Diu

For other uses, see Diu (disambiguation).
  ?Diu
Daman and Diu • India
Map indicating the location of Diu
Location of Diu
 Diu 
Coordinates: 20°42′N 70°59′E / 20.7, 70.98
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area
• Elevation
• 0 m (0 ft)
District(s) Diu
Population 21,576 (2001)

Coordinates: 20°42′N 70°59′E / 20.7, 70.98 Diu is a city in Diu district in the union territory of Daman and Diu, India. It is famous for being the location of the pivotal Battle of Diu in 1509 between Portugal and a combined force of Turkey, Egypt, Venice, Dubrovnik and the then Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada.

It is an island lying off the south coast of Gujarat's Kathiawar peninsula, separated from the mainland by a tidal creek. It has an area of 40 km², and a population of 44,110 (2001 census). The town of Diu lies at the eastern end of the island, and is famous for its fortress and old Portuguese Cathedral. It is also a fishing town. The village of Ghoghla, which lies on the mainland opposite the eastern end of the island, is also part of the union territory. Note that in Google Maps you can find Diu with the name of Dangarvadi.

In 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, concluded a defensive alliance with the Portuguese against the Mughal emperor Humayun, and allowed the Portuguese to construct a fortress and maintain a garrison on the island. The alliance quickly unravelled, and attempts by the Sultans to oust the Portuguese from Diu between 1537 and 1546 failed. The fortress, reconstructed by Dom João de Castro after the siege of 1545, still stands. The island was occupied by the Indian military on 19 December 1961.

Contents

Geography

Diu is located at 20°42′N 70°59′E / 20.7, 70.98.1 It is at sea level.

Tourism

Tourist destinations include the nearby Nagoa beach. The old fort, the church and the museum have a strong Portuguese feel. Jet Airways services the island, landing at Diu Airport. Visit Diu Tourism's Official Website [1]

St. Paul's Church in Diu

Facts

Area: 38.8 km². Climate: Cool and dry. Rainfall: 700 mm. Tourist Season: September to May. Clothing recommended: cottons in summer, light woollens in winter. Languages Spoken: Gujarati, English, Hindi, and Portuguese. Local transport is available from Una (Gujarat).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,2 Diu had a population of 21,576. Males constitute 46% of the population and females 54%. Diu has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81% and, female literacy is 69%. In Diu, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.


References

  1. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Diu
  2. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved on 2008-11-01.

External links

Wikipedia content modification information:

  • This page was last modified on 9 October 2008, at 22:11.

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