The Portuguese Arrival in Goa (1510)
The Portuguese first conquered Goa in 1510. Their control was initially limited to five islands: Goa (also known as Tiswadi), Chorão, Divar, Vamsim, and Jua. Tiswadi alone consisted of thirty villages. These areas later became known as the Old Conquests (Velhas Conquistas).
Expansion of the Old Conquests
In 1543, Portuguese rule expanded to include Bardez, Mormugao, and Salcette. Bardez had twelve villages, while Salcette included sixty-six. Together, Tiswadi and Salcette accounted for ninety-six villages. The Sarasvat communities living in these villages came to be known as Sashti, meaning “ninety-six.” Residents of Bardez were known as Bardezkars.
The New Conquests (18th Century)
During the eighteenth century, the Portuguese expanded inland, acquiring territories known as the New Conquests. Ponda was taken from the Marathas in 1763. Sanquem, Quepem, and Canacona followed in 1764, acquired from the rulers of Sonda. Between 1781 and 1788, Satari, Pernem, and Bicholim were annexed from the Bhonsles of Sawantwadi.
Temples and Religious Change
Between 1540 and 1580, most Hindu temples in the Old Conquests were destroyed. Many temples were relocated to areas north and east of the Zuari River, particularly in Ponda, which was then under Maratha rule. These relocated temples continue to shape the religious geography of Goa today.
Together, the Old and New Conquests formed the Portuguese State of India (Estado da Índia Portuguesa). Old Goa originally served as the capital and the residence of the Portuguese viceroy. After a severe epidemic in 1759, the viceroy moved to Panaji. Over time, the administration followed, and in 1843 Panaji was officially declared the capital of Portuguese Goa.
Timeline: Key Events in Portuguese Goa
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1510 – Portuguese conquer Goa; control limited to five islands
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1543 – Bardez, Mormugao, and Salcette added to Portuguese territory
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1540–1580 – Destruction of Hindu temples in the Old Conquests
- 1759 – Epidemic leads viceroy to move from Old Goa to Panaji
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1763 – Ponda acquired from the Marathas
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1764 – Sanquem, Quepem, and Canacona annexed
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1781–1788 – Satari, Pernem, and Bicholim acquired
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1843 – Panaji officially declared the capital of Portuguese Goa