RSS |
Maldives is one of the oldest countries in the world but the history about their original settlers is shrouded in mystery. Some historians believe that the early settlers of the country were the Ayrans who emigrated from countries like India and Sri Lanka as early as the 5th century AD. |
The language of Maldives, Dhivehi, is derived from the Indo-Aryan language and influenced by the languages like Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Sinhalese, Tamil and Urdu.
Buddhism was the main religion in Maldives until 1153 AD when the country adopted Sunni Islam under the influence of Arabic and Persian travelers. The biggest effect of this conversion was on the script of Maldives. Dhives Akuru, the earlier script, blended and evolved into Thaana, the modern day script of Maldives. The style of writing Dhives Akuru was from left to right while Thaana is written from right to left. This change was probably to accommodate many Arabic words that are now used in this language.
Around the 16th century, the Portuguese caught the fancy of Maldives because of the easy availability of the cowry shells, coir rope and ambergris. The Portuguese defeated the reigning sultan, Ali, the 6th and took the control of the island in 1558. They ruled it from Goa in India. Muhammad Thakurufaanu from the Island of Utheemu in Thiladunmathi Atoll lead the people of Maldives in their resistance against the foreign control and after a violent guerrilla war, were able to gain independence in 1573. Muhammad Thakurufaanu is revered as a national hero till date.
After this, Maldives safeguarded their boundaries by constructing forts and acquiring arms and ammunitions. But once again the country was captured by the Malabari Pirates of the South Indian Coast in 1752. This was for a short time period of merely four months because Maldives fought back under the leadership of Muleege Hassan Maniku or Dhon Bandaarain of Huraa family in Male Atoll.
Due to their strategic location in the Indian Ocean, the British showed their interest in Maldives. After a period of upheaval, British offered a treaty, signed in 1887, which later became a watershed in the Maldivian history. According to the treaty, the British would protect Maldives from foreign attack and would not interfere in their internal governance. Maldives agreed not to collaborate with any other foreign power without British consent.
The written constitution was adopted in the year 1932. Till then, the law was based on Shariah and traditional customs. The sultan had a group of advisers consisting of his ministers and the Fandiyaaru or Chief Justice. People’s Assembly of 47 members was introduced by the constitution. But this constitution did not survive long and a new constitution was introduced in the year 1937.
The treaty between the British and the Maldives was introduced in 1948. In 1953, Maldives became a Republic and Mohammed Amin Didi became the first President of Maldives. But this Republic government was short-lived. The President was overthrown in just eight months due to some of his policies that were unacceptable to the people. Once again, Monarchy prevailed till 1968, Sultan Fareedh being the last monarch. Ibrahim Nasir became the first President of Maldives followed by Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom in 1978.
In 1932, the constitution was implemented in Maldives. Gayyoom is currently in his 6th term as the President. The President and his government have promised to undertake the democratic reforms such as more representative political system and political freedom following riots in Male, the capital of Maldives.
