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{{Short description|Union territory of India}}{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Short description|Union territory of India}}{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement 
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name                           = Lakshadweep Islands
| name = Lakshadweep
| native_name                  =  
| type = Union Territory
| type                            = [[Union territory]]
| image_seal = Lakshadweep Banner.png
| image_skyline            = {{multiple image
| image_map =  
| border                  = infobox
| coordinates = {{coord|region:IN-LD|display=inline,title}}
| total_width              = 280
| region = South India
| image_style              = border:1;
| formation_date4 = 1 November 1956
| perrow                  = 1/2/2
| capital = Kavaratti
| image1 = Lakshadweep - Agatti Islands.jpg
| largestcity = Andrott
| image2 = Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep 20160325- DSC1780.jpg
| Administrator = [[Praful Khoda Patel]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who's Who &#124; Lakshadweep &#124; India |date=26 May 2021 |publisher=U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep |url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/whos-who/ }}</ref>
| image3 = Viringili.jpg
| lok_sabha_seats = Mohammed Faizal P. P
| image4= City palaca main entrance.JPG
| area_total_km2 = 32.62
| image5= A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg
| area_rank = 36th
| population_total = 64,473
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density = 2,000
| 0fficial_Langs = {{hlist|[[Hindi]]||[[English language|English]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |page=109 |title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India |date=16 July 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date= 8 July 2016 }}</ref>}}
| judiciary = [[Kerala High Court]]
| HDI = 0.751
| HDI_year = 2019
| HDI_rank = 4th
| literacy = 91.85%
| literacy_year = 2011
| iso_code = IN-LD
| registration_plate = LD
| website = lakshadweep.gov.in
| bird = [[Brown noddy]]
| fish = [[Butterfly fish]]
| tree = [[Bread fruit ]]
}}
}}
| image_caption                  = Clockwise from top: Agatti Island, [[Viringili (Maliku Atoll)|Viringili]], beachside resort on [[Kadmat Island]], City palaca, Bangaram Island
'''Lakshadweep''' ([[Hindi]]: लक्षद्वीप) is a [[union territory]] of [[India]]. It is an [[archipelago]] of 36 islands in the [[Arabian Sea|Arabian sea]], located {{convert|200|to|440|km|mi|abbr=on}} off the [[Malabar Coast]].  
| image_blank_emblem              = [[File:Lakshadweep_Banner.png|125px]]
| blank_emblem_type              = [[Emblem of Lakshadweep|Emblem]]
| image_map                      = IN-LD.svg
| pushpin_label_position          = right
| pushpin_map_alt                = India location map 3.png
| coordinates                    = {{coord|region:IN-LD|display=inline,title}}
| image_map1                      = File:Map of Lakshadweep-en.svg
| subdivision_type                = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name                = {{flag|India}}
| established_title              = Formation
| established_date                = 1 November 1956
| seat_type                      = [[Capital city|Capital]]
| seat                            = [[Kavaratti]]
| leader_title1                  = [[List of Administrators of Lakshadweep|Administrator]]
| leader_name1                    = [[Praful Khoda Patel]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who's Who &#124; Lakshadweep &#124; India |date=26 May 2021 |publisher=U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep |url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/whos-who/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| leader_title2                  = [[Lakshadweep (Lok Sabha constituency)|MP]]
| leader_name2                    = [[Mohammed Faizal P. P.]] ([[Nationalist Congress Party|NCP]])
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| area_total_km2                  = 32.62
| area_rank                      = [[List of states and territories of India by area|36th]]
| elevation_footnotes            =
| elevation_m                    =
| population_footnotes            =
| population_total                = 64,473
| population_as_of                = 2011
| population_density_km2          = auto
| demographics_type1              = Languages<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |page=109 |title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India |date=16 July 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date= 8 July 2016 }}</ref>
| demographics1_title1            = Official Languages
| demographics1_info1            = [[Malayalam]], [[English language|English]]
| demographics1_title2            = Spoken
| demographics1_info2            = [[Jeseri]], [[Maldivian language|Dhivehi]]
| demographics_type2              = Ethnicity
| demographics2_title1            = Ethnic groups
| demographics2_info1            = ≈84% [[Malayali]]<br />≈15% [[Mahls]]
| demographics2_title2            = Year of data
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
| postal_code_type                = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code                    =
| iso_code                        = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-LD]]
| registration_plate              = LD
| blank1_name_sec1                = No. of districts
| blank1_info_sec1                = 1
| blank2_name_sec1                = Largest city
| blank2_info_sec1                = [[Andrott]]
| blank3_name_sec1                = HDI {{nobold|(2019)}}
| blank3_info_sec1                = {{increase}} 0.751 ({{color|#090|High}}) • [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|4th]]
| blank6_name_sec1                = Literacy
| blank6_info_sec1                = 91.85%
| website                        = {{URL|lakshadweep.gov.in/}}
| module                          = {{Infobox place symbols
| embedded  = yes
|region = Lakshadweep
|region_type= <!-- Type of state or region (default is State) -->
| country    = <!-- e.g., India -->
| flag      =
| emblem    =  [[File:Banner of Lakshadweep.png|60px|left]] [[Emblem of Lakshadweep]]
| nickname  =
| motto      =
| anthem    =
| song      = <!-- or | hymn = -->
| language  = [[File:Word Malayalam.svg|50px|left]] [[Malayalam]]
| foundation_day =
| currency  =
| calendar  =
| dance      =
| instrument =
| bird      = [[File:Anous stolidus by Gregg Yan 01.jpg|50px|left]] [[Brown noddy]] (Anous stolidus)
| fish      = [[File:Bep chaetodon falcula.jpg|50px|left]] [[Butterfly fish]] (Chaetodon falcula)
| butterfly  = <!-- or | insect = -->
| flower    =
| fruit      =
| tree      = [[File:Breadfruit Tree.jpg|50px|left]] [[Bread fruit ]] (Artocarpus incisa)
| plant      =
| vegetable  =
| food      = <!-- or | dish = -->
| drink      =
| sweet      = <!-- or | confectionery = -->
| river      = <!-- or | lake = -->
| fossil    =
| mineral    =
| sport      = <!-- or | game = -->
| costume    = <!-- or | dress = -->
| colour    = <!-- or | color = -->
}}
| official_name                  =
}}
 
'''Lakshadweep''' ({{IPAc-en|l|ə|k|ˈ|ʃ|ɑː|d|w|iː|p}}), also known as '''Laccadives''' ({{IPAc-en|'|l|æ|k|@|d|iː|v|z}}), is a [[union territory]] of [[India]]. It is an [[archipelago]] of 36 islands in the [[Arabian Sea|Arabian sea]], located {{convert|200|to|440|km|mi|abbr=on}} off the [[Malabar Coast]].  


