The Maldivian Civilisation

 A Civilisation is a society which has a high level of culture. The culture can be seen in the peoples’ social and political organization. A civilisation would also be marked by scientific, artistic and material progress.

 A society develops through many stages.Civilisation is the highest level of the development of a society. For any culture to become a civilisation, certain characteristics or features must be present. These features are:

1. invention of writing

2. metal working

3. standard units of weights and measures

4. mathematics

5. architecture

6. long-distance trade

7. specialised workmen in industry and trade

8. surplus production of food and other materials

9. wheeled carts

We say that the Maldivians have a distinct civilisation because all the above conditions are met. For example:

Invention of Writing – The early Maldivians developed their own alphabet called Eveyla Akuru.This was the first alphabet of the Maldivians and was used before 1238M.Between 1238 and 1780, an alphabet called Dhives Akuru was also used.The alphabet that we use today began to be used in the early 18th century.

Metal work – Maldivians were skilful in the craft of metalwork (kanburuverikan).Theyused iron, copper, brass and other alloys to make boatbuilding tools and household items.These skilful craftsmen also made the first minted coins which were used in Maldives.

Standard units of measurement - In the past Maldivians used standard units of measurement for weight (e.g. raathaa), volume, (e.g. laahi, naalhi) and length (e.g. gazu, muh, kaivah, angoo).

Mathematics – The Maldivian counting system is based on 12 numerals, e.g. Anaa (6 laaris), Hatharuvana (24 or 25 laaris) etc.It is a base-12 system.Some consider base-12 system to be better than base-10 (decimal) system.

 

  

Early Inhabitants of the Maldives

The earliest history of the Maldives yet remains unknown as no evidence has yet been found that tells us anything about the earliest people or their way of life.This had been due to the geographical isolation of Maldives from the rest of the world probably for centuries.

Historians believe that people began to settle in the Maldives with the beginning of seafaring activities in the Indian Ocean. It is thought that they might have settled in Maldives to get some sea products such as cowries, turtle shell and ambergris which were valuable items of ancient trade.This is very likely as Maldives lies in the direct route of travelers who went East.This could have happened about 2500 years ago.

Travellers could have also stopped by for a supply of fresh water, wood, coir, and other supplies. In the past, the waters around Maldives were well known for shipwrecks, so there might have also been instances of shipwrecked people settling down in Maldives.