Important Historical Events of Maldives

• 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 travelled 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

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.