The State of India, formally, Estado da Índia Portuguesa, and commonly Portuguese India,
The State of India, formally, Estado da Índia Portuguesa, and commonly Portuguese India,

was a colonial state of the Portuguese Empire, six years after the discovery of a sea route
was a colonial state of the Portuguese Empire, six years after the discovery of a sea route

between Portugal and India, to serve as the plenipotentiary governing body of a string
between Portugal and India, to serve as the plenipotentiary governing body of a string

of Portuguese fortresses and colonies overseas. The first viceroy was Francisco de Almeida,
of Portuguese fortresses and colonies overseas. The first viceroy was Francisco de Almeida,

who established his headquarters in Cochin. Subsequent Portuguese governors were not always
who established his headquarters in Cochin. Subsequent Portuguese governors were not always

of viceroy rank. After 1510, the capital of the Portuguese viceroyalty was transferred
of viceroy rank. After 1510, the capital of the Portuguese viceroyalty was transferred

to Goa. Until the 18th Century, the Portuguese governor in Goa had authority over all Portuguese
to Goa. Until the 18th Century, the Portuguese governor in Goa had authority over all Portuguese

possessions in the Indian Ocean, from southern Africa to southeast Asia. In 1752 Mozambique
possessions in the Indian Ocean, from southern Africa to southeast Asia. In 1752 Mozambique

got its own separate government and in 1844 the Portuguese Government of India stopped
got its own separate government and in 1844 the Portuguese Government of India stopped

administering the territory of Macau, Solor and Timor, and its authority was confined
administering the territory of Macau, Solor and Timor, and its authority was confined

to the colonial holdings on the Malabar coast of India.
to the colonial holdings on the Malabar coast of India.

At the time of British India's independence in 1947, Portuguese India was subdivided into
At the time of British India's independence in 1947, Portuguese India was subdivided into

three districts located on India's western coast: Goa; Daman which included the inland
three districts located on India's western coast: Goa; Daman which included the inland

enclaves of Dadra and Nagar Haveli; and Diu. The territories of Portuguese India were sometimes
enclaves of Dadra and Nagar Haveli; and Diu. The territories of Portuguese India were sometimes

referred to collectively as Goa. Portugal lost effective control of the enclaves of
referred to collectively as Goa. Portugal lost effective control of the enclaves of

Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 1954, and finally the rest of the overseas territory in December
Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 1954, and finally the rest of the overseas territory in December

1961, when it was taken by India after military action.
1961, when it was taken by India after military action.

Early history
Early history

Vasco da Gama lands in India The first Portuguese encounter with India
Vasco da Gama lands in India The first Portuguese encounter with India

was on 20 May 1498 when Vasco da Gama reached Calicut on Malabar Coast. Anchored off the
was on 20 May 1498 when Vasco da Gama reached Calicut on Malabar Coast. Anchored off the

coast of Calicut, the Portuguese invited native fishermen on board and immediately brought
coast of Calicut, the Portuguese invited native fishermen on board and immediately brought

some Indian items. One Portuguese accompanied the fishermen to the port and met with a Tunisian
some Indian items. One Portuguese accompanied the fishermen to the port and met with a Tunisian

Muslim. On the advice of this man, Gama sent a couple of his men to Ponnani to meet with
Muslim. On the advice of this man, Gama sent a couple of his men to Ponnani to meet with

ruler of Calicut, the Zamorin. Over the objections of Arab merchants, Gama managed to secure
ruler of Calicut, the Zamorin. Over the objections of Arab merchants, Gama managed to secure

a letter of concession for trading rights from the Zamorin, Calicut's Hindu ruler. But,
a letter of concession for trading rights from the Zamorin, Calicut's Hindu ruler. But,

the Portuguese were unable to pay the prescribed customs duties and price of his goods in gold.
the Portuguese were unable to pay the prescribed customs duties and price of his goods in gold.

