Difference between revisions of "Goa" - New World Encyclopedia

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<!--{{help|1955 Reclamation of Goa Video import glitch & Portuguese Empire template division symbols showing.}}—>
 
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{{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction|
 
{{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction|
 
native_name=Goa |
 
native_name=Goa |
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leader_title_2=[[Chief Minister of Goa|Chief Minister]] |
 
leader_title_2=[[Chief Minister of Goa|Chief Minister]] |
 
leader_name_2=[[Digambar Kamat]] |
 
leader_name_2=[[Digambar Kamat]] |
established_date=1987-05-30 |
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established_date=May 30, 1987|
footnotes=<sup>"↑"</sup>'''Konkani''', the sole official language but the government allows the use of [[Marathi language|Marathi]] for any or all official purposes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/35.htm |title=Goa |accessdate= 2007-07-17|work=Commissioner Linguistic Minorities, 42nd Report, July 2003 to June 2004 |publisher=National Commissioner Linguistic Minorities |quote=Konkani is the official language of the state. There is no second official language. However, as per notification, Marathi will be used for the purpose of reply by the Government whenever communications are received in that language. In the Official Language Act, it is provided that "the Marathi language, shall also be used for all or any of the official purposes." Further it is provided that "nothing contained in this sub section shall be deemed to affect the use of the Marathi language in educational, social or cultural fields." }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=UNI |title=Marathi vs Konkani debate continues in Goa |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/may/30goa.htm |work= rediff.com|publisher= Rediff.com India Limited|date=May 30, 2007 |accessdate=2007-07-17 }}</ref>|
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footnotes=<sup>"↑"</sup>'''Konkani''', the sole official language but the government allows the use of [[Marathi language|Marathi]] for any or all official purposes.<ref>[http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/35.htm] Goa accessdate 2007-07-17, (Commissioner Linguistic Minorities, 42nd Report, July 2003 to June 2004, National Commissioner Linguistic Minorities) "Konkani is the official language of the state. There is no second official language. However, as per notification, Marathi will be used for the purpose of reply by the Government whenever communications are received in that language. In the Official Language Act, it is provided that "the Marathi language, shall also be used for all or any of the official purposes." Further it is provided that "nothing contained in this sub section shall be deemed to affect the use of the Marathi language in educational, social or cultural fields." </ref><ref>UNI Marathi vs Konkani debate continues in Goa [http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/may/30goa.htm |work= rediff.com] Rediff.com India Limited. (May 30, 2007) accessdate 2007-07-17. </ref>|
 
area_total=3702 |
 
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area_magnitude=9 |
 
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'''Goa''' {{audio|Goa.ogg|pronunciation}} ([[Konkani language|Konkani]]: गोंय ''goṃya''; {{lang-mr|गोवा}} ''govā''; {{lang-pt|Goa}}) refers to [[India]]'s smallest [[states and territories of India|state]] in terms of area and the [[List of states and territories of India by population|fourth smallest in terms of population]]. Located on the west coast of India in the region known as the [[Konkan]], the state of [[Maharashtra]] bounds it to the north, [[Karnataka]] to the east and south, while the [[Arabian Sea]] forms its western coast.
 
'''Goa''' {{audio|Goa.ogg|pronunciation}} ([[Konkani language|Konkani]]: गोंय ''goṃya''; {{lang-mr|गोवा}} ''govā''; {{lang-pt|Goa}}) refers to [[India]]'s smallest [[states and territories of India|state]] in terms of area and the [[List of states and territories of India by population|fourth smallest in terms of population]]. Located on the west coast of India in the region known as the [[Konkan]], the state of [[Maharashtra]] bounds it to the north, [[Karnataka]] to the east and south, while the [[Arabian Sea]] forms its western coast.
  
[[Panaji]] (Panjim) serves as the state's capital. [[Vasco da Gama, Goa|Vasco da Gama]] (Vasco) ranks the largest city. The historic city of [[Margao]] still exhibits the influence of [[Portugal|Portuguese]] culture. Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the 15th century, and annexed it soon after. The Portuguese [[colony]] existed for about 450 years (one of the longest held colonial possessions in the world), until India took over in 1961.<ref> {{cite web |url= http://gpp.nic.in/Liberation.html|title=Liberation of Goa |accessdate=2007-07-17 |publisher=Government Polytechnic, Panaji }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1960s/Goa01.html |title=The Liberation of Goa: an Overview |accessdate=2007-07-17 |last=Pillarisetti |first= Jagan |work=The Liberation of Goa:1961 |publisher=bharat-rakshak.com }}</ref>
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[[Panaji]] (Panjim) serves as the state's capital. [[Vasco da Gama, Goa|Vasco da Gama]] (Vasco) ranks the largest city. The historic city of [[Margao]] still exhibits the influence of [[Portugal|Portuguese]] culture. Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the fifteenth century, and annexed it soon after. The Portuguese [[colony]] existed for about 450 years (one of the longest held colonial possessions in the world), until India took over in 1961.<ref> [http://gpp.nic.in/Liberation.html] Liberation of Goa. accessdate 2007-07-17 (Government Polytechnic, Panaji) </ref> <ref>Jagan Pillarisetti The Liberation of Goa: an Overview. The Liberation of Goa: 1961.</ref>
 
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{{toc}}
Renowned for its [[beach]]es, hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year visit Goa. Goa has won acclaim for its temples and [[World Heritage Site|world heritage architecture]] including the [[Basilica of Bom Jesus]] in Old Goa, which makes it a popular Christian pilgrimage site.<!--{{Fact|date=July 2007}}—> Goa also has rich [[flora (plants)|flora]] and [[fauna (animals)|fauna]], owing to its location on the [[Western Ghats]] range, classified as a [[biodiversity hotspot]].
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Renowned for its [[beach]]es, hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year visit Goa. Goa has won acclaim for its temples and [[World Heritage Site|world heritage architecture]] including the [[Basilica of Bom Jesus]] in Old Goa, which makes it a popular Christian pilgrimage site. Goa also has rich [[flora (plants)|flora]] and [[fauna (animals)|fauna]], owing to its location on the [[Western Ghats]] range, classified as a [[biodiversity hotspot]].
  
 
==Origin of name==
 
==Origin of name==
The name ''Goa'' came to European languages from the Portuguese colonisers, but its precise origin remains unclear. The Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' refers to the area now known as Goa, as 'Goparashtra' or 'Govarashtra"' which means a nation of cowherds. 'Gopakapuri' or 'Gapakapattana' appeared in some ancient [[Sanskrit]] texts, and in other sacred [[Hindu]] texts such as the ''[[Harivansa]]'' and the ''[[Skanda Purana]]''. In the latter, Goa has been called "Gomanchala." Gove, [[Govapuri]], Gopakpattan, and Gomant represent other examples of names for the region in texts such as the ''[[Purana]]s''.<!--{{Fact|date=July 2007}}—> <!--It has also been known as "Apparent".—><!--{{vague}}—>
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The name ''Goa'' came to European languages from the Portuguese colonisers, but its precise origin remains unclear. The Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'' refers to the area now known as Goa, as 'Goparashtra' or 'Govarashtra"' which means a nation of cowherds. 'Gopakapuri' or 'Gapakapattana' appeared in some ancient [[Sanskrit]] texts, and in other sacred [[Hindu]] texts such as the ''[[Harivansa]]'' and the ''[[Skanda Purana]].'' In the latter, Goa has been called "Gomanchala." Gove, [[Govapuri]], Gopakpattan, and Gomant represent other examples of names for the region in texts such as the ''[[Purana]]s.''  
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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{{main|History of Goa}}
 
{{main|History of Goa}}
[[Image:Kyrkagoavelha.jpg|thumb|A chapel in [[Old Goa]], an example of [[Portugal|Portuguese]] architecture.]]
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Goa's known history stretches back to the 3rd century B.C.E., when it formed part of the [[Mauryan dynasty|Mauryan Empire]].<ref name=earlysummary>{{cite web
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Goa's known history stretches back to the third century B.C.E., when it formed part of the [[Mauryan dynasty|Mauryan Empire]].<ref>Alfredo Froilano de Mello[http://www.goacom.com/culture/history/history0.html]
|url = http://www.goacom.com/culture/history/history0.html
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A Summary of the Early History of Goa (2000 B.C.E. - 1500 C.E.)
|title = A Summary of the Early History of Goa (2000 B.C.E. - 1500 C.E.)
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2007-07-18 goacom.com (Demerg Systems India)Retrieved January 1, 2008.
|accessdate = 2007-07-18
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</ref> The [[Satavahana]]s of [[Kolhapur]] later ruled it around two thousand years ago and passed on to the [[Chalukya Dynasty|Chalukyas of Badami]], who controlled it between 580 to 750. Over the next few centuries, the [[Silhara dynasty|Silharas]], the [[Kadamba]]s and the [[Western Chalukya Empire|Chalukyas of Kalyani]], rulers of [[Deccan|Deccan India]] successively ruled Goa.<ref>Paul Harding. "Facts about Goa: History," ''Lonely Planet Goa,'' 3rd edition, (Lonely Planet Publications, 2003), 9–14 </ref> The [[Kadambas]], a local Hindu dynasty based at Chandrapura, (present day Chandor - Salcete), laid an indelible mark on the course of Goa's pre-colonial history and culture.
|last = de Mello
 
|first = Alfredo Froilano
 
|date =
 
|work =goacom.com
 
|publisher = Demerg Systems India
 
}}</ref> The [[Satavahana]]s of [[Kolhapur]] later ruled it around two thousand years ago and passed on to the [[Chalukya Dynasty|Chalukyas of Badami]], who controlled it between 580 to 750. Over the next few centuries, the [[Silhara dynasty|Silharas]], the [[Kadamba]]s and the [[Western Chalukya Empire|Chalukyas of Kalyani]], rulers of [[Deccan|Deccan India]] successively ruled Goa.<ref name=lonelyhistory>{{cite book |last=Harding |first=Paul |title=Lonely Planet Goa |format= |accessdate=2007-07-18 |edition=3rd edition|year= 2003 |month=September |publisher=Lonely Planet Publications |location= |language= |isbn=1740591399 |oclc= |doi= |id= |pages= 9–14|chapter=Facts about Goa: History}}</ref> The [[Kadambas]], a local Hindu dynasty based at Chandrapura, (present day Chandor - Salcete), laid an indelible mark on the course of Goa's pre-colonial history and culture.
 
  
 
In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the [[Delhi Sultanate]]. The kingdom's grip on the region proved weak, and by 1370 [[Harihara I]] of the [[Vijayanagara empire]] forced them to  surrender. The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to the territory until 1469, when the [[Bahmani Sultanate|Bahmani sultans]] of [[Gulbarga]] appropriated it. After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell to the hands of the [[Adil Shahi]]s of [[Bijapur Sultanate|Bijapur]] who made [[Velha Goa]] their auxiliary capital.
 
