Liberation of Goa by the Indian Army
The question asks for the specific year when the Indian army successfully liberated Goa from Portuguese rule. Understanding this historical event requires looking at the post-independence period in India.
Historical Context of Portuguese Goa
While most of India gained independence from British rule in 1947, several territories remained under foreign control, including Goa, Daman, and Diu, which were colonies of Portugal. India made repeated diplomatic efforts to negotiate the transfer of these territories, but Portugal refused to relinquish control.
Operation Vijay: The Military Action
Following the failure of diplomatic talks and growing popular movements within Goa demanding integration with India, the Indian government decided to use military force. This military action was code-named 'Operation Vijay' (meaning 'Victory').
The operation began on December 18, 1961, and involved coordinated land, sea, and air assaults by the Indian armed forces. The Portuguese forces in Goa offered limited resistance, and the operation was concluded relatively quickly.
The Year of Liberation
The military operation, Operation Vijay, led to the surrender of the Portuguese Governor-General of Goa, Manuel António Vassalo e Silva, on December 19, 1961. This marked the end of 451 years of Portuguese rule in Goa.
Therefore, the year the Indian army freed Goa from the Portuguese is 1961.
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| India's Independence from British Rule | 1947 |
| Start of Operation Vijay | 1961 (December 18) |
| Surrender of Portuguese Forces in Goa | 1961 (December 19) |
| Goa Liberated | 1961 |
Analyzing the Options
- 1961: This is the year Operation Vijay took place, leading to Goa's liberation. This aligns with the historical facts.
- 1959: While there were independence movements and political discussions around this time, military action had not yet occurred.
- 1967: Goa was already part of India by this year.
- 1956: Diplomatic efforts were ongoing, but not the military operation for liberation.
Based on the historical timeline and the details of Operation Vijay, the correct year for the Indian army freeing Goa from the Portuguese is 1961.
Revision Table: Key Dates in Goa's Liberation
| Date/Year | Significance |
|---|---|
| 1947 | India gains independence; Goa remains under Portuguese rule. |
| 1950s | Increased demand and movements for Goa's integration with India; diplomatic efforts fail. |
| December 18, 1961 | Operation Vijay begins. |
| December 19, 1961 | Portuguese surrender; Goa is liberated. |
Additional Information: After Liberation
Following its liberation, Goa, along with Daman and Diu, became a Union Territory of India. Later, in 1987, Goa was granted statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Union.
Operation Vijay was a significant military success for India and a pivotal moment in its post-independence history, completing the political integration of the Indian subcontinent.
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