Anjidiv Island, Military island in Goa, India
Anjidiv Island is a crescent-shaped island in the Arabian Sea off Goa, stretching approximately 1.6 kilometers in length with an average width of about 250 meters. The island operates as a military installation, dominated by a fortress that emphasizes its strategic location.
Vasco da Gama claimed the island for Portugal in 1498, leading to the construction of a fortress that remained under Portuguese control until 1961. After Indian independence, the location became an important naval base.
Two shrines honor Nossa Senhora das Brotas and São Francisco de Assis, reflecting the Portuguese Catholic heritage left on the island. Visitors can see these religious structures today as reminders of how different faiths shaped this place over centuries.
Access to the island requires permission from INS Kadamba Naval Base, as the area operates under strict military jurisdiction. Visitors should inquire in advance about visiting conditions and be prepared for possible restrictions.
Archaeological discoveries on the island reveal remains from the 11th century, including pillars, stones, and pottery that suggest an ancient temple complex once stood here. These finds show the site was inhabited long before European arrival.
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