Later Calicut officials temporarily detained Gama's Portuguese agents as security for payment.
Later Calicut officials temporarily detained Gama's Portuguese agents as security for payment.

This, however, annoyed Gama, who carried a few natives and sixteen fishermen with him
This, however, annoyed Gama, who carried a few natives and sixteen fishermen with him

by force. Nevertheless, Gama's expedition was successful
by force. Nevertheless, Gama's expedition was successful

beyond all reasonable expectation, bringing in cargo that was sixty times the cost of
beyond all reasonable expectation, bringing in cargo that was sixty times the cost of

the expedition. Pedro Álvares Cabral
the expedition. Pedro Álvares Cabral

Pedro Álvares Cabral sailed to India, officially discovering Brazil on the way, to trade for
Pedro Álvares Cabral sailed to India, officially discovering Brazil on the way, to trade for

pepper and other spices, negotiating and establishing a factory at Calicut, where he arrived on
pepper and other spices, negotiating and establishing a factory at Calicut, where he arrived on

13 September 1500. Matters worsened when the Portuguese factory at Calicut was attacked
13 September 1500. Matters worsened when the Portuguese factory at Calicut was attacked

by surprise by the locals, resulting in the death of more than fifty Portuguese. Cabral
by surprise by the locals, resulting in the death of more than fifty Portuguese. Cabral

was outraged by the attack on the factory and seized ten Arab merchant ships anchored
was outraged by the attack on the factory and seized ten Arab merchant ships anchored

in the harbour, killing about six hundred of their crew and confiscating their cargo
in the harbour, killing about six hundred of their crew and confiscating their cargo

before burning the ships. Cabral also ordered his ships to bombard Calicut for an entire
before burning the ships. Cabral also ordered his ships to bombard Calicut for an entire

day in retaliation for the violation of the agreement. In Cochin and Cannanore Cabral
day in retaliation for the violation of the agreement. In Cochin and Cannanore Cabral

succeeded in making advantageous treaties with the local rulers. Cabral started the
succeeded in making advantageous treaties with the local rulers. Cabral started the

return voyage on 16 January 1501 and arrived in Portugal with only 4 of 13 ships on 23
return voyage on 16 January 1501 and arrived in Portugal with only 4 of 13 ships on 23

June 1501. Vasco da Gama sailed to India for a second
June 1501. Vasco da Gama sailed to India for a second

time with 15 ships and 800 men, arriving at Calicut on 30 October 1502, where the ruler
time with 15 ships and 800 men, arriving at Calicut on 30 October 1502, where the ruler

was willing to sign a treaty. Gama this time made a call to expel all Muslims from Calicut
was willing to sign a treaty. Gama this time made a call to expel all Muslims from Calicut

which was vehemently turned down. He bombarded the city and captured several rice vessels.
which was vehemently turned down. He bombarded the city and captured several rice vessels.

He returned to Portugal in September 1503. The Portuguese built the Pulicat fort in 1502,
He returned to Portugal in September 1503. The Portuguese built the Pulicat fort in 1502,

with the help of the Vijayanagar ruler. Francisco de Almeida
with the help of the Vijayanagar ruler. Francisco de Almeida

On 25 March 1505, Francisco de Almeida was appointed Viceroy of India, on the condition
On 25 March 1505, Francisco de Almeida was appointed Viceroy of India, on the condition

that he would set up four forts on the southwestern Indian coast: at Anjediva Island, Cannanore,
that he would set up four forts on the southwestern Indian coast: at Anjediva Island, Cannanore,

Cochin and Quilon. Francisco de Almeida left Portugal with a fleet of 22 vessels with 1,500
Cochin and Quilon. Francisco de Almeida left Portugal with a fleet of 22 vessels with 1,500

men.
men.

