OVERVIEW
Lakshadweep is one of the smallest Union Territory in India. The name ‘Lakshadweep’ literally means a hundred thousand islands in Sanskrit and Malayalam. It was formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy and Aminidivi Islands. It appears like a mere dot on the map of India, but is truly a sparkling diamond adoring the southern frontier of the country.
Lakshadweep is untouched by encroaching industrialisation and is land of pristine blue beaches. The lagoons washing ashore, the continental shelf populated by colourful coral reefs, visible from clear water above and the sunsets that turn white sand into red, orange and purple, these all are symbolically linked to each other.
The first westerner to set foot on it’s shore was Vasco Da Gama, but English had already explored the islands. Lakshwadeep is also mentioned with in-depth detail in stories of the Arab traveller, Ibn Batuta. Later, Portugals came and built a fort on the islands, but they were chased away by the inhabitants for good.
Located in middle of the sea, Lakshadweep makes up for a pretty good tourist destination. The isolated beaches, scenic beauty, marine flora and fauna, brings in good revenue from tourism. Since it is small, area wise, and industries cannot flourish, government has been pushing tourism as a means of income.
Considering its proximity to the sea, fish is a part of the staple diet along with coconuts. Rice and jiggery are also a major part of the diet. Despite the lack of ingredients, the cuisines and list of dishes amount up to hundred.
The local here speak Malayalam. They believe their forefathers were traders and were washed up on the shores during one heavy storm. The people on the island, ethnically, are similar to the people of Kerala coast of India. The descents are mixed of Indiana and Arabs, except for the largest southernmost island, Minicoy, where people resemble Maldivians and speak Mahl, which sounds similar to Dhivehi and can also be a dialect.
The locals are mostly Muslims converted by the Arab traders and they call themselves the Amadivi (from the mother island) or the Divi.
