History of Maldives

History of Maldives - Maldives History - Maldives Travel Information

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History of Maldives

Maldives – a collection of 1900 islands in the Indian Ocean was at first inhabited by immigrants from South India and Sri Lanka . 12 th century AD saw the arrival of sailors from Arabian countries and from East Africa . The influence they had on these islands is evident from the language and culture of all the Maldives . It has evolved through the generations and basically is influenced by the many races that visited and stayed in Maldives .

Early Settlers
Maldivian legend says that the sultanate started with the arrival of a Sinhalese prince, who got stranded in a Lagoon with his bride - the daughter of the Sri Lankan King. He stayed on and begun his rule as the first Sultan of Maldives. Maldives was ruled by Sultans and in some occasions Sultanas i.e. their Queens .

Conversion to Islam

It is widely believed that the early settlers followed Hinduism. Buddhism was the main religion followed until 1153. A scholar converted the King to Islam, and since then the whole country of Maldives has been practicing Islam. Who the Scholar was is still a question with many answers but nothing definite.

After Islam was taken up, the islands of Maldives prospered and have a glorious past. In 1953, Maldives discarded monarchy and became a Republic. Mr Mohammed Amin Didi, the introducer of the Republic System of Government in Maldives became the first President. But the republic did not survive and a Sultanate was reinstated till 1968. On November 11 1968 , the sultanate was once and for all abolished to be replaced by a Republic and now continues to be with its present name. Through all these Maldives never lost its identity as a secluded haven.

Maldivian Heroes
The sailors from the countries in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean were regular visitors to Maldives and had a big influence on them.

The Portuguese attracted by the abundance of cowry shells, coir rope and ambergris decided to conquer Maldives and ruled over these islands from 1558 – 1573. They were ultimately thrown out by the warrior-patriot, Muhammad Thakurufar Al-Azam. After this, Muhammad Thakurufar was offered the throne and even today he is spoken about with respect and reverence and is considered a National Hero.

British Protectorate and Independence

Maldives has been an independent Sultanate for the majority of its history with the Portuguese and then the British taking it over for a small period. A British Protectorate from 1887 till July 1965, a republican Form of Government was attempted to be established in Maldives . But the endeavour failed and Sultanate was established once more.