The name ''Lakshadweep'' means "one [[lakh]] islands" in [[Malayalam]], though the Laccadive Islands are just one part of the archipelago of no more than a hundred islands. [[Malayalam]] is [[Languages with official status in India|official]] as well as the widely spoken [[First language|native language]] in the territory.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|title=Sura's Year Book 2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fz2WDD8sB0MC&q=jeseri%2C+lakshadweep&pg=PA250|year=2006|isbn=978-81-7254-124-8|page=250}}</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|title=Lakshadweep |encyclopedia=The Columbia Encyclopedia |edition=Sixth |year=2008 |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lakshadweep.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127104251/http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lakshadweep.aspx |archive-date=27 January 2010 }}</ref> The islands form the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|smallest union territory of India]] and their total surface area is just {{convert|32|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The [[lagoon]] area covers about {{convert|4200|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, the [[territorial waters]] area {{convert|20000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and the [[exclusive economic zone]] area {{convert|400000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The region forms a single [[Indian district]] with 10 subdivisions. [[Kavaratti]] serves as the capital of the Union Territory and the region comes under the [[jurisdiction]] of [[Kerala High Court]]. The islands are the northernmost of the '''Lakshadweep'''–'''Maldives'''–'''Chagos''' group of islands, which are the tops of a vast undersea mountain range, the [[Chagos-Laccadive Ridge|Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge]].<ref>{{cite journal  |title=Origin and compensation of Chagos-Laccadive ridge, Indian ocean, from admittance analysis of gravity and bathymetry data  |date=1991-07-31  |doi=10.1016/0012-821X(91)90119-3  |bibcode=1991E&PSL.105...47A  |volume=105  |issue=1–3  |journal=Earth and Planetary Science Letters  |pages=47–54  |last1=Ashalatha  |first1=B.  |last2=Subrahmanyam  |first2=C.  |last3=Singh  |first3=R.N.  |df=dmy-all  }}</ref> The Lakshadweep originally consisted of 36 islands; however, due to the Parali 1 island being submerged in water due to sea erosion, 35 islands remain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Science/QFLIaXhV8NswaWkdcdyisL/Uninhabited-Lakshadweep-island-Parali-I-vanishes-4-others-s.html|title=Uninhabited Lakshadweep island Parali I vanishes, 4 others shrinking fast: study|last=PTI|date=2017-09-06|website=Mint|language=en|access-date=2021-04-07}}</ref>
The name ''Lakshadweep'' means "one [[lakh]] islands" (one hundred thousand islands) in [[Sanskrit]], though the Laccadive Islands are just one part of the archipelago of no more than a hundred islands. [[Malayalam]] is the primary as well as the widely spoken [[First language|native language]] in the territory.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|title=Sura's Year Book 2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fz2WDD8sB0MC&q=jeseri%2C+lakshadweep&pg=PA250|year=2006|isbn=978-81-7254-124-8|page=250}}</ref><ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|title=Lakshadweep |encyclopedia=The Columbia Encyclopedia |edition=Sixth |year=2008 |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lakshadweep.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127104251/http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lakshadweep.aspx |archive-date=27 January 2010 }}</ref> The islands form the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|smallest union territory of India]] and their total surface area is approximately {{convert|32|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The [[lagoon]] area covers about {{convert|4200|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, the [[territorial waters]] area {{convert|20000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and the [[exclusive economic zone]] area {{convert|400000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The region forms a single [[Indian district]] with 10 subdivisions. [[Kavaratti]] serves as the capital of the Union Territory and the region comes under the [[jurisdiction]] of [[Kerala High Court]]. The islands are the northernmost of the Lakshadweep–Maldives–Chagos group of islands, which are the tops of a vast undersea mountain range, the [[Chagos-Laccadive Ridge|Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge]].<ref>{{cite journal  |title=Origin and compensation of Chagos-Laccadive ridge, Indian ocean, from admittance analysis of gravity and bathymetry data  |date=1991-07-31  |doi=10.1016/0012-821X(91)90119-3  |bibcode=1991E&PSL.105...47A  |volume=105  |issue=1–3  |journal=Earth and Planetary Science Letters  |pages=47–54  |last1=Ashalatha  |first1=B.  |last2=Subrahmanyam  |first2=C.  |last3=Singh  |first3=R.N.  |df=dmy-all  }}</ref> The Lakshadweep originally consisted of 36 islands; however, due to the Parali 1 island being submerged in water due to sea erosion, 35 islands remain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Science/QFLIaXhV8NswaWkdcdyisL/Uninhabited-Lakshadweep-island-Parali-I-vanishes-4-others-s.html|title=Uninhabited Lakshadweep island Parali I vanishes, 4 others shrinking fast: study|last=PTI|date=2017-09-06|website=Mint|language=en|access-date=2021-04-07}}</ref>


As the islands have no aboriginal inhabitants, scholars have suggested different histories for the settlement of these islands. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of human settlement in the region around 1500 BCE. The islands have long been known to sailors, as indicated by an anonymous reference from the first century CE to the region in [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]. The islands were also mentioned in the Buddhist [[Jataka tales|Jataka stories]] of the sixth century BCE. [[Islam]] was established in the region when Muslims arrived around the seventh century. During the medieval period, the region was ruled by the [[Chera dynasty]], the [[Chola dynasty]], and finally the [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Kannur]]. The Catholic [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] arrived around 1498 but were expelled by 1545. The region was then ruled by the Muslim house of [[Arakkal kingdom|Arakkal]], who were vassals to the [[Kolathiri]] Rajas of [[Kannur]], followed by [[Tipu Sultan]]. On his death in 1799, most of the region passed on to the [[British Raj|British]] and with their departure, the Union Territory was formed in 1956.
The islands were also mentioned in the Buddhist [[Jataka tales|Jataka stories]] of the sixth century BCE. [[Islam]] was established in the region when Muslims arrived around the seventh century. During the medieval period, the region was ruled by the [[Chera dynasty]], the [[Chola dynasty]], and finally the [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Kannur]]. The Catholic [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] arrived around 1498 but were expelled by 1545. The region was then ruled by the Muslim house of [[Arakkal kingdom|Arakkal]], who were vassals to the [[Kolathiri]] Rajas of [[Kannur]], followed by [[Tipu Sultan]]. On his death in 1799, most of the region passed on to the [[British Raj|British]] and with their departure, the Union Territory was formed in 1956.


