Although theories on the ormation of the islands abound, the most accepted one
is attributed to Sir Charies Darwin, the reowned evolutionist. He opined that
the base of the islands below the reef is a volcanic layer over which corals
settled and turned into atolls, over a period of time. The atolls consisting
of the islands & lagoon are in various stages of development. The smaller
lagoons are virtually filled with sediments. The larger ones are deeper in the
range of 10-16 metres. The enchanting aspect of these islands is due to the
Coral Reef, biologically fromed over many centuries. As of now, it extends along
the coast, giving Lakshadweep its unique staure.
The spectacular island group is belived to have been discovered by shiowrecked
sailors during the reign of Cheraman Perumal, the lagendary king of Kerala in
the 4th century AD. Before moving into the hands of the British, Tippu Sultan
held sway in the islands after defeating the opressive rulers of Arackal.
The Union Territory was formed in 1956 & it was named Lakshadweep in 1973.
All the islands now constitute one district for Administration with four Tehsils.