Diu

The Island of Diu has chaptered History, having been under the possession of and ruled by many Kings and Dynasties; beginning with the Pauranic period and the last being Portuguese from whom it was liberated along with Goa and Daman on 19th December, 1961. The word 'ISLAND'. Pandavas during their fourteen years of exile are believed to have passed a few days at a place known as Mani Nagar (DIU) which was under the Yadavas led by Krishna Vasudeva during Mahabharata period.

According to mythology, Diu was ruled by the great king Jallandhar who was a daitya (Demon) and was killed by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshan Chakra (disc). The temple of Jallandhar still exists in Diu. Gazetteer of Goa, Daman and Diu says that Diu was known as Jallandhar Ksshetra during Satyug and is famouos for its Jallandhar temple. As daitya (Demon) Jallandhar harassed the Gods, Lord Vishnu left Sudarshan Chakra after killing Jallandhar is known as Chakra tirtha which is situated in Diu.

The Gazetteer further states that Diu was ruled by the Mauryans during 322-320 BC and was the main trade center on the Saurashtra Coast. The State of Saurashtra including Diu was ruled by the Kshatrapas from the 1st century AD to 415 AD, by the Guptas from 415 AD to 467 AD, by the Maitrakas from 470 AD to 788 AD, by Chavda dynasty of Gujarat and Saurashtra from 789 AD to 941 Ad who kept their capital at Diu; by the Chalukyas who succeeded to the power in AD 941 and the Chavdas ruled over the Somnath Patan and Diu under the Chalukya as Local Chieftains.

In AD 1020 Sultan Mahmud Ghazni, his native place to Diu and rocked them. On the return of Mahmud to Ghazni, his native place Chavadas of Diu seem to have increased their power but in AD 1064 the Chalukyas came back again in power and Diu was successively under the sway of Chavda and Vaghela Rajputs, who built a fort here. They were dislodged by Allauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi in AD 1297. A Vaja Raja Brahmadas tried to capture it but the attack was repulsed and the Raja had to take shelter in Diu. Muzaffar Khan, the then Governor of Gujarat and it was attacked several times by the Portuguese because of its strategic importance right from 1518 to 1535. When the Moghul emperor Humayun attacked the Shah, the latter entered into a treaty on 05/10/1535 with the Portuguese. Governor Nuno De Cunha constructed a fort in Diu and raised his arsenal. Diu was finally seized by the Governor Joao de Castro on 10th November, 1546. Simbor, a village of Diu about 42kms away, was conquered in 1722.

Goa, Daman and Diu were the Portuguese possessions in India which 19th December, 1961 during Operation Vijay and in the following year i.e. 1962 they were constituted into a separate Union Territory administered by a Lieut. Governor and a popular Ministry. After Goa became a State, a Union Territory was formed on 30th May, 1987 consisting of two separate District of Daman and Diu.

FORT:-

		Among the places of tourist interest, the Fort of Diu occupies a prominent position. It is an expensive and imposing structure, situated on the coast of the island. The fort commands a magnificent view of Sea. It was constructed between 1535 and 1541 AD after a defense alliance, concluded by the Bahadurshah, Sultan of Gujarat, and the Portuguese when the former was attacked by Humayun, the Mughal Emperor.
The fort is skirted by the sea on the three sides. On the Fort stands a giant structure now housing a Light House. A couple of mounds of iron shells can be seen even today inside the fort. Several canons still stare menacingly from top and some are peeping out of the holes on the walls of this gigantic structure. The main front wall is having five huge windows with stone galleries. A strange mist shrouds the entire fort. It is more conspicuous during winter nights when fog spreads around, and the wick of the light house gas-flame becomes meek and misty.

FORTRESS OF PANIKOTA

The Fortress of Panikota is a magnificent stone structure in the sea, built right at the mouth of the creek. It can be reached only by a canoe or a motor launch. Approximately one nautical mile from the Diu jetty, it also has a light house and a small chapel dedicated to our Lady of the Sea. Located in the middle of the sea, the fortress makes for a beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the Fort, from the village of Ghoghla or from Diu proper.

DIU MUSEUM

The old St.Thomas church has been converted into a museum which house the antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rules, wooden carvings, idols, shadow-clocks and other important artifacts have been collected from various sites and displayed.

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH

St. Paul's Church is dedicated to our lady of immaculate conception. The construction of the church was started in 1601 and was completed in the year 1610. The main facade of the church, perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India, is adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell-like motifs, and immediately attracts visitors. The facade has been illuminated by flood lights adding to the evening city glow.

GANGESHWAR TEMPLE

This is situated 3km away from Diu in Fudam village. A shivlinga, known as Gangeshwar, is in the midst of the rocks on the seashore, and is washed by the tidal waves of the sea. The gentle sea waves offering their obeisance to the "Shiva Lingas" in stone have a mystic aura around them in the cave temple of Ganeshware where the lord makes his presence felt.

JALLANDHAR SHRINE

Jallandhar Shrine is allocated on a hillock close to the beach. This small shrine crowned with a dome, contain a niche wherein a stone carved face of Jallandhar is seen. Near by there is also a temple of Goddess Chandrika. The beach is at a distance of a 1km from Diu Town.

NAGOA BEACH

It is located in the Nagoa hamlet of the village of Bucharwada. The beach is exceptionally beautiful and quite. In this exceptionally beautiful horse - shoe (semi-circular) shaped beach, various water sports facilities are available. It is safe for swimming. Plenty of branching palm Hoka day long. The virginity of the beach and serenity of the surroundings give you peace and pleasure beyond expression.

CHAKRATIRTH BEACH

Chakrathirth Beach is centrally located and contiguous to the town at Diu. This beach serves the locals as well as domestic and international tourists, providing them with an opportunity to have a worthwhile break. The hill and the surrounding areas and landscape has been beautifully illuminated. The spot has been developed by constructing an open air auditorium on the sea side of the hillock.

GHOGHLA BEACH

The Ghoghla Beach is among the six beautiful beaches in Diu district. A tourist complex built here provides all basic amenities to tourists.

FESTIVALS

Garba:-It is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and of Diu in special. It is normally performed by women dressed in colorful costumes with typical ornaments, accompanied by singing of song in praise of Goddess Amba. It is performed especially during Navratri the most popular festival of the region. The colorful costumes, the mesmerizing music and the graceful steps cast an enchanting spell on the viewers.

Portuguese Falk Dance:- The typical Portuguese regional folk dances of the territory include the Mando Dance, Vira Dance, the Verdigao in which happiness and the whole life style of the people of Diu is depicted.
In these dances the clean roads, the delicious food and the traditions of Diu are described. Drink, eat, sing and be merry; that is the motto of the song and dance. The traditional dances are in slow motion with the elderly participating in them, but the young are carrying on the traditions of the Old.