For 200 years, the British ruled the subcontinent, leaving a deep cultural imprint that is still evident in the region today. However, there was one state that the British were never able to conquer. Despite their exploitation of the Indian population during British rule, this particular state managed to remain independent. But how did it manage to escape British domination?
It wasn’t that this state lacked wealth or beauty—on the contrary, it is still one of the top tourist destinations due to its stunning landscapes. Yes, we are talking about Goa, a coastal state that remained untouched by British rule.
The reason Goa remained independent was due to the Portuguese. The Portuguese arrived in the subcontinent in 1498, long before the British, with Vasco da Gama’s discovery marking the beginning of Portuguese trade in the region. Over the years, the British and Portuguese fought several battles, but Goa never came under British rule.
Even after the rest of India gained independence in 1947, Goa continued to remain under Portuguese rule. The Portuguese ruled Goa for nearly 400 years, until 1961, when it was finally integrated into India.
