History

In 1573, Mohammed Thakurufaanu, the greatest Maldivian hero, led a band of men into Male’ harbour and, in the pitch darkness of the night, searched for and slaughtered their enemy.

In 1782, the Malabars from the East Coast of India attacked the Maldives, destroying the palace and driving the Sultan into exile.

Their rule was short-lived: within months the people became resistant and a group led by Ghaazee Hassan Izzuddeen fought against the enemy forces and defeated them.

In 1887, the Maldives became a British protectorate. However, the British never interfered with the internal politics of the country, and in 1965 the country became a fully independent state. In 1968 a Republic was declared.