Explanation: Dadra and Nagar Haveli, along with Daman and Diu, were territories under Portuguese colonial rule until the mid-20th century. These territories were part of the broader Portuguese colonial empire in India, which also included Goa. The liberation of these territories from Portuguese control was a significant event in the history of post-independence India.
The process of liberation began with the formation of the United Front of Goans (Frente Única dos Goanos) in 1954, which aimed to liberate Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portuguese rule. The movement gained momentum with the formation of the Azad Gomantak Dal (Free Goa Organization) in 1955, which focused on the liberation of Goa. The movement spread to Dadra and Nagar Haveli, where local resistance groups, such as the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Liberation Front, played a crucial role in the liberation efforts.
In 1961, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, decided to take action to liberate these territories. On December 18, 1961, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a military operation to liberate Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portuguese control. The operation was successful, and the territories were integrated into the Indian Union. Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which had already been liberated by local resistance groups, were officially merged with India on December 18, 1961.
The liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and the subsequent integration into India marked a significant step in the consolidation of India's territorial integrity and the end of colonial rule in the region. This event is an important part of Indian history and is often tested in competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams.
It is important to note that while the liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is often associated with the broader liberation of Goa, Daman, and Diu, each territory had its own unique liberation movement and timeline. Understanding the specific historical context and the sequence of events is crucial for correctly identifying the year of liberation and integration into India.