In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the [[Delhi Sultanate]]. The kingdom's grip on the region proved weak, and by 1370 [[Harihara I]] of the [[Vijayanagara empire]] forced them to  surrender. The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to the territory until 1469, when the [[Bahmani Sultanate|Bahmani sultans]] of [[Gulbarga]] appropriated it. After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell to the hands of the [[Adil Shahi]]s of [[Bijapur Sultanate|Bijapur]] who made [[Velha Goa]] their auxiliary capital.
  
In 1498, [[Vasco da Gama]] became the first [[Europe]]an to set foot in India through a sea route, landing in [[Calicut]] (Kozhikode) in [[Kerala]], followed by an arrival in [[[Old Goa]]. Goa, then a term referring to the City of Goa on the southern bank of the [[River Mandovi]], represented the largest trading center on India's western coast. The [[Portugal|Portuguese]] arrived with the intention of setting up a colony and seizing control of the spice trade from other European powers after traditional land routes to India had been closed by the [[Ottoman Turks]]. Later, in 1510, Portuguese [[admiral]] [[Afonso de Albuquerque]] 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). The Portuguese intended it to be a colony and a naval base, distinct from the fortified enclaves established elsewhere along India's coasts.
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In 1498, [[Vasco da Gama]] became the first [[Europe]]an to set foot in India through a sea route, landing in [[Calicut]] (Kozhikode) in [[Kerala]], followed by an arrival in [[Old Goa]]. Goa, then a term referring to the City of Goa on the southern bank of the [[River Mandovi]], represented the largest trading center on India's western coast. The [[Portugal|Portuguese]] arrived with the intention of setting up a colony and seizing control of the spice trade from other European powers after traditional land routes to India had been closed by the [[Ottoman Turks]]. Later, in 1510, Portuguese [[admiral]] [[Afonso de Albuquerque]] 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). The Portuguese intended it to be a colony and a naval base, distinct from the fortified enclaves established elsewhere along India's coasts.
  
 
[[Image:FortAguada(Goa).jpg|thumb|Ruins of [[Fort Aguada]] in north Goa; one of the defences that the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] built during their reign.]]
 
[[Image:FortAguada(Goa).jpg|thumb|Ruins of [[Fort Aguada]] in north Goa; one of the defences that the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] built during their reign.]]
 
<!-- [[Image:India Goa Chapora River Boat.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Chapora River boat]] —>
 
<!-- [[Image:India Goa Chapora River Boat.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Chapora River boat]] —>
With the imposition of the [[Goa Inquisition|Inquisition]] (1560&ndash;1812), the Portuguese forced many of the local residents to convert to [[Christianity]] by missionaries, threatened by punishment or confiscation of land, titles or property.<!--{{Fact|date=May 2007}}—> Many converts retained parts of their Hindu heritage. To escape the Inquisition and harassment, thousands fled the state, settling down in the neighboring towns of [[Mangalore]] and [[Karwar]] in Karnataka, and Savantwadi in Maharashtra. With the arrival of the other European powers in India in the 16th century, the [[British Empire|British]] and the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] surrounded most Portuguese possessions. Goa soon became Portugal's most important possession in India, granted the same civic privileges as [[Lisbon]]. In 1843 the capital moved to [[Panjim]] from Velha Goa. By mid-18th century the area under occupation had expanded to most of Goa's present day state limits.
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With the imposition of the [[Goa Inquisition|Inquisition]] (1560&ndash;1812), the Portuguese forced many of the local residents to convert to [[Christianity]] by missionaries, threatened by punishment or confiscation of land, titles or property. Converts retained parts of their Hindu heritage. To escape the Inquisition and harassment, thousands fled the state, settling down in the neighboring towns of [[Mangalore]] and [[Karwar]] in Karnataka, and Savantwadi in Maharashtra. With the arrival of the other European powers in India in the sixteenth century, the [[British Empire|British]] and the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] surrounded most Portuguese possessions. Goa soon became Portugal's most important possession in India, granted the same civic privileges as [[Lisbon]]. In 1843 the capital moved to [[Panjim]] from Velha Goa. By mid-eighteenth century the area under occupation had expanded to most of Goa's present day state limits.
  
 
After India gained independence from the British in 1947, Portugal refused to accede to India's demand to relinquish their control of its enclave. Resolution 1541 by the [[United Nations General Assembly]] in 1960 noted Goa as non-self-governing and favored [[self determination]]. Finally, on December 12, 1961, the [[Indian army]] with 40,000 troops moved in as part of [[Operation Vijay (1961)|Operation Vijay]]. Fighting lasted for twenty-six hours before the Portuguese garrison surrendered. Goa, along with [[Daman and Diu]] (enclaves lying to the north of Maharashtra), became a centrally administered [[Union Territory]] on India. India commemorates its takeover of Goa on December 19 (Liberation Day). The UN [[Security Council]] considered a resolution condemning the invasion which the [[Soviet Union]] vetoed. Most nations later recognized India's action, and Portugal recognized it after the [[Carnation Revolution]] in 1974. On May 30, 1987, the Union Territory split, and Goa elevated to India's twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining Union Territories.
 
After India gained independence from the British in 1947, Portugal refused to accede to India's demand to relinquish their control of its enclave. Resolution 1541 by the [[United Nations General Assembly]] in 1960 noted Goa as non-self-governing and favored [[self determination]]. Finally, on December 12, 1961, the [[Indian army]] with 40,000 troops moved in as part of [[Operation Vijay (1961)|Operation Vijay]]. Fighting lasted for twenty-six hours before the Portuguese garrison surrendered. Goa, along with [[Daman and Diu]] (enclaves lying to the north of Maharashtra), became a centrally administered [[Union Territory]] on India. India commemorates its takeover of Goa on December 19 (Liberation Day). The UN [[Security Council]] considered a resolution condemning the invasion which the [[Soviet Union]] vetoed. Most nations later recognized India's action, and Portugal recognized it after the [[Carnation Revolution]] in 1974. On May 30, 1987, the Union Territory split, and Goa elevated to India's twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining Union Territories.
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==Geography and climate==
 
==Geography and climate==
[[Image:India Goa Coastline Tiracol.jpg|left|thumb|Goa is famed for its sunny beaches.]]
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[[Image:India Goa Coastline Tiracol.jpg|left|thumb|Goa has earned fame for its sunny beaches.]]
Goa encompasses an area of 3,702&nbsp;[[square kilometre|km²]] (1,430&nbsp;[[square mile|sq mile]]). It lies between the latitudes 14°53'54" N and 15°40'00" N and longitudes 73°40'33" E and 74°20'13" E. Most of Goa is a part of the coastal country known as the [[Konkan]], which is an escarpment rising up to the [[Western Ghats]] range of mountains, which separate it from the [[Deccan Plateau]]. The highest point is the [[Sonsogor]], with an altitude of 1,167&nbsp;[[metre]]s (3,827&nbsp;[[foot (unit of length)|feet]]). Goa has a coastline of 101&nbsp;[[kilometre|km]] (63&nbsp;[[mile]]s).
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Goa encompasses an area of 3,702&nbsp;[[square kilometre|km²]] (1,430&nbsp;[[square mile|sq mile]]). It lies between the latitudes 14°53'54" N and 15°40'00" N and longitudes 73°40'33" E and 74°20'13" E. Most of Goa forms a part of the coastal country known as the [[Konkan]], an escarpment rising up to the [[Western Ghats]] range of mountains, which separate it from the [[Deccan Plateau]]. The [[Sonsogor]] constitutes the highest point, with an altitude of 1,167&nbsp;[[metre]]s (3,827&nbsp;[[foot (unit of length)|feet]]). Goa has a coastline of 101&nbsp;[[kilometre|km]] (63&nbsp;[[mile]]s).
  
Goa's main rivers are the [[Mandovi River|Mandovi]], the [[Zuari River|Zuari]], the [[Terekhol River|Terekhol]], [[Chapora River]] and the [[Betul River|Betul]]. 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. Goa has more than forty estuarine, eight marine and about ninety riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers is 253&nbsp;km (157&nbsp;miles). Goa has more than three hundred ancient [[Irrigation tank|tanks]] built during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty and over a hundred medicinal springs.
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[[Mandovi River|Mandovi]], the [[Zuari River|Zuari]], the [[Terekhol River|Terekhol]], [[Chapora River]] and the [[Betul River|Betul]] number among Goa's main rivers. The Mormugao harbor on the mouth of the river Zuari serves as one of the best natural harbors in South Asia. The Zuari and the Mandovi act as the lifelines of Goa, with their tributaries draining 69% of its geographic area. Goa has more than forty estuarine, eight marine and about ninety riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers measures 253&nbsp;km (157&nbsp;miles). Goa has more than three hundred ancient [[Irrigation tank|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 [[laterite]]s which are rich in [[ferric]] [[aluminium]] oxides and [[red]]dish in colour. Further inland and along the river banks, the soil is mostly [[alluvial]] and [[loam]]y. 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 [[Gneiss|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]].
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Laterites, rich in [[ferric]] [[aluminium]] oxides and [[red]]dish in color, make up most of Goa's soil cover. Further inland and along the river banks, [[alluvial]] and [[loam]]y soil exist. The soil, rich in minerals and [[humus]], serves farming well. Some of the oldest rocks in the [[Indian subcontinent]] lay in Goa between [[Molem]] and [[Anmod]] on Goa's border with Karnataka. The rocks, classified as [[Gneiss|Trondjemeitic Gneiss]], have been dated by the [[Rubidium]] isotope dating method to 3,600 million years old. [[Goa University]] exhibits a specimen of the rock.
  
Goa, being in the [[tropical|tropical zone]] and near the [[Arabian Sea]], has a warm and [[humidity|humid]] climate for most of the year. The month of May is the hottest, seeing day temperatures of over 35 °[[Celsius|C]] (95 °[[Fahrenheit|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.
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Goa, being in the [[tropical|tropical zone]] and near the [[Arabian Sea]], has a warm and [[humidity|humid]] climate for most of the year. The month of May, being the hottest, has day time temperatures of over 35 °[[Celsius|C]] (95 °[[Fahrenheit|F]]) coupled with high humidity. The [[monsoon]] rains arrive by early June and provide a much needed respite from the heat. of Goa receives most its annual rainfall through the monsoons which last till late September.
  
Goa has a short cool season between mid-December and February. These months are marked by cool nights of around 20&nbsp;°C (68&nbsp;°F) and warm days of around 29&nbsp;°C (84&nbsp;°F) with moderate amounts of humidity. Further inland, due to altitudinal gradation, the nights are a few degrees cooler.
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Goa has a short cool season between mid-December and February. Cool nights of around 20&nbsp;°C (68&nbsp;°F) and warm days of around 29&nbsp;°C (84&nbsp;°F) with moderate amounts of humidity mark those months. Further inland, due to altitudinal gradation, the nights read a few degrees cooler.
  
