THE LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS
The Name
Lakshadweep is a sort of navigator's compass, the word meaning destination.
The name "Laksha" is only symbolic since the total number of islands
doesn't
even add upto a 1000. The word "Laksha" means 100.000 in Malayalam
and
Sanskrit. But it has other meanings too! For example, "Lakshya" means
"Purpose" and Lakshadweep lies in the hub of the Arabian-African-Asian
trade
route.
Pre-history
There are many theories as to how the huge archipelago, the
Lakshadweep group of islands emerged. The most widely accepted one is
attributed to Sir Charles Darwin, the renowned English Evolutionist (1842).
He opined that the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic formation
over which corals settled and formed fringing reefs. Those turned into
barrier reefs and later to atolls due to geological submergence of the
volcanic base.
Builders of those enchanting islands are corals, whose origin dates back to millenniums. Corals are invertebrates with several tiny organism called polyps, inhabiting a pore like cup in a calcareous skeleton. Millions of polyps, inhabiting make an entire coral colony. Polyps assimilate calcium from surrounding water to gradually build their skeletons.
Corals are carnivorous, feeding on plankton. So, coral growth depends on the supply of plankton conducive to coral growth. Reefs and atolls have attained the present state after millenniums of evolution. The fragile nature of the islands comes from their dependence on the atolls and reefs. The survival of these islands are dependant fully on the health of the long stretch of corals.
History
The early history of Lakshadweep is not recorded. Local traditions attribute
the first settlement on the islands to the period of Cheraman Perumal, the last Chera
King of Kerala. It is believed that the first settlers were Hindus and Buddhists.
Even now, unmistakable Hindu social stratifications exist despite the influence
of Islam. Buddha idols are found in islands like Kavaratti and Andrott. Legends
say that small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kavaratti, Andrott and
Kalpeni first and later people from these islands moved to Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and
Kadamat.
The advent of Islam goes back to the seventh century AD around the year 41 Hijra. It is widely believed that one St. Ubaidullah while praying at Mecca fell asleep. He dreamt that Prophet Mohammed wanted him to go to Jeddah and take a ship from there to go to distant places. Leaving Jeddah and after sailing for months the ship wrecked near these small islands.
Floating on a plank he was swept ashore at Amini. Ubaidullah began propagating Islam in the face of strong protests. From Amini, he went to Andrott where too he met with strong opposition. Finally he succeeded in converting the people to Islam.
Soon he went to the other islands with the message of Islam and succeeded in propagating it. He died in Andrott and his place of burial is a sacred place now. Even after the influence of Islam, the sovereignity remained in the hands of the Hindu Raja of Chirakkal for some years. From Chirakkal Raja, the control moved into the hands of the Muslim House of Arakkal around the 16th century. The Arakkal rule was oppressive and unbearable. Eventually in 1787, some islanders from Amini took courage and met Tippu Sultan at Mangalore, and requested him to take over the administration of Amini. Soon five islands came under the Sultan and the rest continued to be governed by the Arakkal family.
After the battle of Srirangapattanam in 1799, the islands were annexed to the British East India Company from Mangalore. In 1854, all the remaining islands were handed over to the East India Company by the Raja of Chirakkal. So came the British rule.
The Union Territory of Lakshadweep was formed in 1956. All islands now constitute one District for Administration with 4 tehsils. The administration head quarters is at Kavaratti. The Administrator heads the Union Territory. Each island has a democratic set-up in the form of Village (Dweep) Panchayat. At Union Territory level, there is a District Panchayat.
Geography
One of the world's most spectacular tropical island systems, Lakshadweep is
tucked away at 220 - 240 km off the Malabar Coast. The islands comprise of
4200 sq km of lagoon rich in marine wealth and 36 islands in an area of 32 sq
km. Each island here is fringed by snow white coral sands. The crystal clear
water and the rich marine flora and fauna enhance the mystique of these islands.
Against the vast blue sea, the islands look like emeralds. The huge wall-like
reef bordering the outer side of the shallow lagoons blocks the incoming swells of
the sea.
The islands are linked to the mainland by ship, helicopter, passenger planes and mechanized sailing wooden vessels. Agatti and Bangaram can be reached by air and the others by ship from Kochi. The temperature increases from South to North; April and May are the hottest with temperatures averaging at 32¡C. The Lakshadweep Archipelago has 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 6 submerged banks. The name Lakshadweep or its anglicized form Laccadives is of recent origin. The early geography and Arab travellers have alluded to the islands as 'Divis' or 'Dibatat' covering both Maldives and Lakshadweep. By several accounts, the cultural and geographical affinities of Lakshadweep are closely linked to Sri Lanka, Kerala, Maldives and Tamil Nadu. The whole group of islands is one vast coconut garden with 100 trees crowded per acre.
There are no boundaries between individual plots and almost no ground vegetables. The houses are spread out throughout the islands.
Flora and Fauna
What meets the eye at the first glance is the lush green tall Coconut trees. Coconut is the only commercial crop. Deep green shrubs like Kanni, Cholam, Chavok, Punna and Cheerani border the coconut palms.
