biography of muhammad thakurufaanu

• ABBREVIATIONS
• BIOGRAPHIES
• CALCULATORS
• CONVERSIONS
• DEFINITIONS

Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam

Male, deceased person, – 1585, who was muhammad thakurufaanu al auzam.

as-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhamadhu Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam or Al-Sultan Ghazi Muhammad Bodu Thakurufaanu ruled over the Maldive Islands from 1573 to 1585 AD. He was a captain, environmentalist and a military strategist. He is considered as one of the most celebrated and most bravest Maldivian heroes, for saving the Maldives from the Portuguese conquerors who ruled over the Maldives from 1558-1573 after killing Sultan Ali VI in Malé. He earned the highest respect and admiration by Maldivians, for his brave and heroic actions which led to the Maldives gaining independence from a cruel ruler, and restoring the faith of Islam in the Maldive Islands. Every year the first day of Rabi' al-awwal is celebrated in the Maldives as the National Day or Gaumee Dhuvas in remembrance of Mohamed Thakurufaanu's defeat of the Portuguese. He was also the first Maldivian king to form the Ashkaru.

We need you!

Help us build the largest biographies collection on the web.

Submitted on July 23, 2013

Use the citation below to add to a bibliography:

Style: MLA Chicago APA

"Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam." Biographies.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. < https://www.biographies.net/people/en/muhammad_thakurufaanu_al_auzam >.

Discuss this Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam biography with the community:

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

You need to be logged in to favorite .

Create a new account.

Your name: * Required

Your email address: * Required

Pick a user name: * Required

Username: * Required

Password: * Required

Forgot your password?    Retrieve it

Image Credit

The web's largest resource for, biographies & memoirs, a member of the stands4 network, our awesome collection of, promoted bios.

Get promoted 

Browse Biographies.net

• Articles containing non-English-language text
• Articles needing additional references from March 2016
• All articles needing additional references
• Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia
• 1535 births
• 1585 deaths
• 16th-century sultans of the Maldives
• Conflicts in 1573
• Wars involving the Maldives
• Year of birth unknown

Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam

• View history

As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam ( އައްސުލްޠާން އަލްޣާޒީ މުޙައްމަދު ތަކުރުފާނު އަލްއަޢުޡަމް ) (death 26 August 1585) or As-Sultan Ghazi Muhammad Bodu Thakurufaanu ruled over the Maldive Islands from 1573 to 1585. He is known for fighting the Portuguese who ruled over the Maldives from 1558–1573 after killing Sultan Ali VI in Malé . His victory is commemorated in the Maldives as Qaumee Dhuvas or National Day. He was also the first Maldivian king to form the Lashkaru (a unified military body). [1]

• 1 Early years
• 2 Defeat of the Portuguese
• 3 Aftermath
• 7 References

Early years [ ]

Muhammad Thakurufaanu was the son of Katheebu Hussain of Utheemu in Thiladhummathi Atoll and Lady Aiminaa Dhiyoa of Ihavandhoo . Muhammad Thakurufan learned hevikan (Martial Arts).

Defeat of the Portuguese [ ]

The historic Kaani tree of Maroshi where the sails of the Kalhuoffummi were sewn

After killing Sultan Ali IV , the Maldives was ruled by An'dhiri An'dhirin and the Portuguese. An'dhiri An'dhirin was a regent of the (Sultan Hassan IX ) who was the first Maldivian and the only member of its royalty to renounce Islam and convert to Christianity, later upon his deposition he took refuge in Goa, India. [1]

After the invasion, the Portuguese ruled over the Maldives in a period which the history describes as

A time when intolerable enormities were committed by the invading infidels, a time when the sea grew red with Maldivian blood, a time when people were sunk in despair [1]

To bring an end to this, Muhammad Thakurufaanu, left the Maldives with his brothers Ali and Hasan to Minicoy ] off the coast of India in the Laccadive Archipelago . The three Utheemu brothers built the ship Kalhuoffummi . [2] It is said that Muhammad Thakurufaanu received a help from the Maroshi Raaveribe (toddy-tapper) who mended and maintained the sail of the Kalhuoffummi - the ship used in the battle and supply water to the vessel every time it docked at Maroshi . The island has the tree that grew from the Kaani Mudi (a raw wooden post) used to make the sail of Kalhuoffummi . It is also the largest tree of its kind in the country. [1]