 
==Subdivisions==
 
==Subdivisions==
 
[[Image:goamap.png|thumb|Talukas of Goa. Talukas in purple shades belong to [[North Goa]] district, and orange denote [[South Goa]].]]
 
[[Image:goamap.png|thumb|Talukas of Goa. Talukas in purple shades belong to [[North Goa]] district, and orange denote [[South Goa]].]]
The state is divided into two [[List of Indian districts|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.
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The state divides into two [[List of Indian districts|districts]]: [[North Goa]] and [[South Goa]]. [[Panaji]] serves as the headquarters of the north Goa district and [[Margao]] of the south district. A [[district collector]], an administrator appointed by the Indian government governs each district.
  
The districts are further divided into eleven [[taluka]]s &ndash; Talukas of North Goa are [[Bardez]], [[Bicholim]], [[Pernem]], [[Ponda]], [[Satari]] and [[Tiswadi]], the talukas of South Goa are [[Canacona]], [[Mormugao]], [[Quepem]], [[Salcete]] and [[Sanguem]]. Headquarters of the respective talukas are Mapusa, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, [[Valpoi]], Panjim, [[Chaudi]], Vasco, Quepem, Margao and Sanguem.
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The districts divide further into eleven [[taluka]]s &ndash; Talukas of North Goa are [[Bardez]], [[Bicholim]], [[Pernem]], [[Ponda]], [[Satari]] and [[Tiswadi]], the talukas of South Goa are [[Canacona]], [[Mormugao]], [[Quepem]], [[Salcete]] and [[Sanguem]]. Headquarters of the respective talukas are Mapusa, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, [[Valpoi]], Panjim, [[Chaudi]], Vasco, Quepem, Margao and Sanguem.
  
 
In the [[Parliament of India]], Goa has two seats in the [[Lok Sabha]], one representing each district, and one seat in the [[Rajya Sabha]].
 
In the [[Parliament of India]], Goa has two seats in the [[Lok Sabha]], one representing each district, and one seat in the [[Rajya Sabha]].
  
[[Image:India Goa Chapora River Colony of Birds.jpg|thumb|The [[Salim Ali Bird sanctuary]] is one of the best-known bird sanctuaries in India.]]
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[[Image:India Goa Chapora River Colony of Birds.jpg|thumb|The [[Salim Ali Bird sanctuary]] represents one of the best-known bird sanctuaries in India.]]
  
 
==Flora and fauna==
 
==Flora and fauna==
 
{{main|Flora and fauna of Goa}}
 
{{main|Flora and fauna of Goa}}
  
[[Forest]] cover in Goa stands at 1,424&nbsp;[[square kilometre|km²]], most of which is owned by the government. Government owned forest is estimated at 1224.38&nbsp;km² whilst private is given as 200&nbsp;km². 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 Basin|Amazon]] and [[Congo Basin|Congo]] basins for its rich tropical biodiversity.
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[[Forest]] cover in Goa stands at 1,424&nbsp;[[square kilometre|km²]], mostly owned by the government. Government owned forest comprises an estimated 1224.38&nbsp;km² while private accounts for 200&nbsp;km². The interior eastern regions of the state serve as home for most of the forests in the state. The [[Western Ghats]], which form most of eastern Goa, have been internationally recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The February 1999 issue of ''[[National Geographic Magazine]]'' compared Goa with the [[Amazon Basin|Amazon]] and [[Congo Basin|Congo]] basins for its rich tropical biodiversity.
  
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 [[Terminalia tomentosa|Asan]].
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Goa designated the [[Gaur]] its state animal, the Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul (a variation of [[Black-crested Bulbul]]) its state bird, and the [[Terminalia tomentosa|Asan]] its state tree.
  
The important forests products are [[bamboo]] canes, [[Maratha bark]]s, [[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 [[jackfruit]]s, mangos, [[pineapple]]s and [[blackberry|blackberries]].
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The important forests products include [[bamboo]] canes, [[Maratha bark]]s, [[chillar barks]] and the [[bhirand]]. The ubiquitous [[Coconut trees]] grow 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 [[jackfruit]]s, mangos, [[pineapple]]s and [[blackberry|blackberries]].
  
[[Fox]]es, [[wild boar]]s and [[bird migration|migratory]] birds are found in the jungles of Goa. The [[avifauna]] includes [[kingfisher]]s, [[myna]]s and [[parrot]]s. Numerous types of fish are also caught off the coast of Goa and in its rivers. [[Crab]]s, [[lobster]]s, [[shrimps]], [[jellyfish]], [[oysters]] and [[catfish]] form some of the piscine catch. Goa also has a high [[snake]] population, which keeps the [[rodent]] population in 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]].
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[[Fox]]es, [[wild boar]]s and [[bird migration|migratory]] birds live in the jungles of Goa. The [[avifauna]] includes [[kingfisher]]s, [[myna]]s and [[parrot]]s. Fisherman catch numerous types of fish caught off the coast of Goa and in its rivers. [[Crab]]s, [[lobster]]s, [[shrimps]], [[jellyfish]], [[oysters]] and [[catfish]] form some of the piscine catch. Goa also has a high [[snake]] population, which keeps the [[rodent]] population in 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&nbsp;km²) 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.
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Goa has more than 33 percent of its geographic area in government-protected forests (1224.38&nbsp;km²) of which about 62 percent has been brought under Protected Areas (PA) of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park. Since a substantial area remains in private forests and large tracts in cashew, mango, and coconut plantations, the total forest and tree cover constitutes 56.6 percent of the geographic area.
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
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[[Image:India Goa Chapora River Boats.jpg|thumb|Fishing in the Chapora river.]]
 
[[Image:India Goa Chapora River Boats.jpg|thumb|Fishing in the Chapora river.]]
Goa's gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $3 billion in current prices. Goa is India's richest state with a [[GDP per capita]] two and a half times that of the country as a whole, and one of its fastest growth rates: 8.23% (yearly average 1990–2000). Tourism is Goa's primary industry: it handles 12%<ref>[http://goenkar.com/book/print/112 Economy of Goa], from [http://goenkar.com/ goenkar.com] verified 2005-04-02.</ref> 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 summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.
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Goa's gross state domestic product for 2004 reached an estimated US$3 billion at current exchange rates. Goa, India's richest state, has a [[GDP per capita]] two and a half times that of the country as a whole, and one of its fastest growth rates: 8.23 percent (yearly average 1990–2000). Tourism has become Goa's primary industry: it handles 12 percent<ref>[http://goenkar.com/book/print/112 Economy of Goa], from [http://goenkar.com/ goenkar.com] verified 2005-04-02.</ref> 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 summertime (the rainy season in Goa) tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.
  
Tourism is generally focused on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. In 2004 there were more than 2 million tourists reported to have visited Goa, 400,000 of which were from abroad. 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 ore|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.
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Tourism generally focuses on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. In 2004 more than two million tourists visited Goa, 400,000 from abroad. The land away from the coast yields an abundance of minerals and ores and [[mining]] forms the second largest industry. Mining in Goa focuses on ores of [[iron ore|iron]], [[Bauxite]], [[manganese]], clays, [[limestone]] and [[silica]]. The [[Marmagao]] Port handled 31.69 million tons of cargo last year, and accounts for over 39 percent of India's iron ore exports.
  
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 mechanized trawling. Medium scale industries include the manufacturing of [[pesticide]]s, [[fertilizer]]s, [[tire|tires]], [[tube]]s, [[footwear]], [[chemical]]s, [[pharmaceutical]]s, [[wheat]] products, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, [[brewery]] products. Goa is also notable for its low liquor prices due to its very low [[excise|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. Zuari Industries (2005 gross income Rs.36,302 million) and Sesa Goa (2005 gross income Rs.17,265 million) are two ''S&P CNX 500'' conglomerates which have corporate offices in Goa.<!--{{Fact|date=February 2007}}—>
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Agriculture, while declining in importance to the economy over the past four decades, offers part-time employment to a sizable portion of the populace. [[Rice]] constitutes 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 vitality of that sector with a decline in catch, possibly from over fishing by large factory trawlers. Medium scale industries include the manufacturing of [[pesticide]]s, [[fertilizer]]s, [[tire|tires]], [[tube]]s, [[footwear]], [[chemical]]s, [[pharmaceutical]]s, [[wheat]] products, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, [[brewery]] products. Consumers have noticed Goa's inexpensive liquor as a result of extremely low [[excise|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. Zuari Industries (2005 gross income Rs.36,302 million) and Sesa Goa (2005 gross income Rs.17,265 million), two ''S&P CNX 500'' conglomerates, have corporate offices in Goa.
  
 
<!--{{Wikify|date=April 2007}}—>
 
<!--{{Wikify|date=April 2007}}—>
  
 
==Transport==
 
==Transport==
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. In addition to regular flights, the airport handles a large number of chartered flights. Goa receives International flights from Dubai, Sharjah and Kuwait in the Middle East and from the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia during the charter flight tourist season. Dabolim airport is serviced by the following carriers - Air India, Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Kingfisher airlines, Go air, Spice jet, Jet Airways besides Charter flights from Thomas Cook (condor) etc.
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Goa's sole airport, the [[Dabolim Airport]], serves as a military and civilian airport catering to domestic and international airlines that stop en route to other Indian destinations. In addition to regular flights, the airport handles a large number of chartered flights. Goa receives International flights from Dubai, Sharjah and Kuwait in the Middle East and from the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia during the charter flight tourist season. Dabolim airport hosts the following carriers services: Air India, Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Kingfisher airlines, Go air, Spice jet, Jet Airways besides Charter flights from Thomas Cook (condor) and other travel companies.
  
Goa's [[public transport]] largely consists of privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Government-run buses, maintained 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 Highway]]s passing through it. NH-17 runs along India's west coast and links Goa to Bombay 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, once complete will be a four lane highway connecting Mormugao Harbour to NH-17 at another location, Verna, via [[Dabolim]] airport. Goa has a total of {{convert|224|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} of National highway, {{convert|232|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} of state highway and 815&nbsp;km of district highway.
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Goa's [[public transport]] largely consists of privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Government-run buses, maintained 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. Public transport in Goa has undergone little development, residents depending mainly on their own transport, usually motorized two-wheelers. Goa has two [[National Highway]]s passing through it. NH-17 runs along India's west coast and links Goa to Bombay 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, once complete will be a four lane highway connecting Mormugao Harbour to NH-17 at another location, Verna, via [[Dabolim]] airport. Goa has a total of {{convert|224|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} of National highway, {{convert|232|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} of state highway and 815&nbsp;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|pillion rider]], at fares that are usually negotiated prior or after the journey (it is always better to ask locals on the correct fare before you try any negotiations yourself). In some places in Goa, there are river crossings which are serviced by the [[ferry|ferry boats]], operated by the river navigation departments. Goa has two [[Rail transport|rail lines]]—one 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 with [[Hubli]] in [[Karnataka]] via Margao. The Konkan Railway line, which was built during the 1990s, runs parallel to the coast connecting Mumbai to the [[Malabar Coast]].
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Hired forms of transport include unmetered taxis, and, in urban areas, [[auto rickshaws]]. The [[Motorcycle taxi]], operated by drivers locally called "pilots," constitute a unique form of transport in Goa. Those vehicles transport a single [[pillion|pillion rider]], at fares usually negotiated prior or after the journey. <!--(it is always better to ask locals on the correct fare before you try any negotiations yourself).—> In some places in Goa, [[ferry|ferry boats]] operated by the river navigation departments service river crossings. Goa has two [[Rail transport|rail lines]]—one run by the South Western Railway and the other by the [[Konkan Railway]]. The line run by the [[South Western Railway]], built during the colonial era, links the port town of Vasco da Gama with [[Hubli]] in [[Karnataka]] via Margao. The Konkan Railway line, built during the 1990s, runs parallel to the coast connecting Mumbai to the [[Malabar 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 [[Steamboat|steamers]] between Goa and Mumbai till the late 1980s.
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The Mormugao harbor 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, situated on the banks of the Mandovi, also has a minor port, which used to handle passenger [[Steamboat|steamers]] between Goa and Mumbai till the late 1980s.
  
