Maldives - History

Archaeological finds reveal that the islands were inhabited as early as 1500 BC. The first settlers arrived around 500 BC and are thought to have been Aryans. In the pre-Islamic period (before AD 1153), according to the accounts of Persian and Arab travellers, the Maldives was ruled by women. After that date, only four queens ruled, the last one in the early 16th century.

Contact with Arab travellers paved the way for the Maldives to adopt the religion of Islam, which gradually replaced Buddhism. In 1153–54, King Dovemi Kalaminja officially accepted Islam.

Although the Maldives voluntarily accepted a period of British protection, the country has been an independent state throughout its known history, except for a very brief period (15 years) of Portuguese occupation in the 16th century and an even briefer three months and 20 days of Mopla (south Indian) rule in the mid-18th century. The Maldivian militia (controlled by the Sultan) defended the country and its independence against incursions by stronger powers. Since the country’s conversion to Islam, its history can be traced through a number of dynasties, ruled by 93 Sultans and Sultanas, whose laws were only acknowledged when exercised for the benefit of the people. Otherwise, the ruler, who was advised by councillors, could be dethroned.

The period of the British protectorate began in 1887. The Sultan remained head of state. There was no British governor or representative and Britain did not interfere in the country’s internal affairs, confining its interest to foreign affairs and defence. The Maldivian sultanate became elective after 1932.

The country briefly became a republic in 1953–54, but was again a sultanate at the time it terminated the arrangement with the UK in 1965. Following a public referendum in April 1968, the sultanate was abolished and the Maldives was again declared a republic. Ibrahim Nasir, who had been prime minister since 1954, then became president.

The recent history of Maldives has been characterised by stability, growth and gradual adjustment to a modern economy. The only interruption to this steady progress was an attempted coup in late 1988, involving an attempted invasion. This was quickly put down with the aid of Indian troops. In the early 1990s, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom devolved some presidential powers, introduced other reforms and established an anti-corruption board.

Maldives, which has traditionally been reliant on Sri Lanka for imports and many of its communication links, has become more self-reliant through the development of the international airport, enabling it to accommodate long-distance flights. While the relationship with Sri Lanka remains very important, the government has also endeavoured to improve political and economic relations with India.