On 13 September, Francisco de Almeida reached Anjadip Island, where he immediately started
On 13 September, Francisco de Almeida reached Anjadip Island, where he immediately started

the construction of Fort Anjediva. On 23 October, with the permission of the friendly ruler
the construction of Fort Anjediva. On 23 October, with the permission of the friendly ruler

of Cannanore, he started building St. Angelo Fort at Cannanore, leaving Lourenço de Brito
of Cannanore, he started building St. Angelo Fort at Cannanore, leaving Lourenço de Brito

in charge with 150 men and two ships. Francisco de Almeida then reached Cochin in
in charge with 150 men and two ships. Francisco de Almeida then reached Cochin in

31 October 1505 with only 8 vessels left. There he learned that the Portuguese traders
31 October 1505 with only 8 vessels left. There he learned that the Portuguese traders

at Quilon had been killed. He decided to send his son Lourenço de Almeida with 6 ships,
at Quilon had been killed. He decided to send his son Lourenço de Almeida with 6 ships,

who destroyed 27 Calicut vessels in the harbour of Quilon. Almeida took up residence in Cochin.
who destroyed 27 Calicut vessels in the harbour of Quilon. Almeida took up residence in Cochin.

He strengthened the Portuguese fortifications of Fort Manuel on Cochin.
He strengthened the Portuguese fortifications of Fort Manuel on Cochin.

The Zamorin prepared a large fleet of 200 ships to oppose the Portuguese, but in March
The Zamorin prepared a large fleet of 200 ships to oppose the Portuguese, but in March

1506 Lourenço de Almeida was victorious in a sea battle at the entrance to the harbour
1506 Lourenço de Almeida was victorious in a sea battle at the entrance to the harbour

of Cannanore, the Battle of Cannanore, an important setback for the fleet of the Zamorin.
of Cannanore, the Battle of Cannanore, an important setback for the fleet of the Zamorin.

Thereupon Lourenço de Almeida explored the coastal waters southwards to Colombo, in what
Thereupon Lourenço de Almeida explored the coastal waters southwards to Colombo, in what

is now Sri Lanka. In Cannanore, however, a new ruler, hostile to the Portuguese and friendly
is now Sri Lanka. In Cannanore, however, a new ruler, hostile to the Portuguese and friendly

with the Zamorin, attacked the Portuguese garrison, leading to the Siege of Cannanore.
with the Zamorin, attacked the Portuguese garrison, leading to the Siege of Cannanore.

In 1507 Almeida's mission was strengthened by the arrival of Tristão da Cunha's squadron.
In 1507 Almeida's mission was strengthened by the arrival of Tristão da Cunha's squadron.

Afonso de Albuquerque's squadron had, however, split from that of Cunha off East Africa and
Afonso de Albuquerque's squadron had, however, split from that of Cunha off East Africa and

was independently conquering territories in the Persian Gulf to the west.
was independently conquering territories in the Persian Gulf to the west.

In March 1508 a Portuguese squadron under command of Lourenço de Almeida was attacked
In March 1508 a Portuguese squadron under command of Lourenço de Almeida was attacked

by a combined Mameluk Egyptian and Gujarat Sultanate fleet at Chaul and Dabul respectively,
by a combined Mameluk Egyptian and Gujarat Sultanate fleet at Chaul and Dabul respectively,

led by admirals Mirocem and Meliqueaz in the Battle of Chaul. Lourenço de Almeida lost
led by admirals Mirocem and Meliqueaz in the Battle of Chaul. Lourenço de Almeida lost

his life after a fierce fight in this battle. Mamluk-Indian resistance was, however, to
his life after a fierce fight in this battle. Mamluk-Indian resistance was, however, to

be decisively defeated at the Battle of Diu. Afonso de Albuquerque and later governors
be decisively defeated at the Battle of Diu. Afonso de Albuquerque and later governors

