Even before the arrival of the Portuguese, old Goa was a thriving and prosperous city. The second capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, it had a fortress surrounded by walls, towers and a moat, and contained mosques, temples and a large palace. The city grew rapidly in size and splendor under the Portuguese rule. Many huge churches, monasteries and convents were erected by various religious orders who came to Goa under royal mandates.

By the end of the 16th century, Portuguese supremacy in India was cut short by the British, Dutch and French presence. The city's decline was accelerated by the activities of the 'inquisition' and a devastating epidemic that struck in 1635. If it not had been for the treaty between the British and the Portuguese, it is probable that Goa would either have passed on to Dutch hands or been absorbed by British India.

Goa became the administrative capital of the Portuguese Eastern empire in the early 19th century. The capital was later shifted to Panjim. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 450 years till 1961, when Indian troops marched in. Goa attained statehood in 1987. Konkani is the mother tongue, though English is widely spoken.

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