Maldives Travel Guide

Special Offers

This is Maldives Maldives Introduction
This is Maldives Location and Geography
This is Maldives History and Culture
This is Maldives Economy and Politics
This is Maldives Myth and Folklore

Maldives Visitor Guide

This is Maldives Travel Tips
This is Maldives Resorts and Hotels
This is Maldives Cruising in Maldives
This is Maldives Diving in Maldives
This is Maldives Surfing in Maldives
This is Maldives Attractions & Activities
This is Maldives Water Sports

Maldives Investor Guide

This is Maldives General Information
This is Maldives Regulations & Laws
This is Maldives Tourism Industry
This is Maldives Fishing Industry
This is Maldives Garment Industry
This is Maldives Transport & Aviation

Maldives Websites

This is Maldives Travel Agents
This is Maldives Dive Providers
This is Maldives Safari Boats
This is Maldives Maldives Government
This is Maldives Newspapers & portals
This is Maldives Companies
This is Maldives Maldives Timeshare
This is Maldives Maldives Directory

Images of Maldives

This is Maldives Capital Male'



History

Colonial powers and the Maldives

Maldives History
» Colonial powers and the Maldives
» The First Constitution and Maldives Republic
» 'United Suvadheeb Republic'
» The Second Republic

The abundance of cowry shells, coir rope and ambergris in Maldives attracted Portuguese interest in the country during the 16th century. Consequently the Portuguese launched attacks against Maldives. Their attempts were in vain until a better equipped and organised fleet attacked the capital Malé. In 1558 they seized control of the country, after defeating Ali 6th, the reigning Sultan. Since then, they administered Maldives from Goa in India but had their armed forces and a leader stationed in Maldives.

Muhammad Thakurufaanu, from the island of Utheemu in Thiladhunmathi Atoll, waged an effective resistance against the invaders. In 1573 after fierce guerrilla warfare Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his compatriots defeated the Portuguese invaders. Muhammad Thakurufaanu was offered the throne and remains a revered national hero.

Maldivian woman sweeping her yard
Maldivian woman sweeping her yard

The Portuguese did not allow the Maldivians to relax even after their 1573 debacle. The country had a restless time fighting off the colonial pursuits and had to strengthen its defence by building forts and acquiring more arms. Nevertheless there was a substantial time period before the country was captured by an invading force. Malabari pirates from the nearby south Indian coast finally succeeded in 1752 in seizing the Maldivan throne in the capital, Malé.

They abducted the Sultan and took him to their country and placed some soldiers to administer Maldives. Only four months later Maldives regained control under the leadership of Muleege Hassan Maniku or Dhon Bandaarain who belonged to a family from Huraa in Malé Atoll.

The British colonial ambitions in the Indian Ocean had their effects on Maldives. They recognised the strategic location of Maldives and the prospect of Maldives being under any other colonial power was unacceptable to them. It was in a period of uncertainty, political rivalry and turmoil in the Maldives that the British offered Maldives a treaty, which was to become a watershed in Maldivian history. Some Maldivian politicians also needed British co-operation to suit their ambitions.

It was in this atmosphere of instability that the Maldives went into the agreement with British in 1887. The British pledged to protect the Maldives from any foreign aggression while the Maldives in turn agreed not to collaborate with any other foreign power without British consent. The British were also not to interfere with the internal affairs of the Maldives.

Historians differ in their opinions as to the extent of the independence that Maldives enjoyed under the status of a British Protectorate. It was evident that the Maldives was not a colony per se, however the government of the Maldives sought the advice of British Governor in Ceylon on major issues.

 

Special Offers
 
 

 

Computer Translation
English German Spanish French Italian Portuguese Russian Greek Chinese
© 2011 This is Maldives.com - Site Map | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact us | Links