Ten of the islands are inhabited. At the [[2011 Indian census]], the population of the Union Territory was 64,473. The majority of the indigenous population is Muslim and most of them belong to the [[Shafi'i|Shafi school]] of the Sunni sect. The islanders are ethnically similar to the [[Malayali]] people of the nearest [[Indian state]] of [[Kerala]]. Most of the population speaks [[Malayalam]] with [[Maldivian language|Dhivehi]] being the most spoken language in [[Minicoy]] island. [[Jeseri]] dialect is spoken in the inhabited islands of archipelago, namely [[Amindivi]] and [[Laccadive Islands]], with an exception of the southernmost island of [[Minicoy]],<ref name=":1">{{cite book|title=Lakshadweep Pradesikabhasha Nighandu (Translation: Lakshadweep Regional Language Dictionary), Editor: Dr. Koyammakoya M.|isbn=978-81-922822-9-9|last1=Kōyammakkōya|first1=Eṃ|year=2012}}</ref> where the [[Mahl people|Mahl dialect]] is used.<ref name="Cain">{{cite book |last= Cain|first= B.D. |title= Dhivehi (Maldivian): A Synchronic and Diachronic Study (Ph.D. dissertation)|publisher= Cornell University |year= 2000 }}</ref> The [[Arabi Malayalam script|Ponnani script]] of Malayalam was used to write [[Jeseri]] until the [[British Raj]].<ref name="Subramoniam"/> The culture is almost similar to that of [[Mappila]]s in the nearest mainland state of [[Kerala]].<ref name="cult"/> The islands are served by an [[Agatti Aerodrome|airport]] on [[Agatti Island]]. The main occupation of the people is [[fishing]] and coconut cultivation, with [[tuna]] being the main item of export.
Of the total 36 islands, 10 are inhabited. At the [[2011 Indian census]], the population of the Union Territory was 64,473. The majority of the indigenous population is Muslim and most of them belong to the [[Shafi'i|Shafi school]] of the Sunni sect. The islanders are ethnically similar to the [[Malayali]] people of the nearest [[Indian state]] of [[Kerala]]. Most of the population speaks [[Malayalam]] with [[Maldivian language|Dhivehi]] being the most spoken language in [[Minicoy]] island. [[Jeseri]] dialect is spoken in the inhabited islands of archipelago, namely [[Amindivi]] and [[Laccadive Islands]], with an exception of the southernmost island of [[Minicoy]],<ref name=":1">{{cite book|title=Lakshadweep Pradesikabhasha Nighandu (Translation: Lakshadweep Regional Language Dictionary), Editor: Dr. Koyammakoya M.|isbn=978-81-922822-9-9|last1=Kōyammakkōya|first1=Eṃ|year=2012}}</ref> where the [[Mahl people|Mahl dialect]] is used.<ref name="Cain">{{cite book |last= Cain|first= B.D. |title= Dhivehi (Maldivian): A Synchronic and Diachronic Study (Ph.D. dissertation)|publisher= Cornell University |year= 2000 }}</ref> The [[Arabi Malayalam script|Ponnani script]] of Malayalam was used to write [[Jeseri]] until the [[British Raj]].<ref name="Subramoniam"/> The culture is almost similar to that of [[Mappila]]s in the nearest mainland state of [[Kerala]].<ref name="cult"/> The islands are served by an [[Agatti Aerodrome|airport]] on [[Agatti Island]]. The main occupation of the people is [[fishing]] and coconut cultivation, with [[tuna]] being the main item of export.


==History==
==History==
===Ancient history===
===Ancient history===
One of the earliest references to the region is by an anonymous author in the [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]].<ref name=thefreelibrary>{{cite web|title=Marine investigations in the Lakshadweep Islands, India.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Marine+investigations+in+the+Lakshadweep+Islands,+India.-a065537229|publisher=thefreelibrary.com|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927040024/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Marine+investigations+in+the+Lakshadweep+Islands,+India.-a065537229|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There are references to the control of the islands by the [[Chera Dynasty|Cheras]] in the [[Sangam literature|Sangam]] ''[[Patiṟṟuppattu]]''. Local traditions and legends attribute the first settlement on these islands to the period of [[Legend of Cheraman Perumals|Cheraman Perumal]], the last Chera king of Kerala.<ref>“Lakshadweep & Its People 1992-1993” Planning Department, Govt. Secretariat, Lakshadweep Administration, Kavaratti. Page: 12.</ref> The oldest inhabited islands in the group are [[Amini, India|Amini]], [[Kalpeni]] [[Andrott]], [[Kavaratti]], and [[Agatti]].
As the islands have no aboriginal inhabitants, scholars have suggested different histories for the settlement of these islands. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of human settlement in the region around 1500 BCE, [[Jataka]] stories of Buddhism has mentioned these islands, which documented the spread of Buddhism to the islands during 6th century BC.<ref>Sharma, A. & Khan, M. Buddha heads and some grave head stones from Lakshadweep. In Rao, S. R. (ed.), The Role of universities and research institutes in marine archaeology, 129–131 (1994).</ref><ref>Saigal, O. Lakshadweep. (National Book Trust, India), 1–219 (2000).</ref> Buddhist era archaeological finds are also noteable, during Buddhist era monk [[Sanghmitra]] is believed to have visited the island.<ref>Archaeology of Maldives and Lakshadweep, A.K Sharma, pages 4-15.</ref> The islands have long been known to sailors, as indicated by an anonymous reference from the first century CE to the region in [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]].<ref name=thefreelibrary>{{cite web|title=Marine investigations in the Lakshadweep Islands, India.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Marine+investigations+in+the+Lakshadweep+Islands,+India.-a065537229|publisher=thefreelibrary.com|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927040024/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Marine+investigations+in+the+Lakshadweep+Islands,+India.-a065537229|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There are references to the control of the islands by the [[Chera Dynasty|Cheras]] in the [[Sangam literature|Sangam]] ''[[Patiṟṟuppattu]]''. Local traditions and legends attribute the first settlement on these islands to the period of [[Legend of Cheraman Perumals|Cheraman Perumal]], the last Chera king of Kerala.<ref>“Lakshadweep & Its People 1992-1993” Planning Department, Govt. Secretariat, Lakshadweep Administration, Kavaratti. Page: 12.</ref> The oldest inhabited islands in the group are [[Amini, India|Amini]], [[Kalpeni]] [[Andrott]], [[Kavaratti]], and [[Agatti]].


===Buddhist and Islamic influences===
===Islamic influences===
Archaeological evidence suggests that [[Buddhism]] prevailed in the region during the fifth and sixth centuries CE.<ref name=thefreelibrary/>{{dead link|date=March 2021}} The local legends attribute the history of [[Islam]] here to the [[Legend of Cheraman Perumals]], the last [[Chera]] king of [[Kerala]], who left for pilgrimage from the island of [[Dharmadom]] near [[Kannur]] to [[Mecca]].<ref name="ld">{{Cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/history/|title=History of Lakshadweep|website=lakshadweep.gov.in|publisher=Government of India}}</ref> However, the legend is not substantiated.<ref name="ld"/> According to popular tradition, [[Islam]] was brought to Lakshadweep by [[Sheikh Ubaidullah|Ubaidullah]] in 661 CE. His grave is located on the island of [[Andrott]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_History.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514235511/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_History.html|archive-date=14 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The local legends attribute the history of [[Islam]] here to the [[Legend of Cheraman Perumals]], the last [[Chera]] king of [[Kerala]], who left for pilgrimage from the island of [[Dharmadom]] near [[Kannur]] to [[Mecca]].<ref name="ld">{{Cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/history/|title=History of Lakshadweep|website=lakshadweep.gov.in|publisher=Government of India}}</ref> However, the legend is not substantiated.<ref name="ld"/> According to popular tradition, [[Islam]] was brought to Lakshadweep by [[Sheikh Ubaidullah|Ubaidullah]] in 661 CE. His grave is located on the island of [[Andrott]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_History.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514235511/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_History.html|archive-date=14 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


