Diu’s history is ancient and deeply connected to the maritime trade routes of the Arabian Sea. Early historical records suggest that the island was ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryans, the Kshatrapas, and the Chalukyas. During the medieval period, it became a crucial port under the Sultanate of Gujarat, serving as a gateway for trade between India, the Middle East, and East Africa.
The trajectory of Diu changed forever in 1509 with the Battle of Diu, a massive naval clash where the Portuguese Empire defeated a joint fleet of the Sultan of Gujarat, the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt, the Zamorin of Calicut, and the Ottoman Empire. In 1535, Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat signed a defense treaty with the Portuguese, allowing them to construct the Diu Fort. The Portuguese subsequently seized total control of the island, which, along with Goa and Daman, formed the core of the _Estado da Índia_.
For over 400 years, Diu flourished and later settled into a quiet colonial rhythm, characterized by the construction of magnificent Baroque churches and elegant villas. The Portuguese era came to an end in December 1961 when the Indian Armed Forces initiated Operation Vijay, successfully liberating Diu, Daman, and Goa and integrating them into the Republic of India. In 2020, the Union Territory of Daman and Diu was merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli to streamline administration.
