Chandgad and Joida. The first Hindu temple to be rebuilt in Panaji was the Shree Mahalakshmi temple by the Mhamai Kamats who petitioned the Portuguese authorities for permission to built their place of worship. The evangelization of Tiswadi was spearheaded by the Dominicans who were assigned 15 villages and the Jesuits who were assigned the remaining part along with the smaller islands of Chorao and Divar, by the Portuguese authorities.[1] In 1552, the island of Chorao had a population of 300 Christians out of 3,000 and by this time, also had a small church which was visited by a Jesuit from St. Paul's every Sunday. In 1557, a marriage ceremony among the Chaudaris (landlords) was defiled by the presence of a Christian in disguise. After two years, this fact became known to the affected party. This time the ceremony was repeated in secret, as by now such rites had been forbidden. The event was unfortunately discovered and the guilty arrested. A village elder among them knowing very well the futility of resistance, told the magistrate, "Take whoever you want. Make all the people Christians." By the end of 1559, over 1,200 had accepted baptism. The following year, the first bishop from the Jesuit order, Dom John Nugnes de Baretto set up residence in Chorao which eventually became a Noviciate.[1] Most of Chorao's population converted en masse to Roman Catholicism in mid 1560 as a result of an incident which occurred in neighboring Divar. In July of that year, twenty young men were intercepted, as they were headed for the mainland to illegally participate in a Ganesh puja. After spending a few days in prison, they decided to embrace Christianity. This culminated in a general baptism by August 15 and by November, the number of converts had crossed 1,500. In Chorao, the figure for the year reached 1,207 covering almost the entire population.[1]

By January 1563, the Jesuit provincial claimed that Tiswadi had become completely Christian with a population of 70,000, the great majority of which had converted in the last six years, corresponding to the terms of Viceroys Francisco Barreto and Constantino of Braganza, whose two and a half year term saw between 25,000 to 30,000 conversions.[1] South Goa Canacona Canacona (Konkani Kannkonn, pronounced *kak]) is a city and a municipal council in South Goa district in the state of Goa, India.Canacona or Kankon Taluka includes places such as :Patnem,Chaudi,Poinguinim, Loliye,Agonda and Gaumdongre.The famous Palolem beach is located in this Taluka. Chaudi is the taluka headquarter and the most developed town in this taluka. [1] Geography Canacona is located at 1501N 7401E / 15.02N 74.02E / 15.02; 74.02.[2] It has an average elevation of 10 metres (32 feet). Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[3] Canacona had a population of 11,900. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Canacona has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 78% and female literacy of 66%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. In addition to Konkani, Kannada is also spoken here. Mormugao Mormugao or Marmagao (formerly Mormugo in Portuguese) is a city and a municipal council in South Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. It is Goas main port. It was featured in the 1980 film The Sea Wolves and the ollywood film hootnath. Contents:- Geography/ Demographics/ History/ Mormugao Port/ Transport links/ Politics Geography Mormugao is located at 1515N 7359E / 15.25N 73.98E / 15.25; 73.98.[1] It has an average elevation of 2 metres (7 feet). Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Mormugao had a population of 97,085. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Mormugao has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 70%. In Mormugao, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. History Breakwater at Mormugao Harbour When the Portuguese colonised part of Goa in the sixteenth century, they based their operations in the central district of Tiswadi, notably in the international emporium 'City of Goa', now Old Goa. As threats to their maritime supremacy increased, they built forts on various hillocks, especially along the coast. In 1624, they began to build their fortified town on the headland overlooking Mormugao harbour. The sultans of Bijapur, who had colonised Goa before the Portuguese, did not give up easily. There were several invasions. From the sea came the Dutch, who eventually took over from the Portuguese most of the coastal settlements: the Moluccas, Batticaloa, Trincomali, Galle, Malacca, Manar, Jaffna, Quilon, Cochin and Cannanore. From 1640 to 1643, the Dutch tried their best to capture Mormugao but were finally driven away. In 1683, the Portuguese in Goa were in grave danger from the Marathas. Almost certain defeat was averted when Sambhaji suddenly lifted siege and rushed to defend his own kingdom from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The narrow escape, no less than the decline of the City of Goa, convinced the Portuguese viceroy, Dom Francisco de Tvora, that he should shift the capital of the Portuguese holdings in India to Mormugaos formidable fortress. In 1685, the new citys principal edifices were under construction, with the Jesuit priest Father Teotnio Rebelo in charge. The Jesuit architects made a consistent effort to avoid the ornate style of the time. The austere viceregal palace still stands, having been used, after its short stint as a palace, in various capacities, including as the hotel which housed the British agents who in 1943 destroyed German ships anchored in Mormugaos neutral waters. Viceroys after Tvora found Mormugao too secluded for their liking. The administrative headquarters were moved to the new city of Panjim, which is till today Goas chief city. Mormugao Port Ever since it was accorded the status of a Major Port in 1963, the Mormugao port has contributed immensely to growth of maritime trade in India. It is the leading iron ore exporting port of India with an annual throughput of around 27.33 million tonnes of iron ore traffic.[3] Transport links Train carrying Iron Ore to Marmagao Port Epidemics devastated Mormugao during the eighteenth century, but after that its fortu nes turned. As the importance of one of Indias best natural harbours grew more apparent, Mormugao, which the British called Marmagoa, became a key trading point. It was chosen for the terminus of the new metre gauge [4] railway linking the Portuguese colony to British India. For a fabulous price, the Western India Portuguese Guaranteed Railways Company, a British enterprise, modernised the port and built the railway. Both were opened to the public in July 1886. Mormugaos city of Vasco da Gama was planned and built in the early years of the twentieth century. A colourful city of officials, traders and migrant labourers, it had its Portuguese academies and British club life for several decades. Now rather scarred, Mormugao district continues to be unique in Goa. With Goas airport at Dabolim, the railway terminus at Vasco da Gama, and the busy port, Mormugao is many visitors first exp erience of Goa. Politics The area is part of the Mormugao Lok Sabha constituency (also known as South Goa). The Congress candidate Francisco Sardinha won the 2007 Lok Sabha bypoll elections, defeating his close rival Dr. Wilfred Mesquita of the Bharatiya Janata Party by a margin of over 40,000 votes. Mormugao also elects an MLA to the Goa State Assembly. The current MLA is Milind Naik of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Salcette