The brothers landed on a different island every night, fought the Portuguese and set sail into the ocean before daybreak. They reached the capital island Malé on the night before the day fixed by the Portuguese garrison of An'dhiri An'dhirin for the forcible conversion of the inhabitants to Christianity, on the penalty of death for non-compliance. The Utheemu brothers along with other Maldivians, fought and killed the Portuguese garrison and regained independence for the country. An'dhiri An'dhirin was killed by a musket shot of Muhammad Thakurufaanu. [1]

Aftermath [ ]

Utheemu Gan'duvaru the historic residence of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu and other rulers of the Utheemu Dynasty

After killing An'dhiri An'dhirin , as per a treaty he got refuge from Ali Raja of Cannanore , India. Muhammad Thakurufaanu's base of operation was Maliku under the sovereignty of Cannanore. The Ali Raja demanded dominion over the Maldives, as promised to him by the Muhammad Thakurufaanu. The nature of the relationship between Muhammad Thakurufan and Ali Raja of Cannanore was outlined in a letter sent by a later Ali Raja, Mariambe Ali-Adi Raja Bibi, to the Sultan Muhammad Mueenuddine I of the Maldives. The letter was dated Friday 17 Jumad al-Awla Anno Hegirae 1243 (7 December AD 1827). According to the letter Muhammad Thakurufan had entered into a treaty ceding sovereignty of the Maldives to the Ali Raja of Cannanore in the event Thakurufan was established in power in Male. [3]

Muhammad Thakurufaanu concluded a treaty with the King Dom Manoel who lived in Goa, in order to ward off the Ali Raja of Cannanore . Although Muhammad Thakurufan was made a regent of King Dom Manoel (as per the treaty), the Maldivians assigned Muhammad Thakurufaanu as the Sultan of the Maldives, no longer recognizing the sovereignty of the self-exiled Christian kings in Goa or their regents. The chronicles report him to have ruled wisely, being just and considerate, protecting all the poor, and even solicitous for the people’s interests. Muhammed Thakurufaanu died a natural death on 26 August 1585. [3]

Mausoleum of Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam Near Bihuroazu Kamanaa Mosque

As-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam died on 1st Ramadan 993 AH, after 11 years and 6 months in power. It was on 18 August 1585. He was buried on the Mausoleum of the Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam near Bihuroazu Kamanaa Mosque in Malé.

Inside the Mausoleum of as-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam Near Bihuroazu Kamanaa Mosque

British author Royston Ellis 's novel A Hero in Time is about the life and adventures of Muhammad Thakurufaanu. [4]

The army (lashkaru) organised by him has evolved into the Maldives National Defence Force . [5]

The Islamic Centre , the largest mosque in Maldives, Masjid as-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam is named after him. [1]

See also [ ]

• List of Sultans of the Maldives
• Islamic Centre (Maldives)
• Qaumee Dhuvas
• Origin of the Security Force in Maldives
• Bihuroazu Kamanaa Mosque

References [ ]

• ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Naseema Muhammad. As-Sultan Qazi Muhamad Thakurufaanu Auzam Siri Savaadheetha Maharadhun . Online publication ( http://www.qaumiyyath.gov.mv/history.php )
• ↑ Republic of Égyptien Q42 user:mgbtrust0 ®™✓©§∆∆∆€¢£ (25 November 2015). "Kalhuohfummi is expected to be completed in December: Home Ministry" . VNews . http://www.vnews.mv/53756 .  
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 Republic of Égyptien Q42 user:mgbtrust0 ®™✓©§∆∆∆€¢£. "Maldives Sovereigns from AD 1117" . http://www.maldivesroyalfamily.com/maldives_kings_list.full.shtml#list .  
• ↑ Ellis VI, Royston (2000). A Hero in Time by Royston Ellis . ISBN  9789812321701 . https://books.google.com/books?id=3VTYAAAACAAJ . Retrieved 2013-02-22 .  
• ↑ Republic of Égyptien Q42 user:mgbtrust0 ®™✓©§∆∆∆€¢£. "History" . MNDF . http://www.mndf.gov.mv/v3/?page_id=12 .  
• Divehi Tārīkhah Au Alikameh. Divehi Bahāi Tārikhah Khidmaiykurā Qaumī Markazu . Reprint 1958 edn. Male’ 1990.
• H.C.P. Bell, The Maldive Islands, An account of the physical features, History, Inhabitants, Productions and Trade . Colombo 1883, ISBN 81-206-1222-1

About: Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam

As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam (އައްސުލްޠާން އަލްޣާޒީ މުޙައްމަދު ތަކުރުފާނު އަލްއަޢުޡަމް) (death 26 August 1585) or As-Sultan Ghazi Muhammad Bodu Thakurufaanu ruled over the Maldive Islands from 1573 to 1585. He is known for fighting the Portuguese who ruled over the Maldives from 1558–1573 after killing Sultan Ali VI in Malé. His victory is commemorated in the Maldives as Qaumee Dhuvas or National Day. He was also the first Maldivian King to form the Lashkaru (a unified military body).

Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Azam

Template:Mergefrom

Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Azam (death August 26 , 1585 ) also known as Al-Sultan Ghazi Muhammad Bodu Thakurufaanu ruled over the Maldive Islands ( Dhivehhi Rajje ) from 1573 to 1585 AD. He is one of the most celebrated Maldivian heroes who saved Maldives from the Portuguese conquerors who ruled over the Maldives from 1558 - 1573 after killing Sultan Ali VI.

Muhammad Thakurufaanu was the son of Khatheeb (island chief) Husain of Utheemu in Thiladhummathi Atoll and Lady Amina Dio. After the invasion, the Portuguese ruled most cruelly over the Maldive islands in a period which the chronicles describe as ‘‘a time when intolerable enormities were committed by the invading infidels, a time when the sea grew red with Maldivian blood, a time when people were sunk in despair…’’

To bring an end to this, Muhammad Thakurufaanu, left the Maldive Islands with his brothers Ali and Hasan to Minicoy Island off the coast of India in the Laccadive Archipelago . The three Utheemu brothers built the greatest Maldivian ship ever crafted- the Kalhuoffummi and got Dandehelu to captain the ship. They three brothers landed on different island every night, fought the Portuguese and set sail into the ocean before daybreak. They reached the capital island Malé on the night before the day fixed by the Portuguese garrison of Adiri Adiri for the forcible conversion of the inhabitants to Christianity , on the penalty of death for non-compliance. The Utheemu brothers along with other Maldivians who were determined to die for their country and faith, slew the whole Portuguese garrison and gained independence for the country from its invaders. Adri Adri was killed by a musket shot of Muhammad Thakurufaanu himself.

The Maldivians assigned Muhammad Thakurufaanu as their Sultan. The chronicles report him to have ruled wisely, being just and considerate, protecting the poor, and even solicitous for the people’s interests. He was the first Maldivian king to form the Ashkaru (a unified military body). Muhammed Thakurufaanu died a natural death on August 26 , 1585 .

Categories : 1585 deaths | Maldives

• Art  ( https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Art )
• Architecture  ( https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Architecture )
• Cultures  ( https://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Cultures )
• Music  ( https://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Music )
• Musical Instruments  ( http://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/List_of_musical_instruments )
• Biographies  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Biographies )
• Clipart  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Clipart )
• Countries of the World  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Countries )
• Maps  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Maps )
• Flags  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Flags )
• Continents  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Continents )
• Ancient Civilizations  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Ancient_Civilizations )
• Industrial Revolution  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Industrial_Revolution )
• Middle Ages  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Middle_Ages )
• Prehistory  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Prehistory )
• Renaissance  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Renaissance )
• Timelines  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Timelines )
• United States  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/United_States )
• Wars  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Wars )
• World History  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/History_of_the_world )
• Human Body  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Human_Body )
• Mathematics  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Mathematics )
• Reference  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Reference )
• Animals  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Animals )
• Aviation  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Aviation )
• Dinosaurs  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Dinosaurs )
• Earth  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Earth )
• Inventions  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Inventions )
• Physical Science  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Physical_Science )
• Plants  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Plants )
• Scientists  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Scientists )
• Anthropology  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Anthropology )
• Economics  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Economics )
• Government  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Government )
• Religion  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Religion )
• Holidays  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Holidays )
• Solar System  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Solar_System )
• Planets  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Planets )
• Sports  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Sports )
• Weather  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Weather )
• US States  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/US_States )
• Home Page  ( http://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php )
• Contact Us  ( http://www.academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Contactus )
• Clip Art  ( http://classroomclipart.com )

Personal tools

• This page has been accessed 3928 times.
• About Academic Kids
• Disclaimers

Tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu

In the backstreets in the middle of town, in the grounds of a small mosque, is the tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu, Maldives’ national hero who liberated the country from Portuguese rule and was then the sultan from 1573 to 1585. Thakurufaanu is also commemorated in the name of the road that rings Male, Boduthakurufaanu Magu ( bodu means ‘big’ or ‘great’).

