View source for Lakshadweep

{{Short description|Union territory of India}}
{{Redirect|Laccadives|the subgroup|Laccadive Islands}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name = Lakshadweep
| official_name = 
| type = Union Territory
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
|photo1a = A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg
|photo2a = Boats at Kalpeni Island IMG 20190929 094901.jpg
|photo2b = Minicoy123.jpg
|photo3a = Anemone fish Lakshadweep.jpg
|photo3b = Agatti Airstrip.jpg
|spacing = 1
|size = 250
|position = center
|border = 0
|color = #000000
|foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top''': [[Kadmat Island]], [[Minicoy Island]], [[Agatti Airport|airport]] on [[Agatti Island]], [[reefs]] in [[Laccadive Sea]], and [[Kalpeni|Kalpeni Island]]
}}
| image_seal = Lakshadweep Banner.png
| image_map = IN-LD.svg
| coordinates = {{coord|region:IN-LD|display=inline,title}}
| region = South India
| formation_date4 = 1 November 1956
| capital = Kavaratti
| largestcity = Kavaratti
| Administrator = [[Praful Khoda Patel]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Who's Who, Lakshadweep|date=26 May 2021|publisher=[[Government of India]]|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/whos-who/|access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030075040/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/whos-who/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| lok_sabha_seats = 1 seat
| area_total_km2 = 32.62
| area_rank = 36th
| area_footnotes = <ref name="Area">{{cite report|url=https://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/SelectedSocio-EconomicStatisticsIndia2017_27oct17.pdf|title=Socio-economic statistics|access-date=1 January 2019|publisher=[[Government of India]]|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920231345/http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/SelectedSocio-EconomicStatisticsIndia2017_27oct17.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| elevation_m = 
| elevation_max_m = 15
| elevation_max_point = ''Unnamed point'' on [[Agatti Island]]
| elevation_min_m = 0
| elevation_min_point = [[Arabian Sea]] and [[Laccadive Sea]]
| population_total = 64,473
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density = 1,976
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Pop">{{cite report|title=State-wise population|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/42555/download/46181/2011-IndiaState-0000.xlsx|access-date=1 January 2024|publisher=[[Government of India]]|archive-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129161803/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/42555/download/46181/2011-IndiaState-0000.xlsx|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 0fficial_Langs = [[English language|English]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rajbhasha.gov.in/en/official-language-rules-1976|title=Official Language Rules, 1976|website=rajbhasha.gov.in/}}</ref><ref name="Offlang">{{cite report|url=http://164.100.166.181/annualreport/52ndReport_CLM_English.pdf|page=124|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|date=9 August 2021|access-date=6 November 2021|work=[[Government of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807223707/http://164.100.166.181/annualreport/52ndReport_CLM_English.pdf|archive-date=7 August 2023 }}</ref>
| additional_official = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]{{efn|The UT is part of Group C region in Official Language Rules, 1976 which uses English as the official language, but notifications and circulars have been published in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] for regulations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/past-notices/circulars/page/86|title=Circulars|website=lakshadweep.gov.in|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/whats-new/whats-new/page/118/|title=Whats New|website=lakshadweep.gov.in|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref>}}
| judiciary = [[Kerala High Court]]
| HDI = {{increase}} 0.719 {{colour|green|high}}<ref>{{cite web |title=India: Subnational HDI |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/shdi/IND/ |website=Global Data Labs |access-date=8 June 2025}}</ref>
| HDI_year = 2022
| HDI_rank = 7th
| literacy = 97.3%<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/AnnualReport_PLFS2023-24L2.pdf |title=Annual Report, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (July 2023 – June 2024) |date=23 September 2024 |publisher=National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India |pages=A-10 |chapter=Appendix-A: Detailed tables, Table (7): Literacy rate (in per cent) of persons of different age groups for each State/UT (persons, age-group (years): 7 & above, rural+urban (column 6))}}</ref>
| literacy_year = 2024
| literacy_rank = 2nd
| sex_ratio = 946[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]
| sexratio_year = 2011
| sexratio_rank = 1st
| iso_code = IN-LD
| registration_plate = LD
| website = lakshadweep.gov.in
| bird = [[Sooty tern]]
| fish = [[Butterfly fish]]
| tree = [[Bread fruit]]
| flower = [[Strobilanthes kunthiana|Neelakurinji]]
}}
'''Lakshadweep''' ({{IPA|ml|lɐkʂɐd̪βʷiːbɨ̆|lang}}) is a [[union territory]] of [[India]]. It is an [[archipelago]] of 36 [[island]]s{{efn|Though one of the islands{{emdash}}Parali 1 island, part of [[Bangaram Atoll]]{{emdash}}has been completely inundated by 2017,<ref name="Parali">{{cite news|title=Uninhabited Lakshadweep island Parali I vanishes, 4 others shrinking fast|url=https://www.livemint.com/Science/QFLIaXhV8NswaWkdcdyisL/Uninhabited-Lakshadweep-island-Parali-I-vanishes-4-others-s.html|date=6 September 2017|access-date=16 January 2024|work=[[Live Mint]]|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618125422/https://www.livemint.com/Science/QFLIaXhV8NswaWkdcdyisL/Uninhabited-Lakshadweep-island-Parali-I-vanishes-4-others-s.html|url-status=live}}</ref> official sources maintain the count at 36.<ref name="LD"/>}} divided into three island subgroups: the [[Amindivi Islands]] in the north, the [[Laccadive Islands]] (separated from Amindivi roughly by the [[11th parallel north]]), and the atoll of [[Minicoy]] to the south of the [[Nine Degree Channel]]. The islands are located between the [[Arabian Sea]] to the west and the [[Laccadive Sea]] to the east, about {{cvt|220–440|km}} off the [[Malabar Coast]] of mainland India.

