Table of Contents
The Emerald Isles of India
Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshadweep
Wikipedia Excerpt: "Lakshadweep (/ləkˈʃɑːdwiːp/ (listen); Malayalam: ലക്ഷദ്വീപ്, lakṣadvīp [lɐkʂɐd̪ʋiːp] (listen)) is a union territory of India.1 It is a group of 36 islands with a total surface area of 32 km2.2 Ten of these islands are inhabited.3 It is the smallest union territory of India and is administered by the Union Government of India."4
History
The history of Lakshadweep is shrouded in mystery, with limited archaeological evidence. Local legends attribute the first settlement to the period of Cheraman Perumal, the last ruler of the Chera dynasty of Kerala. It is believed that Islam was introduced to the islands in the 7th century AD by Arab traders.
During the medieval period, Lakshadweep came under the influence of various South Indian rulers, including the Cholas and the Zamorins of Calicut. In the 16th century, the Portuguese arrived but were eventually driven out. Subsequently, the islands came under the control of the Ali Rajas of Cannanore (now Kannur, Kerala).
In the late 18th century, some islands came under British administration following the Anglo-Mysore Wars. After India's independence in 1947, Lakshadweep was integrated into the Indian Union. It was initially part of Madras Presidency and later became a separate union territory in 1956.
Culture
The culture of Lakshadweep is deeply influenced by its proximity to Kerala and its Islamic heritage. Malayalam is the primary language spoken on most islands, with Dhivehi (a dialect of Maldivian) spoken on Minicoy Island.
Traditional music and dance forms are prevalent, often performed during festivals and social gatherings. Lava dance is a popular folk dance of Minicoy. Other forms include Parichakali and Kolkali, which show influences from Kerala.
Festivals are primarily Islamic, with Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Milad-un-Nabi being celebrated with great enthusiasm. The cultural life also revolves around traditional practices associated with fishing and coconut cultivation.
Art and Architecture
The art and architecture of Lakshadweep are simple and functional, reflecting the island environment and the availability of local materials like coconut wood and coral stones. Traditional houses are typically built with thatched roofs and coral walls.
The mosques on the islands are significant architectural features, often displaying indigenous building techniques adapted to the tropical climate. The architecture is generally unpretentious, focusing on practicality and resilience against the elements.
Traditional crafts include intricate coir (coconut fiber) weaving, boat building, and the crafting of utilitarian items from coconut shells and wood.
Major Cities
Lakshadweep is a union territory consisting of small islands, and the concept of "major cities" is not directly applicable. The most significant administrative and population centers are:
- Kavaratti: The capital of Lakshadweep, located on Kavaratti Island. It is the most developed and populous town. According to the 2011 census, the population of Kavaratti was around 11,210.
- Andrott: The largest island in Lakshadweep by land area and also has a significant population. Its population was around 10,720 in 2011.
- Minicoy: The southernmost island, culturally distinct with its Dhivehi language and unique traditions. Its population was around 10,128 in 2011.
- Amini: Another inhabited island with a notable population. Its population was around 7,340 in 2011.
These are more accurately described as towns or settlements rather than major cities.
Temples and Palaces
Being predominantly Muslim, Lakshadweep does not have prominent Hindu temples or traditional Indian palaces. The religious architecture is primarily centered around mosques, which are found on all inhabited islands and serve as important community centers.
Geography
Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands, islets, and atolls scattered in the Arabian Sea, about 200 to 440 km off the coast of Kerala. Ten of these islands are inhabited. The islands are formed by coral deposits and are generally flat, with sandy beaches and lagoons. The climate is tropical, with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 22°C to 36°C. The monsoon season brings significant rainfall. The islands are rich in marine biodiversity, with coral reefs, seagrass beds, and a variety of fish and marine life.
