Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a union territory of India located in the Arabian Sea.

It is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands and islets. This group includes 12 atolls, three reefs, and five submerged banks. The islands sit near the Malabar Coast of mainland India. They are positioned between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Laccadive Sea to the east. The name Lakshadweep comes from Sanskrit or Malayalam. It literally translates to "one hundred thousand islands."

The archipelago is divided into three distinct subgroups. The Amindivi Islands are located in the north. The Laccadive Islands are in the east. These are separated from the Amindivi group by the 11th parallel north. To the south lies the Minicoy atoll. Minicoy is separated from the other groups by the Nine Degree Channel. The islands are the northernmost part of the Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge. This is an exposed undersea mountain range. Most inhabited islands sit on the eastern side of the territory. They are located away from the low-lying lagoons to the west.

Geological processes shaped these unique landforms. The islands feature sandy soil derived from coral. In 1842, Charles Darwin proposed a theory about their formation. He suggested that sinking volcanic islands create fringing reefs. As the volcano sinks, the reef grows upward to stay near the light. This process creates atolls. However, the islands face modern environmental challenges. A 2017 report noted that the Parali I island of Bangaram atoll has eroded. It is now completely inundated by water. Other islands like Parali II and Thinnakara also show significant erosion.

Human history in the region stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence from Kalpeni shows settlement since at least 1500 BCE. The islands appear in Buddhist Jataka tales from the 3rd century BCE. Ancient Tamil Sangam literature also mentions the region. During the Sangam period, the Chera kingdom ruled the islands. The Pallavas later gained control in the late 7th century CE. In the 11th century, the Chola kingdom exerted influence. Rajendra Chola I captured the region around 1018-19 CE. Islam is believed to have arrived in the 7th century. Local tradition credits Ubaidullah with bringing the religion in 661 CE.

European powers also sought control of the islands. The Portuguese controlled them in the late 15th century. They used the islands as a source of coir for industry. Native islanders revolted and expelled the Portuguese in 1545 CE. Later, the Mysore kingdom influenced the Amindivi islands in 1787. The British Empire annexed the region in 1799. The British took full administration in 1908 due to unpaid taxes. Following Indian Independence in 1947, the islands joined the Dominion of India. They became a formal union territory in 1956. The capital was moved to Kavaratti in 1964.

Life on the islands is closely tied to the natural environment. The climate is a tropical monsoon type. Temperatures generally range from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. There are no large forests, but there are many plants. Nearly 400 species of flowering plants have been documented. You can find coconut groves and various coastal shrubs.

Marine life is incredibly diverse. There are over 600 species of marine fish. You might see sharks, manta rays, and octopuses.

Many whales and dolphins also swim in the surrounding waters.

Pitti Island serves as a bird sanctuary. It is a vital breeding ground for sea turtles and pelagic birds.

Today, the islands are an important part of India's geography. They serve as a key naval establishment. This is due to their strategic location near shipping lanes. The population was 64,473 according to the 2011 census. Most people live on the ten inhabited islands. Fishing and agriculture are the primary occupations. The islands are culturally diverse as well. English is the official language. Most residents speak Jeseri, a dialect of Malayalam. On Minicoy Island, Dhivehi is the most spoken language.