Goa: The Only Indian State Never Under British Rule

India has a special holiday on August 15 when it celebrates freedom from British rule.

But one state in India, called Goa, was not ruled by the British.

Instead, Goa was ruled by Portugal, a country in Europe.

Portugal controlled Goa for more than four hundred years.

That means when the rest of India became free in 1947, Goa did not become free too.

Goa had to wait fourteen more years for freedom.

In December 1961, the Indian military freed Goa in a quick operation that lasted just 36 hours.

Today, Goa is a cheerful part of India and celebrates Independence Day with the rest of the country.

Different parts of India became free at different times, and Goa's story is one of the most special ones.