a. One of the imperial powers of Europe, that is, Portugal had invaded Goa in 1510. Hence, a very strategically important area on the western coast of India was under the rule of colonial powers since the 16^th century. Moreover, with this invasion of Goa, Portugal became the first colonial power to come to India and also the last one to leave.

b. Finally after 4 centuries, in 1961, the Indian Army won back Goa fighting a 36-hour battle.

c. The colonial master, i.e., Portuguese brutally suppressed the people of Goa, and even denied them their civil rights and liberties,

d. Portuguese also carried out forceful religious conversions of Hindus and Muslims and converted them into Christianity. Thus, the objective of Portuguese was twofold- economic exploitation and religious dominance.

e. The liberation of Goa was finally possible in the mid 20^th century. Goa was initially incorporated as a Union Territory by the Indian Government after driving out the Portugal forces. It was named as Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu.

f. However, this struggle was not easy. Portugal had refused to give up their control over the region.

g. India also tried to talk to Portugal diplomatically at first, but Portuguese refused to accede to our demands. Finally, all tools of deliberation and peaceful methods to talk failed and thus in December 1961, the Indian Government sent the army to fight the Portuguese.

h. Goans, satyagrahis and a large group of socialists organized a mass movement against them. With the help of the Indian Government, Goa was liberated in 1961.

i. After few years, Goa became state in 1987.