The islands occupy a total land area of approximately {{cvt|32.62|km2}} with a population of 64,473 as per the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]] across the ten inhabited islands. There is a {{cvt|132|km}} long [[coastline]] with a [[lagoon]] area of {{cvt|4200|km2}}, [[territorial waters]] of {{cvt|20000|km2}} and an [[exclusive economic zone]] of {{cvt|400000|km2}}. Lakshadweep is the northernmost island group of the exposed undersea mountain range, the [[Chagos-Laccadive Ridge|Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge]]. The entire union territory is administered as a [[List of districts in India|single]] [[Indian district|district]] with [[Kavaratti]] as its capital.

Archaeological evidence from [[Kalpeni]] indicates human settlement in the region from at least 1500 BCE with early reference to the islands in the [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] [[Jataka tales]] from the 3rd century BCE and the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] [[Sangam literature]] ''[[Patiṟṟuppattu]]''. The region was controlled by the [[Cheras]] in the [[Sangam period]] (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) and later by the [[Pallavas]]. [[Islam]] is presumed to have been brought in the 7th century by the arrival of [[Muslims]]. In the 11th century CE, the region was under influence of the [[Chola dynasty|Chola kingdom]] and formed a part of the trade route that connected the [[Middle East]] with [[South Asia]]. It came under the influence of the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] briefly in the late 15th century CE before being ruled by the [[Arakkal kingdom]], who were vassals of the [[Kolathiri]] Rajas of [[Kannur]]. The region was under the influence of the [[Mysore kingdom]] in the late 18th century and was later annexed to the [[British Raj|British Empire]] in 1799 CE. The islands became part of the [[Dominion of India]] following the [[Indian Independence Act 1947|Indian Independence]] in 1947 and was incorporated as a union territory in 1956.

The name Lakshadweep literally means "one hundred thousand islands" in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] and [[Sanskrit]]. [[English language|English]] is the designated official language while [[Jeseri]], a dialect of [[Malayalam]], is the widely spoken [[First language|native language]]. [[Maldivian language|Dhivehi]] is the most spoken language in the [[Minicoy|Minicoy Island]]. The region comes under the [[judiciary|judicial]] [[jurisdiction]] of the [[Kerala High Court]]. [[Fishing]] and [[agriculture]] are the major occupations in the islands.