 
==Demographics==
 
==Demographics==
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:MangeshTemple.jpg|thumb|Hindu temples in Goa are colourful and represent the traditional indigenous architecture.]] —>
 
A native of Goa is called a [[Goan]] in English, 'Goenkar' in Konkani, 'Goês' (male) or
 
'Goesa' (female) in Portuguese, and a 'Govekar' in Marathi. 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 annum. There are 363 people for each square kilometre of the land. 49.77% of the population lives in urban areas. The sex ratio is 960 females to 1000 males. [[Hinduism]] (65.8%), [[Christianity]] (26.7%) and [[Islam]] (6.8%) are the three main religions in Goa. <ref>http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/ 2001 Indian Census Data</ref> [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]] reached Goa during the period of [[Europe]]an colonisation, which began in 1498 when the Portuguese explorer [[Vasco da Gama]] arrived on the [[Malabarian Coast|Malabar coast]]. There is also a small community of [[Sikhs]] that make up 0.1% of the population. Goa's major cities include [[Vasco da Gama (town)|Vasco]], [[Margao]], [[Marmagao]] (also known as Murgaon or Mormugão), [[Panjim]] and [[Mapusa]]. The region connecting the last four cities is considered a ''de facto'' [[conurbation]], or a more or less continuous urban area.
 
  
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Konkani_Language.jpg|right|thumb|Konkani in Roman Script.]] —>
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A native of Goa is referred to as a [[Goan]] in English, 'Goenkar' in Konkani, 'Goês' (male) or 'Goesa' (female) in Portuguese, and a 'Govekar' in Marathi. 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 percent per annum, with 363 people for each square kilometer of the land. 49.77 percent of the population lives in urban areas; the sex ratio stands at 960 females to 1000 males. [[Hinduism]] (65.8 percent), [[Christianity]] (26.7 percent) and [[Islam]] (6.8 percent) constitute the three main religions in Goa. <ref>[http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/ 2001 Indian Census Data] </ref> [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]] reached Goa during the period of [[Europe]]an colonization, which began in 1498 when the Portuguese explorer [[Vasco da Gama]] arrived on the [[Malabarian Coast|Malabar coast]]. A small community of [[Sikhs]] make up 0.1 percent of the population. Goa's major cities include [[Vasco da Gama (town)|Vasco]], [[Margao]], [[Marmagao]] (also known as Murgaon or Mormugão), [[Panjim]] and [[Mapusa]]; they connect creating a ''de facto'' [[conurbation]], or a more or less continuous urban area.
The official language of Goa is [[Konkani]]. Following the end of Portuguese rule, the most widely used languages are [[Konkani language|Konkani]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.net/cendat/datatable26.html |title=
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Table 26: Three Main Languages in every State, 1991
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[[Konkani]] represents the official language of Goa. Following the end of Portuguese rule, [[Konkani language|Konkani]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]] became the most widely used languages.<ref>[http://www.censusindia.net/cendat/datatable26.html]
|accessdate= 2007-08-01 |work= Census of India 1991|publisher= Office of the Registrar General, India}}</ref> [[Konkani]] is the primary spoken language; [[Indian English|English]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]] for official, literary or educational purposes;<ref>The Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 makes Konkani the sole official language, but provides that Marathi may also be used for "for all or any of the official purposes." The Government also has a policy of replying in Marathi to correspondence received in Marathi. {{Citation | last = Commissioner Linguistic Minorities | title = 42nd report: July 2003 - June 2004 | url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/35.htm | access-date = 2007-06-06}} </ref> and other languages including [[Hindi]] and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]. Language is a controversial issue in Goa, over which an agitation was fought between two contending pro-Konkani and pro-Marathi camps between 1985–87. Most of the [[Goans]] united and fought for Konkani as their mother tongue.<!--{{Fact|date=April 2007}}—> After the agitation ended in 1987, a complex formula grants 'official language' status to Konkani, while Marathi is also allowed to be used "for any or all official purposes." Given the bitter rivalry between the two lobbies, clubbed with a maudlin issue has resulted in a stalemate over the actual implementation. Portuguese, the earlier language of the elite, has been hit by shrinking numbers, though a small number still prefer it as the medium for discourse at home, and a few Portuguese books have even been published in recent years.<!--{{Fact|date=April 2007}}—> [[English language|English]], viewed as a language of opportunity and social mobility, is widely understood by the many of the state residents.
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Table 26: Three Main Languages in every State, 1991 accessdate 2007-08-01 (Census of India 1991, Office of the Registrar General, India) </ref> People speak primarily [[Konkani]] while using [[Indian English|English]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]] for official, literary or educational purposes;<ref>The Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 makes Konkani the sole official language, but provides that Marathi may also be used for "for all or any of the official purposes." The Government also has a policy of replying in Marathi to correspondence received in Marathi. Commissioner Linguistic Minorities 42nd report: July 2003 - June 2004 [http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/35.htm] accessdate 2007-06-06</ref> and other languages including [[Hindi]] and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]. Language has been a controversial issue in Goa, then pro-Konkani and pro-Marathi camps contending for primacy between 1985–1987. Konkani has enjoyed popular support as the mother tongue. After the agitation ended in 1987, a complex formula grants 'official language' status to Konkani, while allowing the use Marathi "for any or all official purposes." Portuguese, the language of the elite before liberation, has been shrinking in the number of speakers. A small number seem to Portuguese at home, and a few Portuguese books have even been published in recent years. Many of the state residents view [[English language|English]] as a language of opportunity and social mobility.
  
 
==Culture==
 
==Culture==
 
[[Image:India Goa Portuguese Villa.jpg|thumb|An example of traditional Portuguese-influenced Goan architecture.]]
 
[[Image:India Goa Portuguese Villa.jpg|thumb|An example of traditional Portuguese-influenced Goan architecture.]]
[[Image:File112.jpg|thumb|Mangueshi Temple, a Hindu temple in Old Goa.]]
 
  
The most popular celebrations in Goa are [[Christmas]], [[Easter Sunday]], [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] (''Chavoth''-Konkani), [[Divali]], [[New Year's Day]], [[Shigmo]] and the [[Carnival]]. However, since the 1960s, the celebrations of the Shigmo and carnival have shifted to the urban centres, and in recent times these festivals are seen more as a means of attracting tourists. Celebrations for all festivals usually last for a few days and include parties and balls.
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[[Christmas]], [[Easter Sunday]], [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] (''Chavoth''-Konkani), [[Divali]], [[New Year's Day]], [[Shigmo]] and the [[Carnival]] represent the most popular celebrations in Goa. Since the 1960s, the celebrations of the Shigmo and carnival have shifted to the urban centers, with many in recent times viewing those festivals as a means of attracting tourists rather than indigenous celebrations.
  
[[Western world|Western]] English songs have a large following in most parts of Goa. Traditional Konkani folk songs also have a sizable following. [[Manddo]], the traditional [[Goan]] music which originated in the nineteenth century, is sung and danced on special occasions. Goa is also known for its [[Goa trance music]]. In the year 2006, the AIR FM channel ran a program "Goa Top 10," which listed the most requested tracks of the week. During analysis, it emerged that the song "Faithful" by [[Lobo]] had an unusually high, consistent popularity, in spite of not being a fresh track. Thus, this song is arguably Goa's favourite English song, and has been referred to as Goa's English anthem. It has been found that Goans have a preference for [[pop music]], [[soft rock]] and [[ballads]] over [[hard rock]], [[hip-hop]], etc.<!--{{Fact|date=July 2007}}—>
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[[Western world|Western]] English songs enjoy a popular audience throughout most of Goa. Traditional Konkani folk songs also have a sizable following. People sing and dance [[Manddo]], the traditional [[Goan]] music originating in the nineteenth century, on special occasions. Goa has been renowned for its trance music. In the year 2006, the AIR FM channel ran a program "Goa Top 10," which listed the most requested tracks of the week. During analysis, it emerged that the song "Faithful" by [[Lobo]] had an unusually high, consistent popularity, although on the market for a lengthy time. Thus, that song may fairly be called Goa's favorite English song, and has been referred to as Goa's English anthem. <!--It has been found that Goans have a preference for [[pop music]], [[soft rock]] and [[ballads]] over [[hard rock]], [[hip-hop]], etc.—><!--{{Fact|date=July 2007}}—>
  
Some traditional Goan dance forms are [[dekhnni]], [[fugdi]], and [[corridinho]].
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[[dekhnni|Dekhnni]], [[fugdi]], and [[corridinho]] represent some traditional Goan dance forms.
  
[[Rice]] with [[fish]] [[curry]] (''Xit kodi''-Konkani) is the staple diet in Goa. Goa is renowned for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. [[Coconut]] and coconut oil is widely used in [[Goan]] cooking along with [[chili peppers]], [[spice]]s and [[vinegar]] giving the food a unique flavour. [[Pork]] dishes such as [[Vindaloo]], [[Xacuti]] and [[Sorpotel]] are cooked for major occasions among the 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. A rich [[egg (food)|egg]]-based multi-layered sweet dish known as [[bebinca]] is a favourite at [[Christmas]]. The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is [[fenny|feni]]; Cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut [[Goan Feni|feni]] is made from the sap of toddy palms.
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[[Rice]] with [[fish]] [[curry]] (''Xit kodi''-Konkani) serve as the staple diet in Goa. Goa has a rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Goans widely use [[coconut]] and coconut oil in cooking along with [[chili peppers]], [[spice]]s and [[vinegar]] giving the food a unique flavor. For major occasions, Catholics enjoy cooking [[Pork]] dishes such as [[Vindaloo]], [[Xacuti]] and [[Sorpotel]]. An exotic Goan vegetable stew, known as [[Khatkhate]], has a high popularity 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. A rich [[egg (food)|egg]]-based multi-layered sweet dish known as [[bebinca]] represents a favorite at [[Christmas]]. [[fenny|Feni]] has the distinction of being the most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa; Cashew feni, made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, and coconut [[Goan Feni|feni]], made from the sap of toddy palms, represent two widely enjoyed variations.
  
