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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name                   = Diu Island
| official_name     = Diu Island
| native_name                     = દમણ અને દીવ અને દાદરા અને નાગર હવેલી
| native_name       =  
| native_name_lang               = gu
| native_name_lang   =  
| other_name                     = ''Div'' / ''Dio''
| other_name         =  
| settlement_type                 = Island
| settlement_type   = Island
| image_skyline                   = Diu_fort,_India.JPG
| image_skyline     = Diu_fort,_India.JPG
| pushpin_map                     = India Gujarat
| image_caption      = Diu Fort
| mapsize                         = 150px
| image_map          = [[File:Diu Island Map.png|250px]]
| subdivision_type               = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| map_caption        = Map of Diu Island showing major features
| subdivision_name               = {{flag|India}}
| pushpin_map       = India Gujarat
| subdivision_type1               = [[Union Territories of India|Union Territories]]
| mapsize           = 150px
| subdivision_name1               = {{flagicon image|Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu emblem.png}} [[Daman and Diu Union Territory|Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]]
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[Districts of Daman and Diu|District]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name2               = [[Diu District|Diu]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[Union Territory]]
| founder                         =  
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu emblem.png}} [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]]
| named_for                       =  
| subdivision_type2 = [[Districts of Daman and Diu|District]]
| leader_title                   =  
| subdivision_name2 = [[Diu District|Diu]]
| leader_name                     =  
| founder           =  
| established_title               =  
| named_for         =  
| established_date               =  
| leader_title       =  
| area_total_km2                 = 38.8
| leader_name       =  
| area_footnotes                 =  
| established_title =  
| population_as_of               = 2015
| established_date   =  
| population_total               = 44215
| area_total_km2     = 38.8
| population_density_km2         = auto
| area_footnotes     =  
| timezone                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| population_as_of   = 2015
| utc_offset                     = +5:30
| population_total   = 44215
| coordinates                     = {{coord|20|42|53.9|N|70|59|26.1|E|region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| population_density_km2 = auto
| elevation_m                     = 8
| timezone           = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| postal_code_type               = Postcode
| utc_offset         = +5:00
| postal_code                     =  
| coordinates       = {{coord|20|42|53.9|N|70|59|26.1|E|region:PK|display=inline,title}}
| Post Office Name               =  
| elevation_m       = 8
| area_code_type                 = Telephone code
| postal_code_type   = Postcode
| area_code                       =  
| postal_code       =  
| government_type                 = [[Panchayat]]
| Post Office Name   =  
| website                         = www.diu.gov.in
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| footnotes                       =  
| area_code         =  
| government_type   = [[Panchayati raj|Panchayat]]
| website           = www.diu.gov.in
| footnotes         =  
}}
}}


'''Diu Island''' is an island off the Southern coast of [[Gujarat|Gujarat's]] [[Kathiawar]] peninsula, separated from the mainland by a [[creek (tidal)|tidal creek]]. It has an area of 40 km², and a population of 44,110 (2001 census).
'''Diu Island''' is an island off the southern coast of [[Gujarat|Gujarat's]] [[Kathiawar]] peninsula, separated from the mainland by a [[creek (tidal)|tidal creek]]. It has an area of 38&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, and a population of 44,110 (2001 census).


It belongs to [[Diu District]] and lies 5&nbsp;km to the east of [[Diu Head]]. Diu is part of the Union territory of [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]]. Both Daman and Diu share the same member of parliament.
Administratively it belongs to the [[Diu district]] of the [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]] union territory of India, both [[Daman and Diu Lok Sabha constituency|Damaon and Diu]] share the same elected representative as the [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|member of parliament]]. The island lies 5&nbsp;km to the east of [[Diu Head]].
[[File:Diu map1729.jpg|thumb|Map of Diu, 1729 (G. Child Sculpt., engraved by G. Child)]]
[[File:Diu map1729.jpg|thumb|Map of Diu, 1729 (G. Child Sculpt., engraved by G. Child)]]
The town of [[Diu, India|Diu]] and [[Diu Fort]] are located on the island. There is also a domestic airport, [[Diu Airport]].
The town of [[Diu, India|Diu]] and [[Diu Fort]] are located on the island. There is also a domestic airport, [[Diu Airport]].
[[File:Diu Island Map.png|thumb|Map of Diu Island showing major features.]]
 
