The Hidden History Of The Maldives
[Images Courtesy of Natascha Cox & Loama Resort]
When it comes to the Maldives, it?s sun, sea and sand that spring to mind.?The absolute last thing you think of is the history of the islands. They will, according to reports, sink in less than 60 years.?
As the BBC reported in 2004,??Since 80% of its 1,200 islands are no more than 1m above sea level, within 100 years the Maldives could become uninhabitable.?
The islands will no doubt become the lost atlantis of the Indian Ocean. I?m sure divers and snorkelers will visit in their drones to discover the underwater resorts of the Maldives that will surely be infamous in the future.?
Ocean Villas at Loama Resort
The Maldives is actually a Muslim country but the government has allocated a set number of islands for tourism purposes only. They have allowed alcohol consumption and western rules on these islands and since the start of tourism in only 1972 the destination has become one of the most popular in the world.?
Chinese Porcelain Discovered on the Island
Not much is publicised in the way of the history of the Maldives so I recently took a trip to the only Island besides the capital of Male to be granted a licence by the Maldivian Department of Heritage?to have its very own museum!
Loama at Maamigili
The Loama Resort at Maamigili in the Raa Atoll is the first and sole island in the Maldives to find historical artefacts whilst excavating to build the brand new resort just last year. Whilst digging, a mass of historical items were found including Chinese porcelain which is believed to have come through trading with passing ships from the Middle East. Grain measures, coconut oil and lace making equipment,?were also discovered, dating back to the Colonial period as early as 1514.
Ancient Maldivian Bath
An ancient bath dated around?500BCE-1153 is preserved on the island along with a Maldivian mausoleum dated to the?Medieval Islamic Period (1153-1514). The resort operates an historical tour as part of its commitment to the history of the Maldives and again is the only island in the Maldives to give an insight in to this fascinating history. An art gallery supporting local Maldivian artists also has a home at Loama and holds some really unique pieces!
Ancient Traditional Maldivian House
The island, bedsides being a beautiful holiday resort and spa is also home to a traditional Maldivian house and many myths surrounding the history of its previous inhabitants are floating around the local people.
The story goes that the island of Maamigili was home to 40 women and that no men lived on the island. This rumour is supported by the artefacts discovered, as there were mainly female use items found. Various photos and a wooden trunk was also found on the island but where they came from is still a mystery.?
There are various other myths and legends, including one surrounding the origin of how the Maldives became a muslim country. Abul Barakaath Yoosuf Al Barbary, was an Islamic scholar who was visiting the Maldives during a time when people lived in fear of a sea-demon named?"Rannamaari?.?This sea-deamon emerged from the sea every month threatening to destroy everything unless a virgin was sacrificed. Al Barbary saved the women of the islands and the Maldivian people took on his religion in homage to him.
If you are looking for an??off the beaten track? destination, then there is certainly more to this Maldivian island than commonly thought. Take a deeper look next time you visit another country even if you are only there for the beach!
Do you know any destinations with interesting history? Tweet me!
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More info on the Maldives can be found at www.visitmaldives.com
