Origin of Name
The precise origin of the name Goa is unclear. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the area now known as Goa; as "Goparashtra" or "Govarashtra", which means a nation of cowherds.
"Gopakapuri" or "Gapakapattana" were used in some ancient Sanskrit texts, and these names were also mentioned in other sacred Hindu texts such as the Harivansa and the Skanda. In the latter, Goa is also known as "Gomanchala".
Gove, Govapuri, Gopakpattan, and Gomant are some other names that the region is referred to in certain inscriptions and texts such as the Puranas. It has also been known as "Aprant".
After the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century, the region was renamed Goa, a corruption of the name Gova.