Goa has two [[World Heritage Sites]]: the [[Bom Jesus Basilica]] 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 decade, 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.
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Goa has two [[World Heritage Sites]]: the [[Bom Jesus Basilica]] and a few designated convents. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of [[Saint Francis Xavier]], regarded by many Catholics as the patron saint of Goa (officially, the Blessed [[Joseph Vaz]] actually the patron of the [[Archdiocese of Goa]] has that honored position). Once every decade, the priesthood take the body down for veneration and for public viewing, the last viewing taking place in 2004. The Velhas Conquistas regions display highly regarded Goa-Portuguese style architecture.
  
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 Panjim, has been declared a cultural quarter, and are used as a living museum showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa. Some influences from the Portuguese era are visible in some of Goa's temples, notably the [[Mangueshi Temple]], although after 1961, many of these were demolished and reconstructed in the indigenous Indian style.
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In many parts of Goa, mansions constructed in the Indo-Portuguese style architecture still stand, though in some villages, most of them have fallen into disrepair. [[Fontainhas]] in Panjim, has been declared a cultural quarter, considered a living museum showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa. Some influences from the Portuguese era remain in Goa's temples, notably the [[Mangueshi Temple]], although after 1961, many had been demolished and reconstructed in the indigenous Indian style.
 
{{see also|Music of Goa|Goa literature}}
 
{{see also|Music of Goa|Goa literature}}
  
 
==Sports==
 
==Sports==
 
<!--[[Image:Goa Football.JPG|thumb|A Football match in progress in a local field at Saligao]]—>
 
<!--[[Image:Goa Football.JPG|thumb|A Football match in progress in a local field at Saligao]]—>
[[Football (soccer)|Football]] is perhaps the most popular sport in Goa and is embedded in Goan culture.<ref name = "Mills">{{cite journal |last= Mills |first= James|year=2001 |month=Summer |title=Football in Goa: Sport, Politics and the Portuguese in India |journal=Soccer & Society |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=75-88 |accessdate= 2007-07-19}}</ref> Its origins in the state are traced back to 1883 when the visiting British priest Fr. William Robert Lyons established the sport as part of a "Christian education".<ref name = "Mills"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goa-fa.com/node/45 |title= Goan football has little cause to look back|accessdate=2007-07-19 |publisher = Goa Football Association}}</ref> On December 22, 1959 the ''Associacao Futebol de Goa'' was formed, which continues to administer the game in the state under the new name, Goa Football Association.<ref name = "Mills"/> Goa, along with [[West Bengal]],and [[Kerala]].<ref name = "Mills"/> is the locus of football in the country and is home to many football club in India's [[National Football League (India)|National Football League]], including three of the ten Premier Division teams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianfootball.com/specials/nfl/teams/2006-07teams.html |title= NFL Teams 2006/07|accessdate=2007-07-19 |publisher = IndianFootball.Com}}</ref> The state's football powerhouses include [[Salgaocar Sports Club|Salgaocar]], [[Dempo Sports Club|Dempo]], [[Churchill Brothers SC|Churchill Brothers]], [[Vasco Sports Club]] and [[Sporting Clube de Goa]]. The state's main football stadium, [[Fatorda stadium|Fatroda (or Nehru stadium)]], is located at Margao and also hosts cricket matches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58301.html |title= Nehru stadium|accessdate=2007-07-19 |publisher = Cricinfo.com}}</ref>
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[[Football (soccer)|Football]], possibly the most popular sport in Goa, has been embedded in Goan culture.<ref>James Mills, "Summer Football in Goa: Sport, Politics and the Portuguese in India," ''Soccer & Society'' 2 (2)(2001): 75-88</ref> Its origins in the state trace to 1883 when the visiting British priest Fr. William Robert Lyons established the sport as part of a "Christian education".<ref>Ibid. </ref><ref> "Goan football has little cause to look back" Goa Football Association.</ref> On December 22, 1959 the ''Associacao Futebol de Goa'' was inaugurated, continuing to administer the game in the state under the new name, Goa Football Association.<ref>Mills </ref> Goa, along with [[West Bengal]] and [[Kerala]] constituted the locus of football in the country, home to many football club in India's [[National Football League (India)|National Football League]], including three of the ten Premier Division teams.<ref> [http://www.indianfootball.com/specials/nfl/teams/2006-07teams.html NFL Teams 2006/07.  IndianFootball.com accessdate 2007-07-19</ref> The state's football powerhouses include [[Salgaocar Sports Club|Salgaocar]], [[Dempo Sports Club|Dempo]], [[Churchill Brothers SC|Churchill Brothers]], [[Vasco Sports Club]] and [[Sporting Clube de Goa]]. The state's main football stadium, [[Fatorda stadium|Fatroda (or Nehru stadium)]], located at Margao, also hosts cricket matches.<ref>[http://content-www.cricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58301.html] Nehru stadium Cricinfo.com accessdate 2007-07-19 </ref>
  
In recent decades, a growing influence of [[cricket]] is visible, in large part fuelled by the massive coverage this sport gets on national television, thus making an impact even in a part of South Asia which hardly had any contact with the [[British Empire]].<!--{{Fact|date=July 2007}}—> Goa now has its own [[Goa cricket team|cricket team]]. [[Field Hockey]] is the third most popular sport.<!--{{Fact|date=July 2007}}—>
+
In recent decades, [[cricket]]'s popularity has grown, partly fueled by coverage on national television, thus making an impact even in a part of South Asia which hardly had any contact with the [[British Empire]] Goa has its own [[Goa cricket team|cricket team]]. [[Field Hockey]] constitutes another popular sport.
  
 
{{details|Goans in sports}}
 
{{details|Goans in sports}}
  
 
==Government and Politics==
 
==Government and Politics==
[[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 capital is [[Porvorim]] &ndash; the seat of the [[Goa assembly]], which lies across the Mandovi River. The state's judicial capital, however, is [[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. Goa contributes two seats to the [[Lok Sabha]] and one to the [[Rajya Sabha]], in India's bicameral parliament. 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 [[Goa assembly|Legislative Assembly]], headed by a [[Chief Minister]] who wields the executive power. The present Chief Minister of Goa is Mr. Digamber Kamat. 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.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/31/stories/2005013104051100.htm Odds stacked against Parrikar], Anil Sastry, ''[http://www.hindu.com The Hindu]'', 2005-01-31, verified 2005-04-02</ref> 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 [[Indian National Congress|Congress party]] and the [[BJP]] are the two largest parties in the state. In the assembly pole of 2007, Congress-led coalition won and started ruling the state.<ref>{{cite news |first= Sanjay|last=Banerjee |title=Congress set to rule Goa again |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2101667.cms |work=indiatimes.com |publisher= Times Internet Limited |date= 6 June 2007|accessdate= 2007-08-05}}</ref> Other parties include the [[United Goans Democratic Party]], the [[Nationalist Congress Party]] and the [[Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party]].
+
[[Panaji]], known as ''Panjim'' in English and earlier called ''Pangim'' in Portuguese times, and known in the local language as ''Ponnje'' serves as the administrative capital of Goa lying on the left bank of the Mandovi near Panaji. [[Porvorim]], the seat of the [[Goa assembly]] is Goa's legislative capital; it lies across the Mandovi River. [[Mumbai]] (formerly known as Bombay, the capital of Goa's neighboring Maharashtra state), as the state comes under the [[Bombay High Court]] acts as the state's judicial capital. A bench of the High Court presides in Panaji. Goa contributes two seats to the [[Lok Sabha]] and one to the [[Rajya Sabha]], in India's bicameral parliament. 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.
  
==Media and Communication==
+
Goa has a [[unicameral]] legislature consisting of a 40-member [[Goa assembly|Legislative Assembly]], headed by a [[Chief Minister]] who wields the executive power. Mr. Digamber Kamat sits as the present Chief Minister of Goa. 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 [[President of India]] appointes the governor who has a  largely ceremonial but crucial role. He decides who should form the next government or when to suspend the legislature, events that have taken place in the recent past. After having stable governance for nearly 30 years up to 1990, Goa has become notorious for its political instability with 14 governments turned from 1990 to 2005.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/31/stories/2005013104051100.htm Odds stacked against Parrikar], Anil Sastry, ''[http://www.hindu.com The Hindu]'' 2005-01-31, verified 2005-04-02</ref> In March 2005, the governor dissolved the assembly and declared [[President's Rule]], suspending the legislature. A by-election in June 2005 saw the Congress coming back to power after winning three of the five seats up for election. The [[Indian National Congress|Congress party]] and the [[BJP]] represent the two largest parties in the state. In the assembly poll of 2007, Congress-led coalition won.<ref> Sanjay Banerjee. Congress set to rule Goa again [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2101667.cms] ''indiatimes.com '' Times Internet Limited (6 June 2007) accessdate 2007-08-05</ref> Other parties include the [[United Goans Democratic Party]], the [[Nationalist Congress Party]] and the [[Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party]].
 +
 
 +
==Media and Communications==
 
{{main|Media in Goa}}
 
{{main|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.
+
People living in urban centers of Goa receive most television channels in India by way of cable. In the interior regions, viewers receive channels via satellite dish. [[Doordarshan]], the national television broadcaster, airs two free channels. <!--[[Dish TV]], [[Tata Sky]] & [[DD Direct Plus]] offer DTH ([[Direct To Home]]) TV services. [[All India Radio]], the only [[radio channel]] in the state, broadcasts on both [[Frequency Modulation| FM]] and [[Amplitude Modulation| AM]] bands. The primary channel at 1287&nbsp;kHz and the Vividh Bharati channel at 1539&nbsp;kHz broadcast two AM channels. FM Rainbow, AIR's FM channel, broadcast at 105.4&nbsp;MHz. [[Big FM]] at 92.7&nbsp;MHz, [[Radio Mirchi]] at 98.3&nbsp;MHz, and [[Radio Indigo]] at 91.9&nbsp;MHz constitute available Private FM radio channels. An educational radio channel, [[Gyan Vani]], run by [[IGNOU]], broadcasts from Panaji at 107.8&nbsp;MHz.—> STV Goa News, an independent 24 hours satellite TV channel, broadcasts news from around the state. A Free to Air (FTA) channel, satellite Thaicom 5 beams the programming. Goa has number of local news channels registered under Cable News Channel Association, broadcasting in a variety of languages: English, Maranthi, Konkani.  
 