In the year 1509, Afonso de Albuquerque was appointed the second governor of the Portuguese
In the year 1509, Afonso de Albuquerque was appointed the second governor of the Portuguese

possessions in the East. A new fleet under Marshal Fernão Coutinho arrived with specific
possessions in the East. A new fleet under Marshal Fernão Coutinho arrived with specific

instructions to destroy the power of Zamorin's of Calicut. The Zamorin's palace was captured
instructions to destroy the power of Zamorin's of Calicut. The Zamorin's palace was captured

and destroyed and the city was set on fire. But the king's forces rallied fast to kill
and destroyed and the city was set on fire. But the king's forces rallied fast to kill

Marshal Coutinho and wounded Albuquerque. Albuquerque nevertheless was clever enough
Marshal Coutinho and wounded Albuquerque. Albuquerque nevertheless was clever enough

to patch up his quarrel and entered into a treaty with the Zamorin in 1513 to protect
to patch up his quarrel and entered into a treaty with the Zamorin in 1513 to protect

Portuguese interests in Malabar. Hostilities were renewed when the Portuguese attempted
Portuguese interests in Malabar. Hostilities were renewed when the Portuguese attempted

to assassinate the Zamorin sometime between 1515 and 1518. In 1510, Afonso de Albuquerque
to assassinate the Zamorin sometime between 1515 and 1518. In 1510, Afonso de Albuquerque

defeated the Bijapur sultans with the help of Timayya, on behalf of the Hindu Vijayanagara
defeated the Bijapur sultans with the help of Timayya, on behalf of the Hindu Vijayanagara

Empire, leading to the establishment of a permanent settlement in Velha Goa. The Southern
Empire, leading to the establishment of a permanent settlement in Velha Goa. The Southern

Province, also known simply as Goa, was the headquarters of Portuguese India, and seat
Province, also known simply as Goa, was the headquarters of Portuguese India, and seat

of the Portuguese viceroy who governed the Portuguese possessions in Asia.
of the Portuguese viceroy who governed the Portuguese possessions in Asia.

There were Portuguese settlements in and around Mylapore. The Luz Church in Mylapore, Madras
There were Portuguese settlements in and around Mylapore. The Luz Church in Mylapore, Madras

was the first church that the Portuguese built in Madras in 1516. Later in 1522, the São
was the first church that the Portuguese built in Madras in 1516. Later in 1522, the São

Tomé church was built on the ruins of the original Kapaleeswarar Temple that was destroyed
Tomé church was built on the ruins of the original Kapaleeswarar Temple that was destroyed

by the Portuguese. The Portuguese acquired several territories
by the Portuguese. The Portuguese acquired several territories

from the Sultans of Gujarat: Daman; Salsette, Bombay, and Baçaim; and Diu.
from the Sultans of Gujarat: Daman; Salsette, Bombay, and Baçaim; and Diu.

These possessions became the Northern Province of Portuguese India, which extended almost
These possessions became the Northern Province of Portuguese India, which extended almost

100 km along the coast from Daman to Chaul, and in places 30–50 km inland. The province
100 km along the coast from Daman to Chaul, and in places 30–50 km inland. The province

was ruled from the fortress-town of Baçaim. In 1526, under the viceroyship of Lopo Vaz
was ruled from the fortress-town of Baçaim. In 1526, under the viceroyship of Lopo Vaz

de Sampaio, the Portuguese took possession of Mangalore. The territory included parts
de Sampaio, the Portuguese took possession of Mangalore. The territory included parts

of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka state, and Kasaragod in Kerala state.. Mangalore
of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka state, and Kasaragod in Kerala state.. Mangalore

was named the islands El Padron de Santa Maria; later came to be known as St Mary's Islands.
was named the islands El Padron de Santa Maria; later came to be known as St Mary's Islands.

In 1640, the Keladi Nayaka kingdom defeated the Portuguese.
In 1640, the Keladi Nayaka kingdom defeated the Portuguese.

