Goa, Daman and Diu were originally colonised by?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) By the Portuguese.

Goa, Daman, and Diu were colonized by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. The Portuguese established their presence in Goa in 1510, followed by Daman in 1531 and Diu in 1535. These territories remained under Portuguese rule for over four centuries until they were annexed by India in 1961.

• Portuguese Arrival in India: The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached the Indian subcontinent in 1498, opening the sea route to India and marking the beginning of European colonialism in Asia.

• Establishment of Portuguese Rule:

  • Goa: Captured by the Portuguese in 1510 under the leadership of Afonso de Albuquerque, Goa became the center of Portuguese India.
  • Daman: Occupied in 1531 and formally ceded to Portugal in 1539 by the Sultan of Gujarat.
  • Diu: Acquired in 1535 following a defense agreement with the Sultan of Gujarat against the Mughal Empire.

• Duration of Colonization: The Portuguese ruled these territories for over 450 years, making it one of the longest colonial durations in history.

• Integration into India: In December 1961, the Indian government launched Operation Vijay, resulting in the annexation of Goa, Daman, and Diu into the Indian Union. 

• Post-Liberation Status: After annexation, these territories were administered as a single Union Territory. In 1987, Goa was granted statehood, while Daman and Diu continued as a Union Territory. 

• Cultural Influence: The prolonged Portuguese rule has left a lasting impact on the architecture, cuisine, and cultural practices of these regions, evident in the blend of Indian and Portuguese traditions.