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| Daman and Diu/Source: Wikimedia |
Since 1500s, Daman and Diu along with Goa was part of Portuguese India. In 1961, the Republic of India annexed these Portuguese colonies into the nation and granted status of Union Territory. This action is often referred as the "Liberation of Goa" or "Invasion of Goa", depending upon the view.
The armed operation was code named "Operation Vijay" by Indian Armed Forces. After fighting two days, India successfully annexed Goa, and Daman and Diu on 19 December 1967.
On 30th May 1987, Daman and Diu was established as separate UT and Goa was given statehood.
At 618 females per 1000 males, Daman and Diu has worst sex ratio among all federal units of India.
Quick Facts
Established: 30th May 1987
Capital: Daman
Area: 112 Km²
Population: 242,911 (2011)
Density: 2200/Km²
Official Languages: Konkani, Gujarati
Other Spoken Languages: Portuguese, Marathi, Hindi
No. of Districts: 2
Sex Ratio: 618/1000
History
Historically, Diu was part of Saurashtra (Gujarat). It developed as one of the important ports during medieval times.
In 1509, the Battle of Diu was fought between Portugal and Sultan of Gujarat (supported by Arabs, Malmuks, and Republic of Venice).
In 1535, Portuguese gained full control over Diu.
Similarly, Daman was occupied by Portuguese in 1531 and formally became part of Portuguese empire in 1539.
In 1961, after rounds of talk between India and Portugal, India annexed Daman and Diu, along with Goa into the nation. These territories were given Union Territory status.
In 1987, Goa was given statehood, where as Daman and Diu was established as a union territory.
There is no state government or Governor in Daman and Diu. Instead, the UT is administered by an Administrator, appointed by President of India. However, there is one Lok Sabha (Parliament) seat from the union territory.
Geography and Economy
Daman is surrounded by Valsad district of Gujarat. On other hand, Diu is bordered by Amreli and Junagadh. They are separated by 650 km by road.
Damanganga divides Daman into separate entities, Moti (Big) Daman and Nani (small) Daman. Nani Daman serves as commercial center where as Moti Daman is living with reminiscent of Portuguese rule.
Daman and Diu has worst sex ratio among all states and union territories in the country, standing at 618 females per 1000 males.
Tourism is the major economy driver. Due to Alcohol ban in Gujarat, Daman and Diu sees huge tourist influx from Gujarat.
Devka beach in Daman and Nagoa beach in Diu are two popular tourist destination.
Other popular tourist attraction in Diu are Diu fort, Gangeswar Shiva Temple, and Naida Caves.