Bicholim, pronounced (), also known as Divchal and Dicholi, is a town and a municipal council in North Goa district in the state of Goa, India. It is the headquarters of the Concelho (district) of Bicholim, one of seven that make up the Novas Conquistas (New Conquests), territories added to Goa comparatively latter than the first three of the Velhas Conquistas. The town is located about 30 kilometres from the capital Panjim. It is in the mining heartland of Goa. History As per Hiregutti plates of Bhoja Asantika, a locality named Dipaka visaya in the copper plates dating 5th century CE, is identified with modern-day Divchali or Dicholi. It was under the rule of an independent Warlord (PrabhuDesai's of Sankhali/Sanquelim) It was taken over by Portuguese in late 18th century as part of New Conquest. Geography Bicholim is located at . It has an average elevation of 22 metres (72 feet). Demographics India census, Dicholi had a population of 16,986. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Dicholi has an average literacy rate of 82%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. Economy Mining constitutes a major chunk in the economy of Bicholim with about 36% of the population working for a single iron ore mine owner, formerly Souza Mineralia Pvt. Ltd. owned by M.M.P. DeSouza who formed a partnership with the Dempos, the Dempo clan took over the mines underhandedly and it is now taken over by Sesa Goa which has been merged into Vedanta Resources of Anil Agarwal. Wednesday is the market day where people in and around Bicholim gather in the main market region for trading small goods/commodities. Government and politics Bicholim is part of Bicholim (Goa Assembly constituency) and North Goa (Lok Sabha constituency). Socio-political Bicholim has three primary schools, four secondary schools, a polytechnic institute, a number of hospitals, temples, churches and mosques, and a protected site, pandava caves. Some of the prominent temples are the Shanta Durga temple and the Mahadeva Temple. The Shanta Durga temple is close to the banks of the river, which is a tributary of river Mandovi. The church of Our Lady of Grace dominates the town square. The high school run from the precincts of the church complex is one of the prominent schools of Bicholim. A historic monument Nimuz ghar (possibly Namaz Ghar) stands on the hilltop prominently overlooking the town of Bicholim.