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Before Islam
Buddhist 'stupas' (temples) once stood in Maldives. Coins and tools from then have been found by archaeologists.
🛕 → ☪️
Maldives Long Ago
Study
6 pages
Maldives Long Ago
Maldivian history goes back over 2,500 years. Discover the kings, traders and travellers who shaped us.
What you'll learn
Main skills from this lesson
Name a pre-Islamic finding
Know when Islam came
Name an old Maldivian sultan
Use the words BCE and CE
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Page 2
Coming of Islam
In 1153 CE Sultan Mohamed Ibn Abdulla and his people accepted Islam. Mosques were built across the islands.
🕌 1153 CE
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Page 3
Ibn Battuta visits
In 1343 the famous traveller Ibn Battuta arrived in Maldives. He worked here as a judge for some months.
🧭 1343 CE
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Page 4
Portuguese rule
From 1558 the Portuguese took Malé. After 15 years, Mohamed Thakurufaanu freed Maldives in 1573.
⚔️ 1573 CE
Remember
Mohamed Thakurufaanu is celebrated as a national hero.
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Page 5
Under British protection
From 1887 to 1965 Maldives was a British protectorate. We kept our king but Britain helped with foreign matters.
🇬🇧 1887–1965
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Page 6
Independence
On 26 July 1965 Maldives became fully independent. In 1968 we became a republic.
🇲🇻 26/07/1965
Great work
Continue with quizzes, flashcards, or games when you are ready.