== Etymology ==
The name Lakshadweep is derived from ''Lakṣadvīpa'' meaning  "one hundred thousand islands," presumably from [[Sanskrit]] or [[Malayalam]].<ref name="LD">{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/|title=About Lakshadweep|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620081728/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Laccadive Islands|Laccadive]] seems to be the result of the anglicization of the given name during the [[British Raj]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Mapping Place Names of India|first=Anu|last=Kapur|year=2019|isbn=978-0-429-61421-7|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ApCKDwAAQBAJ&q=Mapping+Place+Names+of+India+Anglicized+laccadive}}</ref> [[Amindivi]] derives its name from the Amindivi people, who were the earliest inhabitants of the [[Amini, India|Amini Island]].<ref name="AP">{{cite journal|url=https://www.anthropologicalbulletin.in/journals/vol3-14/A.P%203%20(2)%202014.pdf|issn=2348-4667|journal=Anthropological Bulletin|year=2014|volume=3|title=Anthropology of Small Islands: The Case of Lakshadweep Islands of India|first=A|last=Singh|access-date=1 February 2024|archive-date=14 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214143221/https://www.anthropologicalbulletin.in/journals/vol3-14/A.P%203%20(2)%202014.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The native name of the [[Minicoy Island]] is ''Maliku'', and the given name is the anglicized version derived from the [[Nicobarese languages|Nicobarese]] word ''Minikaa-raajje'' (meaning "land of the cannibals") as the island was known then in the [[Andaman and Nicobar]].<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://minicoy.utl.gov.in/abt_minicoy/history/|title=History of Mincoy|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201065613/https://minicoy.utl.gov.in/abt_minicoy/history|url-status=live}}</ref>

== History ==
=== Early history ===
The [[Early human migrations|early human migration]] from [[Africa]] to the [[Andaman Islands]] through India was thought by scientists to include Lakshadweep because of its location between Africa and the southwestern region of India. However, later [[genetics|genetic]] studies indicated that the majority of human ancestry in the islands derived from [[South Asia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/genetic-study-on-lakshadweep-human-settlements-done-732743.html|title=Genetic study on Lakshadweep human settlements done|date=8 May 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620081727/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/genetic-study-on-lakshadweep-human-settlements-done-732743.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Archaeological evidence from [[Kalpeni]] indicate the existence of human settlements in the region from at least 1500 BCE.<ref name="Saigal">{{cite book|title=Lakshadweep India, the land and the people|first=Omesh|last=Saigal|publisher=[[National Book Trust]]|year=2000|isbn=978-8-123-73108-7|page=51}}</ref> The islands are mentioned in the [[Buddhist]] [[Jataka tales]], dated to 3rd century CE.<ref name="Saigal"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/jataka.html|title=Jataka tales|work=[[University of Pittsburgh]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115191123/https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/jataka.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Archeological evidence indicates the spread of Buddhism to the islands during the time of [[Sanghmitra]], the daughter of emperor [[Ashoka]], presumed to have visited the island.<ref>{{cite book|title=Archaeology of Maldives and Lakshadweep|first=A. K.|last=Sharma|date=2019|pages=4–15|publisher=B. R. Publishers|isbn=978-9-388-78905-9}}</ref> [[Tamil language|Tamil]] [[Sangam literature]] ''[[Patiṟṟuppattu]]'' mentions that the region was ruled by the [[Cheras]], one of the [[Three Crowned Kings|three kingdoms]] of ancient [[Tamilakam]], in the [[Sangam period]] (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE).<ref>{{cite book|title=Social and Cultural History of Tamil Nadu: From AD 1336 To AD 1984|first=N.|last=Subrahmanian|year=1994|page=37|publisher=[[University of Michigan]]}}</ref>