===Medieval period===
===Medieval period===
During the 11th century, the islands came under the rule of the Late [[Cholas]] when the [[Cholas]] conquered parts of [[Kerala]]<ref name=thefreelibrary/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kerala.cc/keralahistory/index34.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010321010740/http://www.kerala.cc/keralahistory/index34.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 March 2001 |title=The Buddhist History of Kerala |publisher=Kerala.cc |access-date=25 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=A Sreedhara Menon |title=A Survey Of Kerala History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVsw35oEBv4C&pg=PA166 |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=1 January 2007 |publisher=DC Books |isbn=978-81-264-1578-6 |page=138}}</ref> and subsequently the islands came under the [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Kannur]].<ref name=britannica>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.|access-date=2 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228225201/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|archive-date=28 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The islands had an important role in the [[Indian Ocean trade]] during the medieval period as it was located in the principal trade route which connected the [[Middle East]] with [[Malabar Coast]], [[Sri Lanka|Ceylon]], and [[Southeast Asia]] ([[Indonesia]] and [[Malaysia]]).<ref name="sl"/>
During the 11th century, the islands came under the rule of the Late [[Cholas]] when the [[Cholas]] conquered parts of [[Kerala]]<ref name=thefreelibrary/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kerala.cc/keralahistory/index34.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010321010740/http://www.kerala.cc/keralahistory/index34.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 March 2001 |title=The Buddhist History of Kerala |publisher=Kerala.cc |access-date=25 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=A Sreedhara Menon |title=A Survey Of Kerala History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVsw35oEBv4C&pg=PA166 |access-date=9 August 2012 |date=1 January 2007 |publisher=DC Books |isbn=978-81-264-1578-6 |page=138}}</ref> and subsequently the islands came under the [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Kannur]].<ref name=britannica>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.|access-date=2 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228225201/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|archive-date=28 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The islands had an important role in the [[Indian Ocean trade]] during the medieval period as it was located in the principal trade route which connected the [[Middle East]] with [[Malabar Coast]], [[Sri Lanka|Ceylon]], and [[Southeast Asia]] ([[Indonesia]] and [[Malaysia]]).<ref name="sl"/>


===Modern period===
===Modern period===
Line 142: Line 69:
[[File:LakshadweepIsland.jpg|thumb|One of the uninhabited islands in [[Bangaram Atoll]], Lakshadweep.]]
[[File:LakshadweepIsland.jpg|thumb|One of the uninhabited islands in [[Bangaram Atoll]], Lakshadweep.]]
[[File:Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|Satellite picture showing the atolls of the Lakshadweep except for [[Minicoy]].]]
[[File:Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|Satellite picture showing the atolls of the Lakshadweep except for [[Minicoy]].]]
Lakshadweep is an [[archipelago]] of twelve [[atoll]]s, three [[reef]]s and five submerged [[Bank (topography)|banks]], with a total of about thirty-nine islands and islets. The reefs are in fact also atolls, although mostly submerged, with only small unvegetated sand cays above the high-water mark. The submerged banks are sunken atolls. Almost all the atolls have a northeast–southwest orientation with the islands lying on the eastern rim, and a mostly submerged reef on the western rim, enclosing a lagoon. It has ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, attached [[islets]], four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs.<ref name=lap>{{cite web|title=Location, Area and Population|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_locationAreaPopulation.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512103200/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_locationAreaPopulation.html|archive-date=12 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Lakshadweep is an [[archipelago]] of twelve [[atoll]]s, three [[reef]]s and five submerged [[Bank (topography)|banks]], with a total of about thirty-six islands and islets. The reefs are in fact also atolls, although mostly submerged, with only small unvegetated sand cays above the high-water mark. The submerged banks are sunken atolls. Almost all the atolls have a northeast–southwest orientation with the islands lying on the eastern rim, and a mostly submerged reef on the western rim, enclosing a lagoon. It has ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, attached [[islets]], four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs.<ref name=lap>{{cite web|title=Location, Area and Population|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_locationAreaPopulation.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512103200/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_locationAreaPopulation.html|archive-date=12 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


The main islands are [[Kavaratti]], [[Agatti]], [[Minicoy]], and [[Amini Island|Amini]]. The total population of the territory is 64,429 according to the [[demographics of India|2011 census]]. Agatti has an [[Agatti Aerodrome|airport]] with direct flights from [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]].
===Climate===
{{Weather box
| location = Lakshadweep 1981–2010, extremes 1996–2012
| metric first = Y
| single line = Y
| width = auto
| Jan record high C = 35.3
| Feb record high C = 35.3
| Mar record high C = 38.0
| Apr record high C = 37.8
| May record high C = 37.0
| Jun record high C = 37.8
| Jul record high C = 32.7
| Aug record high C = 34.8
| Sep record high C = 33.3
| Oct record high C = 35.0
| Nov record high C = 35.0
| Dec record high C = 36.3
| year record high C = 38.0
| Jan high C = 31.2
| Feb high C = 31.5
| Mar high C = 32.4
| Apr high C = 33.2
| May high C = 32.8
| Jun high C = 31.1
| Jul high C = 30.4
| Aug high C = 30.5
| Sep high C = 30.5
| Oct high C = 30.9
| Nov high C = 31.4
| Dec high C = 31.3
| year high C = 31.4
| Jan low C = 25.8
| Feb low C = 26.0
| Mar low C = 27.0
| Apr low C = 28.1
| May low C = 27.6
| Jun low C = 25.9
| Jul low C = 25.7
| Aug low C = 25.8
| Sep low C = 25.8
| Oct low C = 26.1
| Nov low C = 26.1
| Dec low C = 25.9
| year low C = 26.3
| Jan record low C = 22.5
| Feb record low C = 23.5
| Mar record low C = 24.2
| Apr record low C = 23.2
| May record low C = 22.1
| Jun record low C = 22.3
| Jul record low C = 22.7
| Aug record low C = 22.5
| Sep record low C = 22.7
| Oct record low C = 22.2
| Nov record low C = 22.1
| Dec record low C = 22.8
| year record low C = 22.1
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 8.3
| Feb rain mm = 2.0
| Mar rain mm = 0.5
| Apr rain mm = 5.6
| May rain mm
| Apr rain days = 0.4
| May rain days = 6.5
| Jun rain days = 16.0
| Jul rain days = 16.1
| Aug rain days = 12.5
| Sep rain days = 10.0
| Oct rain days = 9.3
| Nov rain days = 5.5
| Dec rain days = 2.4
| year rain days = 79.5
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 69
| Feb humidity = 68
| Mar humidity = 67
| Apr humidity = 67
| May humidity = 72
| Jun humidity = 79
| Jul humidity = 80
| Aug humidity = 78
| Sep humidity = 78
| Oct humidity = 77
| Nov humidity = 75
| Dec humidity = 70
|year humidity = 73
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archivedate = 5 February 2020
| url = http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Agatti (A) Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 7–8
| accessdate = 29 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archivedate = 5 February 2020
| url = http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M112
| accessdate = 29 February 2020}}</ref>
}}
 
 
The main islands are [[Kavaratti]], [[Agatti]], [[Minicoy]], and [[Amini Island|Amini]]. The total population of the territory is 64,473 according to the [[demographics of India|2011 census]]. Agatti has an [[Agatti Aerodrome|airport]] with direct flights from [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]].


