Lakshadweep
 |
Area |
32 sq km |
 |
Union Territory Portal |
 |
Population |
60,650 |
|
Open Forum Partners
|
 |
Capital |
Kavaratti |
|
Important Contact Numbers |
 |
Principal
Languages |
Jeseri (Dweep Bhasha) and Mahal |
|
Development Initiatives |
History
and Geography
Not much is known about the early history of
these islands. The islands that were supposed
to have been inhabited first are Amini, Andrott,
Kavaratti, and Agatti. It was earlier believed
that the islanders were originally Hindus, and
later converted to Islam under the influence
of Arab traders, sometime in the 14th century.
But Archaeological evidences unearthed indicate
that there were Buddhist settlements around
the 6th or 7th century. Earliest Muslim converts
or settlers pre-date the year 139 AH of the
Hijra year (eighth century), of which period
grave stones have recently been discovered in
Agatti. This would tend to bear out the traditional
belief that Islam was brought to the Island
by Arab Saint, Ubaidulla in 41 AH.
Probably independent till 16th century, the
Islands were driven to seek the assistance of
Raja of Chirakal to help them avert establishment
of Portuguese domination. This enabled him to
establish his authority, and later, the islands
were transferred in jaggier to Ali Raja, head
of Moplah community in Cannanore, who later
became an independent ruler himself. The Arakkal
rule was not popular and in 1787, Tipu Sultan
acceded to the petitions of the Northern islands
to annex these islands. After the fall of Tipu
Sultan, the Islands were passed to East India
Company, but continued to be ruled de facto
by the rulers of Cannanore, till their ultimate
annexation by the British in the early 20th
century. In 1956, the islands were constituted
into a single territory, and since then, have
been directly administered by the Union Government
through an Administrator. The Laccadives, Minicoy
and Amindivi group of islands were renamed as
Lakshadweep in 1973. Lakshadweep, a group of
coral islands consist of 12 atolls, three reefs
and submerged sand banks. Of the 27 islands,
only 11 are inhabited. These lie scattered in
the Arabian Sea about 280 km to 480 km off Kerala
coast between 8° and 12° 3' North Latitude
and 71° and 74° East Longitude.
AGRICULTURE
Coconut is the only major crop with a production
of 553 lakh nuts per year. The area under cultivation
is about 2,669 hectares. Lakshadweep coconut
is branded as an organic product. In India,
Lakshadweep stands first in coconut production,
and productivity per hector is 19,667 per ha,
and average yield per palm per year is 97 nuts.
The Lakshadweep coconuts are the highest oil
content nuts in the world (82 per cent).
FISHERIES
Fishing is another major activity. The sea around
the island is highly productive. The islands
stand first in the country in per capita availability
of fish. During 2004, 10,300 tonnes of fish
have been landed in this U.T.
INDUSTRIES
Coconut fibre extraction and conversion of its
fibre products is the main industry in the islands.
Under Government Sector, there are seven coir
fibre factories, seven coir production cum demonstration
centers, and four fibre curling units, functioning
under coir sector. These units produce coir
fibre and coir yarn in addition to other coir
products like curled fibre, corridor mat, mat
and matting's. Small coir units are also functioning
under private sector in different islands.
TRANSPORT
At present M.V. Sultan, M.V. Bharat Seema, M.V.
Dweep Setu, M.V. Amindivi and M.V. Minicoy handles
the passenger traffic in mainland-island and
inter island sector. Two inter-island ferry
vessels M.V. Khadeeja Beevi and M.V. Hameedath
Bee Provide connectivity between the Islands
except Minicoy island with Kavaratti as base
port. The cargo traffic in this sector are handled
with four cargo harges namely M.V. Ubaidulla,
M.V. Thinnakara, M.V. Lacadives and M.V. Cheriyam.
Further one Oil Barge M.V. Suheli (60 MT) is
being utilised for providing bunker to inter-island
ferries. Besides, the Administration operates
an ambulance helicopter service between the
islands and to mainland and Indian Airlines
connects Agatti island and Kochi daily except
Sundays.
The 15 years Perspective Plan for shipping
requirements in UTL approved by the Ministry
of Shipping. Government of India has recommended
for acquisition of 3x150 passenger high speed
vessels, 2x250 passenger cum 100 Mt Cargo ships,
one 100/150 MT Oil Barge, one LPG cylinder ship,
eight Landing Barges, one 400 passenger ship
and two Bullard Tugs. Further the Government
of India has also sanctioned 3x50 passenger
and one 15 passenger high sped inter-island
fries under PMGSY scheme. Out of the above Administration
has placed construction orders for 3x150 passenger,
3x50 passenger and one 15 passenger high speed
vessels and one 10T Bullard Tug. The Bullard
Tug has been delivered on 9 May 2006 and and
will be put in operation shortly. The 15 passenger
and 150 passenger vessels are to be delivered
by June 2006, November 2006 and February 2007
respectively. As recommended in the Perspective
Plan it is proposed to acquire 2x250 passenger
vessels, six Landing barges, one 150 MT Oil
barge, one Bullard Tug and one LPG cylinder
ship during 2006-07 and 400 Passenger ship and
two Landing Barges during 2007-08
TOURIST CENTRES
Tourism in Lakshadweep is developing into an
important industry. Important tourist places
are Agatti, Bangaram, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kavaratti
and Minicoy, etc.