From the 16th century, the Portuguese meddled in the church affairs of the Syrian Christians
From the 16th century, the Portuguese meddled in the church affairs of the Syrian Christians

of Malabar. The Udayamperoor Synod was a major attempt by the Portuguese Archbishop Menezes
of Malabar. The Udayamperoor Synod was a major attempt by the Portuguese Archbishop Menezes

to Latinize the Syrian rite. Later in 1653, Coonan Cross Oath led to the division of the
to Latinize the Syrian rite. Later in 1653, Coonan Cross Oath led to the division of the

local church into Syrian Catholics and Syrian Christians.
local church into Syrian Catholics and Syrian Christians.

Bombay was given to Britain in 1661 as part of the Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza's
Bombay was given to Britain in 1661 as part of the Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza's

dowry to Charles II of England. Most of the Northern Province was lost to the Marathas
dowry to Charles II of England. Most of the Northern Province was lost to the Marathas

of the Maratha Empire in 1739, and Portugal acquired Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 1779.
of the Maratha Empire in 1739, and Portugal acquired Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 1779.

In 1843 the capital was shifted to Panjim, then renamed "Nova Goa", when it officially
In 1843 the capital was shifted to Panjim, then renamed "Nova Goa", when it officially

became the administrative seat of Portuguese India, replacing the city of Velha Goa, although
became the administrative seat of Portuguese India, replacing the city of Velha Goa, although

the Viceroys lived there already since 1 December 1759. Before moving to the city, the viceroy
the Viceroys lived there already since 1 December 1759. Before moving to the city, the viceroy

remodelled the fortress of Adil Khan, transforming it into a palace.
remodelled the fortress of Adil Khan, transforming it into a palace.

The Portuguese also shipped over many Orfãs del Rei to Portuguese colonies in India, Goa
The Portuguese also shipped over many Orfãs del Rei to Portuguese colonies in India, Goa

in particular. Orfãs del Rei literally translates to "Orphans of the King", and they were Portuguese
in particular. Orfãs del Rei literally translates to "Orphans of the King", and they were Portuguese

girl orphans sent to overseas colonies to marry either Portuguese settlers or natives
girl orphans sent to overseas colonies to marry either Portuguese settlers or natives

with high status. Thus there are Portuguese footprints all over
with high status. Thus there are Portuguese footprints all over

the western and eastern coasts of India, though Goa became the capital of Portuguese Goa from
the western and eastern coasts of India, though Goa became the capital of Portuguese Goa from

1530 onwards until the annexation of Goa proper and the entire Estado da Índia Portuguesa,
1530 onwards until the annexation of Goa proper and the entire Estado da Índia Portuguesa,

and its merger with the Indian Union in 1961. After India's independence
and its merger with the Indian Union in 1961. After India's independence

After India's independence from the British in 1947, Portugal refused to accede to India's
After India's independence from the British in 1947, Portugal refused to accede to India's

request to relinquish control of its Indian possessions.
request to relinquish control of its Indian possessions.

On 24 July 1954 an organisation called "The United Front of Goans" took control of the
On 24 July 1954 an organisation called "The United Front of Goans" took control of the

enclave of Dadra. The remaining territory of Nagar Haveli was seized by the Azad Gomantak
enclave of Dadra. The remaining territory of Nagar Haveli was seized by the Azad Gomantak

Dal on 2 August 1954. The decision given by the International Court of Justice at The
Dal on 2 August 1954. The decision given by the International Court of Justice at The

Hague, regarding access to Dadra and Nagar Haveli, was an impasse.
Hague, regarding access to Dadra and Nagar Haveli, was an impasse.

From 1954, peaceful Satyagrahis attempts from outside Goa at forcing the Portuguese to leave
From 1954, peaceful Satyagrahis attempts from outside Goa at forcing the Portuguese to leave

Goa were brutally suppressed. Many revolts were quelled by the use of force and leaders
Goa were brutally suppressed. Many revolts were quelled by the use of force and leaders

eliminated or jailed. As a result, India closed its consulate and imposed an economic embargo
eliminated or jailed. As a result, India closed its consulate and imposed an economic embargo

against the territories of Portuguese Goa. The Indian Government adopted a "wait and
against the territories of Portuguese Goa. The Indian Government adopted a "wait and

watch" attitude from 1955 to 1961 with numerous representations to the Portuguese Salazar
watch" attitude from 1955 to 1961 with numerous representations to the Portuguese Salazar

regime and attempts to highlight the issue before the international community.
regime and attempts to highlight the issue before the international community.