People and Ethnicity
According to the 2011 census, the total population of Lakshadweep was 64,473, making it the smallest union territory in India by population.vThe indigenous population are primarily Malayalis, with linguistic and cultural links to Kerala. Minicoy Island has a distinct population who speak Dhivehi and share cultural similarities with the Maldives. The majority of the population are Muslims, belonging to the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam.v
Cuisine
The cuisine of Lakshadweep is heavily influenced by its coastal location and the availability of coconuts and seafood. Rice is the staple food. Popular dishes include:
- Octopus fry: A local delicacy.
- Fish curries: Prepared with coconut milk and local spices.
- Rice with tuna: A common meal.
- Coconut-based dishes: Utilizing the abundant coconut in various forms.
- Appam and other Kerala-style dishes: Reflecting the cultural connection with Kerala.
Healthcare
Healthcare infrastructure in Lakshadweep is basic, with government-run hospitals and primary health centers on the inhabited islands. Kavaratti has the largest hospital. For specialized medical treatment, residents often need to travel to the mainland, primarily to Kerala. Efforts are ongoing to improve healthcare facilities and access on the islands.
Religions
Islam is the predominant religion in Lakshadweep, with nearly the entire population identifying as Muslim. The Islamic traditions and practices are deeply ingrained in the social and cultural life of the islands.
Tourism
Tourism is a growing sector in Lakshadweep, attracted by its pristine beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, and water sports activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. However, tourism is regulated to protect the fragile ecosystem of the islands. Some of the popular tourist islands include Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, and Minicoy.
Waterways
Being a group of islands, waterways are crucial for inter-island transportation. Boats and ferries connect the inhabited islands. The lagoons also provide opportunities for boating and other water activities.
Politics and Government
Lakshadweep is a union territory administered by the President of India through an Administrator who is based in Kavaratti. The territory does not have its own legislative assembly. It sends one member to the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament). Local self-governance is carried out through island councils.
Transportation
Transportation within the islands is primarily by boat and small vehicles.
Roads
The inhabited islands have limited road networks connecting settlements and key areas. Vehicles are mainly two-wheelers and small cars.
Airports
Agatti Airport (AGX) on Agatti Island is the only airport in Lakshadweep with direct flights to the mainland (Kochi).
Bridges
Bridges connect some of the smaller islets to larger inhabited islands in certain atolls, facilitating movement.
Pilgrimages
Being predominantly Muslim, Lakshadweep's pilgrimage activities are primarily related to Islamic sites and practices.29 Travel to Mecca for Hajj is a significant pilgrimage for the residents.
IT Industry
The IT industry in Lakshadweep is in a very nascent stage with limited infrastructure and connectivity challenges. The focus is primarily on providing basic internet access and supporting e-governance initiatives.
Colleges and Universities
Lakshadweep has a few colleges, mainly offering undergraduate courses, affiliated with universities on the mainland (primarily in Kerala). There are no universities located within the union territory.
Education System
The education system in Lakshadweep follows the national pattern. The administration runs schools on all inhabited islands. The literacy rate is relatively high.
Water
Water management relies on rainwater harvesting and desalination plants.
Fishing
Fishing is a primary occupation and a major part of the economy in Lakshadweep, given its vastExclusive access to premium content, real-time data and AI-powered tools for investment opportunities and market analysis. Sign up for a free trial today! marine resources. Tuna is a major catch, along with other reef fish.
Cattle Farming
Cattle farming is limited in Lakshadweep due to the small land area and environmental considerations.
Agriculture
Agriculture is limited due to the sandy soil and limited freshwater availability. Coconut cultivation is the most significant agricultural activity, along with some cultivation of fruits and vegetables for local consumption.
Industries
The main industries in Lakshadweep are tourism, fishing, and coconut processing (coir production). There are also small-scale handicraft units.
Food Industry
The food industry is primarily focused on processing fish and coconut-based products to meet local needs and support tourism.
Milk Industry
The milk industry is small-scale, mainly catering to local consumption.
Coir Industry
The textile industry is mainly centered around traditional coir production and small-scale weaving of local materials.
