time, continuity and change 1 - nie

Time, Continuity and Change

• Some of the primary and secondary sources that aid in compiling the history of the Maldives

• Some contributions by local and foreign historians to the history of the Maldives

• History of trade, early forms of money and the development of standard money in the Maldives

• The earliest global contacts and connections of the Maldives with the outside world

• Some historical evidences about the Maldivian foreign relations

The unit focuses on developing, constructing and interpreting meaning about the history of the Maldives from a variety of sources. The unit allows to practise the skills needed to organise information and ideas specific to a particular topic and purpose. In addition, the unit helps to build conceptual understanding about the history of the Maldives through meaningful dialogues and interactions.

Key Competency in Focus

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Making meaning

Unit Focus

Unit

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Sources that Aid in Compiling the Early History of the MaldivesAny material that provides information about the past is called a ‘source’. Sources that aid in constructing history are usually classified as primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are original first-hand materials, which are often produced during or close to the time-period of an event, which a historian wants to study and write about. Some examples of primary sources are letters, diaries or narratives of eyewitnesses, articles, videos, speeches, artefacts, etc. Secondary sources, are second-hand materials of historical events, which provide an interpretation of the past, usually based on primary sources. Some examples of secondary sources are books, paintings, media, reports, etc.

There are a few significant primary and secondary sources that have aided in compiling the early history of the Maldives. These sources may not always be reliable because these could be biased and may have been changed in the course of time. Archaeological evidence is more reliable than any other as we get it directly from the past. The following are some sources that have helped in compiling the early history of the Maldives.

Primary Sources

1) Loamaafaanu (Copper-plates from the 12th century CE)

Loamaafaanu are Maldivian texts in the form of copper plates. The oldest records in Dhivehi (local name of the Maldivian language), which are in Eveyla Akuru (an old form of written Dhivehi), are inscribed on these plates. Names of the kings of the late pre-Islamic period, information about the system of governments and the culture of the Maldives during those times, are recorded on them.

1.1 Getting to Know the Past

Key Vocabulary: primary sources, secondary sources, Loamaafaanu, artefacts

A Primary source – Dhambidhoo Loamaafaanu – a copper plate written between 1195 CE – 1996 CE.Photo Credit: National Archives of the Maldives

Notes

The term archaeology comes from the Greek word ‘arkhaios’ which means early or ancient. Evidence of past culture is obtained from three main sources:

Artefacts – These are the objects made, modified and used by early man which includes tools such as weapons, clay tables, stone tools and iron tools.

Eco-facts – These are natural objects which were not made by man but are found around artefacts. They include remains of plants and animals, and are found in the early man’s dwellings or settlements. Examples of eco-facts are seeds, animal bones, horns, and sediments.

Features – These are the buildings/spaces built by the ancient men. They include dwellings/ houses, tombs, storage-pits, cities and irrigation canals. Famous examples of features are the Egyptian pyramids.

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Unit 1: Time, Continuity and Change

3Key Vocabulary: evidence, archaeology, moulding, inscription

2) Inscriptions

Inscriptions are written records engraved on stones, pillars and walls. Some such inscriptions are found on the beams of buildings and gravestones, in Dhives Akuru (an old form of written Dhivehi), and in Arabic. Writings or inscriptions show that there is a close relationship between Dhivehi and Sinhala.

3) Archaeological Evidence

Any man-made object from the past and the way it is placed, tells us about its uses and its time period. Ruins, coins, pottery, work of art etc., are some examples of archaeological evidences.

i. Ruins of monasteries

Some of the ruins of monasteries found in the Maldives are referred to as Daagaba/Haviththa/Hat-teli in the Maldives. Some of the ruins discovered are:

• Daagaba, Addu Atoll (Gan)

• Daagaba / Havitta, Fuvahmulah

• Daagaba / Hat -telli, Hadhdhummathi/Laamu Atoll (Gan)

ii. Sculptures and artefacts

Some sculptures of the face of Buddha have been discovered on some islands of the Maldives, together with other artefacts such as beads and pots.

iii. Mouldings

A moulding is a piece of wood, plastic, stone or any other such material that has been made into a particular shape to decorate the top or bottom of a wall, a door, a window or a piece of furniture. Different forms of mouldings relating to Buddhism (pre-Islamic era) was discovered in the Maldives and have features similar to those found in Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

Secondary Sources Some findings from the Secondary Sources:

• Written records of foreign travellers: They describe a lot of historical information such as boat building techniques of Maldivians, geographical descriptions of Maldives, the produce of the islands, variety of work done by the Maldivians, rulers of the Maldives, island formation, erosion, migration, cowrie shells, naming of islands, etc.

