LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS

Lakshadweep Islands are one of the most beautiful islands in the world with mesmerizing beaches, the islands are so beautiful because it is not inhabited by humans in large. The word Lakshadweep derived from Malayalam language meaning "A LAKH ISLAND", it is the Union territory of India and it is about 500 Kilometres from the coast of Kerala. The Lakshadweep Islands are in the Laccadive Sea or Arabian sea, and these islands are so small that it is about more than 30 Square Kilometre, The Lakshadweep Islands come under the jurisdiction of High Court of Kerala, Kavaratti is the capital for these group of Islands

HISTORY OF LAKSHADWEEP ISLAND

The Lakshadweep Islands are first ruled and controlled by Chera kings of Kerala and last known ruler of Chera dynasty who ruled Lakshadweep Island was "Cheraman Perumal", and later they were some inhabitants who inhabited the islands are Amini, Andrott, Kavaratti and Agatti, there is enough evidence to prove that Buddhism existed during 5th to 7th Century, some of the studies suggests that the islanders were firstly Hindus and they were converted to Islam over the years. it is believed that Islam entered the Lakshadweep Island through Ubaidullah in 661 AD and later ruled by Cholas and Cannanore Kingdom of Kerala.

During 16th Portuguese took control of Lakshadweep Islands and started ruling it, until the islanders with the help of Raja of Chirakal the islanders thrown out Portuguese rule of power from islands, later the Lakshadweep Islands were ruled by Ali Raja and Arakkal rule in 17th Century until Tipu Sultan step his foot in the islands, and later the British took over the Islands and started ruling till the Indian Independence. 

After the Reorganisation of States in 1956 islands became the Union territory of India and islands renamed as Lakshadweep Islands in the year 1973 which included the islands namely Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi.

GEOGRAPHY OF LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS

The Lakshadweep Islands also known as coral islands have 27 islands in total out of which 10 islands are inhabited and 17 uninhabited islands.

RELIGION, POPULATION AND LANGUAGES SPOKEN

1. Religion: After the invasion of Islam to the Lakshadweep Islands majority of the population are Sunni Muslims, Hindus, Christianity and Sikhs are minorities in the islands.

2. Population: The Islands of Lakshadweep has a population of more than 60,000/- 

3. Languages Spoken: The majority in the Lakshadweep Islands speak Malayalam and people tend to speak Tamil and Arabic, but languages spoken in-large are Malayalam, Jeseri and Mahi.

ECONOMY OF LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS 

The people of the island largely dependent on Fisheries and Tourism and people of Lakshadweep Islands also have large skills in the production of Coconut fibre extraction and products such as coir fibre and corridor matting etc,. 

TOURISM

The people of Lakshadweep Islands mainly depend on Tourism for there economy as the area of the islands is so small that industries and agriculture activities are not at large. The government of India is doing at best in attracting tourists from all over the World, tourist spots include islands of Agatti, Kavaratti, Minicoy, Bangaram.

Tourist can enjoy scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, Yachting and voyage, tourist will be mild during the monsoon season.

FISHING

Fishing is another source of income for the people of Lakshadweep Islands, since the Fish is abundantly available throughout, fishing activity is done throughout the year except during Monsoon.

AGRICULTURE

Coconut is the major crop of Lakshadweep Islands, coconuts of the islands are rich in oil content. 

FLORA AND FAUNA

FLORA

The Lakshadweep Islands is abundant in flora and islands has 3 types of grass, Coconut groves and Coastal shrubs and Seaweeds.

FAUNA 

The islands are rich in Fauna also, there abundant Fish species, Turtles, Crabs, Pelagic birds, Whales and Dolphins.

TRANSPORTATION

Large Vessels operate from mainland especially from Kochi, in Kerala to Kavaratti, inter-island ferry Vessels operate between islands, the island is largely dependent on Air ambulance in medical emergencies and island has an Airport in Agatti which connects Kochi.