Diu history

Ancient Roots and First Mentions

The history of Diu is rooted in deep antiquity. According to mythological legends, this place is mentioned in the Indian Puranas as "Jallandhar Kshetra". The factual history of the city can be traced back to the time of the Mauryan Empire (around 322 BC). Over the centuries, Diu passed under the control of various dynasties, including the Western Kshatrapas and the Guptas, testifying to its long-standing status as a significant settlement.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Diu into a significant regional centre was driven by a combination of unique conditions:

• Geography: Its location on an island off the southern coast of the Kathiawar peninsula made Diu a strategically vital point. A natural harbour and isolation from the mainland provided excellent conditions for defence and the docking of ships.
• Trade: The city was situated at the crossroads of busy maritime routes between India, Arabia, and East Africa. This turned it into a key trading hub in the Arabian Sea basin.
• Political Influence: A particular golden age occurred during the rule of the Sultans of Gujarat (14th–16th centuries), when the city became a powerful naval outpost, control over which was later contested by European powers.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Diu flourished through the maritime trade of spices, textiles, and ivory. Thanks to a constant flow of merchants from Persia, Turkey, and the Arab lands, a unique multicultural environment was formed here. Even before the colonial era, Diu was known as a wealthy and well-fortified port where the traditions of various civilisations intertwined, creating the foundation for its unique architectural character.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Diu is a sequence of conquests, commercial prosperity, and struggles for naval dominance. Below are the key events that shaped the city's identity.

• 322 BC — The island comes under the control of the Mauryan Empire, marking the beginning of its documented history within ancient Indian states.
• 1400s — Diu becomes a vital part of the Gujarat Sultanate and transforms into a strategic naval port and trade centre.
• 1509 — The famous naval Battle of Diu takes place, in which the Portuguese fleet defeated the combined squadron of Muslim rulers, shifting the balance of power in the Indian Ocean.
• 1535 — The Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, forms an alliance with the Portuguese and allows them to build the Diu Fort in exchange for protection against the Mughal Empire.
• 1538 — The first siege of Diu by the Ottoman fleet of Suleiman the Magnificent, which did not succeed, preserving Portuguese control over the fortress.
• 1546 — The second, more brutal siege of Diu, ending in a decisive victory for Portugal and the definitive consolidation of their power on the island.
• 1670 — Arab seafarers from Muscat raid the city, looting the settlement but failing to take the fortified fort.
• 19 December 1961 — Indian troops conduct Operation "Vijay", resulting in the capitulation of the Portuguese garrison, ending over 400 years of colonial rule.
• 1962 — Diu officially becomes part of India, joining the Union Territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu.
• 30 May 1987 — Goa receives statehood, while Diu, together with Daman, is separated into a distinct Union Territory.
• 26 January 2020 — An administrative merger takes place, resulting in the formation of the single Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Key Development Stages and Their Impact

The development of Diu was defined by its status as a strategic outpost and trade hub. Below are the main milestones that formed the modern economic and architectural appearance of the city:

• Establishment as an International Port (15th–16th Centuries)
  Under the administration of the Gujarat Sultanate, the city became a crucial transit point on the route from India to the Arab world.
  Significance: The influx of merchants from Turkey, Persia, and Venice created a powerful economic base and laid the foundations for a multicultural society.
• Creation of the Fortification System (1535–1546)
  Construction by the Portuguese of a massive fort and defensive walls around the city.
  Significance: This urban planning decision turned the trading settlement into an impregnable citadel, defining the boundaries of urban development and the dominant architectural silhouette of the island.
• Architectural Europeanisation (17th Century)
  Large-scale construction of Catholic temples (St. Paul’s Church, Church of St. Francis of Assisi) and civil buildings in the Baroque style.
  Significance: A unique Indo-Portuguese style was formed, which today stands as Diu's main cultural heritage and a magnet for tourists.
• Economic Conservation (19th Century)
  With the rise of British Bombay (Mumbai), the commercial importance of Diu declined sharply.
  Significance: The city avoided chaotic industrialisation, keeping its historical environment almost intact (a "time capsule effect").
• Infrastructural Integration (Late 20th Century)
  Construction of reliable bridges linking the island to the mainland and the development of the road network after joining India.
  Significance: Overcoming island isolation allowed for regular supplies of goods and a flow of tourists from neighbouring Gujarat.
• Tourism Reorientation (21st Century)
  Development of Nagoa and Ghoghla beaches, restoration of monuments, and the growth of the hotel business.
  Significance: The city's economy shifted its focus from traditional fishing and salt harvesting to the service sector, turning Diu into a popular resort centre.

