Introduction

Lakshadweep islands in Indian Union Territory are looking like emeralds in the vast expanse of blue sea of Arabian Sea.

Lakshadweep islands have varying hues of turquoise blue translucent water surround them. It is the only coral island in India that has a rich flora and fauna, to its credit. It is a beautiful island that is worth visiting. Lakshadweep, union territory is located in the Arabain sea of India`s southwest coast, it includes 27 islands witha total area of 32 sq km. The capital of Lakshadweep islands are Kavaratti. The calmness and serenity of the place enthrals the local and international tourists.

History of Lakshadweep

History of Lakshadweep is based on old legends and myths, which was passed on from generation to generation. It is said that the first settlement on these islands was by Cheraman Perumal, who was the last king of Kerala. After his conversion to Islam at the behest of Arab merchants, he slipped out from his capital, Cranganore (Kodungallor). When his absence was discovered, the people went to search him on boats to the shores of Mecca.

Early History of Lakshadweep Island
It is believed that one of these ships was wrecked on the island and on their return; they discovered the island of Amini (is now a census town in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep) and started living there. Legends say that small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kava, ratti, Andrott and Kalpeni. First and later people from these islands moved to the other islands of Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and Kadmat.

Advent of Islam in Lakshadweep
The advent of Islam dates back to the 7th Century. It is said that that St. Ubaidullah while praying at Mecca fell asleep. He dreamt that Prophet Mohammed wanted him to go the island of Amini to propagate Islam. He propagated Islam but this enraged the headmen of the island and he was ordered to exit at once. The arrival of the Portuguese in India again made Laccadives an important place for seafarers. They plundered the islands. The finely spun coir was required for ships. The plunderers forcibly landed at Amini to procure coir. It is said that the islanders killed them by poisoning and thus came the end of the Portuguese invasion. Even after conversion of people of these islands to Islam, sovereignty remained in the hands of the Hindu Raja of Chirakkal for years. In the middle of 16th Century, the Administration of the island passed on to the Muslim house of Arakkal of Cannanore (Arakkal Palace). The Arakkal rule was oppressive and unbearable.

Medieval History of Lakshadweep
So in 1783, the islanders went to Tipu Sultan, King of Mysore at Mangalore and requested him to take over the Administration of Amini group of islands. Tipu Sultan at that time was on friendly terms with Beebi of Arakkel and after negotiations; the islands of Amini group were handed over to him. In 1854 all the remaining islands were handed over to the British East India Company for Administration, so, came the British rule. The seizure of the islands by the British is an example of the political manipulations of the British to establish their supremacy in India. They were interested only in their political advancements than in ideally governing the people.

Modern History of Lakshadweep
The British brought the Lakshadweep Regulation 1912, which confers limited power of judicial and magisterial status to Amins/ Karanis of the islands. Nine Primary Schools and few dispensaries were started during the colonial rule in the islands. The Union Territory was formed in 1956 and it was named Lakshadweep Island in the year 1973.

Geography of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is scattered into many coral islands. The total area of Lakshadweep is 32 sq.km. Lakshadweep lies about 220 to 440 km from the coastal city of Cochin in Kerala. It is the smallest union territory of India. Though smallest in area, Lakshadweep has extensive lagoon area of about 4,200Sq.Km, 20000Sq Km of territorial waters and about four lakh Sq Km of economic zone. The archipelago of Lakshadweep consists of 12 islands, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. There are 10 inhabited and 17 uninhabited islands located between 8 degree - 12 degree 13` North latitude and 71 -74 degree East longitude.

Climate of Lakshadweep

The climate of Lakshadweep Islands is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. The island experiences a tropical climate. March to May is the hottest period of the year. The temperature ranges from 25 degrees C to 35 degrees C and humidity ranging from 70 -76 per cent for most of the year. The average rainfall received is 1600 mm a year. Monsoon prevails here from 15th May to 15th September. The monsoon period raises temperature to the mercury level between 27- 30 degrees. During the monsoon time, boats are not allowed outside the lagoon because of the violent sea. The presence of the reef maintains calm at the lagoon.

Economy of Lakshadweep

Though smallest in area, the Union Territory of The territory has tremendous economic potentialities because of its vast economic zone. Agriculture is the main economy here. The area under cultivation is about 27.50 sq.km. Coconut is the major crop here with a production of 27.7 million nuts per year. Another major activity is fishery. The island stands first in the per capita availability of fish. Coconut fiber extraction and conversion of its fiber into different products is the main industry in the islands. Under government sector there are seven coir fiber factories. These units produced coir fiber, coir yarn, curled fiber, corridor mat, mat and matting. Boat building was once an important skill, but now has lost significance due to the advent of motorized boats. The gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $60 million at current prices. Lakshadweep is emerging as a major tourist attraction for Indians. This also brings in significant revenue, which is likely to increase. Tourism has become a major source of income here.

Culture of Lakshadweep

The people of Lakshadweeep are similar to the people of Kerala in many aspect including its culture. Even the language used is same as that of Keralites. Women chant the folk ballads during household chores. Memories of the past as the arrival of Hazrat Ubaidulla in Lakshadweep, the plunder of the islands by the Portuguese, are kept alive by these ballads. The men have spirited folk dances. Women are very humble and meek. They dress very colourfully and in variety. The majority of the people in Lakshadweep are Muslims. There are also Wahabis and Ahamadiyas who are small minority. Almost all the festivals like Id-ul-fitr, Bakrid, Milad-Ul-Nabi and Muharram are celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement.