To facilitate the transport of people and goods to and from the Indian enclaves, the
To facilitate the transport of people and goods to and from the Indian enclaves, the

Portuguese established an airline, Transportes Aéreos da Índia Portuguesa, and airports
Portuguese established an airline, Transportes Aéreos da Índia Portuguesa, and airports

at Goa, Daman and Diu. Eventually, in December 1961, India militarily
at Goa, Daman and Diu. Eventually, in December 1961, India militarily

invaded Goa, Daman and Diu, where the Portuguese put up a futile fight. Portuguese armed forces
invaded Goa, Daman and Diu, where the Portuguese put up a futile fight. Portuguese armed forces

had been instructed to either defeat the invaders or die. Only meager resistance was offered
had been instructed to either defeat the invaders or die. Only meager resistance was offered

due to the Portuguese army's poor firepower and size, against a fully armed Indian force
due to the Portuguese army's poor firepower and size, against a fully armed Indian force

of over 30,000 with full air and naval support. The Governor of Portuguese India signed the
of over 30,000 with full air and naval support. The Governor of Portuguese India signed the

Instrument of Surrender on 19 December 1961, ending 450 years of Portuguese rule in India.
Instrument of Surrender on 19 December 1961, ending 450 years of Portuguese rule in India.

Post-annexation Status of the new territories
Post-annexation Status of the new territories

Dadra and Nagar Haveli existed as a de facto independent entity from its independence in
Dadra and Nagar Haveli existed as a de facto independent entity from its independence in

1954 until its merger with the Republic of India in 1961.
1954 until its merger with the Republic of India in 1961.

Following the annexation of Goa, Daman and Diu, the new territories became Union Territories
Following the annexation of Goa, Daman and Diu, the new territories became Union Territories

within the Indian Union, now separately as Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Goa, Daman and
within the Indian Union, now separately as Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Goa, Daman and

Diu. Maj. Gen. K. P. Candeth was declared as military governor of Goa, Daman and Diu.
Diu. Maj. Gen. K. P. Candeth was declared as military governor of Goa, Daman and Diu.

Goa's first general elections were held in 1963.
Goa's first general elections were held in 1963.

In 1967 a referendum was conducted where voters decided whether to merge Goa into the neighbouring
In 1967 a referendum was conducted where voters decided whether to merge Goa into the neighbouring

state of Maharashtra. The anti-merger faction won, but full statehood was not conferred
state of Maharashtra. The anti-merger faction won, but full statehood was not conferred

immediately. On 30 May 1987 Goa became the 25th state of the Indian Union. Daman and
immediately. On 30 May 1987 Goa became the 25th state of the Indian Union. Daman and

Diu was separated from Goa and continues to be administered as a Union Territory.
Diu was separated from Goa and continues to be administered as a Union Territory.

The most drastic changes in Portuguese India after 1961 were the introduction of democratic
The most drastic changes in Portuguese India after 1961 were the introduction of democratic

elections, as well as the replacement of Portuguese with English as the general language of government
elections, as well as the replacement of Portuguese with English as the general language of government

and education. However the Indians allowed certain Portuguese institutions to continue
and education. However the Indians allowed certain Portuguese institutions to continue

unchanged. Amongst these were the land ownership system of the comunidade, where land was held
unchanged. Amongst these were the land ownership system of the comunidade, where land was held

by the community and was then leased out to individuals. The Indian government left the
by the community and was then leased out to individuals. The Indian government left the

Portuguese civil code unchanged in Goa, with the result that Goa today remains the only
Portuguese civil code unchanged in Goa, with the result that Goa today remains the only

state in India with a common civil code that does not depend on religion.
state in India with a common civil code that does not depend on religion.

