Maldives History

The Maldives has been an independent state throughout its known history, except for a brief period of 15 years of Portuguese occupation in the 16th century. The Maldives became a British Protectorate in 1887 and remained so until 26 July 1965. The independent Maldives reverted from a Sultanate to a Republic on 11th November 1968. The first written constitution was proclaimed in 1932.
It seems certain that the islands of Maldives were first settled by Aryan immigrants who are believed to have colonised Sri Lanka at the same time, (around 500 BC). Further migration from South India, as well as Sri Lanka, occurred. The latest archaeological findings suggest the islands were inhabited as early as 1500 BC. Around 947 AD, recorded contact with the outside world began with the first Arab traveller. One can imagine accounts taken home depicting the potential for trade in pearls, spices, coconuts, dried fish, and certainly the abundance of cowry shells. The cowry shells were the accepted currency from Africa to China until the sixteenth century. Together with the description of the exotic paradise islands and expensive natural resources, the news the travellers must have taken home probably resulted in the arrival of more ships bearing traders and other travellers.

The outside world influenced Maldivian life significantly as legends and history reveal. Early traders found Buddhist customs and practices. But the greatest contribution made by the Persian and Arab Travellers was the conversion of the Maldivians to Islam in 1153 AD. Dhivehi (Maldivian language) also underwent a certain conversion as a result of contact with the outside world. Perhaps blending rather than converting better describes the evolution of Dhives Akuru to Thaana, the present-day script. The writing of Thaana is from right to left, unlike Dhives Akuru, probably to accommodate the many Arabic words then in everyday use.

Ruling dynasties gave shape to what has become The Republic of Maldives just as volcanic movement shaped the 1,190 islands and coral reefs which rose above the ocean's surface 100,000 years ago. After the conversion to Islam (by Abul Barakaath Yoosuf Al-Barbary), of the first known king of the Maley Dynasty, rulers in 1153 came to be called sultans. King Koimala was renamed Sultan Mohammed-bin-Abdullah for the last thirteen years of his twenty-five year reign. Recorded in Maldivian history are the names of eighty-four Sultans and Sultanas who belonged to six dynasties. The Maley or Theemuge Dynasty lasted 235 years under the rule of twenty-six different sultans. The Hilaii Dynasty ruled next for over a period of 170 years with twenty-nine rulers. During the Hilali period, Sultan Kalhu Mohammed invited the first foreign power to Maldives thus opening diplomatic relations with the world.

Balmy trade winds brought prosperity to this independent country until the sixteenth century when the Portuguese took more than a passing interest. History creates legendary heroes. It is during this time of Portuguese threat that one of the greatest Maldivian heroes, Mohammed Thakurufaan, was born on the island of Utheem in the northern atoll of Thiladhummathi. As young Mohammed grew to manhood, the Portuguese manned a powerful expedition against The Maldives. Captain Andreas Andre, known as Andhiri Andhirin defeated the Sultan Ali VI, last ruler of the Hilali Dynasty. For fifteen years the invaders tried to maintain control over the islands. But The Maldives were scattered over seas that were often as dangerous as attacks by brave Maldivians waging daring warfare against the colonialist's.

	The Palace in Utheem where Mohamed Thakurufaanu lived

Today one can still hear songs and stories, which tell of Mohammed Thakurufaan wiping out the entire Portuguese garrison. The great Mohammed's twelve years of peaceful reign was one of prosperity and reform. He died in 1585 AD, but his Utheemu Dynasty ruled for 127 years with twelve rulers. The winds of war are never even in idyllic islands. They faced a new threat from the Coast of South India. The Raja of Cannanore dispatched a raiding party to attack Male’. The royal palace was destroyed and the Sultan sent into exile; he never returned. Maldivian forces soon repelled the Malabar forces, drove them back, and under the leadership of Ghazi Hassan lzzaddeen, the Huraage Dynasty was founded. The Huraage Dynasty prevailed until 1968 when the Maldives became a Republic. After the Malabar episode, The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka. The two countries formed an alliance that continued throughout Sri Lanka's Dutch and then British colonial periods. A sharp sense for trade and a remarkable ability to keep their own world in tact has allowed the Maldivians to maintain relations with many countries, especially Sri Lanka which still supplies many imported goods.

