Minicoy Island

Minicoy is the southernmost island of the Lakshadweep archipelago, a union territory of India located in the Arabian Sea. The islands are primarily coral atolls. Minicoy is unique among the Lakshadweep islands for its distinct culture, which shares affinities with the Maldive Islands to the south, and its inhabitants speak the Mahi (or Mahl) language, unlike the Jasari spoken on most other Lakshadweep islands. The economy of Minicoy, like the rest of Lakshadweep, relies on coconut cultivation and fishing, with a tuna cannery operating on the island. Historically, Minicoy has been a significant location for trade and has seen periods of rule by various local kingdoms and European powers before becoming part of India in 1947.12