Districts of Lakshadweep

The enchanting group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea form the smallest Union Territory of Lakshadweep. This archipelago consists of 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. Of its 36 islands covering an area of 32 sq km only 10 are inhabited.

Demography of Lakshadweep

The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. The main language spoken here is Malayalam except in Minicoy, where Mahi is spoken. According to the 2001 census, population of Lakshadweep is 60,595. Out of which the males constitute 31,118 and the females about 29,477. About 81.49% of the people are literate. More than 93% of the population is indigenous. The local population is classified as scheduled Tribes because of their economic and social condition. According to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes list (modification orders), 1956, the inhabitants of Lakshadweep who and both of whose parents were born in these islands are treated as Scheduled Tribes. There are no Scheduled Castes in this Union Territory. Almost 93% of population in Lakshadweep are Muslims. Muslims are mostly from Shafi School from the Sunni sect.

Education in Lakshadweep

The schools of Lakshadweep follow the curriculum followed in the schools of Kerala. Informal community based education plays an important role here in creating awareness in biodiversity, climate change and livelihood. Children learn about the marine wildlife by playing in the sea, collecting shells, going fishing with their father and so on. Children participate in workshops and seminars. There is a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya school at the Minicoy Island and a Kendra Vidyalaya school at Kavaratti. In all the islands classes 1 to 10 follow the Kerala pattern Malayalam medium. The plus two Kerala pattern is available at MGSSS Andrott, JNSSS Kadmat and GSSS Minicoy. Classes I to XII of CBSE pattern is available at GSSS, Kavaratti. There is one IGNOU study centre at Kavaratti. DIET is being established in Lakshadweep.

Tourism in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep Island has the boasts of tourism which includes the Agati Island, Amini Island, Andrott Island, Bangaram Island, Bitra Island, Chetlat Island, Kadmat Island, Kalpeni Island, Kavaratti Island, Kiltan Island and Minicoy Island.

Scuba Diving at Lakshadweep Island : Scuba diving at Lakshadweep Island is an exciting experience. It is located in the Arabian Sea and also consists of 27 islands out of which 10 are inhabited; there are also 5 submerged banks, 3 reefs and 12 atolls in this beautiful paradise. The coconut palms moving along the sea with crystal water in shades of sapphire to turquoise, the long beaches with softest sand possible and the tranquillity are the hallmark of Lakshadweep Islands. This is also the place to have enjoyed the water sport. From scuba diving to snorkelling all options are available here. The various islands that ring Lakshadweep are listed; Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Banagram, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy.

Agatti: This place has a combination of beaches, coral reefs, blue lagoons and palm trees. There are state-of-the-art facilities for snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, fishing trips and any other related adventure sports activity.

Bangaram: This Island happens to be the perfect hideaways in the world. The picturesque lagoon and the beautiful beaches are hallmark of this island. A lot of adventure sports activities are possible on this island, primarily snorkelling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing.

Kavaratti: This is the capital of the island and has the most amazing beaches and perfect lagoon with calm waters that offers the best background for water sport and adventure sport. Kayaks, yachts and glass-bottomed boats are available.

Kalpeni: It is popular for its scenic beauty with the small islets known as Tilakkam and Pitti and an unoccupied island on the north called Cheriyam. There is also a large storm bank of coral debris here, one can swim and also reef walk or also indulge in kayaks or water sports or pedal boat.

Kadmat: The best possible attractions of Kadmat are the sandy beaches and the sand banks on southern tip for sunbath. The place is best as holiday destination and can provide mental peace. It is the best place for water sport and there is also a narrow lagoon to the eastern side. One can indulge in sporting activities like Kayaks, Sailing Yachts, Pedal Boats, Skiing Boats and boats with the glass bottom on hire. There is provision for Wind Surfing, Para Sailing, Scuba Diving and Water Skiing.

Minicoy: It happens to be the most beautiful island located in the southern part of India. The biggest lagoon is located here and offers the chance of kayaking, sailing and swimming. It`s shaped like a half moon

Visiting Information

The Agatti Aerodrome on Agatti Island is currently the only airport in Lakshadweep. From April 2007, a private carrier has commenced flights to and from Agatti. Kingfisher connects Kochi and Bengaluru to Agatti. The other islands are linked by a helicopter or boat service. Permits and transportation (can be arranged from Kochi in Kerala.

Airport in Lakshadweep : Lakshadweep is a group of islands located about 200 to 440 kilometers off the south western coast of India in the Laccadive Sea. It occupies an area of about 32 square kilometers making it the smallest union territory of India. It"s geographical features like atolls, coral reefs, banks and water body and flora and fauna have made it more suitable for the development of tourism than industries on this small island. Tourists can engage themselves in water sports activities such as scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, sport fishing, yachting and night-voyages on the sea. With the establishment of Agatti Aerodrome, Lakshadweep is accessible via airways.

Agatti Aerodrome
Agatti Aerodrome is located at the southern end of Agatti Island in the union territory of Lakshadweep. It was constructed during 1987-88 and was inaugurated on 16th of April 1988. This public airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India. It is regarded as the only aerodrome serving the union territory. This airport occupies about 18.56 hectares of land. The terminal building of the airport can accommodate about 50 passengers during peak hours. It has been provided with a runway which is oriented 04/22. The runway is about 1204 meters in length and has a width of about 30 meters. Navigational aids also form part of the facilities at the airport. For the extension of the airport"s runway, Airports Authority of India has obtained environmental clearance. It involves the construction of a 1,500-feet-long bridge on stilts over the sea.