A Primary source – L. Gan Hat-teli. Ruin of a Buddhist architectural creation. Photo Credit: National Archives of the Maldives

A Primary source –Fuvahmulah Havitta shows that Maldivians practiced Buddhism before the conversion to Islam. Photo Credit: National Archives of the Maldives

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The Máldive Islands: Monograph on the History, Archaeology and Epigraphy

A book written by Harry Charles Purvis Bell (H.C.P Bell), who was a retired Archaeological Surveyor of the British Government to Ceylon. It was published in 1940.

Some of the written records and books about the Maldives by foreign travellers

‘A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling’

A manuscript, originally written in Arabic, about the journeys of Ibn Battuta, during the 14th century. It was later translated to English. He had written valuable information about the Maldives in his manuscript.

The Voyage of François Pyrard of Laval to the East Indies, the Maldives, the Moluccas, and Brazil

This book was written by

François Pyrard in French and later translated to English. He was a French navigator who stayed in the Maldives between 1602 – 1605. The book is known for its detailed personal account of the country.

Dhivehi Thaareekhah Au Alikameh:

This book was compiled by the Dhivehibahaa Thaareekhah Khidhumaikuraa Gaumee Marukazu and it was originally published by the Thaareekh Committee which was formed in 1958. It was first published between 1958 – 1966, as 21 separate books under the same name. In 1990, the books were compiled together as one book and published for the second time in 1990. The compilation covers many historical events about the Maldives, like the first settlers, formation of the Maldives, the conversion of the Maldives to Islam, foreign historians including Ibn Battuta and HCP Bell and their ‘narratives’ about the Maldives, and Portuguese rule in the Maldives etc.

Dhiviraajeyge Mukhtasar Thaareekh Dheeba Mahal (Dhivehi Raajjeyge Thaareekh Kurukon):

This is a book written by Muhammad Ibrahim Luthufee. This book is about the history of the Maldives. It was first published by the Dhivehibahaa Thaareekhah khidhumaikuraa Gaumee Marukazu in 2011. The book describes Maldivian historical events from the pre-Islamic era till the time Maldives gained independence from the British.

Some of the written records and books about the Maldives by local writers

Key Vocabulary: manuscript, navigator, compilation, narrative

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Aadhakaadha

In the Maldives, during the olden days, story telling was a big part of entertainment before television and radio became common sources of information and entertainment. Even after the introduction of television, it was a common practice of the islanders to come out and sit at the beach Holhuashi to listen to stories told by the elders. At these informal gatherings, the most common types of stories told by the story tellers were tales of spirits, monsters, fables, fairies and seafarers. One of the most popular stories told during these gatherings was the Bodu Gohodaa Vaahaka. These practices are still a part of some island communities.

Task 1

1. Select one primary and one secondary source that has aided in compiling the early history of the Maldives. List three things you have learned from each source.

2. Read Al Biruni’s viewpoint about the Maldives in the ‘Did You Know’ box. Analyse his viewpoints on the Maldives and compare it with the present times. Find out whether the situation is still the same in the Maldives at present.

Some of the Key Historians Who Have Contributed to the History of the MaldivesA historian is a person who researches and writes about the past. Historians gather facts and details about a particular event or events from the past. Using the information gathered, historians contribute to build and write about the past of a person, place or country.

There are a few key local and foreign historians who have contributed to the history of the Maldives.

Foreign Historians

Significant foreign historians who have contributed to the Maldivian history are Ibn Battuta and H.C.P Bell.

