Goa since ancient times had been a strategic political, military and trade centre. During Kadamba & Chalukaya dynasties’ rule, it reached the zenith of its civilization.
Later on, it succumbed to Muslim invasions. Later, in 16th century, Goa was annexed by the Portuguese sailors, traders and missionaries. Kadamba and Chalukya rulers built
several temples, forts, castles, palaces and ports but the Muslim and Portuguese invaders razed those ancient structures. Portuguese rulers, with their missionary zeal,
decimated most of erstwhile buildings of Hindu and Muslim rule. With the passage of time and continuous battles, several prominent buildings ruined. Their remnants do give
us some inkling about their lost glory. Among the remaining forts and palaces, Fort Aguada, Fort Chaul, Fort Chopara and Palace of Viceroys in Velha Goa are prominent.