Goa’s history stretches back to the 3^rd century BC when it formed a part of the Mauryan Empire, Satavahanas of Kolhapur, Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas, Kadambas and Yadavas. Goa has been ruled by many a ruler and emperor. The Vijayanagar rulers Harihara I held on to Goa for 100 years. In 1469 Goa was conquered by the Bahmani Sultans of Gulbaraga. Then came Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur. The Portuguese came to Goa in 1510 and their rule lasted for 450 years.

Portuguese welcomed St. Francis Xavier to Goa in 1542. But the transitional influence of the Jesuits alarmed the Portuguese Government and they were expelled in 1749. At the end of the 18^th century, was the British occupation and was solely military. The 19^th century saw widespread civil unrest. The success of the post independence Goan struggle for freedom from Portugal owed much to the efforts of the Indian government. The Government cut off diplomatic ties with Portugal. In 1961 through Operation Vijaya, India put an end to this continuing agony and Goa was returned to India after a period of 450 years.