History of Margao

History of Margao is very rich and descriptive. Before the settlement of the Portuguese colonizers Margao was home to the Vaishnavas.

Ancient Margao was known to be the temple town as innumerable Hindu temples were located in this part of the country. The "mathas" of the Vaishnavas resided mostly in Margao city. During the ancient times the city was known as Madgaon but from the arrival of th Portuguese settlers the name was changed to Margao. The earliest inhabitants of Margao settled in the region around the Damodar Temple.

Later on the temple was demolished and in its place Holy Spirit Church was constructed. Soon with the arrival of the Portuguse settlers most of the Hindu temples were destroyed and Hinduism was completely erased from the land of Margao. Christianity became the main religion during the Portuguese rule. Many Hindus shifted to other parts of the country during that time as most of the local inhabitants were forced to convert their religion to that of Christianity.

Trade and commercial dealings grew to a great extent during the pre-independence period when the Portuguese colonizers set up their base at Margao. It was one of the major trading cities within the country. Through River Sal the trading of various goods were carried out. Margaon was known to be the administrative and commercial center of the then Portuguese rulers. Many historical buildings, statues, monumental structures and museums that have preserved ancient scripts are proof of the glorious Margao history.

Last Updated on 20 September 2011