I
Diu : The Unknown Destination
H. K. Bhattacharyya*
Diu, a tiny island, situated in the southern tip of Kathiwar Peninsula, surrounded
by Chorwad (Junagadh) and Jaferabad (Amreli) Districts of Gujrat in the North and the
Arabian Sea on three sides in South at the mouth of the Gulf of Cambay.
The island of Diu is seperated from the coast
by a narrow channel on the North. Ghogla is the
entry point to Diu through Una.
Area 38.8 Sq. Km. with a coastline of 21 Km.
maximum width from North to South extends
13.8 Km. and East to West measure 4.6 Km.
Goa, Daman and Diu were in Portuguese
possession for 450 years , liberated on the 19th
December, 1961. Goa became a State and
Daman and Diu consist of two District was
formed on the 30th May, 1987. Daman is the
capital of the Union Territory of Daman and Diu,
situated at a distance of 768 Km. in South in
Surat District , nearest rail head is Vapi (122
Km.) down South. The nearest rail head of Diu is Verbal about 90 Km. North West.
There is a regular air service between Mumbai and Diu. There are 2 three star hotels
beside a number of A, B, C and D category hotels. The climate is pleasant throughout
the year but the best season is from October to March.
The history Diu dates back pre-historic, ancient and medieval until 1961 when it
was liberated.
Mula Dwarka 12 Km. West of Diu seems more probable identification to
Prabhas as referred to in
Mahabharata . Prabhas Tirtha
mentioned in Mahabharata can
be identified with Prabhas Patan
or Somnath. Patan is also
closely associated with the
Yadavas under the leadership of
Krishna Vasudev.
As per Skanda Puran this
portion of the peninsula was
known as Prabhas Khetra and
Dev Patan or Somnath Patan.
Archeological excavation near Prabhas on the bank of Hirnya River about
42 Km. North-West of Diu, have yielded typical type of pottery associated with
Harappan forms of the Indus Valley Civilization classified as Prabhas dates back
2000 -1300 BC.
* Free Lance Journalist
The history of Diu begins with Chandra Gupta Maurya (322 - 320 BC). Diu
including the state of Saurashtra was ruled by Kshatrapas, [1st Century to 415 AD];
the Guptas from 415 - 467AD, the Maitrakas from 470 788, the Chavda dynasty from
789 - 941 A. D. the Chalukyas succeded the power from the Chavdas.
In 1020 AD Sultan Mohammed of
Ghazani attacked the Chalukyas. In
1064 AD Chalukyas came back to
power succeeded by the Chavda
and Vaghera Rajputs who built a fort
here but dislodged byAllauddin Khilji
Sultan of Delhi in 1297 AD. Vaja Raja
Brahmadas tried to capture but
failed and took shelter in Diu.
Because of its strategic location, the Portuguese attacked several times during
1518-35.
When Humayun, the Mughal Emperor, attacked Bahadur Shah, the Governor
of Gujrat, latter entered into a treaty on the 5th October, 1535 with the Portuguese for
their help against Humayun and Diu was rewarded to Portuguese. The Muslims ruled
about 200 years. The Muslims were defeated by the Portuguese in the Battle of Diu
(2.2.1509).
Nuno De Cunha,the Portuguese Governor, constructed the Fort of Diu. Diu
was finally seized by Joan De Castro, Governor, on the 10th November, 1546.
Simbor, a village in Diu (42 Km. away) was conquered in 1722 ultimately Goa, Daman
and Diu was liberated on the 19th December, 1961 from the Portuguese rule.
During 14th to 16th centuries, Diu was an important trading centre and a naval
base. Through Diu trade flourished in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, African coast etc.
The main attraction in Diu is the Fort of Diu, the majestic structure, situated in
the entrance coast of island, surrounded by the sea on the three sides and a canal on
the fourth side, constructed during 1535 - 41.
Antonio D' Silveria defeated Mahemud 111, nephew of Bahadur Shah in 1536.
Again in 1545, when
Bahadur Shah, Sultan of
Gujrat, attacked was
defeated by Dom Joao de
Mascarenhas. In 1670 a
small band of armed
Arabs from Muscat
plundered the fort. The
fort was re-constructed
and improvement made
by Mascarenhas.
It was PortugueseArmy Barrack bears Portuguese inscription and is defended
by a bastion called St. George. In the fort there is a giant structure which now house
the Light House.
The Fortress of Pankotha, a magnificient stone structure built right at the
mouth of the creek, approximately one nautical mile from Diu can be reached by
Motor Boat. It also has a Light House
and a small chapel dedicated to Our
Lady of the sea. Special light effect at
night give it a mesmerizing beauty.
The horse shoe shaped Nagoa
Beach extends 2 Km. from one and to
the other. The virginity of the beach and
serenity of the surroundings give peace
and tranquility. Gomtimata Beach is
located on the Western end of the island.
The Ghogia Beach is the largest
sandy beach. A tourist Complex near by provide various water sport facilities to the
tourist.
Chakratirtha Beach is centrally located. There is a open Air Auditorium on the
seaside of the hillock. The hill and the surrounding landscape gives a beautiful look
when illuminated.
According to a legend, Chakratirtha is located in Devabhadra. Bhadra means
fort in Sanskrit, thus Devabhadra seems to be Puranic name of Diu.
St. Paul's Church was constructed by Jesuits during 1600-10, rebuilt in 1807
subsequently modified in 1873 and 1888. It is one of the most elaborate Portuguese
Churches in India.
St. Thomas Church has since been converted into Diu Museum , houses
antique , statues , various stone inscriptions , wooden carvings, idols and various other
artifacts.
Church of St. Francis
of Assisi has since been
converted into a hospital.
Gangeshwar Temple is
situated in Fudum village
about 3 Km. away from Diu,
adorn 5 Sivalingas. Legend is
5-Pandava brothers
worshiped Lord Shiva during
their exile.
On a hillock close to the beach is Jallandhar Shrine. Jallandhar n ethological
demon was killed by Lord Sri Krishna. The temple of Goddess Chandika^ is located
nearby
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Torpedoes which killed 18 officers and 176 sailors about 40 nautical miles of Diu. INS
Kukri Memorial is in the memory of the sailors who sacrificed their life fighting for the
country.
Sea Shell Museum contain amazing range of shells collected by the Merchant
Navy during 50 years. This is the First Shell Museum in the world where about 3000
marine items are displayed.
The Somnath Mahadev Temple is located about 90 Km. North West. About 90
Km. North of Diu is the most popular Gir Forest, the only home of Asiatic Lions.
Diu is a perfect gate way for all seasons with a beautiful blends of sun, sand,
sea, breeze, beauty and serenity. Added to it is the historical Portuguese Fort,
imposing Churches, the Golden Sea Beaches, blue sea water, clean environment,
facilities of different type ofwatersports and the local friendly population.
H. K. Bhattacharyya
E-781, Chittaranjan Park,
New Delhi -110019 [India]
Email: hkb.e781 @gmail.corn