Urban Landscape and Cultural Fusion

The architectural landscape of Diu is unique for India: here, European colonial aesthetics have organically intertwined with local Gujarati traditions. The city developed as a fortified naval outpost, bounded by fortress walls and the sea. The layout of the historic centre has preserved a medieval European structure with narrow winding streets, small squares, and dense buildings, characteristic of Portuguese cities of that time.

Architectural Eras and Styles

The city's development can be divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark in stone:

• Military Architecture (16th Century):

  An era of conquest and consolidation of positions. The dominant style is functional military architecture with elements of Manueline (Portuguese Renaissance). The main goal of construction was defence against attacks from the sea and land.

• Colonial Baroque (17th Century):

  A period of religious flourishing and missionary activity. It was during this time that majestic Catholic temples were erected, becoming the calling card of Diu. The style is characterised by lavish facade decoration, intricate carving, and monumentality.

• Civil Indo-Portuguese Architecture (18th–19th Centuries):

  Formation of residential areas for wealthy merchants and officials. The style represents a synthesis of European layouts with Indian decorative elements (carved wooden balconies, verandas) and adaptation to the hot climate (high ceilings, large windows).

Iconic Structures That Shaped the City

The appearance of Diu is defined by several monumental landmarks preserved in excellent condition:

• Diu Fort (Fortaleza de Diu): A grand example of 16th-century fortification art. Its massive bastions, moat, and double walls still command respect and serve as the urban dominant of the island.
• St. Paul’s Church: The brightest example of Baroque in India. The church facade is richly decorated with volutes and statues, while the interior is famous for intricate wood carving executed by local craftsmen under the guidance of Jesuits.
• Church of St. Francis of Assisi: A building combining strict lines with Baroque elements. Located on a hilltop, it long served as a landmark for seafarers (now used as a hospital).
• Firangiwada Quarter: An area of the old city where traditional Portuguese mansions are best preserved, painted in pastel shades—yellow, blue, and pink—creating the atmosphere of a Mediterranean town.
• Fortim do Mar (Panikota): A small but striking fortress-prison located directly in the sea at the entrance to the bay. Its silhouette resembles a stone ship and complements the city's defensive ensemble.

Historical Figures and Rulers

The history of Diu is inextricably linked with the names of great commanders, sultans, and navigators, whose decisions determined the fate of the island for centuries to come.

• Malik Ayyaz
  Governor of Diu and Admiral (Early 16th Century)
  An outstanding administrator of the Gujarat Sultanate. It was he who turned Diu into a thriving international trade port and built the first serious fortifications. Known for successfully resisting early Portuguese attempts to capture the city and defeating their fleet in the Battle of Chaul (1508).
• Bahadur Shah
  Sultan of Gujarat (Reigned 1526–1537)
  A key figure in the history of Diu's transition to European control. In exchange for military aid against the Mughals, he signed the 1535 treaty with the Portuguese, permitting the construction of the famous fort. He died in Diu harbour during negotiations on a Portuguese ship.
• Nuno da Cunha
  Governor of Portuguese India (1529–1538)
  An experienced diplomat and strategist who sought control over the island for years. It was he who concluded the fateful alliance with Bahadur Shah and oversaw the initial phase of the Portuguese fortress construction in Diu.
• António da Silveira
  Commandant of Diu Fort (16th Century)
  Hero of the first siege of Diu (1538). Commanding a small garrison, he managed to withstand a months-long blockade and assaults by a massive combined fleet of the Ottoman Empire and Gujarat, which consolidated Portuguese power in the region.
• Hadim Suleiman Pasha
  Ottoman Admiral and Grand Vizier (16th Century)
  Led a powerful Ottoman expedition to the Indian Ocean in 1538. His goal was to expel the Portuguese from Diu and restore Muslim control over trade routes; however, the siege of the fortress ended with the retreat of his fleet.
• Khwaja Safar (Coge Çafar)
  General and Merchant (16th Century)
  A talented military commander of European origin in the service of the Sultan. He was the main organiser and strategist of the second siege of Diu (1546), skilfully using artillery and sappers. He was killed by a cannonball in the trenches near the city walls.
• Dom João de Castro
  Viceroy of Portuguese India (1545–1548)
  Arrived with reinforcements during a critical moment of the second siege of Diu (1546). He won a decisive victory over the Sultanate's forces, after which he initiated a large-scale reconstruction of the fort, giving it the appearance that has survived to this day.
• K.P. Candeth
  Major General of the Indian Army (20th Century)
  Commander of Operation "Vijay" in December 1961. Under his leadership, Indian armed forces liberated Diu from 450 years of Portuguese rule, integrating the territory into independent India.