The Malabari Invasion and French Alliance: Defending the Maldives in 1753
- Ibrahim Rasheed
- Apr 18
- 5 min read
The Carte Reduite de l’Ocean Oriental (1771), crafted by the esteemed French hydrographer Jean-Baptiste d’Après de Mannevillette, stands as a testament to the intricate interplay of cartography, colonial ambition, and diplomatic relations in the mid-18th century Indian Ocean. Available for scrutiny at Rare Maps,-
this chart offers a detailed representation of the Indian Ocean, prominently featuring the Maldives and raising intriguing questions about the renaming of its southernmost atoll, Folhavahi, This map emerged during a fascinating period of French and Maldivian relations, particularly under the governorship of Joseph-François Dupleix (1742–1754), when the French established a naval presence in Male to protect the Maldives from Malabars attacks.
French-Maldivian Relations Under Dupleix and Donbandaarain’s Decision
Joseph-François Dupleix, governor-general of French India from 1742 to 1754, played a pivotal role in expanding French influence in the Indian Ocean. His tenure coincided with a period of Maldivian vulnerability to external threats, particularly from the Malabaris led by Ali Raja of Cannanore.
Malabari Threat and French Alliance: In 1752, Ali Raja launched a significant invasion of the Maldives, capturing Male and dethroning the sultan, as detailed in Arakkal Ali Raja’s Attack of Maldives. This attack, driven by the Maldives’ strategic trade position, disrupted local governance. Donbandaarain (Hassan Manikufaanu), a key Maldivian leader, resisted and sought French assistance in 1753, leading to Ali Raja’s defeat. The French, under Dupleix’s governorship, established a naval presence in Male, raising their flag as a symbol of alliance.
Reason for Bringing French Soldiers: Donbandaarain’s decision was made under dire circumstances following the 1752 invasion, with the Maldives facing enslavement and subsequent threats. After liberating the islands in April 1753, he consulted with nobles and leaders in Male, reflecting a collective strategy. The French were chosen due to their regional power, based in Pondicherry, and their rivalry with Britain, making them a strategic ally to deter further Malabari incursions, as seen in Joseph François Dupleix - Wikipedia.
Circumstances of the Decision: The decision was made post-invasion, with limited resources and no other viable options. The French presence, lasting from 1753 to 1755, was a temporary military support, not a permanent occupation, aligning with Dupleix’s broader strategy of alliances without direct colonization.
Muhammed Manikufaanu and the 1774 Throne Seizure
The political landscape of the Maldives shifted in 1774 when Muhammed Manikufaanu seized the throne, marking the end of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty and the rise of the Huraa Dynasty.
Background and Event: Sultan Ghiyasuddin (Muhammed Ghiyasuddin), ruling from 1766 to 1773, was a member of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty. His decision to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1773 created a power vacuum. Muhammed Manikufaanu, from the Huraa family, orchestrated an armed confrontation with Ghiyasuddin’s supporters, seizing control of Male and proclaiming himself sultan, as detailed in Killed, exiled or deposed – Maldives Independent. This event, noted in List of Maldivian monarchs - Wikipedia, ended the dynasty, with Ghiyasuddin possibly drowned upon return.
French Influence: The French presence in the Indian Ocean, including the 1773 colonization of Chagos for coconut plantations, created a geopolitical environment, but there is no evidence of direct French support for Muhammed Manikufaanu’s coup, as seen in Muhammed Ghiyasuddin - Wikipedia. The coup was driven by internal dynastic rivalries, not external influence.
Historical Management of Uninhabited Islands and Varuvaa Fee
A bout the management of uninhabited islands, particularly Folhavahi (Chagos, including Peros Banhos), and the Varuvaa fee system. Historically, the Maldives managed uninhabited islands, designated as “Fālhu Rah,” for coconut plantations, with local communities granted rights to harvest, as noted in List of islands of the Maldives - Wikipedia. Plantation records from Folhavahi were sent to Malé, reflecting economic ties, as seen in the query.
Varuvaa Fee: The Varuvaa system involved leasing uninhabited islands for agriculture, with a fee paid to the government, as detailed in Maldives opens bid for 21 uninhabited islands under 'Varuvaa' - The Edition Historically, the Maldivian king allocated such islands, including to the French for plantations, highlighting colonial interactions, as inferred from History of the Maldives - Wikipedia.
Table: Key Events and Relations
Year | Event | Details |
1773 | French colonization of Chagos | Established coconut plantations, administered from Mauritius, not Maldives |
1774 | Muhammed Manikufaanu’s throne seizure | Internal coup, ended Dhiyamigili Dynasty, no direct French involvement |
1753–1755 | French military presence in Male’ | Protected against Malabari attacks, under Dupleix, no link to 1774 events |
The Malabari invasion of 1752 and the subsequent French alliance of 1753 represent a crucial and transformative period in the annals of Maldivian history, characterized by significant political maneuvering and strategic diplomacy. Under the astute leadership of Donbandaarain, the Maldives faced a dire threat from external forces seeking to undermine its sovereignty. His diplomatic skills not only galvanized local support but also adeptly navigated the complex geopolitical landscape of the time, which was rife with colonial ambitions and rivalries. The invasion by the Malabari forces was not merely a military confrontation but a test of national resilience, prompting the Maldivian leadership to seek alliances that would bolster their defenses and preserve their independence.
The French naval presence in Male, marked by the ceremonial raising of their flag, was more than just a show of force; it symbolized the Maldives’ strategic resilience and its ability to leverage the rivalries between colonial powers to its advantage. This alliance with France was a calculated move that underscored the Maldives’ understanding of international relations and the importance of aligning with a powerful ally to counteract regional threats. The historical memory of this period highlights the Maldives’ capacity to navigate and manipulate complex power dynamics, a legacy that continues to resonate in contemporary sovereignty disputes, particularly concerning the Chagos Archipelago. The events of 1753 not only served to defend the Maldives from immediate threats but also established a precedent for future engagement with global powers, thereby shaping the nation’s historical trajectory.
Furthermore, this alliance and the successful repulsion of the Malabari invasion have had lasting implications for the Maldives, influencing its approach to maritime governance and conservation efforts. By revisiting this pivotal moment in history, we gain valuable insight into the enduring strength of Maldivian identity, which has been forged through resilience and strategic agency. This historical context informs contemporary efforts to reclaim and protect the nation’s maritime heritage, particularly in the face of modern challenges such as climate change and international legal disputes over maritime boundaries. The legacy of the 1753 alliance continues to inspire current leaders and advocates, including figures like Mohamed Nasheed, who emphasize the importance of Maldivian economic ties and advocate for a proactive role in the governance of the archipelago's future, especially in areas such as marine conservation. This ongoing dialogue about sovereignty and environmental stewardship reflects the Maldives' commitment to preserving its unique cultural and ecological identity while asserting its rights on the global stage.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese seized control of the islands, ruling from Goa, India, until Muhammad Thakurufaanu led a successful resistance in 1573, reclaiming Maldivian sovereignty. Later, in 1752, Malabari pirates from South India captured Malé and abducted the Sultan, but within four months, Maldivians, under the leadership of Muleege Hassan Maniku (Dhon Bandaarain), regained control. The British, recognizing the strategic importance of the Maldives, established a protectorate in 1887, pledging to defend the islands from external threats while allowing internal governance to remain independent.