===India's Coral Islands===
===India's Coral Islands===
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The atolls, reefs, and banks are listed from north to south in the table:
The atolls, reefs, and banks are listed from north to south in the table:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
![[Atoll]]/[[Reef]]/[[Bank (topography)|Bank]]<br />(''Alternative name'') !! Type !! Land area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>) !! [[Lagoon]] area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>) !! No. of islets !! Population [[census]]<br />(2001) !! [[Geographic coordinate system|Location]]
![[Atoll]]/[[Reef]]/[[Bank (topography)|Bank]]<br />(''Alternative name'') !! Type !! Land area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>) !! [[Lagoon]] area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>) !! No. of islets !! Population [[census]]<br />(2001) !! [[Geographic coordinate system|Location]]
Line 249: Line 287:
[[File:INDIA, LAKSHADWEEP (LACCADIVE) ISLANDS c.2000 passenger plate - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|left|Plate in Western Script is from the Laccadive Islands]]
[[File:INDIA, LAKSHADWEEP (LACCADIVE) ISLANDS c.2000 passenger plate - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|left|Plate in Western Script is from the Laccadive Islands]]
Lakshadweep is one of India's eight [[Union Territories|union territories]]. The islands constitute a single [[Districts of India|Indian district]], and are governed by an administrator appointed by the [[President of India]] under article 239 of the [[constitution of India|constitution]]. The current administrator is [[Praful Khoda Patel]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Administrator's Profile
Lakshadweep is one of India's eight [[Union Territories|union territories]]. The islands constitute a single [[Districts of India|Indian district]], and are governed by an administrator appointed by the [[President of India]] under article 239 of the [[constitution of India|constitution]]. The current administrator is [[Praful Khoda Patel]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Administrator's Profile
|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/profile-administrator/ |publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505135226/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/panchayath/lpr94.htm|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There are ten sub-divisions of the territory. In Minicoy and Agatti the Sub Division is under a Deputy Collector while in the remaining eight islands developmental activities are coordinated by Sub Divisional Officers. The Collector cum Development Commissioner who is also the District Magistrate oversees matters coming under district administration, such as revenue, land settlement, law and order. The District Magistrate is assisted by one Additional District Magistrate and Ten Executive Magistrates with respect to enforcement of law and order. Administrator in his capacity as Inspector General of Lakshadweep Police has command and control of the Lakshadweep Police. Administration Secretariat is in Kavaratti.<ref>{{cite web|title=Administrative Setup|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/administration.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415082341/http://www.lakshadweep.nic.in/administration.html|archive-date=15 April 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> For judiciary, the union territory corresponds to the [[Kerala High Court]] at [[Kochi]] along with a system of lower courts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judicial Setup|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/judicialsetup.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307225309/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/judicialsetup.html|archive-date=7 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The territory elects one member to the [[lower house]] of the [[Parliament of India|Indian parliament]], the [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Parliament|url=http://www.parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/p1.htm|publisher=parliamentofindia.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709235221/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/p1.htm|archive-date=9 July 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/profile-administrator/ |publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505135226/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/panchayath/lpr94.htm|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>  
 
There are ten sub-divisions of the territory. In Minicoy and Agatti the Sub Division is under a Deputy Collector while in the remaining eight islands developmental activities are coordinated by Sub Divisional Officers. The Collector cum Development Commissioner who is also the District Magistrate oversees matters coming under district administration, such as revenue, land settlement, law and order. The District Magistrate is assisted by one Additional District Magistrate and Ten Executive Magistrates with respect to enforcement of law and order. Administrator in his capacity as Inspector General of Lakshadweep Police has command and control of the Lakshadweep Police. Administration Secretariat is in Kavaratti.<ref>{{cite web|title=Administrative Setup|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/administration.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415082341/http://www.lakshadweep.nic.in/administration.html|archive-date=15 April 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
 
For judiciary, the union territory, along with the state of [[Kerala]] falls within the jurisdiction of the [[Kerala High Court]] at [[Kochi]], and corresponds to a system of lower courts under it. Since 1997, the District and Sessions Court in Kavaratti has served as the court of first instance for Lakshadweep. The union territory is also served by two [[District Munsiff Court|Munsiff Courts]] in Andrott and Amini.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judicial Setup|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/judicialsetup.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307225309/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/judicialsetup.html|archive-date=7 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Since 1969, judges and [[Chief magistrate|judicial magistrates]] often include judicial officers from mainland Kerala serving on a rotational basis for both the district and munsiff courts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-20 |title=Lakshadweep admin moots proposal for shifting HC jurisdiction from Kerala to Karnataka |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lakshadweep-admin-moots-proposal-for-shifting-hc-jurisdiction-from-kerala-to-karnataka-7367685/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> In December 2022, a female judicial officer was appointed to the island, in a significant first.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=A |first=Timely |date=2023-06-15 |title=ലക്ഷദീപിലെ ആദ്യ വനിതാ ജഡ്ജിയായി മലയാളി |url=https://timelynews.net/ലക്ഷദീപിലെ-ആദ്യ-വനിതാ-ജഡ/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=Timely news thodupuzha |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
The territory elects one member to the [[lower house]] of the [[Parliament of India|Indian parliament]], the [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Parliament|url=http://www.parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/p1.htm|publisher=parliamentofindia.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709235221/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/p1.htm|archive-date=9 July 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[Lakshadweep Lok Sabha constituency|Lakshadweep Lok Sabha Constituency]] is a reserved constituency for [[Scheduled tribes|Scheduled Tribes]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Constituency {{!}} Lakshadweep {{!}} India |url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/constituencies/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> The current member of parliament is [[Mohammed Faizal P. P|Mohammed Faizal P. P.]] from the [[Nationalist Congress Party]].


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
[[File:ISS002-E-7260.PNG|thumb|150px|NASA picture of Maliku Atoll with Minicoy Island]]
[[File:ISS002-E-7260.PNG|thumb|150px|NASA picture of Maliku Atoll with Minicoy Island]]
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] Lakshadweep has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 64,473,<ref name=districtcensus>{{cite web | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | title = District Census 2011 | access-date = 30 September 2011 | year = 2011 | publisher = Census2011.co.in | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611224943/http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | archive-date = 11 June 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> roughly equal in number to that of the [[Marshall Islands]].<ref name="cia">
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] Lakshadweep has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 64,473,<ref name=districtcensus>{{cite web | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | title = District Census 2011 | access-date = 30 September 2011 | year = 2011 | publisher = Census2011.co.in | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611224943/http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | archive-date = 11 June 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> roughly equal in number to that of the [[Marshall Islands]].<ref name="cia">
{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison: Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 1 October 2011 | quote = Marshall Islands 67,182 July 2011 est. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927165947/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | archive-date = 27 September 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}
{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison: Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 1 October 2011 | quote = Marshall Islands 67,182 July 2011 est. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927165947/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | archive-date = 27 September 2011 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}
</ref> This gives it a ranking of 627th among the 640 districts in India.<ref name=districtcensus/> Lakshadweep has an urban population of 50,332 (78%) and rural population of 14,141 (22%).<ref name= "census2011"/> The district has a population density of {{convert|2013|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.<ref name=districtcensus/> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001-2011 was 6.23%.<ref name=districtcensus/> Lakshadweep has a [[sex ratio]] of 946 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name=districtcensus/> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 92.28%.<ref name=districtcensus/> [[Fertility rate]] in Lakshadweep is 1.4, which is way below the national average.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kerala-in-furore-over-changes-made-in-lakshadweep-by-new-administrator-2448638|title = Lakshadweep Changes, Blamed on New Administrator, Trigger Outcry}}</ref>
</ref> This gives it a ranking of 627th among the 640 districts in India.<ref name=districtcensus/> Lakshadweep has an urban population of 50,332 (78%) and rural population of 14,141 (22%).<ref name= "census2011"/> The district has a population density of {{convert|2013|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.<ref name=districtcensus/> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001-2011 was 6.23%.<ref name=districtcensus/> Lakshadweep has a [[sex ratio]] of 946 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name=districtcensus/> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 92.28%.<ref name=districtcensus/> [[Fertility rate]] in Lakshadweep is 1.4, which is way below the national average.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/kerala-in-furore-over-changes-made-in-lakshadweep-by-new-administrator-2448638|title = Lakshadweep Changes, Blamed on New Administrator, Trigger Outcry}}</ref>


