Lakshadweep (redirected from Lakshadsweep Islands)

Lakshadweep (ləkshäd`wēp'), union territory (2001 provisional pop. 60,595), 11 sq mi (28 sq km), SW India, consisting of the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala state. The capital of this group of 36 islands (10 are inhabited) is Kavarrati Island. Minicoy is the largest island. The population, mainly Muslim, engages in fishing and copra production. Malayalam is the main language except on Minicoy, where Mahl is spoken. The territory is administered by the home minister in the central government of India with an appointed local advisory council

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Lakshadweep

Union territory (pop., 2001: 60,650) of India. 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. Britain gained sovereignty over it in the 18th century and assumed direct administration in 1908. It passed to India in 1947 and became the country's smallest union territory in 1956. Coconut palms are the agricultural mainstay, and fishing and tourism are also important.