The similarity of language and culture can be traced back in the book written by famous author from France, Pyrard’s “The Voyage”. He stayed in Male from 1602-1607 during the time of Kalaafaanu. In the book he narrates that during his journey back from Male, they happened to be in Maliku, where he found that the language and culture of the islanders were similar to the Maldivians. He also states that the atoll was under the Maldivian Kings once up on a time. He also states that the people acknowledged the condolences after hearing the martyrdom of Kalaafaanu. The closest land to Minicoy is Thuraakunu Island in the Republic of the Maldives about 100 km to the south across the Vangaaru Channel.
The fact that the British officer was unable to recognize the language still remains unanswered. One reason might be that he never had visited Maldives at the time, which resulted in the phonetic misunderstanding.
The main attraction of the island is its carefully arranged villages, known as ‘Avah’. Each Avah has its own internal organization headed by a Moopan, around which the life of the community rests. Every Village has its own village house. The public clubs for men and women which were the centers of a day night life in olden days are extinct now, but the buildings are still maintained in tact. Another curious remnant of old life in the island is the sheds where profligate men and women were exposed to communal punishment.
The houses, which stand in their own private enclosures, are arranged in streets. They are kept neat and tidy and reflect the urge of the people for order and colour. All the houses have a swing cot made of wood which is beautifully furnished and painted in different hues. The inhabitants love a profusion of colours, be it on the beautifully engraved tabletops that decorate their houses or on fishing boats or racing dhonis. One of the handicrafts of the people is boat modeling which is a piece of art painted in different colours.
In total there are 10 villages in the island, and are named as Bada, Aoumagu, Boduathiri, Rammedu, Sedivalu, Aloodi, Funhilol, Kudehi, Falessery and Kendiparty (from south to north). Each village is headed by a Bodukaka and a Bodudatha assisted by a 2nd Bodukaka and a 2nd bodudatha. First Bodukaka looks after the internal matters of the village and 2nd Bodukaka the external affairs.
Village house is the place where ‘Baemedu’ (Assemblage of villagers) is held. As source of income a village has fishing boats, country crafts and coconut trees. Common feasts are conducted at the village house during the celebrations of Eid and other festive occasions.
The folk dances of Minicoy are ‘Lava’, Thaara’, ‘Dandi’, ‘Fuli’ and ‘Bandiya’. Colourful and elegant race boat known as ‘Jahadhoni’ are used for race, reception of dignitaries and for annual picnic to Viringili/Raggan.