The islands have been known to sailors since at least 1st century CE, as indicated in the [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]. It contains an anonymous reference to the islands off the [[Malabar coast|coast of Damirica]] as a source of a [[turtle shell]].<ref name="Brit">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Lakshadweep|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=2 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228225201/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|archive-date=28 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Tripathi">{{cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/27668572|title=Marine investigations in the Lakshadweep islands|first=Sila|last=Tripathi|doi=10.1017/S0003598X0006556X|year=1999|pages=827–835|journal=Antiquity|volume=73|issue=282|s2cid=162466780|access-date=1 February 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620081853/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/27668572_Marine_investigations_in_the_Lakshadweep_Islands_India|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2nd century CE, Greek geographer [[Ptolemy]] mentions 1378 islands located opposite to [[Sri Lanka|Taprobane]] (Sri Lanka) with the names of some of the islands given as Kanathara ([[Kavaratti]]), Argidion ([[Agatti Island|Agatti]]), Ammine ([[Amini, India|Amini]]), and Monache ([[Minicoy]]). The islands later became part of a trade route with the [[Roman Empire]], with archeological evidence from as early as 2nd century CE obtained from [[Kadmat Island|Kadamath]] and [[Androth]] islands. Other travelers and historians such as [[Ammianus Marcellinus]] (4th century CE), [[Faxian]] (5th century CE), and [[Cosmas Indicopleustes|Cosmas]] (6th century CE) mention the islands in their writings.<ref name="Tripathi"/>

=== Middle Ages ===
Local traditions attribute the first settlement on the islands to [[Legend of Cheraman Perumals|Cheraman Perumal]], the last Chera king of Kerala, though no historical evidence exists apart from the presence of ancient [[Caste system in India|Hindu social stratification]]. According to local tradition, [[Islam]] was brought to the islands by [[Sheikh Ubaidullah|Ubaidullah]] in 661 CE, whose purported grave is located in the Andrott island.<ref name="Hist">{{cite web|title=History of Lakshadweep|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/history/|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115024639/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> Inscriptions from [[Vayalur]] (in [[Tamil Nadu]]) indicates a [[naval battle]] fought during the reign of [[Narasimhavarman II]] (680–720 CE), which resulted in the capture of the territory by the [[Pallavas]] of [[Kancheepuram|Kanchi]] in the late 7th century CE. Epigraphs indicate the capture of the region of ''Kavadi Dvepa'' (presumably Kavaratti) by the [[Kadambas of Goa|Kadambas]] in the 10th century CE.<ref name="Tripathi"/> In the 11th century CE, the islands came under the rule of the [[Cholas]].<ref>{{cite book|first=A Sreedhara|last=Menon|title=A Survey Of Kerala History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVsw35oEBv4C&pg=PA166|access-date=9 August 2012|date=1 January 2007|publisher=DC Books|isbn=978-8-12641-578-6|page=138}}</ref> Chola inscriptions from [[Thanjavur]], indicate that the region was captured by [[Rajendra Chola I]] in 1018-19 CE.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hultzsch|first=E.|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.79603/page/n115/mode/2up?view=theater|title=South Indian Inscriptions: Tamil Inscriptions of Rajaraja, Rajendra Chola and Others in the Rajarajesvara Temple at Tanjavur|publisher=Superintendent, Government Press|year=1991|volume=2|location=Chennai|pages=109|language=Tamil|chapter=Inscriptions on the walls of the central shrine|author-link=E. Hultzsch|access-date=21 September 2022|issue=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Sastri|first=Nilakanta|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.4293/page/n229/mode/2up?view=theater|title=The Cholas|publisher=G. S. Press|year=1955|edition=2nd|location=Chennai|pages=211–213|chapter=Rajendra (A.D. 1012–1044)|author-link=K. A. Nilakanta Sastri}}</ref> In the late 11th century CE, it became part of a small Hindu kingdom before being passed on to the [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Kannur]] in early 12th century CE. The islands are mentioned in the writings of travelers [[Marco Polo]] and [[Ibn Battuta]] in the 13th–14th century CE.<ref name="Brit"/><ref>{{cite journal|title=South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies: Volume 2: Sources towards a history of the Laccadive Islands|journal=South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies|volume=2|pages=130–150|date=1979|doi=10.1080/00856407908722989|last1=Forbes|first1=Andrew D.W.}}</ref>

=== European colonization ===
[[File:Admiralty Chart No 827 Vengurla to Cape Comorin, Published 1877, New Edition 1914.jpg|thumb|left|Map of the islands (1877)]]

