As most followers of Goan history are aware, the isle of Tiswadi was a prized possession since ancient times because of its natural protected inland harbor. The (Goan) harbor permitted direct connection to the Arabian Sea (and thus to other ports of Western India and Ceylon-Sri Lanka); and further to the Indian Ocean (and Middle East, East Africa and South East Asia). The Goan harbor was also the entry (and exit) point for all overseas trade from Southern India's Deccan hinterland. Thus Isle of Tiswadi was of strategic importance to the controlling power and their resultant ability to deny access (benefit of the port) to potential Indian adversaries. In the 1500's it meant importing horses from the Middle East for the cavalry.
With all respects to current and past residents of Tiswadi (which has markedly changed since 1510), other than the vital asset of the sheltered port, Tiswadi was a marshy, mosquito (and malaria) infested small islands with abundant overgrown forests. The largest island on which the port was located is hilly with dense tropical forests. The residents were mainly those related to the port activities, in military bases and forts to defend the port. The islands had little farming with remaining population into fishing. The Portuguese themselves abandoned their capital in Tiswadi at Old Goa (Velha Goa); and for a time made a serious effort to locate the capital in Vasco, before building it at Panjim / Panaji. Today, the isle called Ilhas has lost the importance of its old port. But since 1510 Ilhas with the capital city at Velha Goa and later at Panaji / Pangim is beautiful with all the amenities of a modern capital city and its environs. Most of the current residents of Tiswadi (Hindu and Christian) like in other Old Conquest / Velha Conquistas districts of Goa are descendent of later settlers who arrived when the Portuguese civilian population left Goa after its "Golden Age" to settle in Brazil. With the decline of the native dynasty of the Kadambas (capital Chandor) , control of the Island of Tiswadi since the 1000's oscillated between the Hindu Rajas/ Rayas of Vijayanagar Kingdom with their capital at Hampi (near Belgaum) and the Muslim Sultans of Bijapur (offshoot of Bahamni kingdom). History books document the significant battles between these principles when control of Tiswadi shifted back and forth. What history books do not document in detail are the many failed attempts by the principles or their local or regional vassals to cause trouble and change the balance of power in the area. The best example is the little reported fact that in 1510 alone, the timeline reveals three distinct battles on Tiswadi. As in all wars, change in power (control) leads, sooner or later, to change in composition and wealth of the various sub-groups in the local population. Prior to Portuguese conquest landing in 1510, Tiswadi was under continuous Muslim rule for about 150 years. The Konkan region, (including Goa and the rest of the world) of the 1400 and 1500, is vastly different than present. The agriculture was primitive (tilling and seed technology) and very much weather dependent. The population which the land could support (like in the rest of the world) was about a third of what it supports today. In addition to the frequent local wars, famines due to droughts and floods, endemics and epidemics, availability of poor health care especially at childbirth - all took a toll on the people and the population. The life expectancy was about 35 years. Isle of Tiswadi (aka Goa of 1510) to follow! Constructive feedback is most welcome! Regards, GL
