From the 8th to13th century, Daman and Diu, which was a part of Goa was a stronghold of the Chowda Rajputs who were ousted by the Waghalas who in turn were expelled by Muslims in1330. It continued under Muslims rule for another two hundred years when it was conquered by the Portuguese. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 451 years (1510-1961). Albuquerque entrenched himself in the Island of Tiswadi in1510. His successors had unbroken sway over this lovely territory for four and a half centuries despite mounting resentment and opposition to the alien rule from the people within and outside the territory. Even as the Portuguese were settling down, admirals and seamen of the Indian powers were challenging their might on the high seas.

When Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat, was attacked by the Mughal Emperor Humayun he entered into a defensive alliance with the Portuguese and allowed them in 1535 to construct a fortress on the Island and maintain a garrison there. Later several attempts were made by the rulers of Gujarat in 1536, 1545 and 1546 respectively to oust the Portuguese from the Fort of Diu but to no avail. By the Treaty of 1543 the cessation of Diu to the Portuguese was finally confirmed. The fortress of Diu, an imposing structure was reconstructed after the siege of 1545 by Dom Joao de Castro.

By the middle of the 16th century the Portuguese were able to annex Salcete and Bardez Talukas and the coastal areas, north of Bombay and the pockets of Daman and Diu.

In 1670, a small armed band of the Arabs of Muscat surprised and plundered the fortress, retiring with the booty they had acquired. Since that happening, the other most worthy event occurred in connection with the liberation of Portuguese settlement-'Operation Vijay' just before the midnight of December 16, 1961, ending the colonial rule. The different land blocks on the west coast of India, Daman, Diu and Goa came to form one political unit after liberation from the erstwhile Portuguese regime in 1961. In 1987, when Goa become a full fledged state, Daman and Diu was separated from Goa.

FESTIVALS

Gangaji fair is held every year in the village Dabhel, near the Somnatha Mahadev temple. Large number of people both from within the district as well as outside gather here, take bath in the tank and worship Lord Shiva. Other major Hindu festivals such as Holi, Dushera, Diwali, are also celebrated in this district. Christians celebrate X'mas, carnival, New Year day etc. Muslims celebrate the festival Id.

ECONOMY - Industries

The total number of industrial units registered as small scale industries in Daman And Diu together are about 535. The main industrial area of the union territory are Somnath, Dabhel, Bhimpore and Kadaiya. In view of additional demand on account of growth in industries and normal development work a 1x10Kva 66/11Kva unit was commissioned at Dalwada in Daman.

Agriculture

In the district of Daman, the important field and garden crops grown are paddy, Ragi, groundnut, pulses and beans, wheat, banana, sapota and mango. The net sown area is about 3727 hectares which forms about 67% of the districts geographical area.

Daman lies 193kms north of Bombay on the coast of the southern edge of Gujarat just north of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The Somanath Mahadev Temple is an important place of worship in Daman. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated in the village Dabhel. It is believed that the Shivalinga was miraculously originated at its present place on the request of a monk who was a true devotee of Shiva. This miraculous incident is believed to have taken place in the19th century, which induced people to hold this place as holy place and they built a small temple. It was rebuilt in the year 1972-73 with glass decorative. It is a pleasant spot connected by good roads. Every year there is a fair organised here known as 'Gangaji Fair'. Other important tourist places in Daman are Devka Beach, Jampore Beach, irrigation pond-lake in Kachigam, Nani Danan jetty garden and Hilsa summer house near Hilsa fish Aquarium.

Diu

Among the subjects of interest in Diu, is the fort of Diu which occupies a very prominent position. It is an expansive and imposing structure situated on the extreme coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of the sea and its surrounding areas. Towards the west of the fort lies the town of Diu. A number of old cannons and collection of iron shells can be seen here. Near the Diu Fort, is Panikotha fortress in the sea which can be reached by boat. At night it is lit up, giving an excellent view.

The Gangeshwar Temple is unique as it has Shivlingas which are washed by the sea. Located at the Jallandhar beach, there are many other attractions nearby. The two main churches are St. Paul's and St. Francis of Assisi.

The horseshoe shaped Nagoa Beach is one of the best in India. A tented camp offering a different style of accommodation has come up here. Water sports facilities are available and one can also enjoy a good swim.

The Somnath Temple is also only a short distance from here. It is a magnificent place of worship. The massive historic Diu (Praca de Diu) fort cum-castle built in 1535 impresses most of the visitors. It was the key position of the whole strategic complex which comprises the other forts-one at Gogola which was destroyed in 1896; the Passo Seco Fort at about 8 Km from the city. This fort predates the Portuguese conquest. At Brancavara there were two other forts. One known as Barra now converted into a lighthouse, the second as Nagoa Fort built in 1773. Besides these forts, there is also a historical cathedral dedicated to St. Paul, a palace, Tad Fort, Old Fort and Nagoa Beach. Diu is a very popular and important tourist resort.

Language

Marathi and Gujarati are the main languages, and the use of Portuguese goes on declining because it is no longer official nor taught at school, though a number of elder people can still understand it, some even preferring it for discourse at home. In addition to standard Portuguese language, there are two also shrinking Portuguese-based creole languages in Daman (known as Língua da Casa, "Home Language") and Diu (Língua dos Velhos, "Elders' Language").