Brief history of Maldives

By: Aminath Saany Naseer

The origin of the first settlers in Maldives remains unclear. However, historians date them to have settled in Maldives as early as 5^th century BC. These are said to have been immigrants from neighboring India and SriLanka which also explains the contribution of Sinhalese, Tamil, Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu and Arabic to the Maldivian language through time. Early Maldivian religion which was Buddhism until 1153 AD also adds up to the myth that first settlers of Maldives were from neighboring locations.

The 1400 year-old Buddhist period of Maldives though just mentioned briefly in most history books, was essential in developing Maldivian identity and culture. Buddhism is assumed to have spread to the Maldives in the 3rd century BC, at the time of the Mauryan emperor Aśoka the Great. Through this period, religious influences from countries such as SriLanka are apparent from archaeological discoveries which point to Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Even though Islam remains the official religion today, the Maldivian language, architecture, ruling institutions as well as customs and manners have been greatly influenced by the Buddhist kingdom which can be dated back thousands of years.

The episode through which Maldives converted in to Islam is also significant in Maldivian history. Local folklore suggests a Sunni Muslim visitor named Abu al Barakat, to have played a dominant role in converting the reigning King Sri Tribuvana Aditiyato to Islam. Eventually, with much effort, Maldivians accepted Islam as their official faith in 1153 AD. Landmarks such as the Friday Mosque found in the capital, Male’ can be dated back to this period.

After Maldives was converted into Islam, the people were ruled by Monarchs known as Radun (Kings) and occasionally by Ranin (Queens). The history of Maldives comprises of glorious and patriotic episodes of struggle in order to maintain power and drive out foreign influence. This includes the prolonged era of colonial influences starting from the 16^th century to the 20^th century from powers like Portugal and Britain.

Portuguese influence began in Maldives with the establishment of a small garrison and overseer factory. Eventually, in 1558, they took direct control of the capital after overthrowing Sultan Ali VI; the reigning Sultan. A Portuguese known as Andreas Andreas ruled the Maldives during which the people were subjected to untold suffering and cruelty. Portuguese rule which lasted from 1158 until 1573 was brutal and repressive. It is through this period, the patriotic martyrdom of Mohamed Thakurufaanu took place. With the help of his two brothers and loyal followers, he brought an end to the 15 years and 6 months of Portuguese subjugation.

Maldives again lost its liberty in 1752 AD when a group of Malabars captured Maldives for three months and twenty days. Maldives was saved once again by a courageous warrior, famously known as Dhonbandaarain. The battle carried out by this skillful tactician against the Malabars was one of the most strategic combats carried out in the history of Maldives. The day in which the Malabars were defeated is celebrated even today, as “Huravee Day” to remember the heroes and to pass on the true story of courage and determination to present generations.

An important highlight of Maldivian history in the 18^th century includes the protectorate signed with Britain in 1887 which gave control of foreign affairs to the British and internal control to Maldivian monarchs. The protectorate was in effect until 1965. Consequently, British involvement in Maldives encouraged the development of a constitutional monarchy. As a result, the first constitution of Maldives was introduced in 1932 under Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin and later renewed in 1934 under Sultan Hassan Nooruddeen.

The 20^th century led to significant political developments in the history of Maldives. In the year 1952, the first ever referendum was held to decide whether Maldives should become a Republic or remain a Monarchy. As a result, with the consent of the people, Maldives was officially declared a Republic and Muhammad Amin as its first president. However, this democratic reform was to be short lived as his Vice-President Ibrahim Didi took over power while President Amin was residing abroad. Later, in December 1953, Amin was sentenced to banishment and died there. Afterwards, the rule of the Sultanate was revived under a different constitution in March 1954.

Another important event of the 20^th century was the separatist movement that developed in the Southern Atolls of Maldives during the 1950s. Reasons for the rebellion include the establishment of the Maldivian Government Bodu Store (MGBS) by which the Southerners had to come to Male’ instead of directly trading with SriLanka. This enormously decreased their economic opportunities. Such grievances and indirect encouragement of the British fuelled the separatist movement which was repressed with military might under Ibrahim Nasir’s premiership.

Maldives acquired full independence from the British in the year 1965. The declaration of independence was signed by Ibrahim Nasir on 26^th July 1965 in Colombo, SriLanka. Under another referendum, it was decided that Maldives should become a republic and abandon the monarchy. With popular consent Ibrahim Nasir became the first elected president of the Independent Republic on 11^th November 1968. President Ibrahim Nasir contributed immensely to the development of Maldives; one of which includes the introduction of tourism in 1972. He passed away on 22^nd November 2008 and is buried in the cemetery attached to the Friday Mosque.

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom became the 2^nd President of the Independent Republic and was in power for 30 years; 1978-2008. His contributions were also immeasurably valuable to the development of Maldives which includes advancements in infrastructure, fisheries, education, tourism and international relations. The decision by President Gayoom in 2004, to change the constitution in order to bring about a 21^st century democracy was also an important milestone for modern developments. Maldivian parliament voted unanimously in favor to endorse the introduction of political parties in the country in 2005 which was also a significant step towards democratic sentiency seen today. The new constitution was ratified by Gayoom in August 2008 which paved path for the countries’ first ever Multi-Party presidential elections to be held in October 2008.

As a result, Mohamed Nasheed, the leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) won the 2008 election after defeating the incumbent president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who contested as the leader of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP).  Attributes of Nasheed’s presidency include promotion of human rights, democracy and environmental protection.  As a result, in March 2009, he announced that Maldives aim to become the first carbon neutral country in the world by 2020. He also commenced the World’s first under water cabinet meeting in order to symbolize the growing danger of climate change to small island nations. Moreover, under MDP’s five pledges aimed at bringing about economic prosperity and development, a nationwide transport system was established and provision of free healthcare was carried out. President Nasheed was overthrown on February 2012 through an alleged coup by his Vice President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik who is serving presidency today.