Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/08. South Asia • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of Maldives (AI-generated, sourced to Wikipedia).
Chronological Storyline (32 Milestones)
500 BCE
Early settlement begins
Archaeological evidence suggests the Maldives was first settled by Dravidian peoples from South India and Sri Lanka, establishing fishing communities across the atolls. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Antique map of Maldives produced by Bertius in the Year 1589AD. Issued in MiddleBurg Netherlands, for the Dutch VOC. This version was Published in 1602 in latin. By Petrus Bertius - Leen Helmink Antique Maps, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5540993
200 BCE
Buddhist period emerges
Buddhism became the dominant religion in the Maldives, as evidenced by stupas and artifacts excavated across multiple islands, influencing culture for centuries. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Historic Buddhist statue from Maldives, in display in Sri Lanka National Museum in Colombo 2011 By Kanatonian - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18034632
Jan 1, 1153 CE
Conversion to Islam
King Dhovemi converted to Islam after meeting a visiting scholar, adopting the title Sultan and making Islam the state religion, ending the Buddhist era. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Map shows the % Muslim population in each nation, worldwide. There are alternate versions of this map available on wikimedia commons. Some use older data and provide a historical map. Some are current, but the above map differs in setting the lower limit of the lightest band to 1%. Gray color for a nation means near zero % of the population in that nation is Muslim. Numbers have been rounded to nearest integer for coloring purposes. Source: Pew Research Center, Washington DC, Religious Composition by Country (December 2012) Accessed on: June 2014 For absolute numbers, instead of % population, see: http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/table-religious-composition-by-country-in-numbers/ This is a derivative work on BlankMap-World6.svg available on wikimedia commons. It has been tested with W3C. By M Tracy Hunter - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33660493
1558 CE
Portuguese occupation begins
Portuguese forces captured Malé and established a garrison, attempting to impose Christianity and control the lucrative Indian Ocean trade routes through the archipelago. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
Jul 1, 1573 CE
Liberation from Portuguese
Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam led a guerrilla campaign that expelled the Portuguese after 15 years of occupation, becoming a national hero and sultan. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
1645 CE
Dutch influence established
The Maldives came under Dutch influence as the Netherlands expanded control over regional trade, though Maldivian sultans retained internal autonomy. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Antique map of Maldives produced by Bertius in the Year 1589AD. Issued in MiddleBurg Netherlands, for the Dutch VOC. This version was Published in 1602 in latin. By Petrus Bertius - Leen Helmink Antique Maps, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5540993
1752 CE
Malabari invasion repelled
Invaders from the Malabar Coast seized Malé but were expelled within months by a local resistance force, reinforcing Maldivian independence. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Antique map of Maldives produced by Bertius in the Year 1589AD. Issued in MiddleBurg Netherlands, for the Dutch VOC. This version was Published in 1602 in latin. By Petrus Bertius - Leen Helmink Antique Maps, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5540993
1796 CE
British regional dominance
Britain took control of Ceylon from the Dutch, bringing the Maldives into the British sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Antique map of Maldives produced by Bertius in the Year 1589AD. Issued in MiddleBurg Netherlands, for the Dutch VOC. This version was Published in 1602 in latin. By Petrus Bertius - Leen Helmink Antique Maps, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5540993
1834 CE
First British treaty signed
Sultan Muhammad Imaaduddeen IV signed an agreement with the British, formalizing relations and establishing a framework for protectorate status. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Antique map of Maldives produced by Bertius in the Year 1589AD. Issued in MiddleBurg Netherlands, for the Dutch VOC. This version was Published in 1602 in latin. By Petrus Bertius - Leen Helmink Antique Maps, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5540993
Dec 1, 1887 CE
British protectorate declared
The Maldives officially became a British protectorate, with Britain handling foreign affairs while the sultan retained internal self-governance. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Antique map of Maldives produced by Bertius in the Year 1589AD. Issued in MiddleBurg Netherlands, for the Dutch VOC. This version was Published in 1602 in latin. By Petrus Bertius - Leen Helmink Antique Maps, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5540993
Dec 1, 1932 CE
First constitution adopted
Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III promulgated the first written constitution, establishing a legislative council and limiting absolute monarchical power. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Antique map of Maldives produced by Bertius in the Year 1589AD. Issued in MiddleBurg Netherlands, for the Dutch VOC. This version was Published in 1602 in latin. By Petrus Bertius - Leen Helmink Antique Maps, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5540993
Jan 1, 1953 CE
First republic declared
The Maldives became a republic with Mohamed Amin Didi as its first president, abolishing the centuries-old sultanate and pursuing modernization reforms. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
Aug 1, 1953 CE
Sultanate restored
Amin Didi was ousted in a coup and the sultanate was restored after just seven months, as republican reforms proved too rapid for the conservative society. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
1957 CE
Ibrahim Nasir becomes PM
Ibrahim Nasir was appointed Prime Minister, beginning a period of modernization and eventual transition toward full independence from Britain. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
President of Maldives Al Ameer Ibrahim Nasir. By The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives - presidency.gov.mv, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106241725
Jan 1, 1959 CE
Suvadive secession attempt
The southern atolls declared the independent United Suvadive Republic, protesting central government policies, but the movement was crushed by 1963. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of the United Suvadive Republic By Mysid - Self-drawn in CorelDraw, based on FOTW., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1398413
Jul 26, 1965 CE
Independence achieved