Citizenship The Citizenship Act of 1955 granted the government
Citizenship The Citizenship Act of 1955 granted the government

of India the authority to define citizenship in the Indian union. In exercise of its powers,
of India the authority to define citizenship in the Indian union. In exercise of its powers,

the government passed the Goa, Daman and Diu Order, 1962 on 28 March 1962 conferring Indian
the government passed the Goa, Daman and Diu Order, 1962 on 28 March 1962 conferring Indian

citizenship on all persons born on or before 20 December 1961 in Goa, Daman and Diu.
citizenship on all persons born on or before 20 December 1961 in Goa, Daman and Diu.

Indo-Portuguese relations The Salazar regime in Portugal refused to
Indo-Portuguese relations The Salazar regime in Portugal refused to

recognise Indian sovereignty over the annexed territories, which continued to be represented
recognise Indian sovereignty over the annexed territories, which continued to be represented

in Portugal's National Assembly until 1974. Following the Carnation Revolution that year,
in Portugal's National Assembly until 1974. Following the Carnation Revolution that year,

the new government in Lisbon restored diplomatic relations with India, and recognised Indian
the new government in Lisbon restored diplomatic relations with India, and recognised Indian

sovereignty over Goa, Daman and Diu. Portugal continued to give the citizens of Portuguese
sovereignty over Goa, Daman and Diu. Portugal continued to give the citizens of Portuguese

India automatic citizenship. Postage stamps and postal history
India automatic citizenship. Postage stamps and postal history

Early postal history of the colony is obscure, but regular mail is known to have been exchanged
Early postal history of the colony is obscure, but regular mail is known to have been exchanged

with Lisbon from 1825 on. Portugal had a postal convention with Great Britain, so much mail
with Lisbon from 1825 on. Portugal had a postal convention with Great Britain, so much mail

was probably routed through Bombay and carried on British packets. Portuguese postmarks are
was probably routed through Bombay and carried on British packets. Portuguese postmarks are

known from 1854, when a post office was opened in Goa. An extraterritorial British post office
known from 1854, when a post office was opened in Goa. An extraterritorial British post office

also was located in Damaun, selling British Indian postage stamps, between 1854 and November
also was located in Damaun, selling British Indian postage stamps, between 1854 and November

1883. British Indian stamps were available from the Portuguese post office at Goa, as
1883. British Indian stamps were available from the Portuguese post office at Goa, as

well, from 1854 until 1877. A Portuguese post office opened at Diu in 1880.
well, from 1854 until 1877. A Portuguese post office opened at Diu in 1880.

The first postage stamps of Portuguese India were issued 1 October 1871 for local use.
The first postage stamps of Portuguese India were issued 1 October 1871 for local use.

These were issued for local use within the colony. Portugal had a postal convention with
These were issued for local use within the colony. Portugal had a postal convention with

Great Britain, so mail was routed through Bombay and carried on British packets. Stamps
Great Britain, so mail was routed through Bombay and carried on British packets. Stamps

of British India were required for overseas mail.
of British India were required for overseas mail.

The design of the 1871 stamps simply consisted of a denomination in the centre, with an oval
The design of the 1871 stamps simply consisted of a denomination in the centre, with an oval

band containing the inscriptions "SERVIÇO POSTAL" and "INDIA POST". In 1877, Portugal
band containing the inscriptions "SERVIÇO POSTAL" and "INDIA POST". In 1877, Portugal

included India in its standard "crown" issue and from 1886 on, the pattern of regular stamp
included India in its standard "crown" issue and from 1886 on, the pattern of regular stamp

issues followed closely that of the other Portuguese colonies, the main exception being
issues followed closely that of the other Portuguese colonies, the main exception being

a series of surcharges in 1912 produced by perforating existing stamps vertically through
a series of surcharges in 1912 produced by perforating existing stamps vertically through

the middle and overprinting a new value on each side.
the middle and overprinting a new value on each side.