Salcette (Konkani:

Sashti, Portuguese: Salsete), is a taluka (a unit of administration) of South Goa District in the Indian state of Goa. Its ), which comprised, by local

administrative and economic headquarters is Margao. It is largely coterminous with a region called Sashti (

tradition, sixty-six villages, hence the name.[1] However, it also includes the taluka of Mormugao. There are six comunidades in Salcette namelyRaia, Margao, Loutolim, Curtorim, Verna and Benaulim, and Quelossim in Mormugao. Salcette is bound by the Sanguem talukas to the east, Arabian sea to west, Tiswadi and Ponda talukas to the north, Cancaona and Quepem talukas to the south. Etymology According to the legends some ninety-six families known as Goud Saraswat Brahmins settled in the Konkan region, of which sixty-six settled in Salcette. Hence, the name Salcete, derived from the sanskrit word Sassast meaning the number 66. Sanguem Sanguem (Konkani *sa+) is a city and a municipal council in South Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. Notable landmarks include the Sagameshwar Temple, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park and the Salaulim Dam. Contents:-Geography/Demographics Geography Sanguem is located at 1514N 7410E / 15.23N 74.17E / 15.23; 74.17.[1] It has an average elevation of 22 metres (72 feet). Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Sanguem had a population of 6158. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Sanguem has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 69%. In Sanguem, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. Konkani and Kannada are the main language spoken here. Valpoi Valpoi or Valpoy (Konkani: Vallpoi, pronounced *wapj]) is a city and a municipal council in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. It is the headquarters of the Sattari Taluk. The Western Ghats are to the east of the town. Demographics As of 2003[update] India census,[1] Valpoi had a population of 7913. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Valpoi has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 72%. In Valpoi, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Valpoi is small and beautiful town. The Climate during winter is very cool. Lot of trees around make the look of the city beautiful. It is good tourist place for those who wants to enjoy the beauty of nature. It has Masjid, Churches and temple situated in the heart of the town. Konkani and Kannada are widely spoken here. Transport The transport facility available in the town are the private and government buses. Frequency of the buses is enough to reach any part of the goa state with no or less problem. The nearest railway station is at Thivim. Thivim is the railway station from where we could catch a train to mumbai or any part of the south. The bus journey time from valpoi to thivim is around 45 mins max. Chaudi Chaudi is a town in the South Goa District and is approximately two km from Kankon. Mapusa Mapusa (Konkani: mhapxem *map +; Marathi: *mapsa+) also spelt at Mapuca, Mhapsa or Mapsa is a town in North Goa, India. It is situated 13 km north of the capital Panaji. The town is the headquarters of Bardez Taluka. It is located on the main highway NH-17, linking Mumbai to Trivandrum. Under Portuguese rule, the town's name was spelt Mapu. Contents:-History/Geography/ Demographics/ Economy/ Education/ Famous people from Mapusa History Even before the Aryans, or Marathas, or Sultans or the Portuguese invaded Goa, this was an agrarian community with a well established Gaunkari or Community Farming System, where villages formed associations, worked on community land and shared profits. Market day was a major event, with goods brought in from every district to one central area. Mapusa has thus remained a prominent market center for many centuries. Geography Mapusa is located at 1536N 7349E / 15.60N 73.82E / 15.60; 73.82.[1] It has an average elevation of 15 metres (49 feet). Mapusa has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a high of 37 C in summer with high levels of humidity to a low of 21 C in winters. Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Mapusa had a population of 40,122. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Mapusa has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 73%. In Mapusa, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. Economy Mapusa vendor selling vegetables Mapusa is close to one of the main centres of Goa's tourism industry. Mapusa's proximity to many beaches in the north Goa makes it a suitable base during the tourist season (November to April). Because it is a mainly commercial town (for locals) with a large resident population, Mapusa has only a limited number of hotels and accommodation.