==History==
Throughout the 15th century, especially under [[Muzaffar Han]], Diu flourished as a major port of the [[Gujarat]]i state, with a notable fleet. From 1510, it became the seat of the governors of [[Surat]]. In 1535, the viceroy [[Nuno da Cunha]] made a treaty with Bahadur Sah, the sultan of [[Khambhat]], for the use of the port by Portugal. Despite several attacks by Ottomans and Arabs, the Portuguese, who by 1541 had completed their massive fort, would remain in control of the island until 1961, when it became a union territory with [[Daman, India|Daman]].<ref name=Aethiopica173>{{cite book |editor-last1=Uhlig |editor-first1=Siegbert |editor-last2=Bausi |editor-first2=Alessandro |editor-last3=Yimam |editor-first3=Baye |date=2003 |title=Encyclopaedia Aethiopica: D-Ha |publisher=Harrassowitz |location=Wiesbaden |pages=173–174 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oFhyAAAAMAAJ |access-date= |isbn=9783447052382 |issn= |oclc= }}</ref>
 
The Ethiopian highlands, through the ports of [[Massawa]] and [[Zeila]], imported Indian textiles and exported to the island slaves, wax, butter, [[civet]] and ivory. A population of Ethiopian slaves is reported in Portuguese sources to have lived in Diu and in the neighbouring area in the early 16th century.<ref name=Aethiopica173/>


==Churches==
==Churches==
[[File:Major Churches of Diu Island.jpg|thumb|Major Church Buildings on Diu Island (Anticlockwise from top):<br>
1. Churches of St. Paul and St. Thomas (Diu)<br>
2. Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Diu)<br>
3. Church of Our Lady of Remedes (Fudam)<br>
4. Church of Our Lady of Mercy (Vanakbara)]]


===St Paul's Church===
===[[St. Paul's Church, Diu|St Paul's Church]]===
The construction of this church was started in 1601 and was completed by 1610. The Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in 1691. Illuminated by flood lights (by night time), the main façade of the church is perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India. In architectural style, the is Gothic and resembles Bom Jesus Church at [[Old Goa]]. The wood - panelling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftsmanship. The church adorned with curiously treated volutes and shell - like motifs and the magnificent wood carving. <ref name=tour>{{Cite web|url=http://www.damandiutourism.com/paul-church-diu-india.php|title= St. Paul's Church, Diu - India ...|accessdate=2009-10-18|publisher = Official Website of Daman and Diu Tourism Department}}</ref>
The construction of this church was begun in 1601 and completed by 1610. The Church was dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in 1691. Illuminated by flood lights (by night time), the main façade of the church is perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India.{{according to whom|date=June 2023}} In architectural style, the church is Gothic and resembles the Bom Jesus Church at [[Old Goa]]. The wood panelling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftsmanship.{{according to whom|date=June 2023}} The church is adorned with volutes, shell-like motifs and wood carvings.<ref name=tour>{{Cite web|url=http://www.damandiutourism.com/paul-church-diu-india.php|title=St. Paul's Church, Diu - India ...|accessdate=2009-10-18|publisher=Official Website of Daman and Diu Tourism Department|archive-date=2009-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122205513/http://www.damandiutourism.com/paul-church-diu-india.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===St. Thomas Church===
===St. Thomas Church===
Now a museum, the old St. Thomas Church houses antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings and idols. The huge edifice in gothic architecture was built in 1598. A part of it has been converted into a museum - an archaeological treasure house. The artifacts displayed date back to the 16th century and beyond.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shetty |first1=Sneha |title=Have you visited these churches in Diu? |url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/have-you-visited-these-churches-in-diu-3237043/ |website=india.com |access-date=4 January 2021}}</ref>
Now a museum, the old St. Thomas Church houses antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings and idols. The Gothic edifice was built in 1598. A part of it has been converted into a museum. The artifacts displayed date back to the 16th century and beyond.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shetty |first1=Sneha |title=Have you visited these churches in Diu? |url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/have-you-visited-these-churches-in-diu-3237043/ |website=india.com |access-date=4 January 2021}}</ref>


