About Daman And Diu - India

About Daman And Diu

Daman & Diu, the second smallest Union Territory of India, is located on the west coast of India. Daman and Diu are two separate areas, located within the state of Gujarat. Daman is close to the town of Vapi in southern Gujarat, while Diu is near Junagarh in the Saurashtra Peninsula of Gujarat.

History of Daman And Diu

Daman boasts of a rich historical heritage spanning over more than 2000 years. The district of Daman of the erstwhile Union Territory of Goa, Daman & Diu is situated in the Surat District of Gujarat. From 2nd Century A.D., it formed a part of the country known as Lata, which was one of the seven divisions of Konkan Vaishaya.

The edict of the Emperor Ashoka (273 to 136 B.C) was found in Saurashtra and Sopara near Bombay. Satrya Kshatrapas under the Kushana emperor seemed to have ruled over Daman District during the first century, A.D. The Coins of Bhumaka and Nahapan, the kshaharata rulers were discovered in the surrounding areas of Surat District. Ushavadatta, son-in-law of Nahapan, is said to have provided ferries on rivers Dhanuha Dhamana, Parada and Tapi.

This is the earliest reference of these rivers and the names of the places, i.e. Dahanu, Daman and Pardi, remained unchanged for the last 2000 years. The District seems to have been subjected to the rule of Gautamaputra Satakarnin, about 125 A.D., who drove away the Kshaharatas. But Satavahana's rule was short lived.

Rudraman I, grandson of Chastan of Kadamaka branch of Kshatrapas reconquered a large part of Western India including the sea-board from the river Mahi in Gujarat to Ratnagiri by about 150 A.D. from Satavahana ruler, Satakarni, and Daman district again passed under the rule of Kshatrapa Vijayasen (234-239 A.D.) who seems to have ruled over the district till 249 A.D. Abhir king Ishwarasena of Nasik, who conquered the western part of the Deccan from the Satavahanas seems to have been laid by Gautamaputra Yajnashri, campaigns the Kshatrapas from 180 to 200 A.D.

The District seems to have been subjected to the rule of traikutakas during the 5th century, A.D. The Lata Country was ruled by Rashtrakutas of Malkhed in the Deccan directly till 808 A.D. by the successors, Govinda II (575- 795 A.D), Druvaraja - I (795-800 A.D) and Govinda III (800 - 808 A.D.).

Govinda III handed over the Lata kingdom to his brother Indra about. 808 A.D. and was given the title Lateswaramandalasya or the protector of Latamandala. Indra was succeded by his son Karka who seems to have ruled Latamandala with his brother, Govinda jointly till A.D. 826. Druva II, son of Karka came to the throne about 835 A.D. and was succeded by Akalavarsha in. 867. A.D. The District was passed to Tailappa II of the Chalupas of Kalyani in 973 A.D. Tailappa II placed Lata Country in the hands of his relative and general Barrpa alias Dvarappa Chalukya. By the middle of the 13th century, a Rajput prince Ramsingh alias Ramashah seems to have defeated the koli chief Nathorat and established himself in the hilly tract at Asheri of Asserseta near Daman about 1262 A.D. Ramsingh was succeded by his son Somanath in 1295 A.D. The newly founded Ramnagar at the foot of the ghats flourished under Somnath (1335-1360 A.D) and Daram shah (1360-1391 A.D.). Jagatshah succeeded Gopushah and ruled during 1432 A.D. to 1470 A.D. The Portuguese from Shah of Gujarat acquired Daman. They noticed the port of Daman for the first time in 1523. A Portuguese enclave for 4 centuries and a half till the close of the colonial rule in 1961; Daman has been a coveted prize for which princes, monarchs and alien powers waged wars. Muted memories of history lie vaulted in the monuments of Daman. It had been a melting pot, where races and cultures met and mixed to bring forth a multi-coloured identity.

How to Reach Daman And Diu :

By Air : The nearest airport is mumabi, which is 164  kms away.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is Vapi , which is 18 kms.
By Road : Dadra & Nagar Haveli is well connected by Govt & Private bus services. It is connected to all major cities nearby. Silvassa is about 14 Kms from Bhilad & 18 Kms from Vapi. Mumbai 180 Kms, Surat 140 Kms, Nasik 140 Kms and Daman 30 Kms.