Lakshadweep is a part of the Union Territories of India. Its original inhabitants are said to be of various tribal communities of Aminidivi, Koyas, Malmis and Malcheris. It was later in 1498 that the Portuguese came to this island and ruled till 1545.

They were succeeded by the Muslim rulers of Arakkal, and a majority of the population over there belongs to the Muslim community.  After that, Tipu Sultan took over the place until his death when the British took control of it. In 1956, it was made into a union territory.

Even though Muslims dominate the region, Lakshadweep is highly influenced by the Malayalis. People of Lakshadweep speak both Malayali and the Mahi language. The island has its own fair share of unique cultural diversity but is unmistakably quite similar to Kerala. 

The people of Lakshadweep believe in maintaining a simple lifestyle. They do have their own unique rituals and customs. The main working community here is the Melancheris, while Koyas are the superior landowners. The Malmis are essentially from the sailor community. It is not only for the usage of the spoken language that Lakshadweep is similar to Kerala, but even the state’s music and dance also come from Kerala. There have been Islamic influences on the music and dance as well owing to the Muslim rule. 

Marriage entails that the woman must be paid an annual payment by the husband for the up-keeping of his wife as a part of the marriage settlement. Only marriage between people of the same caste or community is allowed, like that between a high caste man can only marry a woman of the higher caste. However, divorce is not frowned upon, neither is the wish for people to remarry. A wife can demand the divorce on grounds on non-payment of customary due and/or on adultery.

It is essential for a baby to be named on the first or third day of its birth. On the 40th day, the baby’s head is shaved off and after that ceremony is performed where a feast is arranged at the mosque. Markakalyanag or circumcision is done by the barber for boys when aged 6-12. A baby girl’s ear boring is done from ages 1-2. During childbirth, it is customary for the father to send a small bed and dress for the baby at once and when the child is born beaten rice and coconuts are sent to the houses of all relatives. 

The traditional dress of people from Lakshadweep for men is dhoti up to the knees tied with a silver thread around their hips with bare upper bodies, or cotton or silk drapery if the occasion calls for wearing so; the women wear a Libu or long gown which runs up to the ankles from the shoulder and they too tie the silver thread around their waists.

The headgear for men is a turban, as used by elders and women commonly wear the Phatugan as their headgear. Another traditional dress is that of the Kachi for women. Jewellery on the waist, wrists, ear-rings and necklaces are also popular.

Handicraft items of shells, coir and oysters are becoming famous in Lakshadweep. They use tortoise shells and coconuts to manufacture walking sticks.

The staple food items in Lakshadweep are coconut, fish and rice. The cuisine is influenced by that of Kerala. Coconut water is abundantly found in this place. Continental, Chinese, Thai and Korean cuisines are quite popular here as well due to tourists.