Maldives: Coral Country in the Indian Ocean
The Buddhists seafarers from India and Sri Lanka first settled in the Maldives in the 5th century BC. Around 11th century AD Maldives came in contact with Islamic power and soon the influence of Islam permeated the whole nation. For long period of time Maldives was under the suzerainty of Sri Lanka. In the first half of 18th century British developed trading relation with Maldives and in 1887 it became a British protectorate. The British granted sovereignty to Maldives in 1965 following which it adopted a republican form of government in 1952 but again the sultanate was restored in 1954. But in 1968 republic was again restored as a result of public referendum.
Culture and Cuisine of Maldives:
The culture of Maldives is made up of many diverse cultures brought by the seafarers who settled in Maldives. Buddhist influence in the Maldives culture is the result of contact with Sri Lanka whereas British and Portuguese culture also influenced the Maldives later on. After the long Buddhist period Muslim traders introduced Sunni Islam that continues to have a strong hold till today. However certain portions of Sufism can also be seen in the Maldives.
Maldivian cuisine has also been influenced by the Sri Lankan and Indian cuisines. The delicate preparation of Maldives cuisine with rich use of spices gives titillating tastes. Fish in addition to other delicious seafood’s is the most significant part of cuisine in Maldives. Some of the chief fishes cooked are baracuda, trevallies and tuna that are served with different types of curries.
Economy of Maldives:
The Maldives economy is based on three principal activities: fishing, tourism and shipping. Traditional industries consist of local boat or dhoni building, handicrafts such as mat-weaving, jewelry-making and lacquer work. Tourism remains the major source of foreign currency and the major support for the Maldives economy. In recent years the Maldives government has gone for economic liberalization and privatization to achieve rapid modernization.
Tourist Attractions of Maldives:
Maldives is considered as one of the best tourists destinations due to the presence of silvery sandy beaches fringed with coconuts & palm tress, vast expansion of blue water of Indian Ocean and world class tourists’ facilities. Maldives is famous for it’s under water coral garden and gives the best glimpses of marine beauty during deep water diving.
Male: is the capital of Maldives. It is a busy city and famous for its picturesque mosques and narrow winding streets. Male is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maldives due to old-fashioned beauty and several shopping arcades.
Grand Friday Mosque: Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A zam is the biggest mosque of Maldives. Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar constructed this grand architecture in 1656 that gives the glimpse of bygone times
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