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Placed on the banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji is the capital city of Goa. It’s not just the heart of the state administration, but also the headquarters of North Goa. Interestingly, in the past, Panaji was also the capital of Portuguese India before becoming a part of modern India. This rich history is reflected in its architecture, with a touch of Portugal alongside the local charm. Let us learn more about the capital city of Goa with the help of this blog.
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Goa’s Overview
The state of Goa is situated on the southwest coast of India in the Konkan region and geographically separated from the highlands of Deccan.
- Goa is strategically planned, with Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south.
- It is the smallest state in India by area and the fourth smallest by population.
- Out of all the Indian states, Goa has the highest GDP per capita, which is 2.5 times higher than the GDP per capita of the entire nation.
- The Portuguese, who arrived on the subcontinent as traders in the early 16th century, continue to influence Goa’s historic city of Margão.
Also read:25 Interesting Facts About Goa You Should Know
Panaji’s History
The capital of Goa, Panaji, has a very rich history; it dates back to the 16th century when the Portuguese came as traders to Goa.
- It became the capital of Portuguese India, replacing Old Goa.
- Under the rule of the Portuguese, Panaji was known as “Nova Goa.”
- In the era when Panaji became the capital of Goa, it underwent major development and left a mark on Panaji’s architecture with the influence of Portugal.
- In 1961, it became the capital of Goa.
- Panaji is also the administrative headquarters of the North Goa district.
Geography and Demographics of Panaji
The capital of Goa, Panaji, is situated in the western coastal region of India along the banks of the Mandovi River.
- The location where the river meets the Arabian Sea played an important role in the historical significance of the city.
- The city is a mixture of rolling hills and valleys, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
- Panaji enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
- During the monsoon season, greenery flourishes with rains all over the eastern hills.
- The eastern hills, on the one hand, experience monsoon season; however, on the other hand, the western side has drier plateaus, which is a unique geographical feature formed due to volcanic activity long ago.
- The Mandoni River is Panaji’s lifeblood and provides a natural harbour.
- Panaji has a population of about 114,405 people, of which 52% are males and 48% are females.
- The literacy rate among males was 94.6%, and among females, it was 89.6%, with an average literacy rate of 90.9%.
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Facts About Panaji
The capital of Goa has some interesting facts, some of which are as follows:
- Panaji is considered the largest urban city in Goa, with a mixture of modern architecture and a hint of traditional Portuguese architecture.
- The smart cities mission by the Indian government has promised Panaji to develop as a smart city with a more technologically advanced future.
- India reclaimed Panaji and Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961, which was a significant moment in history.
- The National Institute of Oceanography is situated in the capital city of Goa, which constitutes the country’s scientific research.
- Lisbon, Portugal, is considered the twin town of Panaji, also known as the sister city of the city.
FAQs
Panaji served as the capital of Portuguese India and underwent major development under Portuguese rule, leaving a mark on its architecture.
Panaji became the capital of Goa in 1961 after India reclaimed the territory from Portuguese rule.
Panaji has a diverse population, with a majority Hindu (64.08%), followed by Christians (26.51%) and Muslims (8.84%).
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