The Maldives gained full independence from Britain under an agreement signed in Colombo, ending 78 years of protectorate status. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Rare colourised photo of Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir signs independence agreement with the British. The population of the Maldives at the time was 97,743. By Rhalu7 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143722778
Sep 1, 1965 CE
Joins United Nations
The newly independent Maldives was admitted to the United Nations, gaining international recognition as a sovereign state. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
Nov 11, 1968 CE
Second republic established
A referendum abolished the sultanate permanently, and Ibrahim Nasir became the second president of the Republic of Maldives. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
1972 CE
First tourist resort opens
The first resort, Kurumba Village, opened near Malé, launching the tourism industry that would become the backbone of the Maldivian economy. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives - Rehendi Suite Deck Service By Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces - Taj images, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6752436
Mar 1, 1976 CE
British base at Gan closes
Britain closed its military airbase on Gan island, ending the last major foreign military presence and removing a significant source of rental income. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
Nov 11, 1978 CE
Gayoom becomes president
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom assumed the presidency, beginning a 30-year rule characterized by development but also growing authoritarianism. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom presidential portrait By The President's Office - The President's Office Archived, CC-BY-4.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77898209
Nov 3, 1988 CE
Coup attempt foiled
Sri Lankan Tamil mercenaries attempted to overthrow President Gayoom; India intervened with Operation Cactus to restore the government within hours. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Coup attempt foiled By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1213714
1998 CE
Mass coral bleaching event
A severe El Niño event caused widespread coral bleaching across Maldivian reefs, killing over 90% of live coral and devastating marine ecosystems. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Bleached branching coral (Acropora sp.) at Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef. Author: J. Roff By Acropora at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30432059
Jun 1, 2004 CE
Political reforms announced
President Gayoom announced sweeping reforms including multi-party elections and greater freedoms, responding to domestic and international pressure for democratization. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
Dec 26, 2004 CE
Indian Ocean tsunami strikes
A massive tsunami devastated the Maldives, causing extensive damage across islands, displacing thousands, and highlighting the nation's vulnerability to natural disasters. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Indian Ocean (Jan. 2, 2005) – A village near the coast of Sumatra lies in ruins after the Tsunami that struck South East Asia. Helicopters assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) and Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) are conducting humanitarian operations in the wake of the Tsunami that struck South East Asia. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently operating in the Indian Ocean off the waters of Indonesia and Thailand. (South-West suburb of Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Village of Lampisang is visible in the upper-right corner) U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Philip A. McDaniel (RELEASED) By U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Philip A. McDaniel - This image was released by the United States Navy with the ID 050102-N-9593M-040 (next). This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing. العربية ∙ বাংলা ∙ Bahaso Jambi ∙ Deutsch ∙ Deutsch (Sie-Form) ∙ English ∙ español ∙ euskara ∙ فارسی ∙ français ∙ italiano ∙ 日本語 ∙ 한국어 ∙ македонски ∙ മലയാളം ∙ Plattdüütsch ∙ Nederlands ∙ polski ∙ پښتو ∙ português ∙ русский ∙ slovenščina ∙ svenska ∙ Türkçe ∙ українська ∙ 简体中文 ∙ 繁體中文 ∙ +/−, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8241767
Aug 1, 2008 CE
New constitution ratified
A new constitution was ratified, establishing separation of powers, fundamental rights, and the framework for multi-party democracy. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
Oct 1, 2008 CE
First multi-party elections
Mohamed Nasheed won the Maldives' first multi-party presidential election, defeating 30-year incumbent Gayoom in a historic democratic transition. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
Oct 1, 2009 CE
Underwater cabinet meeting
President Nasheed held the world's first underwater cabinet meeting to highlight the threat of climate change and rising sea levels to the Maldives. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih delivered the Presidential Address at the opening of the People's Majlis for the year 2022 on Thursday. The Address was delivered this morning at 9 a.m. during the first session of the People's Majlis. By The President's Office - This image has been extracted from another file, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149366209
Feb 7, 2012 CE
Nasheed resigns
President Nasheed resigned amid protests and a police mutiny, later claiming he was forced out in a coup, triggering a political crisis. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Flag of Maldives. The colours used are Pantone 186 C for red and Pantone 348 C for green. By See File history, below, for details. - Constitution of the Republic of Maldives — Schedule 3 and Maldives, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433211
Nov 1, 2013 CE
Yameen wins presidency
Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom won the presidential election, pursuing infrastructure projects with Chinese investment while consolidating executive power. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Abdulla Yameen presidential portrait November 2013 By The President's Office - https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/16239, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=152324419
Sep 1, 2018 CE
Solih elected president
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the presidency in a surprise victory, promising to restore democratic institutions and recalibrate foreign policy. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
Official portrait of Mohamed of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, 2019. By The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives - https://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/PO/President/156, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=103400666
Nov 1, 2023 CE
Muizzu becomes president
Mohamed Muizzu won the presidency on a platform of reducing Indian military presence and pursuing an 'India Out' policy, signaling a shift in Maldivian foreign relations. Source — Wikipedia, "Maldives":
President of the Maldives By The President's Office, Maldives - Official portrait at The President's Office, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143498442
