The ancient history of Maldives is a mixture of fact and legend. Our history has been shape and molded with the end and flow of time and tide. The Maldives has been influence by the major civilization of the world. The Phoenicians, Egyptians and Mesopotamians have passed through the islands during ancient times each leaving their mark.



The famous Cowry shell from Maldives once used as currency in different parts of the world has been found in the ruins of the ancient port of Lothal of the Indus Valley dating back to 1400BC. Thor Heyerdahl the famous archeologist wrote that the Maldives was first settled by sun worshipping seafarers known as ‘Redin’ as easily as 2500 BC, before Buddhism and later Islam changed the religious landscape of the country.



The Maldives was invaded by Portuguese in 1558 and ruled by them until 1573, continuously raided by Malabars from south west India during the 17th and 18th centuries and eventually invaded by them in 1752. Although the Malabar rule was short-lived the raids continued.

 

The sultans sought protection fast from the French at first and then in 1887 signed a protectorate agreement with the British. The country regained full sovereignty in 1965 and joined the United Nations that year. In 1968, the sultanate was abolished and the republic was declared. On 11 November 1968, the Republic of Maldives was created with an elected president. The country joined the British Commonwealth in 1982.

 

Islam is the only national religion; no other religions are permitted. All Maldivians belong to the Sunni sect. Only Muslims may become citizens, marry, or own property in Maldives, and daily life is regulated according to the tenets of Islam.

 

Most Maldivian holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the dates vary from year to year. The most important religious event is Ramadan (known locally as rorda mas), the Islamic month of fasting.

 

Other notable festivals are Kuda eid, the sighting of the new moon (celebrated at the end of Ramadan). The term bodu beru means a big drum, and lends its name to the famous music and dance form of Maldives.

 

Tourist resorts organize performances of this dance for a local culture night, and it can be quite sophisticated and gripping. There are four to six drummers in a group, and the hum has distinct African influences.

 

Contemporary local rock bands often perform at resorts where they do credible covers of the usual old favorites. Performing for a local audience, they may incorporate elements of bodu beru in their music, with lots of percussion and extended drum solos.

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Though performances of traditional music and dance are not daily events, the Dhivehi culture is strong and adaptive despite various foreign influences, ranging from Hindi movies and Oriental martial arts, to Michael Jackson and Muslim fundamentalism.

 

Western fashions, pop music and videos are visible in the capital, but on public occasions, the celebrations always have a distinctly Maldivian touch.