Lakshadweep Islands
Lakshadweep is a group of islands in India. There are 36 islands, and they are like a barrier between the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea. They are not very far from the Malabar Coast of India, about 200 to 440 kilometers away.
The name Lakshadweep means “one lakh islands” in Malayalam and Sanskrit, but there are not actually a hundred thousand islands, only around a hundred. Jeseri is the main language spoken in these islands. The total area of the islands is about 32 square kilometers, and they have a big lagoon area, territorial waters, and an exclusive economic zone.
Kavaratti is the capital, and the islands are under the Kerala High Court. They are the northernmost islands in the Lakshadweep–Maldives–Chagos group, which are the tops of a big undersea mountain range called the Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge.
Originally, there were 36 islands, but one got submerged, so now there are 35. The islands have a long history, mentioned even in Buddhist stories from over 2,000 years ago. Islam came to the islands in the seventh century, and the region had different rulers like the Chera dynasty, Chola dynasty, and the Kingdom of Kannur. The Portuguese came in 1498, but they were kicked out. Then the region was ruled by the Arakkal family and later by Tipu Sultan. In 1799, the British took over most of the area, and in 1956, the Union Territory was formed when they left.
Out of the 36 islands, 10 are inhabited. In 2011, the population was 64,473, with most people being Muslim. They are similar to the people in Kerala, and the main language is Jeseri. The culture is similar to the Mappilas in Kerala. The islands have an airport on Agatti Island, and the main jobs are fishing and growing coconuts. They export tuna.
Lakshadweep History
The story of Lakshadweep begins to unfold in the 1st century CE when a Greek sailor mentioned these islands as a source of tortoise shell. Over time, the islands witnessed Muslim missionary activities around the 7th century, leading to the conversion of the islanders to Islam. Before 1100, a small Hindu kingdom on the Malabar Coast annexed the islands, and later, after the fall of the Kulashekhara dynasty in 1102, they became part of the Kolathiris, another Hindu dynasty. In the 12th century, a separate kingdom was established in the Kannur area of Kerala to protect the matrilineal descent tradition, resulting from the union of a Kolathiri princess with a Muslim convert.
European Presence
It’s believed that Marco Polo, the Italian explorer, might have been the first European to visit the islands. Portuguese explorers arrived in 1498, constructing a fort to control trade, particularly in coir. In 1545, an uprising by the island residents challenged Portuguese rule.
British Era
In the 1780s, the northern group of islands, the Amindivis, came under the control of Tippu Sultan, the sultan of Mysore. However, after Tippu’s defeat by the British in 1799, the Amindivis became part of British territory. The bibi (female ruler) and her husband retained control over the other islands with an agreement to pay the British annually. In 1908, the bibi ceded direct administration of these islands to the British. Lakshadweep became a union territory of India in 1956 after gaining sovereignty upon Indian independence in 1947.
Lakshadweep Location and Geography
Situated in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is a tropical archipelago off the southwestern coast of India. Comprising 36 islands, it is known for its coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and unique geography. The islands are scattered across a vast area and are classified into three regions: the Northern, Central, and Southern groups. Each island offers a distinct charm, ranging from inhabited ones with local communities to uninhabited havens for nature.
Lakshadweep Population
Despite its breathtaking beauty, Lakshadweep has a relatively small population. The islands are home to various communities, primarily followers of Islam. The population is known for its close-knit nature, contributing to the islands’ overall sense of safety and tranquility.
As Lakshadweep continues to enchant visitors with its natural wonders and cultural tapestry, the echoes of its diverse history resonate through the turquoise waters and pristine beaches.
India’s Coral Islands
India has a group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea known as the Lakshadweep Islands. This includes the Aminidivi and Laccadive subgroups of islands, along with Minicoy Island. These islands are formed by coral reefs and atolls, creating a unique ecosystem.
Geography and Subgroups
The Lakshadweep Islands consist of two subgroups: Aminidivi (Amini, Keltan, Chetlat, Kadamat, Bitra, Perumal Par) and Laccadive (Androth, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Pitti, Suheli Par). Minicoy Island, situated at the southern end of the Nine Degree Channel, is also part of this coral island group.
Not Considered as Part of the Group
Two banks, Angria Bank and Adas Bank, situated further north, are not considered part of the Lakshadweep Islands.
Detailed Island Information
The islands, atolls, reefs, and banks are listed from north to south, providing information such as land area, lagoon area, number of islets, and population census. Amini Island and Pitti Island are both on Pitti Bank, while Bangaram and Agatti Islands are connected by a shallow submarine ridge.
Flora and Fauna
The Lakshadweep Archipelago is rich in marine biodiversity, with over 600 species of marine fishes, 78 species of corals, and various other flora and fauna. The coral reefs are a major attraction for tourists, and Pitti Island is crucial for sea turtle breeding and bird sanctuary.
Local Symbols
The Lakshadweep region has designated symbols, including the butterfly fish as the animal, noddy tern as the bird, breadfruit as the tree, and no designated flower.
Lakshadweep Government and Administration
Lakshadweep is one of India’s union territories, governed by an administrator appointed by the President of India. The territory is divided into ten sub-divisions, each coordinated by Sub Divisional Officers. The judiciary falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court at Kochi.
Demographics
As of the 2011 census, Lakshadweep has a population of 64,473, primarily consisting of Muslims. The district has a high literacy rate of 92.28%, and the majority of the population speaks Malayalam.
Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Lakshadweep, with more than 96% of the population practicing it. The culture and religious observances are similar to the Mappilas in Kerala.
Languages
The principal languages of Lakshadweep are Malayalam and Dhivehi. Jeseri, a dialect of Malayalam with Arabic influence, is spoken in the northern islands, while Mahl is spoken in Minicoy, the southernmost atoll.
Economy
Lakshadweep’s economy is mainly based on coconut fibre extraction, coir production, and fishing. The islands have a significant fishing industry, with tuna being a major catch. Tourism is also promoted to boost the economy.
Tourism
Tourism has been actively promoted since 1974, with attractions like the Bangaram Atoll. The islands offer various water sports and activities, making them a popular destination for tourists. The government is working on enhancing connectivity and infrastructure to boost tourism further.
Desalination
To address water scarcity, Lakshadweep has implemented low-temperature thermal desalination plants. These plants utilize temperature differences in seawater to produce potable water, providing a sustainable solution for the islands.
Education
Lakshadweep has educational institutions ranging from schools to colleges, providing opportunities for the local population to pursue higher education. The region is served by Calicut University Centre and other institutions.
Transportation
Agatti Airport is the sole airport in Lakshadweep, served by Alliance Air. Sea transportation is facilitated by ships connecting Kochi, Kozhikode, and Lakshadweep, along with boat/ferry services between islands.
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