+
Channel X5, a 24 hour entertainment cable channel, reaches over 10,000 houses in the capital city of Goa and beyond. News, Songs, Movies, Dramas, Current issues, Talk Shows and variety of other programmes in short we aim to cover everything in entertainment business in Goa.  
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 [[Frequency Modulation| FM]] and [[Amplitude Modulation| AM]] bands. Two AM channels are broadcast, the primary channel at 1287&nbsp;kHz and the Vividh Bharati channel at 1539&nbsp;kHz. AIR's FM channel is called FM Rainbow and is broadcast at 105.4&nbsp;MHz. Private FM radio channels available are [[Big FM]] at 92.7&nbsp;MHz, [[Radio Mirchi]] at 98.3&nbsp;MHz, and [[Radio Indigo]] at 91.9&nbsp;MHz. There is also an educational radio channel, [[Gyan Vani]], run by [[IGNOU]] broadcast from Panaji at 107.8&nbsp;MHz.
+
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 those, ''The [[Times of India]]'' and the ''[[Indian Express]]'' ship from Bombay and Bangalore in the urban areas. Officially-accredited newspapers include ''The Navhind Times,'' ''The Herald Times'' and ''The Gomantak Times'' (all in the English language) and ''Gomantak,'' ''Tarun Bharat,'' ''Navprabha,'' ''Pudhari,'' ''Goa Times,'' ''Sanatan Prabhat,'' ''Govadoot'' (all in Marathi), ''Sunaparant'' in Devanagiri-script Konkani. 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'' (Devanagiri-script Konkani), ''Harbour Times,'' ''[[Digital Goa]],'' and "J's House."
 
 
Goa has also started an independent 24 hours satellite TV channel called STV Goa News which gives news from all the different parts of the state and is presently beamed from the satellite Thaicom 5 and is a Free to Air (FTA) channel.
 
 
 
Goa has number of local news channels registered under CABLE NEWS CHANNEL ASSOCIATION which are as follows. GOA365 (ENGLISH), [http://goaplus.50webs.com  GOAPLUS ](ENGLISH & KONKANI), INGOA (MARATHI)< GOANEWSLINE (KONKANI) & [http://www.prudentmedia.in PRUDENT MEDIA ] (ENGLISH, KONKANI & MARATHI)
 
 
 
Channel X5 is 24 hrs entertainment cable channel with a reach of over 10,000 houses including the capital city of GOA which shows News, Songs, Movies, Dramas, Current issues, Talk Shows and variety of other programmes in short we aim to cover everything in entertainment business in Goa. Areas Covered so far are Panjim, Miramar, Dona Paula, Porvorim,Salvadour Do Mundo, Verem, Nerul, Sangolda, Candolim, Betim, Birtona, Pomburpa, Ekoshi and may areas to cover soon..! 
 
 
 
Major cellular service operators include [[Reliance Infocomm]], [[Tata Indicom]], [[Hutch (Indian cellular company)|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 Bombay and Bangalore in the urban areas. Among the list of officially-accredited newspapers are ''The Navhind Times'', ''The Herald Times'' and ''The Gomantak Times'' (all in the English language) and ''Gomantak'', ''Tarun Bharat'', ''Navprabha'', ''Pudhari'', ''Goa Times'', ''Sanatan Prabhat'', ''Govadoot'' (all in Marathi), ''Sunaparant'' in Devanagiri-script Konkani. 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'' (Devanagiri-script Konkani), ''Harbour Times'', ''[[Digital Goa]]'', and "J's House."
 
  
 
==Education==
 
==Education==
According to the 2001 census, Goa has a [[literacy rate]] of 82% with 89% of males and 76% of females being literate.<ref name = "LitRate"> {{cite web |url=http://educationforallinindia.com/page157.html |title= District-specific Literates and Literacy Rates, 2001|accessdate=2007-07-18 |publisher= Education for all in India }}</ref> Each taluka is made up of villages, each having a school run by the government. However, many of the state's residents prefer to enrol in privately run schools, which offer better facilities. All schools come under the state [[Secondary School Certificate|SSC]] whose syllabus is prescribed by the state Education department. There are also a few schools run by the all-India [[ICSE]] 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 (in private, but government-aided schools). As is the case in most of India, enrolment for vernacular media has seen a fall in numbers in favour of English medium education.
+
According to the 2001 census, Goa has a [[literacy rate]] of 82 percent with 89 percent of males and 76 percent of females being literate.<ref> [http://educationforallinindia.com/page157.html] District-specific Literates and Literacy Rates, 2001. "Education for all in India" accessdate 2007-07-18 </ref> Villages comprise talukas, each having a school run by the government. Many of the state's residents prefer to enroll their children in privately run schools, which offer better facilities. The state Education department prescribes programs for all schools under the state [[Secondary School Certificate|SSC]]. The all-India [[ICSE]] board govern a few schools. Most students in Goa complete their high school using English as the medium of instruction. Primary schools (in private, but government-aided schools), on the other hand, use Konkani. As in the case of most schools in India, English as a medium for education has been preferred.
  
After ten years of schooling, students join a [[Junior College]] which offers courses in popular streams such as [[Science]], [[Liberal Arts|Arts]], [[Law]] and [[Commerce]]. Additionally, many join three year [[diploma]] courses. Two years of college is followed by a professional degree. The [[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. The other private engineering colleges are [[BITS Pilani Goa Campus]], 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, [[liberal arts|arts]], commerce and science.
+
After ten years of schooling, students join a [[Junior College]] which offers courses in popular streams such as [[Science]], [[Liberal Arts|Arts]], [[Law]] and [[Commerce]]. Additionally, many join three year [[diploma]] courses, receiving a professional degree after two years of college. The [[Goa University]], the sole [[university]] in the state located in [[Taleigao]], serves as the hub for all [[Goan colleges]]. Four [[engineering]] colleges and one medical college offer degrees in the state. The state runs the [[Goa Engineering College]] and [[Goa Medical College]] while the other engineering colleges are privately run. The [[BITS Pilani Goa Campus]], Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, Shiroda, and [[Padre Conceicao College of Engineering]], Verna. Colleges offer[[pharmacy]], [[architecture]] and [[dentistry]] degrees and numerous private colleges offer law, [[liberal arts|arts]], commerce and science diplomas.
  
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 a '''''premier''''' [[business school]] - the '''''[[Goa Institute of Management]]''''' which is autonomous and was founded in 1993 by [[Fr. 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.
+
Many residents must take programs in other states as the demand for a course in Goa surpasses the available seats. Goa has well-known courses in [[marine engineering]], [[fisheries]], hotel management and [[cuisine]]. The State also hosts a '''''premier''''' [[business school]] - the '''''[[Goa Institute of Management]]''''', autonomous and founded in 1993 by [[Fr. Romuald D'souza]]. Students may study Portuguese in the colleges, often as a third language. The Goa University offers Bachelors and Masters degrees in Portuguese.
  
 +
<!--
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 
* [[Operation Vijay(1961)|The 1961 Armed Liberation of Goa]]
 
* [[Operation Vijay(1961)|The 1961 Armed Liberation of Goa]]
Line 232: Line 214:
 
* [[Media in Goa]]
 
* [[Media in Goa]]
 
* [[Tourism in Goa]]
 
* [[Tourism in Goa]]
 +
—>
 +
 +
==Notes==
 +
{{reflist|2}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
+
 
 +
* ''Goa. Hotspots.'' Peterborough, UK: Thomas Cook, 2007. ISBN 978-1841578286
 +
* Harding, Paul. ''Lonely Planet Goa,'' 3rd ed. Lonely Planet Publications, 2003. ISBN 1740591399
 +
* McAdam, Marika. ''Goa.'' Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet, 2006. ISBN 1740599764
 +
* Pearson, M. N. ''The Portuguese in India.'' (The New Cambridge history of India, I, 1.) Cambridge [Cambridgeshire]: Cambridge University Press, 1987. ISBN 978-0521257138
 +
* Pereira, José. ''Churches of Goa. Monumental legacy.'' New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN 978-0195655599.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Goa}}
+
All links retrieved June 24, 2017.
* {{wikitravel}}
+
 
* [http://goagovt.nic.in/ Government of Goa official website]
+
* [http://www.goa-tourism.com/ Goa Tourism Development Corporation].  
* [http://www.goainformation.org Goainformation]
 
* [http://www.GoaNews.co.nr GoaNews]
 
  
 
{{India}}
 
{{India}}
  
 
{{Portuguese overseas empire}}
 
{{Portuguese overseas empire}}
{{geodata-check|was=15.29000, 73.49000|suggest=15.46000, 73.94000}}
+
 
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Geography]]
 +
[[Category:History]]
  
 
{{credits|168582811}}
 
{{credits|168582811}}

Latest revision as of 08:05, 24 January 2023

  गोंय
गोवा

Goa
India
Map indicating the location of Goa
Thumbnail map of India with Goa highlighted
Location of Goa in India
Location of Goa
 Panaji 
Coordinates: 15°29′35″N 73°49′05″E / 15.493, 73.818
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area 3,702 km² (1,429 sq mi)
Capital Panaji
Largest city Vasco da Gama, Goa
District(s) 2
Population
Density
1,400,000 (25th)
• 363 /km² (940 /sq mi)
Language(s) Konkani
Governor SC Jamir
Chief Minister Digambar Kamat
Established May 30, 1987
Legislature (seats) Unicameral (40)
ISO abbreviation IN-GA
Website: goagovt.nic.in
"↑"Konkani, the sole official language but the government allows the use of Marathi for any or all official purposes.[1][2]
Seal of Goa
Seal of Goa

Coordinates: 15°29′35″N 73°49′05″E / 15.493, 73.818 Goa (Konkani: गोंय goṃya; Marathi: गोवा govā; Portuguese: Goa) refers to India's smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population. Located on the west coast of India in the region known as the Konkan, the state of Maharashtra bounds it to the north, Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.

Panaji (Panjim) serves as the state's capital. Vasco da Gama (Vasco) ranks the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the influence of Portuguese culture. Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the fifteenth century, and annexed it soon after. The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years (one of the longest held colonial possessions in the world), until India took over in 1961.[3] [4]

Renowned for its beaches, hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year visit Goa. Goa has won acclaim for its temples and world heritage architecture including the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, which makes it a popular Christian pilgrimage site. Goa also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, classified as a biodiversity hotspot.

Origin of name

The name Goa came to European languages from the Portuguese colonisers, but its precise origin remains unclear. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the area now known as Goa, as 'Goparashtra' or 'Govarashtra"' which means a nation of cowherds. 'Gopakapuri' or 'Gapakapattana' appeared in some ancient Sanskrit texts, and in other sacred Hindu texts such as the Harivansa and the Skanda Purana. In the latter, Goa has been called "Gomanchala." Gove, Govapuri, Gopakpattan, and Gomant represent other examples of names for the region in texts such as the Puranas.