Neelafaru Magu

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Old Friday Mosque

This is the oldest mosque in the country, dating from 1656. It’s a beautiful structure made from coral stone into which intricate decoration and Quranic…

National Museum

Maldives' National Museum may be a ferociously ugly building gifted by China, but it nevertheless contains a well-labelled collection of historic…

Thulusdhoo has traditionally been an industrious island, known for manufacturing of bodu beru (big drums), for its salted-fish warehouse and for its Coca…

China-Maldives Friendship Bridge

This incredibly impressive piece of engineering connects Male to the airport island of Hulhule, but unlike most of the causeways connecting islands…

10.02 MILES

Himmafushi is famous for its main street selling some of the least expensive souvenirs in the country, such as carved rosewood manta rays, sharks and…

Fish Market

Although the squeamish may well object to the buckets of entrails or the very public gutting of fish going on all around, the Fish Market should not be…

Artificial Beach

A sweet little crescent sand beach has been crafted from the breakwater tetrapods here where locals can swim and enjoy a day on the beach. There’s a whole…

Grand Friday Mosque

The golden dome of this impressive modern mosque dominates the skyline of Male and has become something of a symbol for the city. Opened in 1984 and built…

Nearby Male attractions

1 . National Museum

2 . Rasrani Bageecha

Previously known as Sultan's Park and once part of the grounds of the now-demolished sultan’s palace, this former green lung of Male was redeveloped and…

3 . National Art Gallery

Under one roof you'll find the National Library, various cultural centres from countries around the world and this exhibition space, which has temporary…

4 . Grand Friday Mosque

5 . Muleeaage & Medhu Ziyaarath

Muleeaage was built as a palace for the sultan in the early 20th century, though he was deposed before he could move in and the building was used for…

6 . Old Friday Mosque

7 . Fish Market

8 . Produce Market

The busy produce market gives you an enjoyable taste of Maldives – people from all over the country gather here to sell home-grown and imported vegetables…

Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam

as-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhamadhu Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam ( Maldivian : އައްސުލްޠާން އަލްޣާޒީ މުހައްމަދު ތަކުރުފާނު އަލްއަޢުޡަމް ) (death August 26, 1585) or Al-Sultan Ghazi Muhammad Bodu Thakurufaanu ruled over the Maldive Islands ( Dhivehi Rajje ) from 1573 to 1585 AD. He was a captain, environmentalist and a military strategist. He is considered as one of the most celebrated and most bravest Maldivian heroes, for saving the Maldives from the Portuguese conquerors who ruled over the Maldives from 1558-1573 after killing Sultan Ali VI in Malé . He earned the highest respect and admiration by Maldivians , for his brave and heroic actions which led to the Maldives gaining independence from a cruel ruler, and restoring the faith of Islam in the Maldive Islands. Every year the first day of Rabi' al-awwal is celebrated in the Maldives as the National Day or Gaumee Dhuvas in remembrance of Mohamed Thakurufaanu's defeat of the Portuguese. He was also the first Maldivian king to form the 'Lashkaru (a unified military body). [1]

• 1 Family and Background
• 2 Defeating the Portuguese
• 3 Aftermath
• 6 References

Family and Background

Muhammad Thakurufaanu was the son of Khatheeb (island chief) Husain of Utheemu in Thiladhummathi Atoll and Lady Amina Dio of Ihavandhoo . Mohamed Thakurufan learned hevikan (may refer to Military drill or Cadet training) in Bidadi in India. [1]

Defeating the Portuguese

After killing Sultan Ali VI, the Maldives was ruled by Andiri Andiri and his Portuguese invaders. Andiri Andirin was a regent of the King Dom Manoel (Sultan Hassan IX) who was the first Maldivian and the only member of its royalty to renounce Islam and convert to Christianity, later upon his deposition he took refuge in Goa , India. [1]

After the invasion, the Portuguese ruled most cruelly over the Maldive islands in a period which the Tharikh fgh describe as ‘‘a time when intolerable enormities were committed by the invading infidels, a time when the sea grew red with Maldivian blood, a time when people were sunk in despair…’’ [1]

