The town of Margao is the Goa's second largest but busiest commercial capital of the state and it is also the administrative headquarters of South Goa District and Salcette taluk. The name of the town is pronounced as Modgãw in Konkani and the name is written as per the Portuguese spelling, even though Margao is common in English. The town gets its name from Mathagrโm which means a place with a matha. The town was considered to be one of the important settlements in Salcete and was known as Matha Grama or the village of Mathas. There was a temple town with nine Mathas in temple schools and most of the inhabitants were Brahmins. It is said that even before the Portuguese settlements here there was a university with a library here. The Portuguese took over the area in 1543 and the Hindu temples were demolished and Catholicchurches were built in their place. It is also said that all traces of Hindu influence were eliminated. The earliest settlements in this area grew from the site of the ancient Damodar Temple. The town has some beautiful architectural pieces here and the Holy Spirit Main Square is defined on one side by the church and the parochial house, and on the other side. The importance of the town as an administrative and commercial area grew with the increasing dependence of the surrounding towns and villages. In the year 1961, Goa was incorporated into the Indian Union and became the administrative centre of the area.
Margao is located at 15°18′N 73°57′E/ 15.3, 73.95 and has an average elevation of 31 meters or 102 feet. The city is situated on the banks of the River Sal and is amongst the oldest recorded towns in Goa. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the area and the soil here is ideal for the growth of tropicalfruits and crops.
Demographics:
As of 2001 India census, Margao had a population of 78,393 and had an average literacy rate of 76%.
Due to its proximity to the sea coast the area has a humid and warm climate through out the year. The temperatures here remain even through out the year and rainfall is mainly during the monsoons.
The most important source of income in this area is the trade and commerce for which the town has also prospered. Tourism is another source of income here.
The town has some of the most prestigious schools and colleges in the country like Loyola High School, Bhatikar Model High School which was formerly known as Model English High School and many more.
The city has some of the oldest landmarks and architectural monuments in the state. These include the Margao city hall which is situated in the heart of the city. Then there is the Margao municipal garden, which is a less known tourist spot. Margao is also known as the cultural capital of Goa. There is a culture center named 'Ravindra Bhavan' here which is popular for its cultural influences. The cuisine found here has Portugal influence and the curry here is a specialty with the sauce being exported to Portugal. Other sites and tourist destinations in the area are the 'Closed' Market called, along with a number of churches and temples. Some famous churches in Margao are the Holy Spirit Church, the Grace Church, and The St Sebastian chapel in Aquem and the Monte Hill Chapel.
The city has the biggest railway station and is an important railway junction. Margao also hosts the test track for Skybus, which is an elevated rail system patented by the Konkan Railway Corporation.
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