In the Diva (Maldives islands), islands appear and disappear over time. When people find that their islands are submerging they shift to another. They harvest cowries and produce coir. The islands are classified according to the produce as Diva-Kudha (islands producing cowries) and Diva-Kanbar (islands producing coir).

Al Biruni, Tarikh Al-Hind (History of India), 1030CE

Did You Know?

Key Vocabulary: entertainment, fables, seafarer

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Ibn BattutaName: Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Battuta (Ibn Battuta)

Date of Birth: 1304–1368 or 1369Nationality: Moroccan

What he wrote about the Maldives: He wrote a manuscript in Arabic about his travels. The title of the manuscript may be translated as ‘A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling’ commonly referred to as Ibn Battuta’s Rihla (rihla means journey). In his manuscript, he gives significant information about the Maldives. Some of them include:• Trees, inhabitants, customs, women and

dwellings• Hospitality towards foreign visitors• Queen, officials, their duties and trade

Historical contributions: • He served as a judge in the Maldives for

one and a half years.• He wrote a 10-page description of the

Maldives, which is considered a valuable contribution to the early history of the Maldives.

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HCP Bell

Name: Harry Charles Purvis (HCP) Bell

Date of Birth: 1851- 1937

Nationality: British

What he wrote about the Maldives:

He wrote a book titled ‘The Maldives Islands’ – Monograph on the History, Archaeology and Epigraphy. This is regarded as one of the most comprehensive work on the Maldivian history. The most comprehensive archaeological evidence about the history of the Maldives was discovered due to the work carried out by Mr. Bell.

Historical contributions:

• After each of his three trips to the Maldives, he wrote a report. These reports are now locally known as ‘Bell foiy thah’ His first book about the Maldives was published in 1883, the second book in 1921 and the third one in 1940.

• He wrote academic essays about the Maldives and some of his essays were published in the journal of the Royal Asiatic Society.

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Key Vocabulary: travel, inhabitants, epigraphy

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Muhammad Ibrahim Luthufee

Name: Muhammad Ibrahim Luthufee

Date of Birth: 1921– 2001


He wrote a book titled ‘Dhiviraajeyge Mukhtasar Thaareekh Dheeba Mahal (Dhivehi raajjeyge thaareeh kurukoh). He also wrote numerous articles on the history of the Maldives, for Faiythoora, a monthly magazine, published by the National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research.


• In his book ‘Dhivehiraajeyge Mukhtasar Thaareekh Dheeba Mahal, (Dhivehi raajjeyge thaareekh kurukoh), he wrote about the history of the Maldives from the pre-Islamic era to the times when Maldives gained independence from the British.

• In his numerous articles, he wrote about the first settlers of the Maldives, the conversion of the Maldives to Islam, about the Loamaafaanu and many other topics related to the history of the Maldives.

Hassan Thaajuddeen

Name: Hassan Thaajuddeen

Date of Birth: 1072 H


He wrote a book titled ‘Dhivehi Thaareekh’. Written in Arabic, it includes a historical account of the Maldives, and mainly covers political events and natural happenings such as earthquakes, tidal waves, eclipses and other such phenomena.


• In his book ‘Dhivehi Thaareekh’, he wrote about the history of the Maldives. This book is also the official version of the history of the Sultans of the Maldives, and covers 670 years of history, from Sultan Muhammad ul-Adhil to Sultan Muhammad Muinudhdheen I.

Task 2

Choose a local and a foreign historian from the information titled, “Some of the key historians who have contributed in compiling the history of the Maldives”. Refer to different sources and create a short story based on the information written by the historians. Your story should capture the main ideas and events described by the historians. Make your story creative and interesting!

Local Historians

The Maldives has produced historians who have contributed significantly to the history of the Maldives. Two local historians are Hassan Thaajuddeen and Muhammad Ibrahim Luthfee.

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Key Vocabulary: historians, phenomena, articles

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Research

Conduct a research to evaluate your understanding of the topic ‘Getting to know the past’. For this purpose, review any two of the documents listed below or from any other available source – one by a Maldivian and one by a foreign writer explaining whether the given secondary sources contribute to the understanding of the Maldivian history. Also, state the reasons for your explanation. The following list contains sources that provide information about the history of the Maldives. You can choose from the list below or from other available resources.