To bring an end to this, Muhammad Thakurufaanu, left the Maldive Islands with his brothers Ali and Hasan to Maliku off the coast of India in the Laccadive Archipelago . The three Utheemu brothers built the ship Kalhuoffummi , the sailing boat used by the heroic character, Mohamed Thakurufaanu in his endeavor to free the country of the occupation by the Portuguese, and got Dhuvaafaru Dhandahelu to captain the ship. It is said that Mohamed Thakurufaanu received a lot of help from the renowned Maroshi Raaveribe (toddy-tapper) in his fight for national independence. It was his job to mend and maintain the sail of the Kalhuoffummi - the ship used in the 'battle' and supply water to the vessel every time it docked at Maroshi , which was an important port during this fight. The sails of the ship were made on the island of Maroshi , Shaviyani Atoll . This island is historic as it has the tree that grew from the Kaani Mundi (a raw wooden post) used to make the sail of Kalhuoffummi . It is also the largest tree of its kind in the country, and probably the oldest as well. [1]

They, three brothers landed on a different island every night, fought the Portuguese and set sail into the ocean before daybreak. They reached the capital island Malé on the night before the day fixed by the Portuguese garrison of Andiri Andirin for the forcible conversion of the inhabitants to Christianity , on the penalty of death for non-compliance. The Utheemu brothers along with other Maldivians who were determined to die for their country and faith, slew the whole Portuguese garrison and gained independence for the country from its invaders. Andiri Andirin was killed by a musket shot of Muhammad Thakurufaanu himself. [1]

After killing the Andiri Andiri , as per a treaty he got refuge from Ali Raja of Cannanore , India . Muhammad Thakurufaanu's base of operation was Maliku under the sovereignty of Cannanore. The Ali Raja demanded dominion over the Maldives, as promised to him by the Muhammad Thakurufaanu. However, Muhammad Thakurufaanu did not honor this promise. The nature of the relationship between Mohamed Thakurufan and the Ali Raja of Cannanore was outlined in a letter sent by a later Ali Raja, Mariambe Ali-Adi Raja Bibi, to the Sultan Mohamed Mueenuddine I of the Maldives. The letter was dated Friday 17 Jamada-el-oula Anno Hegirae 1243 (7 December AD 1827). According to the letter Mohamed Thakurufan had entered into a treaty ceding sovereignty of the Maldives to the Ali Raja of Cannanore in the event Thakurufan was established in power in Male. [2]

Mohamed Thakurufan concluded a treaty with the King Dom Manoel who lives in Goa , in order to ward off the Ali Raja of Cannanore . Although Mohamed Thakurufan was made a regent of King Dom Manoel (as per the treaty), the Maldivians assigned Mohamed Thakurufaanu as the Sultan of the Maldives, no longer recognizing the sovereignty of the self-exiled Christian kings in Goa or their regents. The chronicles report him to have ruled wisely, being just and considerate, protecting the poor, and even solicitous for the people’s interests. Muhammed Thakurufaanu died a natural death on August 26, 1585. [2]

British author Royston Ellis 's novel A Hero in Time is about the life and adventures of Muhammad Thakurufaanu. [3] The Islamic Centre officially known as Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam is the largest mosque in the Maldives and is named after him. [1] Mohamed Thakurufan left a legacy worth understanding, worth knowing.

Utheemu Ganduvaru - the historic residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu and other rulers of the Utheemu Dynasty .

The historic Kaani tree of Maroshi where the sails of the Kalhuoffummi were sewn.

The tomb of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu in Malé.

The Islamic Centre , the largest mosque in Maldives, Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam is named after him.

• List of Sultans of the Maldives
• Islamic Centre (Maldives)
• Qaumee Dhuvas
• Origin of the Security Force in Maldives
• ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Naseema Muhammad. Al-Sultan Qazi Muhamad Thakurufaanu Auzam Siri Savaadheetha Maharadhun . Online publication ( http://www.qaumiyyath.gov.mv/history.php )
• ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
• ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
• Divehi Tārīkhah Au Alikameh. Divehi Bahāi Tārikhah Khidmaiykurā Qaumī Markazu . Reprint 1958 edn. Male’ 1990.
• H.C.P. Bell, The Maldive Islands, An account of the physical features, History, Inhabitants, Productions and Trade . Colombo 1883, ISBN 81-206-1222-1
• Pages with broken file links
• Articles containing Dhivehi-language text
• 1585 deaths
• Sultans of the Maldives
• Conflicts in 1573
• Wars involving the Maldives
• Pages with script errors
• Year of birth unknown

Navigation menu

Personal tools.

