Goa Liberation Movement: Goa Liberation refers to the military operation and the events leading to the annexation of the Indian state of Goa, along with the territories of Daman and Diu, by the Republic of India.

The Goa Liberation Day is on 19th December. It marks the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule. After India’s independence, Goa was not recognized as a part of India, and after 14 years on 19th December 1961, Goa was recognized as a union state of India. In 1510, the Portuguese invaded Goa and ruled for 450 years. Goa had a separate independence day from India because the Portuguese refused to count Goa as a part of the Indian subcontinent.

In this article, we will look into the Goa Liberation Movement, the History of Goa’s Freedom, Revolts against Portuguese rule, the Annexation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, along the aftermath and effects of Goa’s liberation.

What is the Goa Liberation Movement?

The term “Goa Liberation” describes the military campaign carried out by the Indian Armed Forces in December 1961 to annex and integrate the province of Goa into the Indian Union, together with its two enclaves, Daman and Diu. Goa was under Portuguese colonial rule before this operation. Following the military operation dubbed “Operation Vijay,” Portuguese authorities were driven out, and on December 19, 1961, Goa, Daman, and Diu merged with India. With the independence, Portuguese colonial rule over these areas ended.

Also Read: 56th Constitutional Amendment Act: Goa Full-Fledged State

History of Goa Liberation Movement

In this section, we will explore the invasion of Goa, the revolts against Portuguese rule, and the independence movement.

Portuguese Possessions

The possession of Goa was from 1510 to 1961. Alfonso de Albuquerque wanted Goa under Portuguese rule, and after a short but intense military campaign, Goa fell under Portuguese control.

Portugal’s possession of Goa started a long colonial era. During this period, Goa became a key hub for Portuguese trade in the East, promoting economic funds for the colonizers.

The coastal location facilitated trade and cultural exchange, as Portuguese influences began to intermix the local way of life. When Goa was under Portuguese rule, it significantly shaped Goa’s identity, which is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and religious practices.

Revolts Against Portuguese Rule

There were 12 revolts against Portuguese rule before the liberation of Goa. In 1583, the ‘Cuncolim Revolt’ took place, the first rebellion against the Portuguese in Goa. During this revolt, villagers opposed the Roman Catholic priests and their guards who were trying to convert people and harm Hindu temples.

A Jesuit priest, Rodolfo Acquaviva, who was once in Emperor Akbar’s court, was among those killed. In response, the Portuguese took revenge by inviting 16 chieftains for peace talks and then killing them at the Assolna fort.

One person managed to escape by jumping into the river and swimming to Karwar-Karnataka. This revolt stands as a symbol of locals resisting the suppression of their culture and traditions by invaders.

Independence Movement

The fight for freedom from Portuguese rule in Goa has been ongoing, and it became stronger in the mid-20th century when many countries were gaining independence. The idea of people governing themselves and having their rights inspired this movement.

The roots of this movement began in the 19th century when T.B. Cunha started speaking up for the rights of the people. As the 20th century progressed, the people of Goa united and started organizing protests and movements against the unfair Portuguese rule.

In 1955, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia led a significant protest for freedom in Goa. The goal was to challenge unjust rules and demand basic rights. This protest followed the principle of Satyagraha, promoting peaceful resistance. It aimed to show the challenges and hardships faced by the people of Goa.

Liberation of Goa – Annexation of Dadra and Nagar

The beginning of the liberation of Goa was started in the mid-20th century when the Indian freedom movement inspired aspirations for autonomy. The protest led by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, challenging discriminatory policies made way for Operation Vijay in 1961, as the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Operation Vijay

The operation to liberate Goa, known as Operation Vijay, started with the platoon boarding INS Trishul on December 18, 1961. Their mission was to land in two waves on a beach three kilometers south of the main Portuguese outpost.

Before the first wave set off, the Portuguese hoisted a large white flag on the island’s northern tip, mistakenly interpreted as a symbol of surrender by the initial wave. The first group reached the shore unharmed, but the second encountered Portuguese machine gunfire, resulting in one sailor’s instant death and serious injuries to others.

A fierce battle ensued between Indian and Portuguese forces to control Anjadip. Lieutenant Arun Auditto led the first group, overpowering troops on the northern slope, while INS Trishul initiated fire on the northwest ridge. The combined assault from INS Mysore and INS Trishul forced the entrenched Portuguese garrison to surrender.

• On December 18, 1961, the Tricolor was proudly raised on Anjadip.
• Seven sailors, including two officers, sacrificed their lives, and 17 others were injured during this crucial mission.
• Simultaneously, the Indian Army and Air Force initiated their movements towards Goa. Four IAF Canberra aircraft conducted an offensive operation by strafing the Dabolim airstrip.

