If you are planning to head for Maldives this season and you want to know about the glorious past, then go through the History of Maldives. The beginning of the first settlers of the Maldives is an ambiguity. Proportional features of the Maldivian verbal custom flaunt that the first settlers were Dravidian who came from the nearest coasts. They were perhaps the fishermen from the southwest coasts of the Indian Subcontinent and the western shorelines of Sri Lanka. The first dwellers of the Maldives must have come several years ago but there is no authentic source of information.
Maldives History says that Buddhism reached Maldives at the time of Emperor Asoka’s time and became the main religion of the people of the Maldives till 12th century AD. Though, it is said that the ancient Maldivians used to follow Theravada Buddhism, still Asoka is regarded as the main influence of Buddhism. All the native Buddhist archaeological museums boast of Mahayana and Vajrayana iconography. As the ancient Maldivian Kings introduced Buddhism, the first Maldives writings, sculpture and architecture of that era reflect elements of the doctrine.
The Maldivian language is considered to be influenced by Indo-Aryan prejudices from Tamil, Sinhalese, Sanskrit, Urdhu, Persian, and Arabic. It is believed by the natives that Hinduism existed much before Buddhism. Buddhism was the major religion until the advent of Islam. The system of government was monarchy including some Sultans as sovereigns. The traders from India, Arabia, Sri Lanka and Persia took a trip to the Maldives for trading goods. African slaves were also there. These visitors from various parts of the world added much to the language and culture of the Maldives.
The profusion of cowry shells, coir rope and ambergris drew the interests of the Portuguese during the 16th century. Accordingly, the Portuguese attacked Maldives but their attempts and a unionized convoy attacked the capital. In 1573 after the fearful revolutionary warfare Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his fellow citizens conquered over the Portuguese invaders. Muhammad Thakurufaanu got the throne and till today, he is regarded as a respected national hero.
Though administrated as a sovereign Islamic sultanate from the year 1153 to 1968, the Maldives was a British protectorate from 1887 to 1965. After getting the liberty from Britain in 1965, the sultanate kept on to manage another three years under King Muhammad Fareed. In 1968, the monarchy was eradicated and was substituted by the republic. The official name of the country was changed from Maldive Islands to the Maldives.
travel.mapsofworld.com provides online information on History of Maldives.
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