Since the dawn of time, Goa has been loved, admired and coveted by one and all. The history of Goa is therefore chequered with invaders and migrants, people who wanted to make this land their own.

Legend has it that Goa and the rest of Konkan rose from the sea when Parashurama, the warrior sage shot an arrow into the sea. The arrow is supposed to have fallen on Benaulim beach (Sanskrit: Banali).

In 3rd Century BC, Goa was part of the Mauryan kingdom. In the turmoil which ensued the fall of the Mauryas, Goa passed through a series of different dynasties. Satavahanas to Chalukyas to Silharas and finally the Kadambas.

The Kadamabas who ruled (937 AD to 1310 AD) from their capital Chandrapur brought about the first golden age of Goa. As the power of the Kadambas waned Goa became vulnerable to the growing Muslim powers.

Invaders came in the form of the Bahamani Sultanate in 1350 AD. However the Vijaynagar kingdom evicted the Bahamanis in 1370 AD. The Vijaynagari rule which lasted for a century was a prosperous era in Goan history. Goa became an important port notable for the import of Arabian horses for the Vijaynagar cavalry.

The Bahamanis came back in 1469 and from them Goa passed to the Bijapuri Sultanate. In fact one of the important Goa heritage sites, the secretariat building was formerly a Bijapuri palace.

As any Goa travel guide will tell you, the Portuguese era started with the invasion of Goa by Admiral Alfonso Albuquerque in 1510.

The Portuguese brought with them their religion, their fondness for building exquisite churches and a passion for life, which has remained a part of the Goan culture even today.

It was a glorious time for Goa. Its architecture, its culture and its splendour rivalled even the greatest cities of Europe.

This glory was however short lived. The arrival of Dutch in Asian waters led to the weakening of Portuguese power. And with it set in the gradual decline of Goa as one of the important international hub of commercial activity.

Goa however continued as a Portuguese colony, drowsily dreaming of its past glory till 1961, when it was absorbed by the Union of India.

Though Goa has lost its political and commercial importance, it has regained its place in the world-map as one of the most important travel destinations. Travellers still come here from the world over to feel, for a few days at least, the special charm of this magical place. Some stay back and become forever Goan.