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Lakshadweep is a union territory of India, comprising about three dozen islands spread across 30,000 square miles in the Arabian Sea. Key islands include Minicoy and those in the Amindivi group, with the easternmost island located 185 miles from the Kerala coast. Ten of these islands are inhabited, with Kavaratti serving as the administrative center. The name Lakshadweep means “Hundred Thousand Islands” in Malayalam and Sanskrit. It covers an area of 12 square miles with a population of 64,429 as of 2011. Recent news mentions a dispute between India and Maldives, affecting flight bookings to the island-nation.
History of Lakshadweep
The history of Lakshadweep traces back to the 1st century CE when a Greek sailor mentioned the islands as a source of tortoise shell. In the 7th century, Muslim missionary activity and contact with Arab traders led to the conversion of islanders to Islam. Before 1100, a Hindu kingdom on the Malabar Coast annexed the islands. After the fall of the Kulashekhara dynasty in 1102, the Kolathiris took control. In the 12th century, a separate kingdom was established in Kannur to protect the matrilineal tradition after a Kolathiri princess married a Muslim convert.
Possibly, Marco Polo was the first European to visit in the 13th century. In 1498, the Portuguese arrived, building a fort for trade control. An uprising occurred in 1545. Bibis ruled until the Amindivis came under British control in the 1780s. Upon Indian independence in 1947, sovereignty transferred to India, and in 1956, the islands became a union territory.
Kavaratti, the capital, is located about 215 miles west-southwest of Kozhikode. The island is 3.5 miles long with a maximum width of 0.75 mile. Kavaratti is known for its mosques, carved wooden pillars, roofs, and graveyard stones. Administrative buildings, a bank, mosques, an aquarium, and a growing tourism sector contribute to its economy. The population was 11,210 as of 2011.
Facts about Lakshadweep island
1. **Coral Atolls:** Lakshadweep is known for its coral atolls, forming a mesmerizing underwater landscape. The vibrant coral reefs contribute to the rich marine biodiversity of the region.
2. **Geographic Isolation:** These islands are situated about 200 to 400 kilometers off the southwestern coast of India, making them one of the most geographically isolated territories of the country.
3. **Smallest Union Territory:** Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory in India in terms of both area and population.
4. **Matrilineal Society:** Traditionally, the society in Lakshadweep follows a matrilineal system, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the maternal line.
5. **Cultural Fusion:** The history of the islands reflects a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim influences, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage shaped by centuries of interactions.
6. **Kavaratti Capital:** Kavaratti serves as the capital of Lakshadweep and is the most developed among the islands, featuring administrative offices, mosques, and a growing tourism sector.
7. **Scenic Beauty:** The islands boast pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and coconut palm-fringed landscapes, offering a picturesque setting for visitors.
8. **Marine Life:** The surrounding waters are home to various marine species, including sea turtles, diverse fish, and other fascinating underwater creatures, making it a haven for marine enthusiasts.
9. **Laccadive Archipelago:** Lakshadweep was formerly known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands. The name was officially changed to Lakshadweep in 1973.
10. **Culinary Delights:** The cuisine of Lakshadweep features a delectable array of seafood dishes, reflecting the islanders’ reliance on the bounties of the sea for their sustenance.