History - IMPORTANT DATES

400 BC Buddhist Kingdom 
Discovery of ruined temples on some islands indicate an early Buddhist reign.

1153
Conversion from Buddhism to Islam
Foundation of the first Sultanate
Islam becomes the national religion
The first Sultan of the Maldives was Mohamed Bin Ibnu Abdulla (1141 - 1156, he disappeared during a pilgrimage to Mecca)

1344
Ibnu Batuta, Arabian historian and scholar traveled around the Maldives and worked as a Judge. 

1558
The Portuguese capture Male'. Sultan Ali VI falls in battle.

1573
Under the leadership of Mohamed Thakurfaanu and his two brothers, the Maldives frees itself after 15 years of Portuguese rule.
Sultan Thakurufaanu (from 1573 - 1583) is honoured as national hero.

1887
On December 16, 1887 the Sultan of the Maldives signs a Protectorate Treaty with England. The Sultan receives protective rights for the Maldives, and is obliged to pay a tribute to the English Crown.

1932
The first written constitution comes into force. (Constitutional Sultanate)

1947
The last tribute payment to England.

1953
January 1 - After 800 years as a Sultanate (between 1153 - 1953), the first Republic is declared. The first President is Mohamed Amin Didi who dies only one year later.

1953, August 21
Return to Sultanate.

1959 
Secession of the Southern Atolls and deceleration of the Republic of Suvadhuva. 

1965
On July 26, 1965 the Maldives becomes independent and in the same year, a full member of the United Nations.

1968
On November 11, 1968 the second Republic comes into force (Presidential Republic by plebiscite). The first President is Ibrahim Nasir.

1972
The beginnings of tourism came after Hans Hass with his boat Xarifa. Produced the first film on the Maldives, both over and underwater in 1957/58.

1976
Accepted in the group of Non-Aligned States. The British leave the airbase at Gan.

1978
The current President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is elected for the first time and is confirmed in office in 1983, 1988 and again in 1993.

1988 Nov 3rd.
Failed attempted coup by Tamil separatists on 3 November 1988. The President asks for foreign support. On the same evening, 1600 Indian parachutists land on the main island and suppress the rebellion.

This page was last updated on Saturday, 08 February 2003 09:18:24