First published in 2011, Maritime Heritage of Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands offers an in-depth exploration of the maritime traditions and cultural legacy of these small coral islands, located approximately 250–300 kilometres west of Kerala’s coast. Of the numerous islands, only ten have been inhabited since medieval times, preserving their unique traditions, boat designs, and way of life. The islands are surrounded by shallow lagoons and reef edges, with landscapes dominated by palm trees. The southernmost island of Minicoy stands apart geographically from the rest of the group. The islanders have exceptional seafaring skills and connections to both the eastern and western coasts of India. While their heritage is predominantly local, it also incorporates influences from the mainland, enabling them to resist external forces such as the Siddi and European trading powers for over 150 years. The book delves into the distinctive boat forms, limited in size and draught due to the shallow lagoon depths, and examines how the islands’ insularity has helped preserve their age-old traditions. This book is ideal for maritime historians, anthropologists, cultural heritage enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the unique traditions of island communities. It will also appeal to scholars studying the intersection of geography, history, and culture, as well as readers fascinated by the maritime history of India and the Indian Ocean region.
