Daman, a municipal council of Daman District and a dandy little precinct of the Daman & Diu Union Territory of Indian subcontinent is a charming coastal township positioned along the southern peninsula of the state of Gujarat. Segregated by the Daman Ganga River into two divisions; Nani Daman and Moti Daman, the Daman Island is bounded by the Gulf of Cambay to its west, Kolak and Kalai Rivers respectively to its north and south and the terra firma of Gujarat to its east. Priding itself on its enchanting landscapes and immaculate beaches blessed with nature’s opulent treasure, Daman; a thriving industrial hub of southern Gujarat is also a leading tourism center vitally cherished by nature lovers, solitude seekers and adventure enthusiasts. The far flung stretches of palm fringed velvety sand, the fascinating and tranquil shores of Devka and Jampore endowed with abundant natural resources and blissful scenic allure, the pleasant and jovial climate, friendly and hospitable people and the easily available liquor renders Daman a paradise for the tourists.

Located just 174 kilometers from Mumbai, Daman; the land of secluded creamy sands, swirling sea, waters sports and historical monuments beckons myriads of tourists to spend their weekends in the invigorating intimacy with nature. Governed by the Portuguese for over 400 years, the twin islands of Daman still retain their old colonial charm. The majestic forts, bravura cathedrals and other ancient monuments of Daman draw many students of history and archaeology to this land of prized legacy. Apart from its blossoming tourism industry, Daman is also commended for its flourishing industrial quarters. Particularly reckoned far and wide for its production of chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, printing ink, dyes, plastic, electronics, windmills, toys, and salt etc Daman plays an important part in the economy of Gujarat. Even though, the mushrooming industries of Daman have polluted the city to such an extent that in 2007 the ‘Blacksmith Institute’ of Germany had rated Daman as world’s fifth most polluted place.

Daman, earlier known as ‘Damao’ boasts of its grand historical heritage dated back to more than 2000 years. Counting on the available evidences, Daman was dominated by Satrya Kshatrapas under the Kushana emperor in 1st century AD while in 2nd century it formed a part of an ancient country named ‘Lata’. About in 125 AD a Satavahana ruler Gautamaputra Satakarnin abducted the reigns of Daman from Kshaharatas but Satavahanas were later defeated by a Kshatrapa ruler Rudraman I in 150 AD. Subsequent to this, the Daman District of the Lata Country kept changing hands between Kshatrapas, Abhirs, Satavahanas, Traikutakas, Rashtrakutas, and so on. In 9th century, about in 808 AD King Govinda III of Rashtrakuta dynasty handed over the reigns of Lata to his brother Indra who was then coroneted with the title ‘Lateswaramandalasya’ meaning ‘the protector of Latamandala.

In 10th century AD Lata country was relinquished to the Chalukyas. In 1262 AD a Rajput King Ramashah defeated a koli chief Nathorat and established his dominance in the province adjoining Daman. Rajput Kings retained the supremacy till the Portuguese acquired Daman in 16th century AD from them. A Portuguese captain Diogo-de-Melo on his way to Ormuz was caught in a violent storm and his boat blew towards the coast of Daman. Diogo-de-Melo reached Daman in 1523 AD and established a Portuguese colony here. As a protection against the Mughals who ruled the surrounding region, Portuguese built a huge fortification in Moti Daman in 16th century AD. Portuguese commanded Daman for next 400 years till December 1961 when finally Daman was incorporated into the Republic of India with the triumphant ‘Operation Vijay’ of 1961.