==Forts==
==Forts==


===Diu Fort===
===Diu Fort===
[[File:Fort, Diu..JPG|thumb|left|200px|Diu Fort [[Diu, India|Diu]]]]
[[File:Diu Fortress, Jan. 2010.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Diu Fort]]
The [[Fort Diu|Diu Fort]], is located on the west coast of India in Diu, a Union Territory, administered by the Government of India. The fort was built by the Portuguese during their colonial rule of the Diu island. The Diu town is located to the west of the fort. The fort was built in 1535 subsequent to a defense alliance forged by Bahadur Shah, the [[Gujarat Sultanate|Sultan of Gujarat]] and the Portuguese when Humayun, the [[Mughals|Mughal Emperor]], waged war to annex this territory. Some additions made in 1541 and the fort was strengthened over the years, till 1546. Portuguese ruled over this territory from 1537 (from the year they took control of the fort and also the Diu town fully) until 1961. They were forced to quit only in December 1961 (even though India became an independent country in 1947) during a military action called the [[Indian annexation of Goa|Operation Vijay]] launched by the Government of India, and thereafter Diu was annexed by India as a centrally administered Union Territory.<ref name=Ramchandani>{{Cite book|last= Ramchandani|first= Indu|author2=Dale Hoiberg|title= Students' Britannica India: Select essays|work= Diu Fort|pages=398–400|access-date=2009-10-14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-xzljvnQ1vAC&q=Diu+Fort&pg=PA398|publisher= Popular Prakashan|year=2000|isbn=978-0-85229-762-9}}</ref>
The [[Fort Diu|Diu Fort]] is administered by the Government of India. The fort was built by the Portuguese during their colonial rule of the Diu island. The town of Diu is located to the west of the fort. The fort was built in 1535, subsequent to a defense alliance forged by Bahadur Shah, the [[Gujarat Sultanate|Sultan of Gujarat]] and the Portuguese when Humayun, the [[Mughals|Mughal Emperor]], waged war to annex this territory. Some additions were made in 1541 and the fort was strengthened over the years until 1546. The Portuguese ruled over this territory from 1537 until 1961. They were forced to leave in December 1961, during the [[Indian annexation of Goa]], after which Diu became a centrally administered Union Territory.<ref name=Ramchandani>{{Cite book|last= Ramchandani|first= Indu|author2=Dale Hoiberg|title= Students' Britannica India: Select essays|work= Diu Fort|pages=398–400|access-date=2009-10-14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-xzljvnQ1vAC&q=Diu+Fort&pg=PA398|publisher= Popular Prakashan|year=2000|isbn=978-0-85229-762-9}}</ref>


This massive, fairly well-preserved Portuguese fort with its double moat must once have been impregnable. But years of sea erosion and neglect are leading to its slow collapse. Cannonballs litter the place, and the ramparts have a superb array of cannons. The lighthouse is Diu's highest point, with a beam that reaches 32&nbsp;km in every direction. There are several small chapels, one holding engraved tombstone fragments. Part of the fort also serves as the island's jail.<ref name=Elton>{{Cite book|last=Elton|first= Geoffrey Rudolph|title= The New Cambridge Modern History: The Reformation, 1520–1559|work= Europe and the East|page=673|publisher= Cambridge University Press|year=1990|isbn=978-0-521-34536-1}}<!--|accessdate=2009-10-18--></ref>
The fort, with its double moat, is fairly well-preserved, but years of sea erosion and neglect are leading to its slow collapse. Cannonballs litter the place, and the ramparts have an array of cannons. The lighthouse is Diu's highest point, with a beam that reaches 32&nbsp;km in every direction. There are several small chapels, one holding engraved tombstone fragments. Part of the fort also serves as the island's jail.<ref name=Elton>{{Cite book|last=Elton|first= Geoffrey Rudolph|title= The New Cambridge Modern History: The Reformation, 1520–1559|work= Europe and the East|page=673|publisher= Cambridge University Press|year=1990|isbn=978-0-521-34536-1}}<!--|accessdate=2009-10-18--></ref>