Ipomea is a conspicuous ground runner. These prevent soil erosion to a great extent. The relative humidity is 70 - 75%. Generally the climate is humid, warm and pleasant. The climate is equable and no well marked, distinct seasons are experienced. From June to October the south-west monsoon is active. The average rainfall is 10 - 40 mm. Annual rainfall decreases from south to north. On an average, 80 - 90 days a year are rainy. Winds are light to moderate from October to March.
The state tree is the Breadfruit tree. Cows, goats and ducks abound in farms and homesteads. There are no dogs or snakes in the islands. Crows are rare. Common seabirds are Taratashi (sterna fuscate) and Karifetu (anous solidus), the former being the state bird. Most of them nest on Pitti, the island with a bird sanctuary.
Apart from common forms of life, exotic kaleidoscopic underwater life is abundant and marvelous. Gracefully swimming from place to place are the butterfly fishes resembling butterflies in the under water garden. Surgeon fishes of myriad hues, damselfishes, porcupine fishes, puffer fishes, moray eels and octopus co-exist beautifully.
Slow moving sea cucumbers, shelled molluses, hermit crabs, lobsters and shrimps co-habit amongst the reefs. The mas-choorai (tuna) is the chicken of the sea for the islanders. Playful dolphins, turtles, rays and flying fishes are occasionally seen by keen observers.
People and Culture
The glorious colors of the Lakshadweep sunsets cap be matched only by the
colorful dresses of the women of the islands. They wear a Kachi around the waist
tucked in a thread wound with solid gold or a silver waist belt.
A silk Kachi is usually red with a black border. Others are black or white with a dark border. While a tight fitting embroidered jacket covers the body above the waist, a colorful scarf with silver and gold threads is slung loosely over the head. The scarf is called "Thattam". The men are simply dressed in a 'lungi' except in the Minicoy Island where the young prefer jeans.
They wear traditional dresses, churidar / pyjama only on ceremonial occasions. The food habits of the people do not offer much variety. Exotic dishes from Andrott and Minicoy stand out in the cuisine of the island. A baniyan factory is located at Kalpeni.
Folk-arts
Kolkali and Parichakali are the two popular art forms in the territory. In Minicoy,
Lava is the popular dance form. Some of the movements in these dances are
similar to the north-eastern folk dance forms.
For marriages, Oppana, a song sung by a lead female player accompanied by a group of women singers, is a common feature. Picnics are a common leisure activity in Minicoy. The most widely celebrated festivals are Idulfiter, Bakrid, Milad-ul Nabi and Muharram.
Economy
The majority of the people depend on coconut and fish for occupation. The
traditional industry revolves around tuna, coir, vinegar, jaggery and copra
making. Although the boat building industry has suffered, the skills are still
prevalent. The people of Kavaratti have considerable skills as stone masons and
carpenters. Coir based industry is one of the oldest areas of activity. Minicoy
is
an important center for tuna fishing and a tuna canning factory is located here.
Rice is the-staple food of the people. Generally the people are non vegetarians.
Coconut is widely used.
Languages, Manner and Custom
A dialect of Malayalam is spoken in the inhabited islands. In Minicoy, Mahl is
used. There is very little difference in the customs of the people despite a
few
cultural variations. Marriages are arranged mostly, except in Minicoy, where
courting is prevalent. In arranged marriages, the bride's family takes the initiative
in marriage discussions. In Minicoy, the wedding ceremony is simple. The
wedding expenses are borne by the bridegroom's family.
Status of women
Women of the Territory enjoy a higher social status and economic freedom than
their counterparts in other parts of the country. The matrilineal route of the
inheritance is through the female keeps the women folk independent. Divorce is
accepted and remarriage is encouraged. The predominance of women in every
walk of life is a noteworthy feature of the islands especially in Minicoy.
Recent Trends
The period from 1980 heralds a spurt in the development of the islands although
the foundation for growth was laid in the sixties. Several aspects of education
and employment were taken up showing very good improvement in the lives of
the islanders.
The 1997 elections to the Panchayats were a defining moment in the administrative history of Lakshadweep. With the setting up of the Society for Promotion of Recreation and Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), a new horizon has opened up for Lakshadweep. The resorts at Bangaram and Kadamat, the tourism facilitates in all the inhabited islands gave a fillip to the development of Lakshadweep. The islands now have two world class SCUBA diving schools. Lakshadweep was awarded the maiden National Eco-tourism Award in 1997.
Agatti
Location: 10¡ 51* North latitude, 72¡-11* East longitude, located 459 kms from
Cochin, 6 km long and 1000 mt wide. Climate: Hot. In Agatti, coral growths and
multi colored coral fishes abound in its lagoons. The climate of the island is
hot
when compared to the islands in the rest of the group. Fishing is the most
important industry of Agatti, which is perhaps the only island besides Minicoy
getting surplus fish. Next to fishing, coir and copra are the main industries.