During the World War I Portugal joined the Allies, which resulted in confiscating 6 merchant
During the World War I Portugal joined the Allies, which resulted in confiscating 6 merchant

vessels anchored in Marmugao port in Goa. The sailors were provided the status of "War
vessels anchored in Marmugao port in Goa. The sailors were provided the status of "War

Internees" and were allowed to correspond with their families via postal mail system,
Internees" and were allowed to correspond with their families via postal mail system,

with a caveat of censorship of mails, both ways. These "War Internee" covers bearing
with a caveat of censorship of mails, both ways. These "War Internee" covers bearing

censorship marks of Portuguese and French military authorities are considered Portuguese
censorship marks of Portuguese and French military authorities are considered Portuguese

India philatelists' delight. The last regular issue for Portuguese India
India philatelists' delight. The last regular issue for Portuguese India

was on 25 June 1960, for the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.
was on 25 June 1960, for the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.

Stamps of India were first used 29 December 1961, although the old stamps were accepted
Stamps of India were first used 29 December 1961, although the old stamps were accepted

until 5 January 1962. Portugal continued to issue stamps for the lost colony but none
until 5 January 1962. Portugal continued to issue stamps for the lost colony but none

were offered for sale in the colony's post offices, so they are not considered valid
were offered for sale in the colony's post offices, so they are not considered valid

stamps. Dual franking was tolerated from 22 December
stamps. Dual franking was tolerated from 22 December

1961 until 4 January 1962. Colonial postmarks were tolerated until May 1962. Portuguese
1961 until 4 January 1962. Colonial postmarks were tolerated until May 1962. Portuguese

India stamps were available for sale up to 28 December, thus the period up to 4 January
India stamps were available for sale up to 28 December, thus the period up to 4 January

was an attempt to use up stocks in private hands. After 4 January, Portuguese India stamps
was an attempt to use up stocks in private hands. After 4 January, Portuguese India stamps

were completely invalid or demonetised. Outstanding stocks of charity tax stamps were
were completely invalid or demonetised. Outstanding stocks of charity tax stamps were

overprinted for fiscal use, but not used. Portuguese India fiscals were overprinted
overprinted for fiscal use, but not used. Portuguese India fiscals were overprinted

in early 1962 in paisa and rupees and extensively used.
in early 1962 in paisa and rupees and extensively used.

Portuguese India philately started with combination covers and ended with combination covers.
Portuguese India philately started with combination covers and ended with combination covers.

See also
See also

Portuguese Empire Estado Novo
Portuguese Empire Estado Novo

List of colonial heads of Portuguese India Portuguese Indian Rupia
List of colonial heads of Portuguese India Portuguese Indian Rupia

Portuguese Indian Escudo Goa liberation movement
Portuguese Indian Escudo Goa liberation movement

Cuncolim Revolt
Cuncolim Revolt

References
References

Further reading Andrada. The Life of Dom John de Castro: The
Further reading Andrada. The Life of Dom John de Castro: The

Fourth Vice Roy of India. Jacinto Freire de Andrada. Translated into English by Peter
Fourth Vice Roy of India. Jacinto Freire de Andrada. Translated into English by Peter

Wyche.. Henry Herrington, New Exchange, London. Facsimile edition AES Reprint, New Delhi.
Wyche.. Henry Herrington, New Exchange, London. Facsimile edition AES Reprint, New Delhi.

ISBN 81-206-0900-X. External links
ISBN 81-206-0900-X. External links

ColonialVoyage.com – History of the Portuguese and the Dutch in Ceylon, India, Malacca, Bengal,
ColonialVoyage.com – History of the Portuguese and the Dutch in Ceylon, India, Malacca, Bengal,

Formosa, Africa, Brazil.
Formosa, Africa, Brazil.