The name ‘Diu’ is derived from the Sanskrit word dweepa. Spread over an area of approximately 40 sq km, Diu island forms a part of Union Territory of Daman & Diu in western India. It is separated from the southern extermity of the Peninsula of Kathiawar in Gujarat by a narrow channel through a considerable swamp. Its extreme length from east to west is about 11 km and its greatest width from north to south is 3 km. On the north, the narrow channel separating it from the mainland is navigable only by fishing-boats and small craft. The south face of the Island constitutes of sandstone ceaselessly being washed by deep sea waters close beneath. Several clusters of coconut tree are scattered all over the island and its hillocks attain an elevation of about 30 metres. It has a small but excellent harbour where vessels can safely be anchored upto two fathoms of water. The climate is generally dry and sultry, the soil barren and water scarce. Agriculture is not adequately developed in the Island. Total irrigated area in 1991 was only 287 hectares. The principal products are wheat, millet, bajra, coconut and some kinds of fruit.

From the eighth to thirteenth century, it was a stronghold of the Chowda Rajputs who were ousted by the Waghalas who in turn were expelled by Muslims in 1330. It continued under Muslim rule for next two hundred years when it was conquered by the Portuguese. Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat on being attacked by the Mughal emperor Humayun, entered into a defensive alliance with the Portuguese and allowed them in 1535 to construct a fortress on the island and maintain a garrison there. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 451 years (1510-1961), longer than the combined periods of the Mughal and the British rule in the rest of India (1526-1947). Albuquerque entrenched himself in the Island of Tiswadi in 1510. His successors had unbroken, though not unchallenged, sway over this lovely territory for the next four-and-a-half centuries. Intermittently there were murmurs of resentment and opposition to the alien rule from the people within and without the territory. The most worthy event that brought liberation of Portuguese settlement was operation Vijay on December 16, 1961 ending the long colonial rule.

Diu town is dotted with several magnificent historic edifices some of which are still in shape. Of these, the most noteworthy is the College of the Jesuits erected in 1601, later converted into a Cathedral called St Matriz. The parochial hall of once beautiful Church of St Thomas for a long time served as a place for meetings of city fathers. The well-known mint in the days of the greatest prosperity of the Portuguese has fallen into decay today. The arsenal, once so renowned, houses only the relics. Besides these buildings of historical importance, is Governor’s Palace.

The town of Diu is at the east end of the Island. As per 1991 census, its population was 39,485. It is the headquarters of the district Diu. In the days of its commercial prosperity in the past, it is said to have contained above 50,000 inhabitants. Diu, once so opulent and famous for its commerce, lost its importance during the Portuguese rule. It had, in the past, mercantile relations with other parts of India and Mozambique. Besides Diu town, there were three large villages on the Island namely Monakbara with a fort commanding the channel on the west, Bachawara on the north and Nagwa with small fort on the south. The principal occupations of the inhabitants those days were weaving and dyeing. Articles manufactured here were highly prized abroad. Up till some eightyfive years ago, enterprising persons used to emigrate temporarily to Mozambique for commercial pursuits and eventually returned to their native place to spend the evening of their lives.

The bulk of the population of Diu today is engaged in fishing and salt production. The coastal and inland waters are rich in fish yield, particularly the wellknown variety, pomfret. The fishermen are hardy people and go for deep-sea fishing in primitive boats weighing up to 15 tons, built of joined wooden planks. The main items of export are dried salt, fish, coconut and printed cloth which is one of the oldest and famous cotage industries of Diu.

Diu is very picturesque and possesses a number of historical monuments and scenic spots such as the lovely beach at Nagoa, ideal for swimming and other water sports. However, what impresses the visitors most is the massive historic Diu Fort originally known as ‘Praca de Diu’ built way back in 1535. Being close to the historic Somnath Temple at Veral and the famed Gir Lion Sanctuary, Diu is a very popular and important tourist resort.