Reference to the rule of the Kadamba king, Vijayaditya I in Panaji is found in the inscriptions that date back to the 12th century. The city was earlier referred to as the Pahajani Khali. The city derives its present name from Pahajani. Khali referred to the backwaters and creeks which are a predominant features of the region. Along with the other regions of Goa, the city of Panaji was witness to the rule of the Kadambas, Chalukyas and the Satavahanas. The Muslim ruler, Adil Shahis of Bijapur built several palaces in the city of Panaji after establishing his administrative capital at Old Goa.
In the 16th century, the city of Panaji came under the rule of the Portuguese. The palace of Adil Shahis was turned into the residence of the Portuguese Viceroy. Panaji was renamed Panjim and converted into the capital city of the Portuguese in the year 1843 after the previous capital of Old Goa fell prey to an endemic. The new name referred to the land that never floods.
The city of Panaji acceded to the Union of India with the state of Goa and was declared as the administrative capital of the new state.
Last Updated on: 15/05/2013
