History of the Maldives

The Maldives have an ancient history that is shrouded in mystery. Archaeological findings show that there were people living on the islands as early as 1500 B.C. The earliest recorded history was preserved on metal tabs known as loamaafaanu. The tabs say that the Maldives Islands were settled by Aryan immigrants around 500 B.C when they arrived in reed boats. It is believed that the Aryians settled in Sri Lanka about the same time.

The Maldives was untouched by outside civilization until 947 AD when Arab ships arrived. They found a wealth of cowry shells, which was the accepted currency from Africa to China, so this was like hitting the jackpot. They also found they could trade for pearls, dried fish, coconuts, and spices. It wasn’t long before trade was established and ships that came for trading became a common occurrence. The news spread of these beautiful abundant islands that were a paradise unto themselves.

During 1152 there was a conversion to Islam and it was an independent state, although there was a brief period from 1558 to 1573 when the Maldives was taken over and ruled by the Portuguese. The islands were also under the rule of the British in 1887. In 1965 the Maldives regained its independent status.

Except for a brief fifteen years, the Maldives has been an independent country throughout its long history. In the 16th century, Portugal occupied the ruled the islands for those fifteen years. The Maldives was then a British Protectorate for almost 80 years, until July 26, 1965. Their first constitution was written and accepted in 1932. The Maldives became a Republic state on November 11, 1968, and remain so to this day.

Culture of the Maldives

The Maldives practice the Islam religion and has since 1153 AD. Artifacts show that Hinduism and Buddhism were practiced before that time. Life for the Maldives residents is built around Islam today and they take their faith very seriously, as evident in life around them. The Muslim calendar is the central theme of the main events and festivals on the Maldives. Children are taught the tenants of the Islam faith and learn the Arabic alphabet. Islam is co-mingled with school curriculum and taught to the young students.

Today, the Maldives is a melting pot of races and nationalities, with roots from Africa, Arabia, and Southeast Asia, and has its own unique culture. The people of the Maldives are a very tight-knit group. They have very strong family ties that extend out into their community, built upon their faith and common history. They have great respect for the head of their household and the head of the country.

Other members of the family also contribute in taking care of children. Traditionally men go out fishing during the day and women are responsible to look after the affairs of the family and very often the community. This remains so even today in smaller island communities. Women play a major role in society, which is not a surprise since most of the men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.

The people of the Maldives are very intelligent, devout, tolerant, and respect each other and visitors to their country. To outsiders, the people of the Maldives may appear shy, but the residents are curious and would rather observe the tourists at a distance first.

The main language spoken by the residents is Dhivehi, but English is the second language. Visitors that speak English will have no trouble making themselves understood on the islands. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.