Addu

The most southern atoll in the Maldives, also now known as Seenu. On its coral rim are the inhabited islands of Gan, Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo.

Atoll

A massive coral growth on a submerged mountain range or volcano, common in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The only English word derived from the Maldivian language, an atoll is a large coral reef, containing low inhabitable islands, encircling a sea water lagoon.

Dhivehi

The Maldivian national language, closely related to Sinhala, and southern Indian coastal languages. Written in Arabic style thaana script, Dhivehi has assimilated many Arabic and European words, with English now having a strong but not overwhelming impact. The use of new Dhivehi adaptations of all foreign words, including English, requires official sanction.

Dhoani

A Maldivian fishing and small trading vessel.

Fanditha

A system of magic, superstition, adapted Islamic ritual, and medicine, indigenous to the Maldives, but drawing on other Indian Ocean traditions. The word fanditha derives linguistically from the Indian word pandit, meaning ‘learned person’. In the southern atolls, Huvadhu, Addu, and Fua Mulaku, (and in Laamu atoll to the north of Huvadhu across the One and a half degree channel), a form of fanditha known as Sinhala Fanditha is practised, specialising in black magic and seduction spells.

Fua Mulaku

The smallest atoll in the Maldives, situated in the Equatorial channel between Huvadhu and Addu.

Gan

A large fertile inhabited island several kilometres south of Hithadhoo in southwest Addu, Gan has excellent deepwater access. It was used as a military air/sea base by the British during World War 2, and 1957-1976.

…ge

Often appearing at the end of words in Maldivian names, …ge signifies ownership or possession as in the English use of …’s. It also means house and appears at the end of most Maldivian house names.

Handi

Originally a term describing an attractive demon woman, dressed in red, who seduces and slowly kills any man unlucky enough to marry her. The word is derived from the Sanskrit Candi, a name for the Hindu goddess Kali. Handi is now often used by Maldivians to describe any horrifying demon supposedly seen at night, or during bouts of tropical fever.

Havaru

An officially sanctioned campaign of physical violence and torture directed against an individual or group. The practice declined after the murder of first President Mohamed Ameen at the hands of a havaru mob in Malé. Havaru was the traditional name for the Sultan’s military.

Hithadhoo

The second most populated island in the Maldives after the capital island, Malé, Hithadhoo is situated just south of the equator on the northwest rim of Addu atoll.

Huvadhu

The largest atoll in the Maldives, now divided into two administrative areas, Gaaf Alif in the north, and southern Gaaf Dhaal. On its reef rim are many inhabited islands including Thinadhoo, Gaddhoo, and Vaadhoo.

Jinnis

Spirit creatures, believed in Islam to have been created by God to inhabit the earth along with humans. Maldivians who believe in jinnis treat them as undesirable entities capable of great evil, and requiring prayer and/or fanditha to control them. The Quran describes man as being created ‘from potter’s clay, and the jinn from smokeless fire.’

Kandu

A navigable gap in an atoll reef allowing access between deep sea and the lagoon. Also used to describe the deep-sea channels between atolls.

Malé

The capital island of the Maldives, located in southeast Malé atoll. The adjacent island of Hulhulé serves as the capital’s airport.

Mauloodh prayers

Community prayers in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, sung by Maldivian men at special meetings. Women provided food and drink for these occasions but did not take part. Discouraged by the Maldivian government for encouraging worship of the Holy Prophet.

Mudhim

An elderly man responsible for the call to prayers, and the day to day care of a local mosque.

Mundu

A Maldivian cotton sarong, worn by men. Traditionally conservative in colour and design.

Odi

A vessel very similar to a large dhoani, but modified for use as a trading ship.

Thaana

The modern script of the Dhivehi language, introduced during the Maldivian Islamic revival of the late sixteenth century. It was changed slightly during the nineteenth century when letters of excessive length were shortened and redesigned. Officially announced refinements to the script still occur.

Thaareekh

Ancient records of Maldivian history, partly translated into English by the Sri Lankan archaeologist H C P Bell. The Thaareekh was kept for nearly 700 years, from 1141 until 1821.

Thinadhoo

The most populated island on Huvadhu atoll, situated on the western reef rim.

Suvadive

The ancient name for the Maldivian southern atolls of Huvadhu, Fua Mulaku, and Addu. In the late sixteenth century Suvadive was made the official name of Huvadhu atoll, and Addu and Fua Mulaku were organised under separate administrations.