• Dhivehi Thaareekhah Aa Alikameh

• Dhivehiraajeyge Mukhtasar Thaareekh Dheeba Mahal (Dhivehiraajjeyge Thaareekh Kurukoh) – Muhammad Ibrahim Luthufee

• Dhivehi Thaareekh – Hassan Thajuddeen.

• The Maldive Islands. Monograph on the History, Archaeology and Epigraphy – HCP Bell

• ‘A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling’ also referred as The Travels: a manuscript – Ibn Battuta, early 1800s

• The Voyage of François Pyrard of Laval to the East Indies, the Maldives, the Moluccas, and Brazil – François Pyrard, 1888

• Folk tales of the Maldives, Xavier Romero-Frias, 2012

• Folklore Akee Ilmekeve : Faithoora, May 2011, pages 30 – 31 – Habeeba Hussain Habeeb

You may follow the steps explained below, to conduct your research:

Frame questions to make judgments about the acquired knowledge. For example:

• Source: Who wrote it? Where is it from? What kind of document is it?

• Context: What else was going on locally, nationally and globally when this document was being created?

• Close read: What important things does this document say? Reflect on the main ideas of the document (quoted or in your own words).

• Infer: Why was this document written? What is its purpose? What is the author’s point of view?

• What questions do I still have about this document?

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Decide on the skills and techniques to collect information (e.g. mapping, graphic organisers, etc.).

Collect relevant information from the given sources or any other sources.

Identify different viewpoints, main points, bias etc., found in the documents.

Use the set of questions you prepared at the planning stage, for elaboration and clarification and to critically evaluate the information.

Organise and categorise the information in different formats (e.g. graphs, tables, viewpoints, quotes, folktales, etc.)

Analyse different viewpoints, main points, bias etc., found in the documents to interpret the meaning, communicate and identify how the selected sources aid in understanding the history of the Maldives.

Transfer the information that you have analysed and create an original piece of work based on your ideas on how the given sources contribute to understanding the history of the Maldives. (e.g. you can prepare a PowerPoint presentation to show the data which you have analysed or write a report or essay on it).

Present your findings to the class using different methods (e.g. orally, visually, in print form, etc.). Make sure to include your ideas, viewpoints, and a conclusion.

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History of Trade and Economy in the MaldivesTrade involves the transfer of goods or services from one person or entity to another, often in exchange for money. The oldest form of trade was the barter system, where goods and services were exchanged for other goods and services, without the use of money.

Back in 1853 CE, all import and export activities in the Maldives were conducted in Male’. Local produces from each atoll of the Maldives, were brought in boats to Male’ and they were bartered for other items.

Traders from neighbouring countries travelled to the Maldives regularly and the most commonly bartered item was the Maldivian fish. Other items sent abroad for bartering were cowries, coir rope, tortoise shells, and traditional Maldivian sweets. The items brought to the Maldives from other countries for bartering included rice, salt, dates, cotton cloth, and household items.

Cowrie Shells

Cowrie (cypraea moneta) was our currency from the earliest times of the recorded history of Maldives. Historical writings reveal that from 9th to 19th century, Maldivian cowrie shells had been sent to India, Arabia, Africa, and other countries as a means for exchange of goods and ornaments.

Collecting and trading of cowrie shell became a popular business in the Maldives. Both Maldivian men and women were involved in it.

In some parts of the Maldives, women pleated coconut leaves to form mats, which were placed in the shallow parts of the sea with rocks to keep them from floating away. Little molluscs stuck to the mat covering them. Before they were harvested,

1.2 Change Over Time

From the pages of history

Life in the Maldives would be almost impossible without trade. Maldivians put great effort in undertaking journeys from the scattered atolls to the main Ceylonese or South Indian harbours for trade purposes.

