Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

"Goa, Daman and Diu were the main Portuguese possessions in India which remained under the Portuguese rule for 450 years. They were liberated on 19 December 1961 during Operation Vijay. Both Daman and Diu were governed from Goa till their liberation on 19 December 1961. Before the Portuguese period, from fourteenth to sixteenth century. Diu was one of the best port and naval bases and both Daman and Diu were notable."

"From the 8th to 13th century, Daman and Diu, which was a part of Goa was a stronghold of the Chowda Rajputs who were ousted by the Waghalas who in turn were expelled by Muslims in 1330. It continued under Muslim rule for another two hundred years till it was conquered by the Portuguese."

"The twin islands [of Daman and Diu] are a perfect example of a place where history and nature meet.The tranquillity is what symbolises the beaches of Daman and Diu Islands. Daman was the Portuguese colony for over four centuries and joined the Indian Union in 1961."

"Daman or Damao is a quaint little port on the West Coast of India. It has been the coveted prize for which princes and potentates, local satraps and alien powers waged wars."

"Occupied by the Portuguese for four and a half centuries, traces of the European influence are still there...where the laid-back, susegado (contentment, not laziness) is vaguely palpable. Legend has it that a Portuguese captain Diogo de Mello first found it because it was a storm that forced him to take shelter there while on his way to Ormuz."

"...its 12.5 km coastline along the Arabian Sea was once known as Kalan Pavri or the "Lotus of Marshlands." The sleepy township is divided by the Damanganga river with Nani (or little) Daman in the North and Moti (or big) Daman in the South which retains some of its Portuguese ambiance in its buildings and churches enclosed within imposing walls of the Fort."

"The massive Fort [Daman Fort] that runs round the settlement like a girdle, dates back to 1559 A.D. This structure encompasses about 300 square metres with 10 bastions and two gateways. Enclosed within the Fort is the Governor’s Palace, collectorate, secretariat and other official buildings, having a moat on the land side and connecting the river Damanganga to the Arabian Sea. In fact, the whole city, or its most important limbs, are within the Fort."

"Gomtimata Beach is one of the best beaches of the region. Secluded and spread with white sand, it is located at the western corner of the island."

"It [Daman] is said to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his Sudarshan chakra after killing the demon Jallandhar. The hill and the surrounding areas and landscape have been beautifully illuminated."

"The Somnath Mahadev Temple is an important place of worship in Daman. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple situated in the village Dabhel. It is believed that the Shiva Linga originated at its present place on the request of a monk who was a devotee of Shiva. The miraculous incident is believed to have taken place in the 19th century, which induced people to hold this place as holy and they built a small temple. It was rebuilt in the year 1972-73 with glass decorative. Every year there is a fair organized here known as “Gangaji Fair”. Other location of interest are Devka beach and Jampore Beach."

"Some 5000 years ago, Diu was described as “Dev Bhadra”, or “fortress of the gods” in the epic Mahabharata. Even now, remains of the old fortifications can still be seen at low tide."

"A series of rulers from distant lands culminated in the Portuguese occupation from the early 1500's right through to 1961. Virtually all these occupants devoted their time to constructing more and more elaborate fortresses to protect the island from invasion....And the Portuguese also devoted a great deal of time to fortifying themselves with the excellent wines of their homeland."

"Of interest in Diu, is the fort Diu which occupies a very important position. It is an expansive and imposing structure situated on the extreme coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding areas. Towards the west of the fort lies the town of Diu. A number of old canons and collection of iron shells can be seen here. Near the Diu Fort,is Panikotha fortress in the sea which can be reached by boat. It is lit in the night giving a beautiful view. The massive historic Diu (Praca de Diu) fort complex built in 1535 was the key position of the whole strategic complex which comprises the other forts – one at Gagola, which was destroyed in 1896; the Passo Seco Fort at about 8 km from the city. This fort predates the Portuguese conquest."

"Diu is called “the city of temples”, with no less than 131 old and new temples dedicated to various deities. This is in addition to the beautiful churches and chapels, mosques and other places of worship."

"The Gangeshwar temple in Diu is unique as it has Shivalingas which are washed by sea. Located at Jalandhar Beach there are many other attractions. The two main churches are St. Paul’s and St. Francis of Asissi."

"The old Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, up on a hill, now a Museum, is floodlit, is past an avenue of 25 fountains, all different and illuminated in a changing spectrum of colours. The Museum itself has some fascinating exhibits, including statues of saints and w:Apostle (Christian)|the Apostles, relics and gravestones of Portuguese killed in battles, and fragments of an old [[Jain temple that used to stand on this spot."

"“…In the following year AH 804 (AD 1402), he marched to Somnat, and after a bloody action, in which the Mahomedans were victorious, the Ray fled to Diu. Moozuffur Shah having arrived before Diu laid siege to it, but it opened its gates without offering resistance. The garrison was, however, nearly all cut to pieces, while the Ray, with the rest of the members of his court, were trod to death by elephants. One large temple in the town was razed to the ground, and a mosque built on its site; after which, leaving his own troops in the place, Moozuffur Shah returned to Puttun.”"

"In AH 797 (AD 1394-95)… he proceeded for the destruction of the temple of Somnãt. On the way he made Rajpûts food for his sword and demolished whatever temple he saw at any place. When he arrived at Somnãt, he got the temple burnt and the idol of Somnãt broken. He made a slaughter of the infidels and laid waste the city. He got a Jãmi‘ Masjid raised there and appointed officers of the Shari‘h…”“In AH 804 (AD 1401-02) reports were received by Zafar Khãn that the infidels and Hindûs of Somnãt had again started making efforts for promoting the ways of their religion. ‘Ãzam Humãyûn started for that place and sent an army in advance. When the residents of Somnãt learnt this, they advanced along the sea-shore and offered battle. ‘Ãzam Humãyûn reached that place speedily and he slaughtered that group. Those who survived took shelter in the fort of the port at Dîp (Diu). After some time, he conquered that place as well, slaughtered that group also and got their leaders trampled under the feet of elephants. He got the temples demolished and a Jãmi‘ Masjid constructed. Having appointed a qãzî, muftî and other guardians of Shari‘h… he returned to the capital at PaTan."