The inhabitants of the Maldives are Aryans. They resemble the Sinhalese and the people of Malabar. They have sharp features and olive skin, although women’s skin is fairer and fairer, especially for the royal family. Thanks to Arab traders and settlers, there is Semitic blood in the veins of the inhabitants. Among Men, people of different races live together. Merchants and sailors from Africa, Arabia, Iran, and the Far East have come and settled here, becoming part of the local people.
Ancient Maldivian people are usually small, standing about five and five and a half meters. They are humble, hospitable, peace-loving, and friendly. They are peaceful, intelligent, and hardworking, living a simple but organized life, and respect the law.
In terms of customs and manners, the Maldivians are very civilized and polite. However, the people of the southern regions are anxious and unrefined, with leather and dark skin. The nearby Dhivehi language has many words from Sinhalese and ancient Elu. In 1885, Henry Yule analyzed the Dhivehi language and found the following: 57% of the words are from Sinhalese, 2.2% are similar to Sinhalese, 10.6% are Arabic and Persian, 1.9% are Malay, 1.1% are Tamil, 1.1% are Portuguese. 0.8% are Sanskrit and Pali (not Sinhalese), and 24.3% are indeterminate. Bell analyzed the words in royal letters sent to the Lankan government, estimating that 65% of the words were Sinhalese and Sanskrit.
It is worth noting that Arab and Islamic culture has greatly influenced the Maldives. Maldivians have benefited greatly from Arabs and Muslims. However, it appears that the Maldives was slow to adopt the Arabic language compared to countries such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, and India. The stories of travelers and sailors show that the Maldivian people knew how to read and write about three and a half centuries ago. Even today, the literacy rate in the Maldives is 98%. A 12th-century Arabic inscription has been found in the Maldives, carved on local tree trunks. These inscriptions and the style are similar to those on the Shah Rukn-e-Alam temple in Multan.
Since these inscriptions are carved on local trees, it seems that the scribes and craftsmen came from Multan and other places. Due to the weather, Maldivians wear simple and light clothing. Fishermen, laborers, and common workers wear waistcoats or knee-length dhotis. Educated people wear pajamas. Wearing a belt is fashionable, and they use a head belt called “ruma” in their language. They keep money in their belts. In the past, men wore long hair, especially the Sultan’s servants and soldiers, who tied it in a decorative bun.
Maldivian women wear simple but beautiful clothes. Their food is also simple, and rice and fish are their favorite foods. Before eating, they use raw coconut or drink its juice. For hundreds of years, they did not use spoons, but now they have taken spoons, knives, and forks. Traditionally, they sit on mats and eat quietly, without drinking water or talking during meals, and they eat quickly, not wanting to be seen while eating. If ants, flies or dust fall into the food, give it to the birds. In most cases, fresh water is found, just a few meters below the sand.
Traditionally, Maldivian people live in strong houses made of coconut trees and leaves. These houses are 12 meters wide and about 15 meters high in the middle. The houses have no windows, which makes them dark and stuffy, but the women keep them clean and decorated with various things.
Vibrant Culture and Festivities in the Maldives
Maldivians are known for their culture and many festivals. Their traditional songs and dances, such as “Bodu Beru,” are important parts of their culture, often performed at festivals and parties. Festivals like Eid, Ramadan, and Maldivian Independence Day are celebrated with great joy. During these events, the streets are filled with beautiful things, parades, and people’s parties. Ancient crafts, such as carpet weaving and lacquer work, are also popular, with artisans creating stunning designs that reflect the rich cultural history of the Maldives. The warmth and hospitality of the Maldivian people add to the excitement, making visitors feel welcome and part of the festivities.