Located in the Arabian Sea off India's
southwestern coast, it includes 27 islands (10 of which are
inhabited), with a total land area of 12 sq mi (32 sq km). The
capital is Kavaratti. Once ruled by the Hindu Kulashekhara dynasty,
it became part of an Islamic dominion in the 12th century.
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Britain gained sovereignty over it
in the 18th century and assumed direct administration in 1908.
It passed to India in 1947 and became the nation's smallest
union territory in 1956. Coconut palms are the agricultural
mainstay, while fishing is the chief industry. |
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With tranquil lagoons and miles of
sun-drenched sandy beaches where the only sound are the crash
of waves and the breeze blowing through the palm trees. The
five islands that are inhabited are Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadamat,
Minicoy, and Bangaram. They are ideal for fishing, yatching
and sea diving. |