Early trips to foreign ports were made directly from individual islands because the heavily-laden local boats found it more hazardous to travel along the atolls, through many treacherous coral reefs and shallows, than to venture out into the open ocean. Source: Adapted from ‘The Maldives Islanders – A study of the Popular Culture of an Ancient Ocean Kingdom’ by Xavier Romero-Frias

Key Vocabulary: trade, barter, journey

Women collecting cowrie shells, locally known as “BoliHilun”.Photo Credit: National Archives of the Maldives

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cowrie shells were completely dried. For this, the mats were removed from the water and left under the sun, at the beaches, to dry. Once the shells were dry, they were ready to be used as currency.

The demand for cowrie became even less with the beginning of coinage and finally in the 19th century the use of cowrie as a currency came to an end.

Standard MoneyCypraea Moneta (cowrie shells) Long before our era, the cowry shell was known as an instrument of payment and a symbol of wealth and power.

Initially, the coins of the Maldives were minted in the country at the coin smith’s foundry (Sikkage) in Male’. They were inscribed with the names of the Sultans or Kings of the period. The last such name inscribed was Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen Iskander III, (1331 CE) 1931.

Did You Know?

Key Vocabulary: cowrie, currency, coinage

The first coins of the Maldives, named Dhigu-Laari (Long coin) was introduced during the rule of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu and later during the rule of his son Sultan Ibrahim III.

1573–1609 CE

1648–1687 CE

The first circular Laari was introduced during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I.

Kuda-Laari or Bai-Laari was introduced during the rule of Muhammad-al Hajji.

Mohori was introduced during the rule of Sultan Hassan Nuruddin I.

The issuing and maintaining of all currencies became the responsibility of Mahkamathul Maaliyya.

1692–1701 CE

1778–1799 CE

1948 CE

1721–1750 CE

1904–1935 CE

Bodu-laari was introduced during the rule of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar II.

These were the first Maldivian coins made in a foreign country known as Eh-laari and Bodu-laari. This was during the rule of Sultan Muhammad Shamsudhdhin III.

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Maldives polymer bank notes (introduced in 2015) – The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa; one Maldivian Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 Laari.

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Pause for Thought

Think about how different forms of money and how their usage have changed over time. Also think about how life has become easier with the use of different forms of payment such as the use of cheques, vouchers, credit and debit cards, etc.

Task 3

Compare cowrie with standard money. What do you think is better to be used as money? Give reasons to support your point of view.

Think Pair Share

In pairs, carry out a discussion on the following questions.

• What does money buy?

• What is the worth of money?

• What is the value of money?

• Are worth and value the same thing?

• Can you obtain things without money?

Now, share your thoughts, with the class.

Dhigu-Laari Kuda laari and Bodu laari

Photo Credit: National Archives of the Maldives

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Early Contacts and Connections

Ancient documents from other countries and some of the archaeological evidences found in the Maldives indicate that the Maldivians have had a long history of early contacts and connections with other countries. History reveals that these contacts and communications started mainly through seafaring activities. The seafaring activities were very important to the Maldivians because the country is surrounded by sea. Therefore, fishing became the main source of income which required venturing out in to the sea. The lack of resources led the Maldives to import many things from other countries, which also required venturing out into the sea. By the middle of the first millennium, the Maldivians were frequently travelling abroad and trading goods, which made them expert navigators who could undertake long voyages. The voyages gave them knowledge of the other countries in the region and helped the Maldives to establish and maintain contacts and connections with the other countries.

A Roman Denarius coin found in Alifu Alifu Atoll Thoddoo, MaldivesPhoto Credit: National Archives of the Maldives

Both sides of Byzantine coins found in Laamu Atoll Gan, MaldivesPhoto Credit: National Archives of the Maldives

1.3 Early Global Connections and the Maldives

The Dhow was the name used for sailing vessels in the Mediterranean. The Maldivian name dhoni has been derived from such influences which also aided in fine-tuning the sailing vessel dhoni over time. In the 17th century, Pyrard (p.511), noted that the Maldivians used boats which were no longer than four fathoms. In the 18th century, the Maldivians used the bokkura (a small rowing boat) to cover short distances. The Maldivians also started using the sailing dhoni during the same period, which was used mainly by the fishermen. These sailing boats were mechanised later in the 70s.

Did You Know?

