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1153: Islam was adopted after the visit of a Muslim saint
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1513: Male attacked by the Portuguese from their colony in
Goa, India. They built a fort in 1518. The Portuguese were
thrown out shortly afterwards.
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1558: Male captured again by the Portuguese who remained
there until they were all killed by the Maldivian Hero,
Muhammad Takurufanu.
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1609: Male was attacked by pirates who killed the Sultan and
caused considerable damage.
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1631: The Portuguese attempted to storm Male but failed and
were driven off with great losses.
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1649: Further attempt to take Male by Portuguese, driven off
by heavy cannon fire from the fort.
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1752: Male attacked by the Ali Raja of Malabar in a fleet of
ships. After setting fire to many of the buildings and
ransacking the palace, the pirates stayed for a few months
until the Maldivians under the leadership of Hassan
Manikufanu threw them out. The Ali Raja continued to lay
siege to Male until eventually driven away with the help of
a fleet of French Men O'War under the command of Monsieur
Termellier. He was known with affection by the Maldivians as
Moustri Mili and is buried on Male.
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1761: A further assault by the fleet of Ali Raja which was
beaten off by a brave attack using "dhonis".
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1818-19 A great famine occurred all over the islands and a
massive tornado struck devastating many islands, homes and
boats.
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1835: The first survey of the islands was undertaken by the
British Admiralty under the command of Robert Moresby.
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1887: The Maldives and Great Britain signed an agreement
which gave the country the status of a protected state.
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1932: The first written constitution of the Maldives was
proclaimed.
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1953: First Republic declared.
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1953: Republic dissolved and the Sultanate re-established
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1965: End of British agreement. Independence and entry into
the United Nations.
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1968: Declaration of second republic
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1976: British complete withdrawal of all forces from the
South of the country.
