What efforts did the Maldives make in the early history to develop its economy?
One: Survival and development background
The early Maldivians were mainly immigrants from South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa, and over time they gradually integrated to form the modern Maldivians. Based on archaeological and genetic studies, it can be speculated that early Maldivians may have migrated from Sri Lanka, India, Bengal and Southeast Asia. They survive and thrive on the Maldivian archipelago, forming a unique cultural and social system.
The social structure of the early Maldivian was largely based on the organization of families and clans. The Maldivian archipelago consists of hundreds of small islands, each with one or several families or clans. These families or clans have their own leaders who manage the day-to-day affairs of the island. There are some connections and interactions between these families or clans, but they are mainly independent social units.
Under this social structure, the economic activities of Maldivian society are mainly based on fishing and handicrafts. Families or clans usually exchange items and also sell their products such as pearls, shells, fish, etc. to other countries. In addition, they trade with other countries, such as India.
Due to the geographical location and economic conditions of the Maldives, this social structure continued until the early 19th century, when the Maldives began to come into contact with the outside world and suffer from foreign aggression.
Two: Unique ethnic structure
According to archaeological and anthropological research, the earliest inhabitants of the Maldives may have been Vaishnavas from the Indian subcontinent, who began migrating to the region around 500 BC and gradually mixed with the local aborigines. In addition, immigrants from Southeast Asia and Africa settled in the Maldives and married and had children with the local population, forming a unique ethnic structure.
In the early social structure, the Maldives was divided into different tribes and clans, each with its own leader and jurisdiction. These tribes and clans sometimes clashed and fought each other, but also sometimes united to defend against foreign invasions.
The social fabric of the Maldives also includes different occupational classes such as fishermen, craftsmen and merchants. Among these professional classes, fishermen are the most important, as the Maldives is an island nation surrounded by the sea and fishing has always been an important pillar of the local economy.
In the early days, the Maldives was a country of small islands, and its foreign policy was mainly to maintain its interests and influence through kinship, marriage, trade and mutual aid alliances.
Third: trade activities and foreign policy
In the early history of the Maldives, the neighboring Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka were its main trading partners, while Arab and Persian merchants often came to the island to trade. The foreign policy of the Maldives at that time was to build mutually beneficial relationships with these trading partners.
In its early history, the Maldives also forged mutual aid alliances with other maritime nations to deal with piracy and other security threats. This approach can increase the Maldives' international influence to a certain extent, while also helping to protect local trade and shipping interests.
Early Maldivian foreign policy was very pragmatic, focusing on maintaining its interests and influence through kinship, marriage, trade and mutual aid alliances. The implementation of this foreign policy has also laid a solid foundation for the long-term prosperity and stability of the Maldives.
Islamic culture: The main religion in the Maldives is Islam, so Maldivian culture is heavily influenced by Islam. For example, Maldivian architecture and art often adopt the Arabesque style, and Islamic rituals and traditions are widely followed.
Marine culture: Since the Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, the culture of the Maldives is also influenced by the maritime culture. The inhabitants of the Maldives depend on fishing and seafaring for their livelihoods, and marine resources play an important role in their culture, such as Maldivian dances, songs and legends, which are all associated with the sea.
Four: Maldivian culture
Architecture: Maldivian architecture is one of the representatives of its unique culture, with strong Islamic and Hindu cultural characteristics. The most famous building in the Maldives is the "reed hut" with its curved roof, an architectural style that has taken an important place in its culture.
Music and dance: Maldivian music and dance are an important part of local culture and often take the form of a cheerful dance to celebrate religious holidays or celebrate major events. Meanwhile, local musical instruments include percussion, stringed and wind instruments.
Cuisine: Maldivian cuisine is based on seafood, including a variety of grilled fish, stir-fried shrimp and abalone. Cooking methods unique to the Maldives include fish being cut into small pieces and marinated or grilled to preserve the natural taste and nutrient content of the ingredients.
The author believes that:
The development of ecotourism in the Maldives began as early as the end of the 20th century, and this tourism model has received widespread international attention. The success of ecotourism has not only had a positive impact on the local economy, but has also raised global awareness of environmental protection.
The Maldives has long been one of the leading environmental advocacy leaders. The Maldivian government has invested a lot of manpower and material resources in marine protection and environmental governance, actively explored sustainable development models, and become an important participant and promoter of the environmental protection movement.
Maldives is a multicultural and multi-religious country with a high level of social inclusion. The local government has been committed to promoting multicultural exchanges and integration, and has become a model for the international community.
Bibliography:
Xavier Romero-Friyas. Maldives Islanders: A Study of Popular Culture in Ancient Ocean Kingdoms. inside
H.C.P. Bell. Maldives Islands: Treatises on History, Archaeology and Epigraphy. Colombo, 1940.
P. E. P. Deraniyagala. Prehistory and primitive settlements in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Volume 1: Maldives Islands. BAR International Series 1072. Oxford, 2002.
