People and Culture
Ethnically, the people of the islands are very similar to the people of Kerala-even their language is the excerpt in Minicoy where Mahl is spoken. As Muslims, they have conservative customs and traditions and yet they are liberal in approach. Each island has several mosques. Ladies are not permitted to enter there. Non-availability of drinking water accounts for a number of islands being uninhabited.

Not  much is  known of  the  early  history of   Lakshadweep. From the 7th century onwards, however, enough evidence to piece together a history of the islands. The people converted to Islam under the influence of Hazarat Ubaidulah who set off from Mecca after Prophet Mohammed appeared to him in a dream, commanding him to leave for distant shores to propagate Islam. The ship on which Hazarat Ubaidulah was sailing was wrecked and after drifting on a plank of wood he reached the island of Amini where his mission met with fierce opposition.

After many difficulties he was able to carry out his mission, and to this day, the people of Lakshadweep follow Islam. Traces of the old culture still linger however; despite the influence of Islam, a castle system still prevails based on occupations-landowners, sailors and cultivators. Although Madrassas in all the islands impart religious instruction to school-going children, many individuals bear two names. History comes alive in folk ballads that women chant during their house - hold chores. Events of the past - the arrival of Hazrat Ubaidullah in Lakshadweep, the plunder of the islands by the Portuguese, have been perpetuated by the balladeer.