===Fortim do Mar===
===Fortim do Mar===
Built right at the mouth of the creek, the fortress of Fortim do Mar ([[Sea Fort]] or ''Pani-Kotha'') is a magnificent stone structure in the sea. Approximately one nautical mile (1.852 km) from the Diu jetty, it also has a light house and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea. The fortress creates a beautiful view whether seen from the jetty, from the villages of Ghoghla or from Diu proper, or from the Fort itself.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fortim do Mar Diu |url=http://www.gujaratorbit.com/archeology-in-gujarat/fortim-do-mar/fortim-do-mar.html |website=Gujarat Orbit |access-date=4 January 2021}}</ref>
Built right at the mouth of the creek, the fortress of [[Fortim do Mar]] (meaning ''Sea Fort'' in English or ''Pani-Kotha'' in Gujarati) is a stone structure in the sea. Approximately one nautical mile (1.852&nbsp;km) from the Diu jetty, it also has a lighthouse and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fortim do Mar Diu |url=http://www.gujaratorbit.com/archeology-in-gujarat/fortim-do-mar/fortim-do-mar.html |website=Gujarat Orbit |access-date=4 January 2021}}</ref>
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Fortim do Mar, Diu.jpg|thumb|center|Fortim do Mar, Diu aka Panikotha]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Fortim do Mar, Diu.jpg|thumb|center|Fortim do Mar, Diu aka Panikotha]] -->


{{Wikivoyage|Diu}}
{{Wikivoyage|Diu}}


==References==
==Settlements==
{{reflist|2}}
The town of [[Diu, India|Diu]] and most of the district's villages and settlements are on
Diu Island. Many of these places [[Renaming of cities in India|have been renamed]] since the [[Annexation of Goa|Invasion of 1961]].
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Settlement type
! Portuguese name
! Indian name
|-
| Town
| [[Diu, India|Diu]]
| Diu
|-
| Village
| [[Fudam (Diu)|Podamo]]
| Fudam
|-
| Village
| [[Bucharwada (Diu)|Bunxivará]]
| Bucharwada
|-
| Settlement
| Dangarvadi
| Dangarwadi
|-
| Village
| [[Vanakbara (Diu)|Brancavará]]
| Vanakbara
|-
| Uninhabited
| [[Fortim do Mar (Diu)|Fortim do Mar]]
| Pani Kota
|-
| Uninhabited
| [[Diu Fort|Castilo de Diu]]
| Diu Fortress
|-
|}


== See also ==
* {{Portal inline|Islands}}
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
[[Category:Diu district]]
[[Category:Islands of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]]
[[Category:Islands of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]]
[[Category:Diu district]]
[[Category:Islands of India]]
[[Category:Populated places in India]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Diu district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Diu district]]

Latest revision as of 20:24, 16 December 2025

Diu Island
Island
Diu Fort
Diu Fort
Map of Diu Island showing major features
Diu Island is located in Gujarat
Diu Island
Diu Island
Coordinates: 20°42′53.9″N 70°59′26.1″E / 20.714972°N 70.990583°E / 20.714972; 70.990583
Country India
Union Territory Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
DistrictDiu
Government
 • TypePanchayat
Area
 • Total38.8 km2 (15.0 sq mi)
Elevation
8 m (26 ft)
Population
 (2015)
 • Total44,215
 • Density1,100/km2 (3,000/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+5:00 (IST)
Websitewww.diu.gov.in

Diu Island is an island off the southern coast of Gujarat's Kathiawar peninsula, separated from the mainland by a tidal creek. It has an area of 38 km2, and a population of 44,110 (2001 census).

Administratively it belongs to the Diu district of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu union territory of India, both Damaon and Diu share the same elected representative as the member of parliament. The island lies 5 km to the east of Diu Head.

Map of Diu, 1729 (G. Child Sculpt., engraved by G. Child)

The town of Diu and Diu Fort are located on the island. There is also a domestic airport, Diu Airport.