Most people of Lakshadweep are descendants of migrants from the [[Malabar Coast]] of southwest India and the islanders are ethnically similar to coastal Kerala's [[Malayali people]]. More than 93% of the indigenous population are Muslims, and the majority of them belong to the [[Shafi'i|Shafi School]] of the Sunni Sect. The southernmost and second largest island of [[Minicoy Island|Minicoy]] has an ethnically [[Mahls]] population that are native to the [[Maldives]].<ref name=lap/><ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep|url=http://www.borderdarshan.com/lakshadweep.html|publisher=borderdarshan.com|access-date=1 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113061357/http://www.borderdarshan.com/lakshadweep.html|archive-date=13 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Most people of Lakshadweep are descendants of migrants from the [[Malabar Coast]] of southwest India and the islanders are ethnically similar to coastal Kerala's [[Malayali people]]. More than 93% of the indigenous population are Muslims, and the majority of them belong to the [[Shafi'i|Shafi School]] of the Sunni Sect. The southernmost and second largest island of [[Minicoy Island|Minicoy]] has an ethnically [[Mahls]] population that are native to the [[Maldives]].<ref name=lap/><ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep|url=http://www.borderdarshan.com/lakshadweep.html|publisher=borderdarshan.com|access-date=1 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113061357/http://www.borderdarshan.com/lakshadweep.html|archive-date=13 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Line 263: Line 307:
{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
| thumb  = right
| thumb  = right
| caption = Religion in Union Territory (2011)<ref name= "census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community - 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiacensus.net/district/lakshadweep|title=Lakshadweep Population 2021}}</ref>
| caption = Religion in Lakshadweep (2011)<ref name= "census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community - 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiacensus.net/district/lakshadweep|title=Lakshadweep Population 2021}}</ref>
| label1  = [[Islam]]|color1 = green
| label1  = [[Islam]]|color1 = green
| value1  = 96.58
| value1  = 96.58
| label2  = [[Hinduism]]|color2 = darkorange
| label2  = [[Hinduism]]|color2 = darkorange
| value2  = 2.77
| value2  = 2.77
| label3  = [[Christianity]]|color3 = dodgerblue
| label3  = [[Christianity]]|color3 = blue
| value3  = 0.49
| value3  = 0.49
| label4  = |color5 = brown
| label4  = |color5 = red
| value4  = 0.0
| value4  = 0.0
| label5  = |color6 = darkkhaki
| label5  = |color6 = white
| value5  = 0.0
| value5  = 0.0
| label6  = |color4 = #FFFF00
| label6  = |color4 = #FFFF00
| value6  = 0.0
| value6  = 0.0
| label7  = Other or irreligious|color7 = black  
| label7  = Other or Irreligious|color7 = black  
| value7  = 0.16
| value7  = 0.16
}}
}}


The inhabitants of Lakshadweep were known to practice different religious customs. Then Islam was propounded by the [[Sheikh Ubaidullah]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/ISLAND_web/KILTAN/history.html |title=Kiltan Island |publisher=Lakshadweep.nic.in |access-date=25 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503203222/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/ISLAND_web/KILTAN/history.html |archive-date=3 May 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
The inhabitants of Lakshadweep were known to practice [[Hinduism]]. Then Islam was propounded by the [[Sheikh Ubaidullah]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/ISLAND_web/KILTAN/history.html |title=Kiltan Island |publisher=Lakshadweep.nic.in |access-date=25 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503203222/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/ISLAND_web/KILTAN/history.html |archive-date=3 May 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


The spread of Islam has contributed to the religious identity of Lakshadweep thus leaving Muslims as the majority of the population. [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid-ul-Fitr]], [[Muharram]], [[Eid al-Adha|Eid-ul-Adha]] and [[Mawlid|Milad-un-Nabi]] are the prominent occasions when the people of the island gather in various mosques. The culture is almost similar to that of [[Mappila]]s in the nearest mainland state of [[Kerala]].<ref name="cult">{{Cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/culture-heritage/|title=Lakshadweep-Culture and Heritage|website=lakshadweep.gov.in|publisher=Government of India}}</ref>
The spread of Islam has contributed to the religious identity of Lakshadweep thus leaving Muslims as the majority of the population. [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid-ul-Fitr]], [[Muharram]], [[Eid al-Adha|Eid-ul-Adha]] and [[Mawlid|Milad-un-Nabi]] are the prominent occasions when the people of the island gather in various mosques. The culture is almost similar to that of [[Mappila]]s in the nearest mainland state of [[Kerala]].<ref name="cult">{{Cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/culture-heritage/|title=Lakshadweep-Culture and Heritage|website=lakshadweep.gov.in|publisher=Government of India}}</ref>
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The principal languages of Lakshadweep are [[Malayalam]], [[Jeseri]] (Dweep Bhasha) and [[Maldivian language|Mahl]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.gov.in/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205082119/http://india.gov.in/knowindia/ut_lakshadweep.php|url-status=dead|title=National Portal of India|archive-date=5 February 2011|website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref> The people of all the northern islands speak a [[dialect]] of Malayalam with the influence of [[Arabic]] similar to [[Arabi Malayalam]]. The people of [[Minicoy]], the southernmost atoll, speak Mahl, a variant of [[Divehi language]] spoken in the [[Maldives]]. '''Jeseri''' (also known as '''Jesri''' or '''Dweep Bhasha''') is a [[dialect]] of [[Malayalam]],<ref name=":1" /> spoken in Lakshadweep.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book|title=India, a reference annual|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GHpDAAAAYAAJ&q=jeseri,+lakshadweep|year=2004|publisher=[[Government of India]]|isbn=978-81-230-1156-1|page=851}}</ref> It is spoken on the islands of [[Chetlat]], [[Bitra]], [[Kiltan]], [[Kadmat Island|Kadmat]], [[Amini Island|Amini]], [[Kavaratti]], [[Androth]], [[Agatti]], and [[Kalpeni]], in the archipelago of Lakshadweep. Each of these islands has its own dialect.
The principal languages of Lakshadweep are [[Malayalam]], [[Jeseri]] (Dweep Bhasha) and [[Maldivian language|Mahl]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.gov.in/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205082119/http://india.gov.in/knowindia/ut_lakshadweep.php|url-status=dead|title=National Portal of India|archive-date=5 February 2011|website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref> The people of all the northern islands speak a [[dialect]] of Malayalam with the influence of [[Arabic]] similar to [[Arabi Malayalam]]. The people of [[Minicoy]], the southernmost atoll, speak Mahl, a variant of [[Divehi language]] spoken in the [[Maldives]]. '''Jeseri''' (also known as '''Jesri''' or '''Dweep Bhasha''') is a [[dialect]] of [[Malayalam]],<ref name=":1" /> spoken in Lakshadweep.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book|title=India, a reference annual|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GHpDAAAAYAAJ&q=jeseri,+lakshadweep|year=2004|publisher=[[Government of India]]|isbn=978-81-230-1156-1|page=851}}</ref> It is spoken on the islands of [[Chetlat]], [[Bitra]], [[Kiltan]], [[Kadmat Island|Kadmat]], [[Amini Island|Amini]], [[Kavaratti]], [[Androth]], [[Agatti]], and [[Kalpeni]], in the archipelago of Lakshadweep. Each of these islands has its own dialect.


