Archive · 14 Aug 2026
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.
India won freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947.
Goa was the only Indian state never under British rule.
Goa spent over four centuries under Portuguese rule.
Goa was liberated 14 years later, in December 1961.
Goa's liberation came through a 36-hour military operation.
- Who
- The people of Goa, with India and Portugal as the colonial powers involved.
- What
- Goa remained under Portuguese rule and was liberated in a 36-hour military operation.
- When
- December 1961, 14 years after India's independence on August 15, 1947.
- Where
- Goa, India.
- Why
- Goa was the only Indian state never under British rule, having been a Portuguese colony for over four centuries.
- Event
- Liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule
- Liberation Date
- December 1961
- India's Independence
- August 15, 1947
- Colonial Power in Goa
- Portugal
- Duration of Portuguese Rule
- Over four centuries
- Operation Duration
- 36 hours
- Time After Indian Independence
- 14 years