History

Goa's known history stretches back to the third century B.C.E., when it formed part of the Mauryan Empire.[5] The Satavahanas of Kolhapur later ruled it around two thousand years ago and passed on to the Chalukyas of Badami, who controlled it between 580 to 750. Over the next few centuries, the Silharas, the Kadambas and the Chalukyas of Kalyani, rulers of Deccan India successively ruled Goa.[6] The Kadambas, a local Hindu dynasty based at Chandrapura, (present day Chandor - Salcete), laid an indelible mark on the course of Goa's pre-colonial history and culture.

In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the Delhi Sultanate. The kingdom's grip on the region proved weak, and by 1370 Harihara I of the Vijayanagara empire forced them to surrender. The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to the territory until 1469, when the Bahmani sultans of Gulbarga appropriated it. After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell to the hands of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur who made Velha Goa their auxiliary capital.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama became the first European to set foot in India through a sea route, landing in Calicut (Kozhikode) in Kerala, followed by an arrival in Old Goa. Goa, then a term referring to the City of Goa on the southern bank of the River Mandovi, represented the largest trading center on India's western coast. The Portuguese arrived with the intention of setting up a colony and seizing control of the spice trade from other European powers after traditional land routes to India had been closed by the Ottoman Turks. Later, in 1510, Portuguese admiral Afonso de Albuquerque 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). The Portuguese intended it to be a colony and a naval base, distinct from the fortified enclaves established elsewhere along India's coasts.

Ruins of Fort Aguada in north Goa; one of the defences that the Portuguese built during their reign.

With the imposition of the Inquisition (1560–1812), the Portuguese forced many of the local residents to convert to Christianity by missionaries, threatened by punishment or confiscation of land, titles or property. Converts retained parts of their Hindu heritage. To escape the Inquisition and harassment, thousands fled the state, settling down in the neighboring towns of Mangalore and Karwar in Karnataka, and Savantwadi in Maharashtra. With the arrival of the other European powers in India in the sixteenth century, the British and the Dutch surrounded most Portuguese possessions. Goa soon became Portugal's most important possession in India, granted the same civic privileges as Lisbon. In 1843 the capital moved to Panjim from Velha Goa. By mid-eighteenth century the area under occupation had expanded to most of Goa's present day state limits.

After India gained independence from the British in 1947, Portugal refused to accede to India's demand to relinquish their control of its enclave. Resolution 1541 by the United Nations General Assembly in 1960 noted Goa as non-self-governing and favored self determination. Finally, on December 12, 1961, the Indian army with 40,000 troops moved in as part of Operation Vijay. Fighting lasted for twenty-six hours before the Portuguese garrison surrendered. Goa, along with Daman and Diu (enclaves lying to the north of Maharashtra), became a centrally administered Union Territory on India. India commemorates its takeover of Goa on December 19 (Liberation Day). The UN Security Council considered a resolution condemning the invasion which the Soviet Union vetoed. Most nations later recognized India's action, and Portugal recognized it after the Carnation Revolution in 1974. On May 30, 1987, the Union Territory split, and Goa elevated to India's twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining Union Territories.


Geography and climate

Goa has earned fame for its sunny beaches.

Goa encompasses an area of 3,702 km² (1,430 sq mile). It lies between the latitudes 14°53'54" N and 15°40'00" N and longitudes 73°40'33" E and 74°20'13" E. Most of Goa forms a part of the coastal country known as the Konkan, an escarpment rising up to the Western Ghats range of mountains, which separate it from the Deccan Plateau. The Sonsogor constitutes the highest point, with an altitude of 1,167 metres (3,827 feet). Goa has a coastline of 101 km (63 miles).

Mandovi, the Zuari, the Terekhol, Chapora River and the Betul number among Goa's main rivers. The Mormugao harbor on the mouth of the river Zuari serves as one of the best natural harbors in South Asia. The Zuari and the Mandovi act as the lifelines of Goa, with their tributaries draining 69% of its geographic area. Goa has more than forty estuarine, eight marine and about ninety riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers measures 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.

Laterites, rich in ferric aluminium oxides and reddish in color, make up most of Goa's soil cover. Further inland and along the river banks, alluvial and loamy soil exist. The soil, rich in minerals and humus, serves farming well. Some of the oldest rocks in the Indian subcontinent lay in Goa between Molem and Anmod on Goa's border with Karnataka. The rocks, classified as Trondjemeitic Gneiss, have been dated by the Rubidium isotope dating method to 3,600 million years old. Goa University exhibits a specimen of the rock.

Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a warm and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May, being the hottest, has day time 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. of Goa receives most its annual rainfall through the monsoons which last till late September.

Goa has a short cool season between mid-December and February. Cool nights of around 20 °C (68 °F) and warm days of around 29 °C (84 °F) with moderate amounts of humidity mark those months. Further inland, due to altitudinal gradation, the nights read a few degrees cooler.

Subdivisions

Talukas of Goa. Talukas in purple shades belong to North Goa district, and orange denote South Goa.

The state divides into two districts: North Goa and South Goa. Panaji serves as the headquarters of the north Goa district and Margao of the south district. A district collector, an administrator appointed by the Indian government governs each district.

The districts divide further into eleven talukas – Talukas of North Goa are Bardez, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, Satari and Tiswadi, the talukas of South Goa are Canacona, Mormugao, Quepem, Salcete and Sanguem. Headquarters of the respective talukas are Mapusa, Bicholim, Pernem, Ponda, Valpoi, Panjim, Chaudi, Vasco, Quepem, Margao and Sanguem.

In the Parliament of India, Goa has two seats in the Lok Sabha, one representing each district, and one seat in the Rajya Sabha.

The Salim Ali Bird sanctuary represents one of the best-known bird sanctuaries in India.

Flora and fauna

Forest cover in Goa stands at 1,424 km², mostly owned by the government. Government owned forest comprises an estimated 1224.38 km² while private accounts for 200 km². The interior eastern regions of the state serve as home for most of the forests in the state. The Western Ghats, which form most of eastern Goa, have been internationally recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The February 1999 issue of National Geographic Magazine compared Goa with the Amazon and Congo basins for its rich tropical biodiversity.

Goa designated the Gaur its state animal, the Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul (a variation of Black-crested Bulbul) its state bird, and the Asan its state tree.

The important forests products include bamboo canes, Maratha barks, chillar barks and the bhirand. The ubiquitous Coconut trees grow 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.

Foxes, wild boars and migratory birds live in the jungles of Goa. The avifauna includes kingfishers, mynas and parrots. Fisherman catch numerous types of fish 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 in 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 percent of its geographic area in government-protected forests (1224.38 km²) of which about 62 percent has been brought under Protected Areas (PA) of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park. Since a substantial area remains in private forests and large tracts in cashew, mango, and coconut plantations, the total forest and tree cover constitutes 56.6 percent of the geographic area.

Economy

Gross State Domestic Product at Current Prices (in millions of Indian Rupees)[7]

figures in crores of Indian Rupees

Year Gross State Domestic Product
1980 3,980
1985 6,550
1990 12,570
1995 33,190
2000 76,980
Fishing in the Chapora river.

Goa's gross state domestic product for 2004 reached an estimated US$3 billion at current exchange rates. Goa, India's richest state, has a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole, and one of its fastest growth rates: 8.23 percent (yearly average 1990–2000). Tourism has become Goa's primary industry: it handles 12 percent[8] 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 summertime (the rainy season in Goa) tourists from across India come to spend the holidays.

Tourism generally focuses on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. In 2004 more than two million tourists visited Goa, 400,000 from abroad. The land away from the coast yields an abundance of 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 tons of cargo last year, and accounts for over 39 percent of India's iron ore exports.

Agriculture, while declining in importance to the economy over the past four decades, offers part-time employment to a sizable portion of the populace. Rice constitutes 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 vitality of that sector with a decline in catch, possibly from over fishing by large factory trawlers. Medium scale industries include the manufacturing of pesticides, fertilizers, tires, tubes, footwear, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, wheat products, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, brewery products. Consumers have noticed Goa's inexpensive liquor as a result of extremely 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. Zuari Industries (2005 gross income Rs.36,302 million) and Sesa Goa (2005 gross income Rs.17,265 million), two S&P CNX 500 conglomerates, have corporate offices in Goa.


Transport

Goa's sole airport, the Dabolim Airport, serves as a military and civilian airport catering to domestic and international airlines that stop en route to other Indian destinations. In addition to regular flights, the airport handles a large number of chartered flights. Goa receives International flights from Dubai, Sharjah and Kuwait in the Middle East and from the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia during the charter flight tourist season. Dabolim airport hosts the following carriers services: Air India, Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Kingfisher airlines, Go air, Spice jet, Jet Airways besides Charter flights from Thomas Cook (condor) and other travel companies.

Goa's public transport largely consists of privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Government-run buses, maintained 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. Public transport in Goa has undergone little development, residents depending mainly on their own transport, usually motorized two-wheelers. Goa has two National Highways passing through it. NH-17 runs along India's west coast and links Goa to Bombay 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, once complete will be 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. The Motorcycle taxi, operated by drivers locally called "pilots," constitute a unique form of transport in Goa. Those vehicles transport a single pillion rider, at fares usually negotiated prior or after the journey. In some places in Goa, ferry boats operated by the river navigation departments service river crossings. Goa has two rail lines—one run by the South Western Railway and the other by the Konkan Railway. The line run by the South Western Railway, built during the colonial era, links the port town of Vasco da Gama with Hubli in Karnataka via Margao. The Konkan Railway line, built during the 1990s, runs parallel to the coast connecting Mumbai to the Malabar Coast.

The Mormugao harbor 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, 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.

Demographics

A native of Goa is referred to as a Goan in English, 'Goenkar' in Konkani, 'Goês' (male) or 'Goesa' (female) in Portuguese, and a 'Govekar' in Marathi. 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 percent per annum, with 363 people for each square kilometer of the land. 49.77 percent of the population lives in urban areas; the sex ratio stands at 960 females to 1000 males. Hinduism (65.8 percent), Christianity (26.7 percent) and Islam (6.8 percent) constitute the three main religions in Goa. [9] Roman Catholicism reached Goa during the period of European colonization, which began in 1498 when the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived on the Malabar coast. A small community of Sikhs make up 0.1 percent of the population. Goa's major cities include Vasco, Margao, Marmagao (also known as Murgaon or Mormugão), Panjim and Mapusa; they connect creating a de facto conurbation, or a more or less continuous urban area.

Konkani represents the official language of Goa. Following the end of Portuguese rule, Konkani and Marathi became the most widely used languages.[10] People speak primarily Konkani while using English and Marathi for official, literary or educational purposes;[11] and other languages including Hindi and Portuguese. Language has been a controversial issue in Goa, then pro-Konkani and pro-Marathi camps contending for primacy between 1985–1987. Konkani has enjoyed popular support as the mother tongue. After the agitation ended in 1987, a complex formula grants 'official language' status to Konkani, while allowing the use Marathi "for any or all official purposes." Portuguese, the language of the elite before liberation, has been shrinking in the number of speakers. A small number seem to Portuguese at home, and a few Portuguese books have even been published in recent years. Many of the state residents view English as a language of opportunity and social mobility.