Mapusa comes alive on Friday, the traditional market day also known as Mapusa Friday Market. People from surrounding villages and towns come to Mapusa to sell their wares. This fair has a lot of local flavour (unlike some other tourist-oriented fairs or markets) and specialises in agricultural produce, vegetables, locally-grown fruit, spices, clothes and even plants (mainly during the monsoon planting season). Every Friday, the Mapusa Market bulges at the seams, with seemingly every square inch of space occupied by sellers with only just enough room for the prospective buyers, the alleys between the regular stalls being occupied with temporary mats and boards. From lottery tickets displayed in great swathes to barber shops, the bazaar caters for almost every requirement imaginable. There is the fish street, dried fish of all possible variety and whole fresh fish from baby shark and squid to the ubiquitous bangda (mackerel). Fresh fruit and vegetables are gathered together and beautifully displayed, from huge sweet potatoes, and pumpkins and the local shiny red brown Moira bananas to the tiny fresh beans and other pulses. Education Mapusa houses several prominent Goan educational institutions, including St. Mary's Convent High School, St. Brittos, New Goa High School, St. Xavier's College, and St. Xavier's Higher Secondary School. Famous people from Mapusa * Teotonio R. de Souza Vasco da Gama Vasco da Gama (Konkani: Vasko, pronounced *wasku+; often shortened to Vasco) is a small city in the state of Goa on the west coast of India. It is named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Vasco has Goa's largest population, estimated at over 100,000. It is also the headquarters of the Mormugao taluka. The town lies on the western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, at the mouth of the Zuari River, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Panaji (Panjim), Goa's capital, and about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the Dabolim Airport (GOI). The place was founded in 1543, and remained in Portuguese hands until 1961, when Goa was annexed to India. The Indian Navy's Goa Naval Area (base) is located at Vasco from which it controls Dabolim airport and, in effect, the entire tourism-dependent state of Goa. There have been aborted attempts in the past to change the name of the city to Sambhajinagar.[1] Contents:- Transport and Industry/ Tourism and Culture/ Sports/ Politics/ Research Transport and Industry Vasco city is well connected by road, rail, sea and air; by road by the NH 17A (National Highway), by rail by the South Western Railway, by the sea through the Mormugao Harbour and by air through Dabolim Airport, thus serving as the main hub for most tourists visiting the state of Goa. Breakwater at Mormugao Harbour Vasco is heavily reliant on the port for most of its economic activity. Manganese ore mined in interior regions is brought to Marmugoa by barges navigating the rivers Mandovi and Zuari, and then either collected in the Mormugao Port to be loaded onto bulk carrier ships or directly loaded onto the ships using trans-shippers. Ore which is collected on the port is handled by state-of-the-art machinery called MOHP (Mechanical Ore-Handling Plant). This includes massive bucket wheel loaders and miles of conveyor belts. The port has berthing facilities for large cruise liners as well as a floating dry dock. There are numerous shipping and freight forwarding agents as well as offices of major mining companies based in the city. The Mormugao Port Trust which operates the port is the largest employer in the Vasco region and has a complete mini-township in Headland Sada which includes schools, residential complexes and amenities for employees of the Port. Harbour of Vasco Tourism and Culture Bogmalo Beach is 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) from Vasco. This beach is quite risky as it has underwater currents and is therefore usually monitored by lifeguards. Khollant (Issorcim) and Baina are two smaller beaches around Vasco. Apart from the nearby beaches, the city of Vasco is bereft of any major tourist attractions, the salient monument being the 400-year old St. Andrews Church located at the entrance of the city. However the Naval Aviation Museum nearby the city center is a popular tourist spot and is the only such museum in India. It profiles the evolution and history of Indian naval aviation through aircraft exhibits and rare photographs. One of Goa's premier musical groups, Diamond Orchestra hails from Vasco. The town is also home to several English bands from Goa, namely Lynx, Heaven's Touch, and Kollectiv Soul. Vasco is also famous for the annual Shri Damodar Bhajani Saptah [2] fair held in Shravan month of Hindu lunar calender preceding the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Like all towns and cities in Goa, Vasco also celebrates the Shigmo and Carnival annually with a street parade where floats from all over Goa participate. Sports Like the rest of Goa, football is the most popular sport in Vasco. Two teams from the town have participated in the I-League - Vasco Sports Club and Salgaocar Sports Club. Salgaocar SC were Champions of the 1998-99 season [3] of the erstwhile NFL. Tilak Maidan is a 15,000 capacity football ground based in the city, although it is rarely used for national league matches. Although cricket is not as popular as football, a Vasco resident Shadab Jakati [4] plays for Goa in the Ranji Trophy first-class competition and has also been selected to play for the Chennai Super Kings IPL franchise. Politics The city of Vasco falls under the boundaries of the Mormugao (South Goa) constituency in the Lok Sabha. The current Member of Parliament is Francisco Sardinha of the Indian National Congress.[5] Vasco elects its representative to the Goa Legislative Assembly, the current MLA is Jose Philip D'Souza of the Nationalist Congress Party.[6] Research

The National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR)[7] located at Headland Sada is a research and development institution administered by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is responsible for administering the Indian Antarctic Program and maintains the Indian government's Antarctic research station, Maitri. In addition to laboratories for marine sample processing/analyses, it hosts a special lowtemperature ice core sample storage facility. Quepem Quepem (Konkani , [kp]) is a town and a municipal council in South Goa district in the Indian state of Goa.The town is the administrative capital for the Quepem district. Curchorem and Sanvordem are the a major towns located in the Quepem District. Contents Geography/ Demographics/ Festivals Geography Quepem is located at 1513N 7404E / 15.22N 74.07E / 15.22; 74.07.[1] It has an average elevation of 21 metres (69 feet). Demographics As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Quepem had a population of 12,484. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Quepem has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 76%, and female literacy is 66%. In Quepem, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Festivals The city is known for the annual Ganeshotsav Festival, celebrated with pomp and gaeity.