Why are Hindu temples and shrines common in eastern Goa?

The prevalence of Hindu temples and shrines in the hilly eastern region of Goa is a result of the historical displacement of the local population during the period of Portuguese colonial rule.1

During the Goa Inquisition, the Portuguese colonial government actively suppressed Hinduism by destroying Hindu temples and religious statues, banning traditional practices, and forcing conversions to Catholicism. As a consequence of this harsh repression and the destruction of religious sites in the coastal areas, many Hindus moved toward the interior, hilly regions of eastern Goa to preserve their faith and cultural identity. This migration pattern explains the current demographic landscape, where the western coastland is characterized by Roman Catholic churches and wayside crosses, while the eastern interior remains a center for Hindu temples and shrines.21