Daman is a city in the union territory of Daman and Diu, on India’s west coast. In the north, St. Jerome Fort, also known as Nani Daman Fort, recalls the area’s Portuguese colonial past. Across the Daman Ganga River, Moti Daman Fort holds the ruins of a Dominican monastery, plus the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, known for its gilt altarpiece. Close by, the Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary features intricate carvings.
Area: 72 km²
Elevation: 5 m
District: Daman
Union Territory: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Vehicle registration: DD-03
Neighborhoods: Chheda Falia, Fort Area, Makat Falia, Macchiwad
History
The Portuguese Captain-Major Diogo de Melo arrived at the Daman shore by chance in 1523 while sailing towards Ormuz. He was caught in a violent storm and had his boat blown towards the coast of Daman. Shortly after, it was acquired as a Portuguese colony for over 400 years. A larger fort was built in Moti Daman in the 16th century to guard against the Mughals, who ruled the area until the Portuguese arrived. It stands today, most of it preserved in its original form. Today the majority of the municipal government offices are inside the fort.
Daman was incorporated into the Republic of India in December 1961 after an attack and invasion by the Indian Army. A battle ensued with the hopelessly outnumbered (10:1) Portuguese garrison, who were forced to surrender. The battle left four Indians dead and 14 wounded; Portuguese casualties were 10 dead and two wounded.
According to the 2011 census Daman District, India has a population of 191,173. This gives it a ranking of 592nd in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 2,655 inhabitants per square kilometre (6,880/sq mi).Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 69.256%. Daman has a sex ratio of 533 females for every 1,000 males, and a literacy rate of 88.06%.