Protection against foreign influences, however, comes from a desire to exist as their fathers had, in a close-knit society; a national 'family' (that is close to Allah). Like the coral reefs that protect the islands, Maldivians maintain a commitment to keep their own world to themselves, to maintain the Maldivian culture and to protect it from the sometimes negative effects of outsiders.

The paved and unpaved streets are symbolic of The Maldives blending tradition and progress to better the lives of its inhabitants. Male’ is divided into four traditional wards: Henveyru, Galolhu, Machchangoli, and Maafannu. All manners of goods are brought to Male’ from the far flung atolls and imports pass through the capital daily. The Mulee Aage, built in 1913, is the President's official residence located in the centre of the capital. The residence with its intricate white carvings built by Maldivian designers and Sri Lankan architects, is a lovely, graceful complex.

The Friday Mosque or Hukuru Misikiy is a short distance away from the presidential residence. The mosque dates from 1656 and contains wood carvings which give accounts of the conversion of the Maldives to Islam. The surrounding courtyard houses the tombstones of past rulers. The drum shaped Munnaaru, built in 1675, towers over the capital summoning the devout to prayers five times a day. Every Friday, thousands congregate at this mosque to offer prayers. When prayer time is over, the people might make their way to the seafront's busy Marine Drive. Marine Drive's diversity clearly represents the contrast of life in Male.

While modern, white-washed government offices are situated on this busy street, one can also enjoy the busy activity in late afternoon or early morning at the fish market or stop by local stores which sell assorted goods. Then perhaps a cafe that overlooks the ever-changing sparkling waters of the harbour will offer a quiet rest. In Male’, especially on the western ward of Maafannu, tall trees shade the larger residential area of the capital.

It is always easier to arrange travel and holiday plans if you know exactly where you are going. There is no better way to do this than by looking at a map of your destination. This detailed interactive Map of Maldives will show you the atolls, islands, holiday resorts, diving locations, capital island, airports and other useful information.

The Maldive Islands or the Pearls of the Indian Ocean, as it is popularly known, are situated in the South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator. The numerous coral reef islands, 1,190 in total , form an archipelago of 26 major atolls ( groups of neighbouring coral islands). The country stretches 820 km north to south and 120 km east to west. The climate is generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through with average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.

Maldives People

Little information is available on the ancient people and their way of life. Evidence suggests that The Maldives has been populated and thriving as early as the 4th century BC. It is argued that the earliest settlers migrated from Arabia, eastern Africa and the Indian subcontinent among other places. Today, the Maldivians are a mixed race. An estimate for 1997 estimate puts the total population at 263,189 out of which about 48.5% are women. It is expected that the figure would rise to 288,800 by the year 2000.

The people of the Maldives are its own unique character. They are a small, kindred society unified by common history, the Dhivehi language, and the Islamic faith. Islam has given strength to the society and the faith is taken very seriously. The ties and obligations felt by individuals to their community, to their President, to a whole nation reflects the tradition of strong family ties. Intelligent, as well as devout, the people of The Maldives are tolerant and respectful of each other and of visitors to the country.

Maldivians have been able to blend tradition and modernity.

Hardworking, but unhurried, playful and respectful, Maldivians have been able to blend tradition and modernity. All Maldivians have open access to education. All have the opportunity to play significant roles in the economic life of the nation.

Great respect is felt for the head of the national 'family' as well as for the head of each household. The family unit is strong.

A population of little over 200,000 people is spread over the islands with over a quarter of them living in Male’, the capital. To foreigners the village people on some islands may seem shy. Curious of outsiders, they prefer to observe newcomers from a distance at first. One soon learns of their hospitality when the island chief provides a cold coconut drink and a healthy snack, usually made of seafood.

Athletic, the Maldivians are either soccer players or soccer fans, natural swimmers and divers, aggressive players in tennis, cricket, or badminton, the young people are encouraged to develop physically as well as intellectually and morally. Friendliness and honesty are taken for granted in The Maldives where old customs and Muslim traditions are respected.

The government is dedicated to improving the life of the people on the islands. Young people are encouraged to strive for higher education. Under government sponsorship young students are given grants to study abroad and they return to The Maldives to give service to the country.

Brilliant young women hold key positions in the government, working tirelessly to serve their country and people. Fishermen unload their silvery haul. Women attired in traditional dress sweep the grounds of a school readying it for a special Independence Day celebration. Five times a day finds a nation expressing religious devotion in prayer at one of the many mosques. Festivals give way to fun-loving, talented men and women singing and dancing.

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