Sundem

Sundem (Soundekar Dynasty) was a dynasty that initially ruled from Sonda in the hilly terrain of Uttara Kannada, and then moved to Goa in the 18th century. The kings were called 'Sonda Raja' or 'Soundekar Raja'. They were feudatory vassals at various times to the Vijayanagara Empire, Maratha Empire and the Bijapur Sultanate. Finally they became vassals of the Portuguese Empire.

In 1763, the Sonda state was attacked by Hyder Ali, forcing the reigning chieftain to seek asylum from the Portuguese Empire in Goa. The family was initially sheltered in Gouli-Moula, Tiswadi. On January 17, 1791, a formal treaty was signed between the Soundekar Raja and the Portuguese government. As a gesture of gratitude for their protection, the Raja bequeathed the territories of Ponda, Zambaulim, Canacona, and the Panchmahal to the Portuguese. This transfer of land significantly expanded the Novas Conquistas (New Conquests) of Goa. In return, the Raja was permitted to retain a three-acre estate in Bandora, Ponda, which remains the family's seat today. They were called the 'Rei de Sundem' in Portuguese. Provided by Wikipedia