Ground forces approached Goa from three directions: north (Karwar), south (Sawantwadi), and southwest (Belgaum). The Indian Navy, represented by frigates Betwa, Beas, and Cauvery, guarded the seaward approach and protected the ports of Marmagao and Panjim.

Facing encirclement, Albuquerque had a three-minute ultimatum to surrender, and on December 19, the last Portuguese Governor-General, Antonio Vassalo e Silva, signed the Instrument of Surrender. Operation Vijay concluded in less than 40 hours, and the successful Liberation of Goa was finally achieved by the Indian military forces and its integration back into India.

Annexation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

In 1954, a group called the UFG, led by people like Francis Mascarenhas and Viman Sardesai, attacked the police station in Dadra. They assassinated Aniceto Rosário, a police officer. The next day, they raised the Indian flag, and Dadra was declared free. Jayanti Bhai Desai led a team to take care of Dadra.

Aftermath of Goa Liberation Movement

When Goa became a part of India in 1961, Portugal was upset and didn’t want to be friends with India anymore. They didn’t agree that Goa was now part of India. In Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, people were sad. They had a quiet Christmas, closed cinemas and theaters, and had a parade to remember St. Francis Xavier quietly.

• After India took over, a military leader named Kunhiraman Palat Candeth managed Goa for some time. Then, in 1962, civilians (normal people, not the military) took charge with a group called the Consultative Council.
• The Soviet Union and other countries supported India in freeing Goa. The United Nations and NATO, which are groups of countries, didn’t like India’s actions. They thought it was too quick and not in line with India’s peaceful ways.
• Goa’s transition into an Indian state in 1987, following its initial status as a union territory post-liberation in 1961, marked a pivotal moment. This change enabled Goans to have parliamentary representation and shaped tailored policies for economic growth and cultural preservation.
• With Konkani as the official language, Goa’s identity strengthened, reflecting progress in sectors like tourism and industry. Overall, the statehood signified a shift toward self-governance, fostering development and cultural pride within the larger Indian Union.

Integration of Goa into the Indian Union

When Goa became a part of India, it was a big moment in Goa’s history. It meant the end of Portuguese rule and the start of self-governance as a part of India. At first, after being free in 1961, Goa, along with Daman and Diu, was like a special area called a union territory. Then, on May 30, 1987, Goa became its state.

This change brought good things. Goa could now have its own Members of Parliament to speak for Goans in the big Indian government. This was like having a say in important national decisions. Goa could also make its own rules and plans for things like tourism, farming, and business. This helped Goa grow and do better in different areas.

When Goa became a state, it also helped keep and share its rich culture. People in Goa now speak Konkani as the official language, making sure their unique identity is celebrated and preserved. All these changes show how Goa’s integration into the Indian Union made a big positive impact.

Goa Independence Activists

Gaining independence from Portugal was not an easy task, and here are the freedom fighters who played pivotal roles in the liberation of Goa- Ram Manohar Lohia, Vishwanath Lawande, Narayan Hari Naik, Dattatraya Deshpande, and Mohan Ranade.

These freedom fighters, with their contributions together, were a crucial part of independence in Goa. Their sacrifices, dedication, and strength against colonial forces were necessary for the eventual success of the Goa liberation movement in 1961.

Significance of Goa Liberation Movement

The Goa Liberation Movement holds immense significance as a successful struggle for freedom, representing the end of centuries of colonial rule. The successful liberation in 1961 was a powerful moment, which helped Goa in forming its political stance and culture. It shows how strong the people of Goa are. They fought for their right to decide for themselves.

Summary – Goa Liberation Movement

In summary, the successful integration of the regions of Goa, Daman, and Diu into the Indian Union was commemorated by the Goa Liberation of 1961, which was an important event in India’s history. Portuguese colonial control was ended by the military action known as Action Vijay, which also confirmed India’s determination to recapture its sovereign lands. The achievement of self-determination and national sovereignty was shown by the liberation of Goa, which strengthened the unity and territorial integrity of the Indian country.

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FAQs on Goa Liberation Movement

When was Goa Liberated?

Goa was liberated on 19th December, 1961 after Operation Vijay. Since then every year on 19th December citizens of Goa celebrate Liberation day.

When did Portuguese rule begin in Goa?

Portuguese rule in Goa began in 1510, when Alfonso de Albuquerque invaded and captured Goa. Their reign was for over four centuries.

Who was the first freedom fighter from Goa?

Mohan Ranade was one of the first fighters, who fought for liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule.

Why is Goa Liberation day important?

Goa Liberation Day holds importance as it pays respect to the formal liberation and inclusion of Goa into the Indian Union in 1961, breaking free from centuries of Portuguese colonial rule.

How did Goa become free?

When talks with Portugal didn’t work, India sent its armed forces to take Goa. They conducted a military operation on December 18 and 19, 1961, and Goa was captured with little resistance.