| based. Linguistic evidence clearly
indicates this
Before conversion to Islam in 1153 AD, the predominant religion
in the Maldives was Buddhism (again something shared with
the Sinhalaspeakers of Sri Lanka, Sinhala being a Sanskrit-derived
language as well). This, along with folklore and legend, points
strongly to an Aryan migration from the ancient civilizations
of Mohenjodaro and Harappa , at a time circa 500 BC.
Things never remained that simple. The Maldives is placed
right at the traders' crossroads of the Indian Ocean. Daring
seafarers from all around the known world often found respite
on these islands. Some never left. All made their own contributions
to the society and the gene pool of the people.
As Maldivians themselves traveled far and wide, they brought
home exotic products and left behind records of their visits.
The documented visits made to the court of Roman Emperor Julian
in 362 AD and visits to the court of the Tang Dynasty Emperor
of China in 658 AD are good examples
Maldivians later traveled to Bengal, Malaysia and the rest
of Asia . This brought in strong influxes of these languages.
Conversion to Islam brought in Arabic and Persian elements.
The Portuguese who overcame the Maldives in the 16th Century
added theirs. Maldivians who sought education in Indian universities
in the 18th century brought Urdu and Hindi. In the 19th Century,
the British Empire contributed English!
Maldivians have always welcomed and accommodate visitors
who came in peace. Isolationism was never practiced. Cultural
and other beneficial influences were assimilated. Only threats
to independence were repelled.
The Maldives continues to remain a unified country with
a unique culture and a unique language with its own script,
literature and history. |
