The capital of Goa is Panaji. Panaji, known as Panjim, is on the Mandovi River's banks. This city is rich in history and culture and is laid-back, which is why this place is a tourist favorite.
However, beauty is not the only thing Panaji is known for; there is much more, like its historical background. Let’s explore the capital of Goa more, i.e., Panaji.
The Portuguese called the city Panjim, but after the liberation, the name was changed to Panaji.
History and Development
In the 18th century, Panaji, or Panjim, was just a tiny village. It became the capital in 1843. For them, Goa was under Portuguese dominion at that time, and what drew the attention of the Portuguese was the city’s location on the Mandovi River.
An outbreak in the former capital of Goa, known as Old Goa, devastated the region in the mid-1700s. This led the Portuguese Viceroy to move his base to Panaji in 1759. A well-fortified Adil Shah Palace was further used for the new government seat secured by the local ruler.
Thus, Panaji started to grow the influence of the Portuguese. The Portuguese colonial style emerged in the city manifested by European-style buildings, colorful houses, and other structures, including the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceição and administrative buildings. And the cultural fusion at Panaji got imprinted.
What is a Geographical Location?
Panaji’s geographic location is as fascinating as its history. The city is located on the southern bank of the Mandovi River, although the river is more of an estuary, and thus the views are spectacular. The Arabian Sea is only a few kilometers away and closely impacts the city's climate.
Panaji is a small capital city with an area of approximately 14 km² or about 5.4 square miles. Places such as Altinho offer steep areas with territories of the cities to offer, and some plots of green areas are involved.
The city has a tropical climate; summers are quite hot, whereas winters are relatively cool and dry. This makes Panaji an all-season destination, with its climate being perfect for travelers all year round.
How does Panaji serve as an Administrative and Political Center?
Panaji is the Goan state's capital and houses significant regional administration offices. This is also where the Goa Legislative Assembly is situated, where key decisions are made.
The Secretariat, which is the major workplace in the government, is another of them. The Raj Bhavan, the honorable Governor's official residence, brings dignity to Dharamsala's central business district.
In Goa, political parties also find their base in Panaji. This is the state’s political capital, where its headquarters are located; thus, the city plays a significant role in defining its political direction. It is also the administrative capital of the North Goa district, where it commands and supervises numerous administrative tasks.
Panaji has been transformed from a village into a city that now serves as the capital of Goa owing to its history, geographical advantage, and administrative necessity.
Architecture in the city is somehow special due to the history of the city and thanks to the location by the riverside. The capital of Goa, along with state administrative and political institutions, Panaji holds a significant position in the overall state development.