Key Vocabulary: seafaring, millennium, venture

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Notes

Oral narrated traditions, evidence from archaeological sites and some available historical documents and foreign notices, serve to prove that in the past, the Maldives had navigational knowledge and sea-going crafts, which enabled them to undertake long voyages (by the fourth century of the first millennium).

The Maldivians, discovered cowrie in their islands and used it for trade with the neighbouring countries. Fishing was the main economic activity and the chief exports consisted of cowrie, coir-rope, fish, tortoise-shell and ambergris.

Boat-building became an art and a skill that earned them the attention of other countries, and the craft that was developed was unique to the Maldives and yet accommodated useful features from other ship-building lands. The sea vessels were versatile enough to be adapted to all necessary conditions.

Source: Adapted from ‘Maldivian Seafaring in the Pre-Portuguese Period’ by Naseema Mohamed

Key Vocabulary: cypraea, moneta, foreign-notices

Think Pair Share

In pairs discuss about the note ‘Maldivian Seafaring in the Pre-Portuguese Period’ by Naseema Mohamed. What does it tell us about the earliest contacts and connections of the Maldives with the world? Share your views with the class.

1. A Roman Denarius of the first century BCE and Byzantine coins of the fifth century, CE found at different sites in the Maldives suggest a long history of trade and interaction with foreign countries.

3. Available foreign notices show the value given to the money – cowrie (cypraea moneta) in Bengal and parts of West Africa.

5. Foreign notices show that in seventh century CE, Maldivians made two long journeys to China, carrying gifts to the Chinese emperor.

7. Foreign notices reveal that Maldivian ships regularly supplied goods to Bengal and the ports of Eastern and Western India.

9. Foreign notices show that Maldivians travelled regularly to Hormuz (a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman).

2. Pottery shards from the sub-continent and old Chinese ceramics found in many islands, indicate the trade that existed between the Maldives and China and other neighbouring countries.

4. Foreign notices show that in fourth century CE, Maldivians travelled to Rome.

6. Copper-plate records from the 12th century CE also reveals trading with the Maldives and China.

8. Foreign notices reveal that Maldivian ships travelled regularly to ports of East Africa with cargoes of cowries that were later carried to West Africa and other places.

Historical Evidences of Early Foreign Relations

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Case StudyCase Study

Carry out the task in groups. Read the text given below to complete the task.

The term used for travelling was dhathuru-fathuru kurun; dhathuru meaning journey and fathuru, navigation. The compass, called Samuga in Dhivehi, is said to have been introduced to the Indian Ocean by the Chinese. The Maldivian captains, called malimi in Dhivehi, used the compass only when sailing to destinations far away from home, finding their way round the islands using the knowledge gained from familiarity (Maloney, 1980). Indigenous charts were also used in the old days, copies of which were seen by James Tennant in1860 (Maloney 1980). Captain Moresby who visited to the Maldives in 1834 saw Maldivians making and repairing astrolabes, quadrants and wooden sextants (Moresby, 1835) which were probably introduced to the islands sometime after the Portuguese occupation. When detailed almanacs became available, the islanders used them too, but this happened some centuries after the Portuguese.

Source: Adapted from ‘Maldivian Seafaring in the Pre-Portuguese Period’ by Naseema Mohamed

Write a paragraph on how early seafaring activities helped the Maldives in establishing early contacts andconnections with the other countries. Also, focus on the reasons why it is important to establish contacts and connections with the global world.

Self Check

• List the different primary and secondary sources that have aided in compiling the history of the Maldives.• Name a local historian and a foreign historian who have contributed in compiling the history of the

Maldives. Briefly explain their findings on the history of the Maldives. • Write a paragraph on the use of cowrie shells and its role in the early history of the Maldives.• Explain the early trade of the Maldives with other countries and list the early exports and imports of the

Maldives.

Task 4

In groups, collect evidences (pictures) from different sources that show early global relations of the Maldives and write captions for the collected pictures. Display your findings as wall charts. Observe and note down what you feel is important and write an article for a newspaper, ‘The Maldives and Early Global Relations’.

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time, continuity and change 1 - nie

Documents