The Forgotten Chapter: How the Maldives Transformed from an Ancient Buddhist Kingdom into a 100% Muslim Nation

When we think of the Maldives today, we picture pristine turquoise lagoons, overwater villas, and a 100% Sunni Muslim nation. But did you know that for over 1,400 years, the cultural and spiritual bedrock of the Maldivian archipelago was actually Buddhism?

Here is the fascinating, untold history behind one of the most complete cultural shifts in the Indian Ocean.

1. An Ancient Buddhist & Hindu Civilisation

Settled over 2,500 years ago by migrants from ancient India and Sri Lanka, the islands developed deep linguistic and cultural roots connected to Sanskrit and Proto-Sinhala (which evolved into modern Dhivehi).

From around the 3rd century BC (likely tied to Emperor Ashoka's emissaries) until the 12th century AD, Buddhism—predominantly the Vajrayana tradition—flourished across the atolls.

Archaeologists have identified over 59 islands with ancient Buddhist ruins, stupas, and monasteries, such as the famous Thoddoo temple and Kuruhinna Tharaagandu.

Ancient copper plates (Loamaafaanu) and coral stone carvings reveal a thriving civilisation of temples, mandalas, and artistic mastery.

2. The Turning Point: 1153 AD

In the early 12th century, the islands were consolidated under King Koimala. However, history took a dramatic turn under his nephew, King Dhovemi (Siri Bavanaditta Maha Radun).

After ruling as a Buddhist monarch for 12 years, King Dhovemi converted to Islam in 1153 AD, adopting the title Sultan Muhammad al-Adil and founding the Theemuge dynasty.

Who inspired the change?

According to 14th-century traveller Ibn Battuta, a visiting scholar from Morocco—Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari—convinced the king to embrace Islam. Growing Indian Ocean maritime trade routes also played a major role in cementing Islamic influence across the region.

3. A Sweeping Religious Transformation

The transition across the far-flung atolls was rapid and state-directed:

Buddhist temples and idols were dismantled, with mosques (including the iconic Hukuru Miskiy / Old Friday Mosque in Malé) constructed over former sacred sites.

Chronicles record that the shift saw intense resistance on certain islands, leading to the suppression of the monastic order and the complete adoption of Sharia law.

4. Defending Identity Through the Centuries

The Maldives’ Islamic identity became central to its sovereignty:

In the 16th century, the Portuguese attempted to forcefully convert the islanders to Christianity. A fierce 15-year resistance led by national hero Muhammad Thakurufaanu defeated the colonial forces in 1573.

Subsequent Dutch and British protectorate agreements respected local Islamic customs until the Maldives gained full independence in 1965.

5. The Legacy Today

Today, Maldivian law ties native citizenship directly to Islam. While modern events—such as the unfortunate 2012 attack on pre-Islamic artifacts in the Malé National Museum—damaged irreplaceable relics, the ancient coral stupas scattered beneath the palm trees remain silent witnesses to the archipelago's layered, thousand-year-old heritage.

facebook