The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean. The country has a rich history that dates back thousands of years.
Maldives is a paradise for travelers. With its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and fantastic coral reefs. It’s no surprise that Maldives has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The country offers something for everyone – from luxury resorts to budget-friendly accommodations. So you can find exactly what you’re looking for without breaking your bank account. Plus, its many activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking and fishing trips available throughout the year. There will undoubtedly be something fun and exciting waiting around every corner.
But before that, let’s dive into the history of Maldives and get to know this country’s rich history.
The first people to settle in the Maldives were likely fishermen from India and Sri Lanka. They arrived around 1500 BC. These early settlers were animists who worshiped a variety of deities and spirits.
In the 12th century, Arab traders introduced Islam to the Maldives. The religion quickly spread throughout the islands, and by the 16th century, the Maldives had become a Muslim nation.
Over the centuries, the Maldives was ruled by a series of sultans. They maintained a strict code of law based on Islamic principles. The sultans were supported by a powerful class of aristocrats known as the “Bodu Beru,”. Boduberu controlled much of the country’s wealth and resources.
Ruling Class
In the 16th century, the Maldives came under the control of the Portuguese. They used the islands as a base for trade and military activities in the region. The Portuguese were eventually driven out by a group of Maldivian rebels led by Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. Thakurufaanu is celebrated as a national hero for freeing the country from colonial rule.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Maldives came under the influence of the British, who established a protectorate over the islands in 1887. The British ruled the Maldives indirectly through a series of sultans. But the country remained largely isolated from the outside world.
In 1965, the Maldives gained independence from Britain and became a republic. Since then, the country has experienced significant economic growth and modernization. Maldives has also faced challenges such as political unrest, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change.
The country was also home to powerful sultans who ruled from their capital city Malé until 1968, when they were replaced by a modern republic government with universal suffrage rights for all citizens regardless of gender or religion. Today’s Maldivians are proud of their rich cultural heritage, including ancient monuments like coral stone mosques and traditional art forms such as lacework weaving techniques passed down through generations since antiquity!
