Buddhism in the Maldives
Buddhism was the predominant religion in the Maldives until at least the 12th century CE. It isn't clear how and when Buddhism was introduced into the islands.[1]
Archaeology
Western interest in the archaeological remains of early cultures on the Maldives began with the work of
Although Bell claimed that the ancient
According to a legend of the
The ancient Maldivian Kings promoted Buddhism and the first Maldive writings and artistic achievements in the form of highly developed sculpture and architecture are from that period. The conversion to Islam is mentioned in the ancient edicts written in copper plates from the end of the 12th century AD. The Isdhū Lōmāfānu and the Dhanbidhū Lōmāfānu copperplates describe the transition. There is also a locally well-known legend about a foreign saint (Persian or Moroccan according to differing versions) who subdued a demon known as Rannamaari.
Over the centuries, the islands have been visited and their development influenced by sailors and
2012 vandalism of Buddhist sculptures
In February 2012, a group of Islamic extremists forced their way into the National Museum in Malé and attacked the museum's collection of pre-Islamic sculptures, destroying or severely damaging nearly the entire collection of about thirty Buddhist sculptures dating from the 6th to 12th centuries.[4] Museum staff indicated that as the sculptures were made from very brittle coral or limestone it would be impossible to repair most of them, and only two or three pieces were in a repairable condition.[4]
See also
- Freedom of religion in the Maldives
- History of the Maldives
- Hinduism in the Maldives
- Islam in the Maldives
- Fua Mulaku Havitta
- Kuruhinna Tharaagandu
References
- ^ Maniku, H. A. (1986). CONVERSION OF MALDIVES TO ISLAM. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society Sri Lanka Branch, 31, 72–81.
- ^ HCP Bell, The Máldive Islands: An account of the Physical Features, History, Inhabitants, Productions and Trade. Colombo 1883
- ISBN 84-7254-801-5
- ^ a b Bajas, Vikas (13 February 2012). "Vandalism at Maldives Museum Stirs Fears of Extremism". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2023.