General information page for Daman
Daman is situated on the west coast of India on the Arabian Sea are exotic locations that are blessed with sun, sand & sea. Due to their Locational advantages, they offer excellent potential for tourist traffic.
Daman is situated at 20-22'-00" to 20-27'-25" latitude north of equator and between meridian 72-49'-42" to 72-54'-43" longitude. An important locational advantage of Daman is its close proximity to Bombay and it is just 13 kms away from the nearest rail road, Vapi. Geographical area of Daman is 72 square kms.
Locational advantages made Daman, excellent and exotic tourism destinations with tourist traffic rising year by year.
History
Daman boasts of a rich historical heritage spanning over more than 2000 years. The district of Daman of the erstwhile Union Territory of Goa, Daman & Diu is situated in the Surat District of Gujarat. From 2nd Century A.D., it formed a part of the country known as Lata, which was one of the seven divisions of Konkan Vaishaya.
The edict of the Emperor Ashoka (273 to 136 B.C) was found in Saurashtra and Sopara near Bombay. Satrya Kshatrapas under the Kushana emperor seemed to have ruled over Daman District during the first century, A.D. The Coins of Bhumaka and Nahapan, the kshaharata rulers were discovered in the surrounding areas of Surat District. Ushavadatta, son-in-law of Nahapan, is said to have provided ferries on rivers Dhanuha Dhamana, Parada and Tapi.
This is the earliest reference of these rivers and the names of the places, i.e. Dahanu, Daman and Pardi, remained unchanged for the last 2000 years. The District seems to have been subjected to the rule of Gautamaputra Satakarnin, about 125 A.D., who drove away the Kshaharatas. But Satavahana's rule was short lived.
Rudraman I, grandson of Chastan of Kadamaka branch of Kshatrapas reconquered a large part of Western India including the sea-board from the river Mahi in Gujarat to Ratnagiri by about 150 A.D. from Satavahana ruler, Satakarni, and Daman district again passed under the rule of Kshatrapa Vijayasen (234-239 A.D.) who seems to have ruled over the district till 249 A.D. Abhir king Ishwarasena of Nasik, who conquered the western part of the Deccan from the Satavahanas seems to have been laid by Gautamaputra Yajnashri, campaigns the Kshatrapas from 180 to 200 A.D.
The District seems to have been subjected to the rule of traikutakas during the 5th century, A.D. The Lata Country was ruled by Rashtrakutas of Malkhed in the Deccan directly till 808 A.D. by the successors, Govinda II (575- 795 A.D), Druvaraja - I (795-800 A.D) and Govinda III (800 - 808 A.D.).
Govinda III handed over the Lata kingdom to his brother Indra about. 808 A.D. and was given the title Lateswaramandalasya or the protector of Latamandala. Indra was succeded by his son Karka who seems to have ruled Latamandala with his brother, Govinda jointly till A.D. 826. Druva II, son of Karka came to the throne about 835 A.D. and was succeded by Akalavarsha in. 867. A.D. The District was passed to Tailappa II of the Chalupas of Kalyani in 973 A.D. Tailappa II placed Lata Country in the hands of his relative and general Barrpa alias Dvarappa Chalukya. By the middle of the 13th century, a Rajput prince Ramsingh alias Ramashah seems to have defeated the koli chief Nathorat and established himself in the hilly tract at Asheri of Asserseta near Daman about 1262 A.D. Ramsingh was succeded by his son Somanath in 1295 A.D. The newly founded Ramnagar at the foot of the ghats flourished under Somnath (1335-1360 A.D) and Daram shah (1360-1391 A.D.). Jagatshah succeeded Gopushah and ruled during 1432 A.D. to 1470 A.D. The Portuguese from Shah of Gujarat acquired Daman. They noticed the port of Daman for the first time in 1523. A Portuguese enclave for 4 centuries and a half till the close of the colonial rule in 1961; Daman has been a coveted prize for which princes, monarchs and alien powers waged wars. Muted memories of history lie vaulted in the monuments of Daman. It had been a melting pot, where races and cultures met and mixed to bring forth a multi-coloured identity.
Climate
Daman is having a pleasant climate all over the year. In summer, Daman is blessed with cool breeze coming from over the Arabian sea.
Maximum Temperature is 39 degree centigrade and minimum is 11 degree centigrade. The average annual rainfall is 1687 mm.
Beginning September & culminating May is the perfect period for exploring and fascination of this wonderland, but planning a holiday in monsoon is no less appealing and will evoke a great deal of exhilaration and mirth.
Culture
Daman can boast of a rich and multi - faced cultural heritage. Dance and Music are very much part of the daily life of Damanite. Here is a true fusion of cultures - tribal, urban, European and Indian.This ornate amalgam is reflected in the traditional dances of Daman.
Various Portuguese dances are well preserved and still widely presented.Tribal dances with caustic social comments are much in vogue.
Tourist Place
Churches
The Se Cathedral in the Moti Darnan fort dates from the 17th century and is totally Iberian. It has recently been renovated and looks quite impressive. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary has ancient Portuguese tombstones set into its cool, damp floor. The altar is a master piece of intricately carved, gold-painted wood. Light filters through the dusty windows, illuminating wooden panels painted with scenes of Christ and the apostles. The church is not always open; check with the vicar of the Se Cathedral for the key.
Other Attractions
You can walk around the ramparts of the. Nani Daman Fort (Fort of St Jerome). They're a good place from which to watch the fish market and the activity of the small fishing fleet, which anchors alongside. Near the river on the Nani Daman side is an interesting Jain temple.
If you inquire in temple office, a caretaker should be able to show you around. The walls inside are completely covered with glassed-over l8th century murals depicting the life of Mahavira, who lived around 500 BC. It's quite pleasant to wander around the wide streets of the old Moti Daman. The place has a very sleepy atmosphere, and the views across the river to Nani Daman from the ramparts near the lighthouse are not bad.