• Request account
• View source
• View history
• Recent changes
• Random page
• Infogalactic News
• Buy an account
• What links here
• Related changes
• Special pages
• Printable version
• Permanent link
• Page information
• Cite this page
• This page was last modified on 8 January 2016, at 10:36.
• Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License unless otherwise noted.
• This article's content derived from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia ( See original source ).
• Privacy policy
• About Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
• Disclaimers
• Mobile view

• Best activities to do. My all time favorites
• Discover the Maldives. Essential Travel Resources
• Your TOP 10 Best Maldives Resorts 2024. The Hotels That Made YOU Dream
• TOP 10 Best Resorts 2025. Cast Your Vote
• Maldives Ultimate Dream Villas
• Version française

Latest post

The Maldives Best Seaplane Routes for a Dreamy Scenic Flight

Maldives Resorts Reviews & Island Stories

• Culture and Traditions
• Island Stories

At the heart of Maldives History : welcome to Utheemu, Northern Maldives

Utheemu is one of Maldives most important historical place. The island is the birthplace of Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu, Maldives national Hero, who overthrew Portuguese occupants from the country in 1573. After more than 500 years, his palace still exists and is in perfect condition, cherished and protected by the island population.

Beyond lagoons and Paradisiacal beaches, the Maldives have also a very long history punctuated with rising and falling where many secrets still have to be revealed and discovered. If you love to discover historical sites during your holidays and have visited Maldives, you might have felt disappointed and sceptical about Maldivian history. This is a common misconception.

Maldives have a rich and long history

On the contrary, Maldives have a rich and long history dating back to thousands of years ago. Many ancient and major civilizations ( Phoenicians, Mesopotamians, Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, Europeans…) have let their influences or their cultures in the Maldives.

The Maldives Dreamiest Resorts in 2024

YOUR TOP 10

Common historical sightseeing in Maldives often includes the old Sultan’s Palace with its National Museum and Hukuru Miskiiy – the oldest mosque in Maldives.

Many undiscovered places remain in Maldives

But many reminiscence of the past can be found or remain still undetected by Archaeologists among the archipelago.

Excavations are still running today and can be sometimes performed on long periods due to the singular and extremely extended geography of Maldives. Pre-Buddhist, Buddhist, Hindu artefacts are among the most surprising results of these researches.

Many shrines, temples and other witnesses of these times were destroyed during the Islamic conquest and colonization of the Maldives.

Furthermore, various artefacts and places, already discovered, still remain ignored among the public (Maldivians and foreigners) as many of them are located on distant islands, often out of reach for the Islanders and currently not reachable by tourists.

Utheemu and its palace

Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Azam is one of the most celebrated Maldivian heroes who saved Maldives from the Portuguese conquerors who ruled over the Maldives from 1558-1573.

Portuguese conquerors have let in the history of Maldives a painful series of stories of cruel and massive killings in a short time. Independence went beyond relief.

The date of the original construction of the Residence is unknown, but in oral tradition it is said that the house was built during the reign of Kalhu Muhammed Siri Dhanmaru Bavana Mahaaradhum around the 15th/16th century AD.

Follow us on  Facebook ,  Youtube  and  Instagram  for more Maldives stories.

[ Official ] Traveler's Choice 14th Edition

This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase without incurring additional fee yourself. Many thanks for supporting this website. Please see my privacy & policy page for more details.

I am Rozenn, Dreaming of Maldives Founder and Editor. Expat for several years in Maldives, I keep on exploring the archipelago and share here my most beautiful Stories and Experiences. Since 1999, we travel to the Maldives several times a year for [ more... ]

• Haa Alifu Atoll
• Maldives culture
• Maldives history

Latest Articles

Your TOP 10 Best Maldives Resorts 2024. The Hotels That Made You Dream

The Maldives Resorts With a Dream House Reef for Snorkeling

The Maldives New resorts Scheduled For Opening In 2024

Video of the most common fishes in Maldives. Let’s go snorkeling !

5 Dreamy Resorts to Swim With Manta Rays in Maldives

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Dreaming of Maldives Social Network

The facebook page for the latest news, photos, videos and stories

A question ? An experience to share ? The Maldives Dreamers discussion group is there for you

Instagram for more photos

Youtube channel for more videos

We are Wandering the Maldives for more than 20 years. 82 Resorts visited and counting... 17 Atolls discovered... Countless Desert Islands and Sandbanks... Hundreds of seaplane flights... Yet, We Keep on Dreaming of Maldives

Input your search keywords and press Enter.