History[edit | edit source]

Throughout the 15th century, especially under Muzaffar Han, Diu flourished as a major port of the Gujarati state, with a notable fleet. From 1510, it became the seat of the governors of Surat. In 1535, the viceroy Nuno da Cunha made a treaty with Bahadur Sah, the sultan of Khambhat, for the use of the port by Portugal. Despite several attacks by Ottomans and Arabs, the Portuguese, who by 1541 had completed their massive fort, would remain in control of the island until 1961, when it became a union territory with Daman.[1]

The Ethiopian highlands, through the ports of Massawa and Zeila, imported Indian textiles and exported to the island slaves, wax, butter, civet and ivory. A population of Ethiopian slaves is reported in Portuguese sources to have lived in Diu and in the neighbouring area in the early 16th century.[1]

Churches[edit | edit source]

Major Church Buildings on Diu Island (Anticlockwise from top):
1. Churches of St. Paul and St. Thomas (Diu)
2. Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Diu)
3. Church of Our Lady of Remedes (Fudam)
4. Church of Our Lady of Mercy (Vanakbara)

St Paul's Church[edit | edit source]

The construction of this church was begun in 1601 and completed by 1610. The Church was dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in 1691. Illuminated by flood lights (by night time), the main façade of the church is perhaps the most elaborate of all Portuguese churches in India.[according to whom?] In architectural style, the church is Gothic and resembles the Bom Jesus Church at Old Goa. The wood panelling of the church is rated one of the best in church craftsmanship.[according to whom?] The church is adorned with volutes, shell-like motifs and wood carvings.[2]

St. Thomas Church[edit | edit source]

Now a museum, the old St. Thomas Church houses antique statues, various stone inscriptions of the earlier rulers, wooden carvings and idols. The Gothic edifice was built in 1598. A part of it has been converted into a museum. The artifacts displayed date back to the 16th century and beyond.[3]

Forts[edit | edit source]

Diu Fort[edit | edit source]

Diu Fort

The Diu Fort is administered by the Government of India. The fort was built by the Portuguese during their colonial rule of the Diu island. The town of Diu is located to the west of the fort. The fort was built in 1535, subsequent to a defense alliance forged by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat and the Portuguese when Humayun, the Mughal Emperor, waged war to annex this territory. Some additions were made in 1541 and the fort was strengthened over the years until 1546. The Portuguese ruled over this territory from 1537 until 1961. They were forced to leave in December 1961, during the Indian annexation of Goa, after which Diu became a centrally administered Union Territory.[4]

The fort, with its double moat, is fairly well-preserved, but years of sea erosion and neglect are leading to its slow collapse. Cannonballs litter the place, and the ramparts have an array of cannons. The lighthouse is Diu's highest point, with a beam that reaches 32 km in every direction. There are several small chapels, one holding engraved tombstone fragments. Part of the fort also serves as the island's jail.[5]

Fortim do Mar[edit | edit source]

Built right at the mouth of the creek, the fortress of Fortim do Mar (meaning Sea Fort in English or Pani-Kotha in Gujarati) is a stone structure in the sea. Approximately one nautical mile (1.852 km) from the Diu jetty, it also has a lighthouse and a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sea.[6]


Settlements[edit | edit source]

The town of Diu and most of the district's villages and settlements are on Diu Island. Many of these places have been renamed since the Invasion of 1961.

Settlement type Portuguese name Indian name
Town Diu Diu
Village Podamo Fudam
Village Bunxivará Bucharwada
Settlement Dangarvadi Dangarwadi
Village Brancavará Vanakbara
Uninhabited Fortim do Mar Pani Kota
Uninhabited Castilo de Diu Diu Fortress

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Uhlig, Siegbert; Bausi, Alessandro; Yimam, Baye, eds. (2003). Encyclopaedia Aethiopica: D-Ha. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz. pp. 173–174. ISBN 9783447052382.
  2. "St. Paul's Church, Diu - India ..." Official Website of Daman and Diu Tourism Department. Archived from the original on 2009-11-22. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
  3. Shetty, Sneha. "Have you visited these churches in Diu?". india.com. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  4. Ramchandani, Indu; Dale Hoiberg (2000). Students' Britannica India: Select essays. Popular Prakashan. pp. 398–400. ISBN 978-0-85229-762-9. Retrieved 2009-10-14. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  5. Elton, Geoffrey Rudolph (1990). The New Cambridge Modern History: The Reformation, 1520–1559. Cambridge University Press. p. 673. ISBN 978-0-521-34536-1. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  6. "Fortim do Mar Diu". Gujarat Orbit. Retrieved 4 January 2021.