The origin of the name 'Goa' is not very clear. It is supposed that it might have derived from the Portugal language. It might have also come from the Konkani word “Goy”. Mahabharata refers the present area of Goa as Govarashtra or Goparashtra. Sacred Hindu and Sanskrit scriptures also have references to Goa.
Goa's history can be traced back to 3rd century BC. Then it was under the rule of the Mauryan power. Then in the later periods, it went to the Satavahanas and then to the Chalukya Dynasty. Goa also witnessed the dominance of Silharas and Kadamba Dynasties. In the 14th century, Goa was ruled by Delhi Sultanate till it was captured by the Harihara I of Vijayanagara Empire. The Bahmanis and rulers of Bijapur also ruled in Goa for some time till it went under the Portuguese.
In 16th century, the Portuguese were among the first sea travelers to land in Goa. Soon the state was conquered by the Portuguese power. The Portuguese merchants reigned supreme for near about 450 years. In 1961 the area was annexed by the Indian government. Margao is an historically important city and one can essence the influence of Portugal culture by visiting this city.