In the late 15th century CE, the islands came under the control of the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] as a source of [[coir]] for their industries. The native islanders revolted against the Portuguese and expelled them in 1545 CE.<ref name="Brit"/><ref>{{cite book|first=Charles|last=Corn|year=1999|orig-year=First published 1998|title=The Scents of Eden: A History of the Spice Trade|publisher=Kodansha America|pages=4–5|isbn=978-1-568-36249-6}}</ref> In the mid 16th century CE, all inhabited islands were conferred as ''[[jagir]]'' (land grant) to the ruling family of [[Arakkal kingdom|Kannur]] by the [[Chirakkal Royal Family|Chirakkal]] family of [[Kolathunadu|Kolathiri]] to grant protection from the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]].<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/william-wilson-hunter/the-imperial-gazetteer-of-india-volume-8-tnu/page-46-the-imperial-gazetteer-of-india-volume-8-tnu.shtml|title=The imperial gazetteer of India (Volume 8)|access-date=8 June 2021|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613084645/https://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/william-wilson-hunter/the-imperial-gazetteer-of-india-volume-8-tnu/page-46-the-imperial-gazetteer-of-india-volume-8-tnu.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Menon|first1=A. Sreedhara|title=Kerala Charitram|year=2007|publisher=DC Books|location=Kottayam|isbn=978-8-126-41588-5|edition=2007}}</ref> The Aminidivi islands came under the rule of [[Tipu Sultan]] of [[Mysore Kingdom]] in 1787 CE and were later annexed to the [[British Raj]] in 1799 CE after the [[Fourth Anglo-Mysore War]].<ref name="Brit"/> The rest of the islands remained under the [[suzerainty]] of the [[Ali Raja|Arakkal family]] in return for a payment of annual tribute to the British.<ref>{{cite book|title=Malabar Manual (Volume-I)|last=Logan|first=William|publisher=Asian Educational Services|year=2010|isbn=978-8-120-60447-6|location=New Delhi}}</ref> The British took over the administration of these islands in 1908 CE, citing the nonpayment of taxes, and attached it to the [[Madras Presidency]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Logan|first=William|title=Malabar Manual|year=1887|publisher=Asian Education Services|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-8-120-60446-9|page=2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9mR2QXrVEJIC&q=Palghat&pg=PA2|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112082021/https://books.google.com/books?id=9mR2QXrVEJIC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA2#v=onepage&q=Palghat&f=false|archive-date=12 January 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Post Independence ===
{{further|Scramble for Laccadives}}