Malayalam with [[Malayalam script]] was introduced as the official language of Lakshadweep during the [[British raj]]. Previously a type of [[Arabic script]], which is also known as [[Ponnani]] script or [[Arabi Malayalam script]], was used for writing the language.<ref name="Subramoniam">Subramoniam, V. I. (1997). ''Dravidian Encyclopaedia''. Vol. 3, Language and literature. Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): International School of Dravidian Linguistics. pp. 508-09. [http://worldcat.org/isbn/818569222X]</ref> The policy was continued by the Indian government. Malayalam serves as a link language on the islands including on the Mahl dominated Minicoy Island.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b_a4G_Tw2ycC&q=Lakshadweep+malayalam&pg=PA13 |title=The Muslim Tribes of Lakshadweep Islands: An Anthropological Appraisal of ... - Makhan Jha - Google Books |access-date=2015-02-25|isbn=9788175330320 |last1=Jha |first1=Makhan |year=1997 }}</ref> The dances here include: Lava Dance, Kolkali Dance and Parichakli Dance.
Malayalam with [[Malayalam script]] was introduced as the primary language of Lakshadweep during the [[British Raj]], while previously a type of [[Arabic script]], which is also known as [[Ponnani]] script or [[Arabi Malayalam script]], was used for writing the language.<ref name="Subramoniam">Subramoniam, V. I. (1997). ''Dravidian Encyclopaedia''. Vol. 3, Language and literature. Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): International School of Dravidian Linguistics. pp. 508-09. [http://worldcat.org/isbn/818569222X]</ref> The policy was continued by the Indian government. Malayalam serves as a link language on the islands including on the Mahl dominated Minicoy Island.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b_a4G_Tw2ycC&q=Lakshadweep+malayalam&pg=PA13 |title=The Muslim Tribes of Lakshadweep Islands: An Anthropological Appraisal of ... - Makhan Jha - Google Books |access-date=2015-02-25|isbn=9788175330320 |last1=Jha |first1=Makhan |year=1997 }}</ref> The dances here include: Lava Dance, Kolkali Dance and Parichakli Dance.


==Economy==
==Economy==
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Due to its isolation and scenic appeal, Lakshadweep was already known as a tourist attraction for Indians since 1974.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/ |title=Tourism in Lakshadweep |publisher=Lakshadweeptourism.nic.in |date=1988-10-22 |access-date=2015-02-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123906/http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/ |archive-date=19 February 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This brings in significant revenue, which is likely to increase. Since such a small region cannot support industries, the government is actively promoting tourism as a means of income in [[Bangaram Island|Bangaram]] and Kadmat islands. Bangaram is projected to become a major destination for international tourism.<ref>[http://www.mapsofindia.com/lakshadweep/tourism/bangaram-island.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510124248/http://www.mapsofindia.com/lakshadweep/tourism/bangaram-island.html|date=10 May 2011}}</ref>  Marine fauna are plentiful. Water sports activities such as [[scuba diving]], [[wind surfing]], [[snorkelling]], [[surfing]], [[kayaking]], [[canoeing]], [[water skiing]], [[sportfishing]], yachting and night sea voyages are popular activities among tourists. Tourists flock to these islands throughout the year, except during the [[southwest monsoon]] months when seas are extremely rough. The government has also proposed to set up two customs clearance check-in offices so that tourists can enter directly instead of getting permission from the nearest customs office in Kochi, which is {{convert|260|nmi|mi km}} from these islands. These will be the smallest customs offices in India. Tourism is expected to get a big boost after these offices open as the islands lie on one of the busiest cruise passages.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
Due to its isolation and scenic appeal, Lakshadweep was already known as a tourist attraction for Indians since 1974.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/ |title=Tourism in Lakshadweep |publisher=Lakshadweeptourism.nic.in |date=1988-10-22 |access-date=2015-02-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123906/http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/ |archive-date=19 February 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This brings in significant revenue, which is likely to increase. Since such a small region cannot support industries, the government is actively promoting tourism as a means of income in [[Bangaram Island|Bangaram]] and Kadmat islands. Bangaram is projected to become a major destination for international tourism.<ref>[http://www.mapsofindia.com/lakshadweep/tourism/bangaram-island.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510124248/http://www.mapsofindia.com/lakshadweep/tourism/bangaram-island.html|date=10 May 2011}}</ref>  Marine fauna are plentiful. Water sports activities such as [[scuba diving]], [[wind surfing]], [[snorkelling]], [[surfing]], [[kayaking]], [[canoeing]], [[water skiing]], [[sportfishing]], yachting and night sea voyages are popular activities among tourists. Tourists flock to these islands throughout the year, except during the [[southwest monsoon]] months when seas are extremely rough. The government has also proposed to set up two customs clearance check-in offices so that tourists can enter directly instead of getting permission from the nearest customs office in Kochi, which is {{convert|260|nmi|mi km}} from these islands. These will be the smallest customs offices in India. Tourism is expected to get a big boost after these offices open as the islands lie on one of the busiest cruise passages.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}
Tourists essentially need a permission to visit the islands; foreign nationals are not permitted to visit certain islands.<ref>{{cite web |title=Entry Permits |url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224123645/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm |archive-date=24 February 2015 |access-date=25 February 2015 |publisher=Union Territory of Lakshadweep}}</ref> According to the current [[alcohol laws of India]], [[alcoholic beverage]] consumption is not permitted in the Lakshadweep Archipelago except on [[Bangaram Island]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Introduction to Lakshadweep Islands |newspaper=The New York Times |url=http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211045612/http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html |archive-date=11 February 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
To boost the economy, high-end tourism, tele-medicine, tele-education, fisheries, and others, the union government announced a project to install under-sea fibre optic cable for high-speed mobile and internet connectivity between [[Kochi]] and 11 islands of Lakshadweep including Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Agati, Amini, Androth, Minicoy, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan and Kadmat. This {{INRConvert|10.72|b}} project will be completed by May 2023.<ref name="live,1">[https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cabinet-approves-undersea-fibre-link-between-lakshadweep-islands-and-kochi-11607520516666.html Cabinet approves undersea fibre link between Lakshadweep islands and Kochi], Live Mint, 9 Dec 2020.</ref>


Lakshadweep will receive its first statue of [[Mahatma Gandhi]] in connection with the celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's 152nd birthday.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-02|title=Lakshadweep to get its first statue – of Mahatma Gandhi|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lakshadweep-to-get-its-first-statue-of-mahatma-gandhi-7547176/|access-date=2021-10-02|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
Lakshadweep will receive its first statue of [[Mahatma Gandhi]] in connection with the celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's 152nd birthday.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-02|title=Lakshadweep to get its first statue – of Mahatma Gandhi|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lakshadweep-to-get-its-first-statue-of-mahatma-gandhi-7547176/|access-date=2021-10-02|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>
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* [[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Minicoy]]
* [[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Minicoy]]