Agatti
is the airport stopover from Cochin and Goa on the way to Bangaram, which can
be seen on the northern horizon. Agatti offers a fully furnished resort managed
by
a private entrepreneur. Unlike most other resorts in Lakshadweep, Agatti Island
Beach Resort is open through out the year, as it can be reached by the airlines
operated from Cochin and Goa. The main attraction at the resorts is the water
sport facilities. A medical centre with qualified doctors functions at Agatti.
Bangaram
Location: l0¡- 56* North Latitude and 72¡- 17* East longitude, located 459 km
from
Cochin. Climate: Warm round the year. Rainfall is limited and the temperature
during the monsoons is 25 - 27¡ C . A bewitchingly beautiful and breathtaking
island in the Lakshadweep, Bangaram is un-inhabited. It is surrounded by a
shallow lagoon enclosed by coral reef. It has been ranked among the best
getaways of the world. Here the harmony of the sun, sand and surf casts a spell
on the visitor. It offers utmost privacy unpolluted comfort with crystal clear
water.
Sparkling coral reef and blue lagoon perform magic on the soul-searching
traveller. It's a place where a Hemingway would create a classic or a Van Gogh
would paint a masterpiece. And who knows the muse may inspire one to create
too.
A matchless sense of well being takes over and one begins to discover the graceful fishes, porcupines, parrots, puffer fishes, hermit crabs and sea birds on the vast 120 acres of lush coconut groves in Bangaram. There are numerous adventures like scuba diving, beach games, swimming, snorkeling and deep sea fishing. The resort has 60 bedded beach cottages with a multi cuisine restaurant serving myriad delicacies. A well stocked bar is also available. Agatti is the gateway to Bangaram and is linked to Cochin for onward flights to Metros.
Kadmat
Location: 11¡- 13* North latitude and 72¡-47* East longitude, located 407 km
from
Cochin. Land Area: 8 km long and 550 m. wide at the broadest point. It has a
very large lagoon on the western side with abundant coral growth. Long sandy
beaches and excellent water sport facilities are the stellar attractions here.
Main
occupation of the people is coir twisting. It is famous for its lime stones used
for
building purposes. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west that
forms an ideal spot for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east.
Kadmat has been identified for staying tourists with its tourist huts aesthetically
situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon. The place
is ideal for a real holiday that takes one away from the maddening crowd, hustle
and bustle of city life. Under Marine Wealth Awareness Programme, one can
spend 3 - 4 days enjoying sea breeze and moonlit beach. Water sports crafts like
kayaks, pedal boats, sailing yachts, skiing boats and glass bottomed boats are
available on hire. The Scuba Diving Centre in the island has become an
attraction for water-sport enthusiasts. The island resort is managed by SPORTS
Kalpeni
Location : 10¡- 05* North Latitude and 73¡- 39* East Longitude, located 287 km
from Cochin. It is known for its scenic beauty and the small islets called Tilakkam
and Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow
lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge
storm
bank of coral debris along the eastern and south-eastern shorelines. It is
believed that huge boulders were thrown up during a storm in 1847. It is a
progressive island. It was in this island that girls first went to school, when
women's education was considered a taboo. Here, one can swim, reef-walk or
water sport on kayaks, sail boat and pedal boat. Water sport crafts are given
on
hire; two bathing huts with change-rooms are available at Koomel Beach Resort.
Kavaratti
Location; 10¡-33* North Latitude and 72¡-38* East Longitude, located 404 km
from Cochin. It is the headquarters of the U.T. Administration since 1964. You
have enough time to explore the island. The beautiful calm lagoon forms an ideal
spot for water sports, swimming and basking on warm sandy beaches. Marine
life exhibits can be seen at the new Marine Aquarium which has an excellent
collection of specimens. Do not bother if you are not a good swimmer, we have
made viewing the exotic underwater world easier for you through our glass
bottomed boats. Kayaks and sailing yachts are available on hire. The Dolphin
Dive Centre is another attraction for water sports enthusiasts. Tourists availing
'Taratashi' package to Kavaratti stay in the tourist huts at the tourist complex.
Minicoy
Location: 8¡ - 17* North Latitude and 73¡-04* East Longitude, located 398 km
from Cochin. It is about 10.6 km long; it is the second largest island, the first
being Andrott. It is the southern most island in Lakshadweep, crescent shaped
and has one of the largest lagoons. Viringili is the small islet that can be
seen on
the south. Minicoy is set apart from the northern group of islands by its culture;
the islanders are employed as seamen in ocean going vessels the world over.
The island has a systematically arranged village system known as 'Avah' Each
Avah is a cluster of houses which is headed by an elected elderly man called
Bodukaka. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him.
Each village has a village house beautifully decorated and maintained. Mahl is
the spoken language. Minicoy is an important centre for tuna fishing. The Light
House of the island is one of the oldest and was constructed in 1885. One can
visit the villages, tuna canning factory, the light house and go for a long drive
through dense coconut groves and winding village roads. The beaches have
bathing huts and change rooms. So swim and beach walk, pedal boat, kayak and
sail. Three tourist cottages and a twenty bedded tourist home have been
constructed for the staying tourists.