daman

Daman is a city and municipality in the western Indian union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Daman district and lies on the coastline of the Arabian Sea near the mouth of the Daman Ganga River.

From the 16th century Daman was a Portuguese enclave within Portuguese India. It remained under Portuguese rule until December 1961, when Indian forces annexed Goa, Daman and Diu during Operation Vijay. Following administrative reorganisation, in 2020 Daman became part of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

The town is known for its fortifications built by the Portuguese, including the Moti Daman Fort and the St. Jerome Fort in Nani Daman. These structures, along with churches and colonial-era architecture, reflect a long maritime trade history. The area features beaches such as Jampore Beach and Devka Beach, and a riverfront area along the Daman Ganga.

Today, Daman's economy centers on tourism, fishing, and light manufacturing. The coastal location and historical heritage attract visitors interested in beaches, architecture, and religious sites.

Gujarati is widely spoken, with Marathi and Hindi also common. English is used for administration. Daman is part of a regional corridor connected by road to larger urban centers in Gujarat and Maharashtra.