Culture

An example of traditional Portuguese-influenced Goan architecture.

Christmas, Easter Sunday, Ganesh Chaturthi (Chavoth-Konkani), Divali, New Year's Day, Shigmo and the Carnival represent the most popular celebrations in Goa. Since the 1960s, the celebrations of the Shigmo and carnival have shifted to the urban centers, with many in recent times viewing those festivals as a means of attracting tourists rather than indigenous celebrations.

Western English songs enjoy a popular audience throughout most of Goa. Traditional Konkani folk songs also have a sizable following. People sing and dance Manddo, the traditional Goan music originating in the nineteenth century, on special occasions. Goa has been renowned for its trance music. In the year 2006, the AIR FM channel ran a program "Goa Top 10," which listed the most requested tracks of the week. During analysis, it emerged that the song "Faithful" by Lobo had an unusually high, consistent popularity, although on the market for a lengthy time. Thus, that song may fairly be called Goa's favorite English song, and has been referred to as Goa's English anthem.

Dekhnni, fugdi, and corridinho represent some traditional Goan dance forms.

Rice with fish curry (Xit kodi-Konkani) serve as the staple diet in Goa. Goa has a rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Goans widely use coconut and coconut oil in cooking along with chili peppers, spices and vinegar giving the food a unique flavor. For major occasions, Catholics enjoy cooking Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti and Sorpotel. An exotic Goan vegetable stew, known as Khatkhate, has a high popularity 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. A rich egg-based multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca represents a favorite at Christmas. Feni has the distinction of being the most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa; Cashew feni, made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, and coconut feni, made from the sap of toddy palms, represent two widely enjoyed variations.

Goa has two World Heritage Sites: the Bom Jesus Basilica and a few designated convents. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier, regarded by many Catholics as the patron saint of Goa (officially, the Blessed Joseph Vaz actually the patron of the Archdiocese of Goa has that honored position). Once every decade, the priesthood take the body down for veneration and for public viewing, the last viewing taking place in 2004. The Velhas Conquistas regions display highly regarded Goa-Portuguese style architecture.

In many parts of Goa, mansions constructed in the Indo-Portuguese style architecture still stand, though in some villages, most of them have fallen into disrepair. Fontainhas in Panjim, has been declared a cultural quarter, considered a living museum showcasing the life, architecture and culture of Goa. Some influences from the Portuguese era remain in Goa's temples, notably the Mangueshi Temple, although after 1961, many had been demolished and reconstructed in the indigenous Indian style.


Sports

Football, possibly the most popular sport in Goa, has been embedded in Goan culture.[12] Its origins in the state trace to 1883 when the visiting British priest Fr. William Robert Lyons established the sport as part of a "Christian education".[13][14] On December 22, 1959 the Associacao Futebol de Goa was inaugurated, continuing to administer the game in the state under the new name, Goa Football Association.[15] Goa, along with West Bengal and Kerala constituted the locus of football in the country, home to many football club in India's National Football League, including three of the ten Premier Division teams.[16] The state's football powerhouses include Salgaocar, Dempo, Churchill Brothers, Vasco Sports Club and Sporting Clube de Goa. The state's main football stadium, Fatroda (or Nehru stadium), located at Margao, also hosts cricket matches.[17]

In recent decades, cricket's popularity has grown, partly fueled by coverage on national television, thus making an impact even in a part of South Asia which hardly had any contact with the British Empire Goa has its own cricket team. Field Hockey constitutes another popular sport.


Government and Politics

Panaji, known as Panjim in English and earlier called Pangim in Portuguese times, and known in the local language as Ponnje serves as the administrative capital of Goa lying on the left bank of the Mandovi near Panaji. Porvorim, the seat of the Goa assembly is Goa's legislative capital; it lies across the Mandovi River. Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay, the capital of Goa's neighboring Maharashtra state), as the state comes under the Bombay High Court acts as the state's judicial capital. A bench of the High Court presides in Panaji. Goa contributes two seats to the Lok Sabha and one to the Rajya Sabha, in India's bicameral parliament. 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 40-member Legislative Assembly, headed by a Chief Minister who wields the executive power. Mr. Digamber Kamat sits as the present Chief Minister of Goa. 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 President of India appointes the governor who has a largely ceremonial but crucial role. He decides who should form the next government or when to suspend the legislature, events that have taken place in the recent past. After having stable governance for nearly 30 years up to 1990, Goa has become notorious for its political instability with 14 governments turned from 1990 to 2005.[18] In March 2005, the governor dissolved the assembly and declared President's Rule, suspending the legislature. A by-election in June 2005 saw the Congress coming back to power after winning three of the five seats up for election. The Congress party and the BJP represent the two largest parties in the state. In the assembly poll of 2007, Congress-led coalition won.[19] Other parties include the United Goans Democratic Party, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.

Media and Communications

People living in urban centers of Goa receive most television channels in India by way of cable. In the interior regions, viewers receive channels via satellite dish. Doordarshan, the national television broadcaster, airs two free channels. STV Goa News, an independent 24 hours satellite TV channel, broadcasts news from around the state. A Free to Air (FTA) channel, satellite Thaicom 5 beams the programming. Goa has number of local news channels registered under Cable News Channel Association, broadcasting in a variety of languages: English, Maranthi, Konkani. Channel X5, a 24 hour entertainment cable channel, reaches over 10,000 houses in the capital city of Goa and beyond. News, Songs, Movies, Dramas, Current issues, Talk Shows and variety of other programmes in short we aim to cover everything in entertainment business in Goa. 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 those, The Times of India and the Indian Express ship from Bombay and Bangalore in the urban areas. Officially-accredited newspapers include The Navhind Times, The Herald Times and The Gomantak Times (all in the English language) and Gomantak, Tarun Bharat, Navprabha, Pudhari, Goa Times, Sanatan Prabhat, Govadoot (all in Marathi), Sunaparant in Devanagiri-script Konkani. 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 (Devanagiri-script Konkani), Harbour Times, Digital Goa, and "J's House."

Education

According to the 2001 census, Goa has a literacy rate of 82 percent with 89 percent of males and 76 percent of females being literate.[20] Villages comprise talukas, each having a school run by the government. Many of the state's residents prefer to enroll their children in privately run schools, which offer better facilities. The state Education department prescribes programs for all schools under the state SSC. The all-India ICSE board govern a few schools. Most students in Goa complete their high school using English as the medium of instruction. Primary schools (in private, but government-aided schools), on the other hand, use Konkani. As in the case of most schools in India, English as a medium for education has been preferred.

After ten years of schooling, students join a Junior College which offers courses in popular streams such as Science, Arts, Law and Commerce. Additionally, many join three year diploma courses, receiving a professional degree after two years of college. The Goa University, the sole university in the state located in Taleigao, serves as the hub for all Goan colleges. Four engineering colleges and one medical college offer degrees in the state. The state runs the Goa Engineering College and Goa Medical College while the other engineering colleges are privately run. The BITS Pilani Goa Campus, Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, Shiroda, and Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Verna. Colleges offerpharmacy, architecture and dentistry degrees and numerous private colleges offer law, arts, commerce and science diplomas.

Many residents must take programs in other states as the demand for a course in Goa surpasses the available seats. Goa has well-known courses in marine engineering, fisheries, hotel management and cuisine. The State also hosts a premier business school - the Goa Institute of Management, autonomous and founded in 1993 by Fr. Romuald D'souza. Students may study Portuguese in the colleges, often as a third language. The Goa University offers Bachelors and Masters degrees in Portuguese.


Notes

  1. [1] Goa accessdate 2007-07-17, (Commissioner Linguistic Minorities, 42nd Report, July 2003 to June 2004, National Commissioner Linguistic Minorities) "Konkani is the official language of the state. There is no second official language. However, as per notification, Marathi will be used for the purpose of reply by the Government whenever communications are received in that language. In the Official Language Act, it is provided that "the Marathi language, shall also be used for all or any of the official purposes." Further it is provided that "nothing contained in this sub section shall be deemed to affect the use of the Marathi language in educational, social or cultural fields."
  2. UNI Marathi vs Konkani debate continues in Goa |work= rediff.com Rediff.com India Limited. (May 30, 2007) accessdate 2007-07-17.
  3. [2] Liberation of Goa. accessdate 2007-07-17 (Government Polytechnic, Panaji)
  4. Jagan Pillarisetti The Liberation of Goa: an Overview. The Liberation of Goa: 1961.
  5. Alfredo Froilano de Mello[3] A Summary of the Early History of Goa (2000 B.C.E. - 1500 C.E.) 2007-07-18 goacom.com (Demerg Systems India)Retrieved January 1, 2008.
  6. Paul Harding. "Facts about Goa: History," Lonely Planet Goa, 3rd edition, (Lonely Planet Publications, 2003), 9–14
  7. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Retrieved 2006-09-07.
  8. Economy of Goa, from goenkar.com verified 2005-04-02.
  9. 2001 Indian Census Data
  10. [4] Table 26: Three Main Languages in every State, 1991 accessdate 2007-08-01 (Census of India 1991, Office of the Registrar General, India)
  11. The Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 makes Konkani the sole official language, but provides that Marathi may also be used for "for all or any of the official purposes." The Government also has a policy of replying in Marathi to correspondence received in Marathi. Commissioner Linguistic Minorities 42nd report: July 2003 - June 2004 [5] accessdate 2007-06-06
  12. James Mills, "Summer Football in Goa: Sport, Politics and the Portuguese in India," Soccer & Society 2 (2)(2001): 75-88
  13. Ibid.
  14. "Goan football has little cause to look back" Goa Football Association.
  15. Mills
  16. [http://www.indianfootball.com/specials/nfl/teams/2006-07teams.html NFL Teams 2006/07. IndianFootball.com accessdate 2007-07-19
  17. [6] Nehru stadium Cricinfo.com accessdate 2007-07-19
  18. Odds stacked against Parrikar, Anil Sastry, The Hindu 2005-01-31, verified 2005-04-02
  19. Sanjay Banerjee. Congress set to rule Goa again [7] indiatimes.com Times Internet Limited (6 June 2007) accessdate 2007-08-05
  20. [8] District-specific Literates and Literacy Rates, 2001. "Education for all in India" accessdate 2007-07-18

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Goa. Hotspots. Peterborough, UK: Thomas Cook, 2007. ISBN 978-1841578286
  • Harding, Paul. Lonely Planet Goa, 3rd ed. Lonely Planet Publications, 2003. ISBN 1740591399
  • McAdam, Marika. Goa. Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet, 2006. ISBN 1740599764
  • Pearson, M. N. The Portuguese in India. (The New Cambridge history of India, I, 1.) Cambridge [Cambridgeshire]: Cambridge University Press, 1987. ISBN 978-0521257138
  • Pereira, José. Churches of Goa. Monumental legacy. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN 978-0195655599.

External links

All links retrieved June 24, 2017.

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