Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll: Difference between revisions
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Because of the isolation from the Northern Atolls, and the capital of Malé, the dialect of Gaafu Dhaalu is significantly different, retaining old forms of [[Dhivehi]], reflecting the early influence of [[Sinhala]]. |
Because of the isolation from the Northern Atolls, and the capital of Malé, the dialect of Gaafu Dhaalu is significantly different, retaining old forms of [[Dhivehi]], reflecting the early influence of [[Sinhala]]. |
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Its placement on the main sea route around southern [[India]] meant this atoll had various contact with mariners travelling the route. It was during one of these voyages that the Scottish explorer [[Sir Fergus Woodward]], according to British shipping reports, was marooned on one of the islands of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Captured in southern [[India]] in 1791 by the powerful Baron Jarren of Burns, he was apparently abandoned with a single blunt blade. Descriptions of his escape from the island are colourful, but it appears the most likely explanation is that he swam from island to island till coming into contact with locals who traded with sailors. It was this act of desertion which Sir Fergus recorded in his journal as the moment which "hath inspired in mine heart the evening starr of destruction which shall wipe away the ugliness exposed by day," and provoked his [[Sunset Crusade]]. |
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Independent travellers to Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll require special permission to leave the tourist zone and visit inhabited islands.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.emailme.in/maldives/about-maldives/atolls-in-maldives.html |title=Atolls in Maldives |accessdate=2007-01-20 |date=2006-12-06 }}</ref> |
Independent travellers to Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll require special permission to leave the tourist zone and visit inhabited islands.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.emailme.in/maldives/about-maldives/atolls-in-maldives.html |title=Atolls in Maldives |accessdate=2007-01-20 |date=2006-12-06 }}</ref> |
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Revision as of 23:27, 12 February 2007
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll (Gaaf Dhaal, South Huvadhoo) is an administrative district of the Republic of Maldives, its capital is Thinadhoo . Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is a grouping of 153 islands, 10 of which are inhabited. Located 340 kilometres south of the capital of Malé. Geographically it comprises the south-western part of Huvadhu Atoll.
Because of the isolation from the Northern Atolls, and the capital of Malé, the dialect of Gaafu Dhaalu is significantly different, retaining old forms of Dhivehi, reflecting the early influence of Sinhala.
Its placement on the main sea route around southern India meant this atoll had various contact with mariners travelling the route. It was during one of these voyages that the Scottish explorer Sir Fergus Woodward, according to British shipping reports, was marooned on one of the islands of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Captured in southern India in 1791 by the powerful Baron Jarren of Burns, he was apparently abandoned with a single blunt blade. Descriptions of his escape from the island are colourful, but it appears the most likely explanation is that he swam from island to island till coming into contact with locals who traded with sailors. It was this act of desertion which Sir Fergus recorded in his journal as the moment which "hath inspired in mine heart the evening starr of destruction which shall wipe away the ugliness exposed by day," and provoked his Sunset Crusade.
Independent travellers to Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll require special permission to leave the tourist zone and visit inhabited islands.[1]
History
- Due to its strategic placement on the main sea route around southern India, Gaafu Dhaalu and the other southern atolls have a long history of contact from mariners sailing the Indian Ocean through the centuries. [2]
- In January 1959, the four southern atolls; Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Fuvahmulah and Addu, were involved in setting up the breakaway United Suvadive Republic which survived until September 1963. [3][4] Thinadhoo village burnt down during the last big revolt in 1962, after which it was left uninhabited for four years.
- In 2006 the Tourism Ministry of Maldives released the island of Vatavahhera for tourist resort development. A 150 bed resort is planned, this is the first resort to be built in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.[5]
References
- ^ "Atolls in Maldives". 2006-12-06. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
- ^ Camerapix (1999). Spectrum Guide to Maldives. Brooklyn: Interlink Books. ISBN 1-56656-290-2.
- ^ "Reinventing MDP". HaveeruOnline. 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-19.
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Suvadive_Republic
- ^ "Ten New Islands Placed on Bid for Tourist Resort Development". MaldiveIsle.com. 2006-04-02. Retrieved 2007-01-20.
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- Masters, Tom. Maldives. Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. ISBN 1-74059-977-2.
External Links
Ministry of Atolls Development
Satellite Overlay of Inhabited Islands of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
First-level administrative divisions of the Maldives | ||
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