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Question

When did the Indian Army liberate Goa from the Portuguese and declare it a Union Territory?

The correct answer is

1961

Understanding the Liberation of Goa

The question asks about the specific year when the Indian Army successfully liberated Goa from Portuguese rule and integrated it into India as a Union Territory. This historical event marked the end of centuries of colonial presence in the region.

India gained independence in 1947. However, several territories, including Goa, Daman, and Diu, remained under foreign colonial rule. The Portuguese resisted calls for the integration of these territories into India. After numerous diplomatic efforts failed, India decided to take military action.

Operation Vijay and Goa's Integration

The military operation launched by the Indian armed forces to reclaim Goa, Daman, and Diu was codenamed 'Operation Vijay' (Operation Victory). This operation commenced in December 1961. The Indian forces rapidly advanced, and the Portuguese resistance was overcome quickly.

Following the successful military action, Goa, along with Daman and Diu, was liberated. On December 19, 1961, Goa was formally incorporated into the Indian Union. Initially, Goa was administered as a centrally-governed territory, which was then designated as a Union Territory.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options in the context of this historical event:

  • 1967: This year is not associated with the liberation of Goa. Goa became a state of the Indian Union much later, in 1987.
  • 1961: This year is when the Indian Army conducted Operation Vijay, successfully liberating Goa from Portuguese rule and integrating it with India as a Union Territory.
  • 1952: This year predates the military action for Goa's liberation.
  • 1969: This year is also not relevant to the initial liberation and declaration of Goa as a Union Territory.

Based on historical facts, the liberation of Goa by the Indian Army and its subsequent declaration as a Union Territory occurred in 1961.

Conclusion

The Indian Army's operation to liberate Goa from the Portuguese took place in 1961, leading to its integration into India as a Union Territory.

Event Year
India Gains Independence 1947
Operation Vijay (Liberation of Goa) 1961
Goa becomes Union Territory 1961
Goa becomes a State 1987

Revision Table: Key Dates for Goa's History

Year Significance for Goa
1510 Portuguese conquest of Goa
1947 India gains independence (Goa remains under Portuguese rule)
1961 Indian Army liberates Goa; becomes Union Territory
1987 Goa attains statehood within India

Additional Information: The Significance of Goa's Liberation

The liberation of Goa in 1961 was a significant event in India's post-independence history. It marked the completion of the process of integrating territories ruled by foreign powers into the Indian Union. While most of British India was integrated in 1947, the French and Portuguese held onto their territories. The French territories (like Puducherry) were integrated peacefully, but the Portuguese resisted, leading to the military action in Goa, Daman, and Diu. The success of Operation Vijay was widely celebrated in India and was seen as the final step in ending colonial rule on the Indian subcontinent.

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Important Questions from Post Independence Scenario

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  3. In which of the following years did the Indian army free Goa from the Portuguese?
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