| #ffffff;" /> | | | | visible till this day in the architecture, cuisine, music |
| Goa is the smallest Indian state by area and the | | | | and the lifestyle of the Goan people. |
| fourth smallest in terms of population. It is located | | | | Goa is also the Beach Capital of India with its |
| in the South-west Indian region called Konkan. The | | | | pristine sea beaches and the surrounding natural |
| state is bound by Maharashtra on the north and | | | | beauty. But what is also one of the more |
| Karnataka on the east and south. The Arabian | | | | interesting aspects are the numerous forts spread |
| Sea acts as its western boundary. It is | | | | across the whole of the state. |
| India’s richest state with the GDP per | | | | Forts have always been related to history which |
| capita two and half times more as compared to | | | | is in fact the reflections of the past gone by. The |
| the rest of the country. | | | | state of Goa was a Portuguese seat of power |
| The state is renowned for its beaches, temples, | | | | for nearly 500 years and hence there are |
| churches and the world heritage architecture. | | | | remnants of this rule which can be seen as the |
| Apart from this it is also rich in flora and fauna | | | | forts. At present most of these forts are in a |
| owing its location to the Western Ghats which are | | | | dilapidated condition and yet scaling the heights to |
| classified as a bio-diversity zone. | | | | these structures is a fun filled and aat the same |
| The early history of Goa can be traced back to | | | | time a challenging activity. |
| the 3rd century BC when it became a part of the | | | | All these fortresses were once parapets of |
| Mauryan Empire under the great King Ashoka of | | | | military expertise and now they are used for |
| Magadha. Two thousand years ago it was ruled | | | | various purposes like the prison or a heritage |
| by the Satvahanas of Kolhapur (Maharashtra). | | | | hotel. One of the forts also houses the Governor |
| Consequently it was ruled by Chalukyas, Silharas, | | | | of the state. The forts in Goa are all strategically |
| the Kadambas and the Chalukyas of Kalyani. | | | | located and strongly garrisoned to avoid any |
| It was also ruled by the Mughals and the Adil | | | | trouble and in turn to protect the entrance to the |
| Shahi dyanasty of Bijapur. Finally it was annexed | | | | port or the province around. Even though many |
| by the Portuguese and they had supremacy over | | | | of these structures are in ruin now, yet they |
| it for nearly 5 centuries. The influence of this is | | | | remain an integral part of the Goan architecture. |