==Transport and tourism==
==Transportation==
[[Agatti Aerodrome]] on Agatti Island is the only airport in Lakshadweep. [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]], a subsidiary of the state-owned carrier [[Air India]], serves Agatti and flies to [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]] and [[Bengaluru]] on the mainland. [[Kingfisher Airlines]] had flights connecting [[Kochi]] and [[Bangalore]] to [[Agatti]] before the airline ceased operations. The other islands are linked by the [[Pawan Hans]] helicopter or boat service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/flight-schedule/kochi-agatti.html |title=Kochi to Agatti Flights and their Schedule |publisher=Mapsofindia.com |date=2014-09-08 |access-date=2015-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117043118/http://www.mapsofindia.com/flight-schedule/kochi-agatti.html |archive-date=17 November 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Six ships connect Kochi, [[Kozhikode]] ([[Beypore]]) and Lakshadweep: {{ship|MV|Kavaratti||6}}, MV ''Amindivi'', MV ''Minicoy'', MV ''Arabian Sea'', MV ''Lakshadweep Sea'' and MV ''Bharath Seema''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/howtoreach.html|title=Means of Transport|publisher=Union Territory of Lakshadweep|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231102317/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/howtoreach.html|archive-date=31 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Mangala Lakshadweep Express]] is a superfast train that runs between [[Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station|Delhi]] and [[Ernakulam Junction|Kochi]].


Tourists essentially need a permission to visit the islands; foreign nationals are not permitted to visit certain islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm |title=Entry Permits |publisher=Union Territory of Lakshadweep |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224123645/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm |archive-date=24 February 2015 }}</ref> According to the current [[alcohol laws of India]], [[alcoholic beverage]] consumption is not permitted in the Lakshadweep Archipelago except on [[Bangaram Island]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Introduction to Lakshadweep Islands|url=http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211045612/http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html|archive-date=11 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
=== Air ===
[[Agatti Airport]] on Agatti Island is the only airport in Lakshadweep. [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]], sole state-owned carrier, serves Agatti and flies to [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]] and [[Bengaluru]]. Other islands are linked by the [[Pawan Hans]] helicopter<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/flight-schedule/kochi-agatti.html |title=Kochi to Agatti Flights and their Schedule |publisher=Mapsofindia.com |date=2014-09-08 |access-date=2015-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117043118/http://www.mapsofindia.com/flight-schedule/kochi-agatti.html |archive-date=17 November 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


To boost the economy, high-end tourism, tele-medicine, tele-education, fisheries, and others, the union government announced a project to install under-sea fiber optic cable for high-speed mobile and internet connectivity between [[Kochi]] and 11 islands of Lakshadweep including Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Agati, Amini, Androth, Minicoy, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan and Kadmat. This {{INRConvert|10.72|b}} project will be completed by May 2023.<ref name=live,1>[https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cabinet-approves-undersea-fibre-link-between-lakshadweep-islands-and-kochi-11607520516666.html Cabinet approves undersea fibre link between Lakshadweep islands and Kochi], Live Mint, 9 Dec 2020.</ref>
=== Sea/Cruise ===
Six ships connect Kochi, [[Kozhikode]] ([[Beypore]]) and Lakshadweep: {{ship|MV|Kavaratti||6}}, MV ''Amindivi'', MV ''Minicoy'', MV ''Arabian Sea'', MV ''Lakshadweep Sea'' and MV ''Bharath Seema''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/howtoreach.html|title=Means of Transport|publisher=Union Territory of Lakshadweep|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231102317/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/howtoreach.html|archive-date=31 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Boat/ferry service is available between islands.


{{clear}}
{{clear}}
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File:Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep, India 20160324- DSC1618.jpg|Water sports at [[Kavaratti]] Island
File:Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep, India 20160324- DSC1618.jpg|Water sports at [[Kavaratti]] Island
File:MV Amindivi 001.JPG|Passenger ship MV ''[[Amindivi]]'' of the Lakshdweep Islands administration docked at Old Mangalore port
File:MV Amindivi 001.JPG|Passenger ship MV ''[[Amindivi]]'' of the Lakshdweep Islands administration docked at Old Mangalore port
File:Agatti Airstrip.jpg|[[Agatti]] Airstrip
File:Agatti island, Lakshadweep.jpg|[[Agatti]] island, [[Lakshdweep]]
File:Agatti island, Lakshadweep.jpg|[[Agatti]] island, [[Lakshdweep]]
File:RED BILLED TROPIC BIRD.jpg|A rare [[red-billed tropicbird]] (Phaethon aethereus subsp. indicus) found in small islands of Lakshdweep
File:RED BILLED TROPIC BIRD.jpg|A rare [[red-billed tropicbird]] (Phaethon aethereus subsp. indicus) found in small islands of Lakshdweep
File:Green turtle Lakshadweep.jpg|[[Green turtle]] near [[Laccadive Sea]]
File:Green turtle Lakshadweep.jpg|[[Green turtle]] near [[Laccadive Sea]]
File:Scuba diving @ Lakshadweep.jpg|[[Octopus]]
File:Scuba diving @ Lakshadweep.jpg|[[Octopus]]
File:Chaetodon falcula.jpg| Closeup of a [[Butterfly Fish]] ([[Chaetodon falcula]]) in a reef, Lakshdweep.
File:Chaetodon falcula.jpg|Closeup of a [[Butterfly Fish]] ([[Chaetodon falcula]]) in a reef, Lakshdweep.
File:Coral Reef.jpg|[[Coral Reef]] near [[Bangaram Island]], Lakshdweep
File:Coral Reef.jpg|[[Coral Reef]] near [[Bangaram Island]], Lakshdweep
File:Picasso triggerfish2.jpg|A Lagoon [[Triggerfish]] swimming around the reef of Lakshdweep.
File:Picasso triggerfish2.jpg|A Lagoon [[Triggerfish]] swimming around the reef of Lakshdweep.
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{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
* [[Coral reefs in India]]
* [[Coral reefs in India]]
* [[Agatti Island]]
* [[Lakshadweep (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Lakshadweep (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Lakshadweep Police]]
* [[Lakshadweep Police]]
{{clear}}
* [[Andaman Islands]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Lakshadweep}}
 
* {{wikivoyage-inline|Lakshadweep}}
*  
* [https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/paradise-lost-india-s-lakshadweep-islanders-reject-plan-to-create-new-maldives-1.1241327#1 "Paradise lost? India's Lakshadweep islanders reject plan to create 'new Maldives'. Islanders accuse new administrator of trying to erase their traditions, identity and livelihood", "The National", June 15, 2021]
* [https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/asia/paradise-lost-india-s-lakshadweep-islanders-reject-plan-to-create-new-maldives-1.1241327#1 "Paradise lost? India's Lakshadweep islanders reject plan to create 'new Maldives'. Islanders accuse new administrator of trying to erase their traditions, identity and livelihood", "The National", June 15, 2021]


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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Lakshadweep| ]]
[[Category:South India|.]]
[[Category:Union territories of India]]
[[Category:Union territories of India]]
[[Category:Islands of Lakshadweep|*]]
[[Category:Islands of Lakshadweep|*]]
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