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 Ethnically the people of the islands are
very similar to the people of Kerala even their languages is the same
except in Minicoy where Mahl is spoken. As Muslims, they have conservative
customs and traditions and yet they are liberal in approach. 93% of the
popultion are indigenous Muslims. According to 1991 census, population is
51707.
History comes alive in folk ballads that women chant during
their house - hold chores. Events of the past - the arrival of Hazrat
Ubaidulla in Lakshadweep, the plunder of the islands by the Portuguese,
have been perpetuated by the balladeer.
Smiling and friendly
people. Nobody is tip-minded. The place in the world to go for a walk,
with no dogs and no poisonous snakes either. The people of Lakshadweep are
often commended for their honesty. The absence of crime in the islands is
laudable. The most obvious testimony to this is the profusion of gold
ornaments worn by the women - heavy ear rings and necklaces. The fact that
very young children are allowed to wander around alone wearing chunky
jewellery is a pointer to a way of life that one hopes will continue into
the future.
The young men have some spirited folk dances. The
women are modest with colourful dress and wear their jewellery in safety.
The people of Minicoy have a good sense of colour, painting their houses,
furniture and boats in bright and tasteful combinations. Seamen from
Minicoy are to be found on merchant ship all over the world.
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