Goan

people

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July 20, 2026

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The term "Goan" refers to a person from Goa, a state in western India located on the southwestern coast. Goa is one of India's smallest states, bordered by Maharashtra and Karnataka, and the Arabian Sea. Its capital is Panaji.

Historically, Goa was a Portuguese possession until it became part of India in 1962 and achieved statehood in 1987. This Portuguese influence is reflected in the population's cultural landscape, which is a blend of Christians and Hindus, with a notable Muslim population as well. While Portuguese was once the administrative language, most Goans today speak Konkani, Marathi, or English. Many Goans also bear Portuguese names and surnames due to this historical connection.12

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Anglo-Indian
…Luso-Indians are known today as Goans, and they are concentrated in the state of Goa, in Mumbai, and along India’s western coast. Especially in the larger cities, such as Mumbai, Madras (now Chennai), and Calcutta (now Kolkata), the Goans and other Luso-Indians retained much of their European cultural heritage and…
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…Luso-Indians are known today as Goans, and they are concentrated in the state of Goa, in Mumbai, and along India’s western coast. Especially in the larger cities, such as Mumbai, Madras (now Chennai), and Calcutta (now Kolkata), the Goans and other Luso-Indians retained much of their European cultural heritage and…
Read More