Inscriptions indicate the presence of a region by this name in theChalukya empire (present dayMaharashtra andGoa).[1][2][3]Kautilya states that the region was tribal corporation following the profession of agriculture and arms both.[2] According toMahabharata's list of kingdoms given in Bhishma Parva, chapter-9, Pandu Rashtra, Gopa Rashtra, Malla Rashtra and Ashmaka together formed the modern Maharashtra.[4] The termGoa is derived from Goparashtra i.e. the area ofYadavas.[5] The origin of the city nameGoa is unclear. In ancientliterature, Goa was known by many names, such asGomanchala,Gopakapattana,Gopakapattam,Gopakapuri,Govapuri,Govem, andGomantak.[6]
The name of Gopa rashtra forms part among the various kingdoms ofAncient India as narrated in the epic Mahabharata.[7]
The state ofGoa is described as ancient Goparashtra and it takes its present name from earlier used terms like- Gomant, Gomantaka, Govarashtra or Goparashtra. All these names are prefixed with "Go" means "cow". Mahabharata refers it to as the country of cowherds.[8]
Inscriptions ofChalukya age mention about grant of Balegrama village in the Goparashtra to worship Kapaleshvara.[9]
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