After [[Indian Independence Act, 1947|Indian Independence]] from colonial British rule in 1947, the islands became part of the [[Dominion of India]], and later came under the administration of the [[Madras State]] after the [[Constitution of India]] was enacted in 1950.<ref>{{cite act|title=Constitution of India|chapter=[[Parliament of India]]|year=1950|url=https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s380537a945c7aaa788ccfcdf1b99b5d8f/uploads/2023/05/2023050195.pdf|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref> Following the [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956|States Reorganisation Act (1956)]], the islands, which were earlier divided between the [[South Canara]] and [[Malabar district]]s of the Madras state, were organized into a separate [[union territory]] administered by the [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite book|year=1953|title=1951 Census Handbook- South Canara District|publisher=Madras Government Press|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/30068/download/33249/7746_1951.pdf|access-date=8 June 2021|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614073046/http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/6023/1/7746_1951.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SR">{{cite report|url=https://thc.nic.in/Central%20Governmental%20Acts/States%20Re-Organisation%20Act,%201956.pdf|title=States Reorganisation Act, 1956|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=16 September 2023|archive-date=29 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929014519/https://thc.nic.in/Central%20Governmental%20Acts/States%20Re-Organisation%20Act,%201956.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands were collectively renamed as the Lakshadweep islands on 1 November 1973.<ref name="Hist"/> The headquarters of the union territory remained at [[Kozhikode]] until 1964, when the seat of the [[List of administrators of Lakshadweep|Administrator]] was shifted to Kavaratti.<ref>{{cite book|title=District Census Handbook -Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands (1971) – Village Directory|publisher=Administrator and Ex-Officio Director of Census Operations, Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Island|year=1979|location=Kavaratti& Government Printing Press, Kozhikode|pages=2|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/32639/download/35820/26141_1971_LAC.pdf|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525043749/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/32639/download/35820/26141_1971_LAC.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The territory has developed into a key [[Indian navy|Indian naval]] establishment due to its strategic location near vital [[shipping lane]]s from India to the [[Middle East]].<ref name="Navy">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/navy-commissions-fullscale-station-in-lakshadweep/article3370886.ece|title=Navy commissions full-scale station in Lakshadweep|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 May 2012|access-date=1 May 2023|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404023706/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/navy-commissions-fullscale-station-in-lakshadweep/article3370886.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Geography ==
{{Multiple image|total_width = 400
| image1            = Lakshadweep.jpg
| caption1          = Satellite image showing the atolls of Lakshadweep, except [[Minicoy]]
| image2            = ISS002-E-7260.PNG
| caption2          = Image of Maliku Atoll with Minicoy island visible
}}
[[File:LakshadweepIsland.jpg|thumb|[[Bangaram Atoll]], an uninhabited island, is covered with [[coconut]] palms]]
[[File:Green_turtle_Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|A [[Green turtle]] in the [[Laccadive Sea]]]]
Lakshadweep is an [[archipelago]] of 36 [[islands]] and [[islets]] that includes 12 [[atoll]]s, three [[reef]]s, and five submerged [[Bank (topography)|banks]].<ref name="LD"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Islands Of India|author=Sarit Kumar Mukerji|isbn=978-8-123-02285-7|publisher=Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, [[Government of India]]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EZaZDQAAQBAJ|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620081727/https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Islands_Of_India/EZaZDQAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> The islands occupy a total land area of approximately {{cvt|32.62|km2}} and only ten of the islands are inhabited.<ref name="Area"/><ref name="IS"/> The islands are located between the [[Arabian Sea]] to the west and the [[Laccadive Sea]] to the east, about {{cvt|220–440|km}} off the [[Malabar Coast]] of mainland India.<ref name="Brit"/><ref name="LD"/> The territory is divided into three island subgroups: the Amindivi islands in the north, the Laccadive islands in the East (separated from Amindivi by the [[11th parallel north]]), and the atoll of Minicoy to the south of the [[Nine Degree Channel]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Prostar Sailing Directions for India & Bay of Bengal En-route|publisher=National Geo spatial-intelligence Agency|year=2005|page=101|isbn=978-1-577-85662-7}}</ref> The islands have a {{cvt|132|km}} long [[coastline]] with a [[lagoon]] area of {{cvt|4200|km2}}, [[territorial waters]] of {{cvt|20000|km2}}, and an [[exclusive economic zone]] of {{cvt|400000|km2}}.<ref name="IS">{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/islands/|title=Islands of Lakshadweep|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=21 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121014032/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/islands/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lakshadweep is the northernmost island group of the exposed undersea mountain range, the [[Chagos-Laccadive Ridge|Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Origin and compensation of Chagos-Laccadive ridge, Indian ocean, from admittance analysis of gravity and bathymetry data|date=1991-07-31|doi=10.1016/0012-821X(91)90119-3|bibcode=1991E&PSL.105...47A|volume=105|issue=1–3|journal=Earth and Planetary Science Letters|pages=47–54|last1=Ashalatha|first1=B.|last2=Subrahmanyam|first2=C.|last3=Singh|first3=R.N.|df=dmy-all}}</ref> While there are no conclusive theories about the formation of the atolls, [[Charles Darwin]] proposed in 1842 CE that the subsidence of a volcanic island resulted in the formation of a fringing reef, which grew upwards with continual subsidence.<ref name="AP"/> The individual islands are small, with none of them measuring more than {{cvt|1|mi}} across. Most inhabited islands are situated on the eastern side of Lakshadweep and away from the low-lying lagoons to the West. The soil is generally sandy, derived from coral.<ref name="Brit"/> According to a 2017 report, the Parali I island of Bangaram atoll has eroded and is completely inundated. Four other islands in the atoll also show various degrees of erosion: Parali II (80%), Thinnakara (14.4%), Parali III (11.4%), and Bangaram (9.9%).<ref name="Parali"/>

===Climate===
The islands have a [[tropical monsoon climate]], bordering on a [[tropical savanna climate]]. The weather is warm throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 20 to 32 degree [[Celsius]]. While [[tropical cyclone]]s arising in the Arabian Sea rarely strike the islands due to its smaller size, winds and waves associated with them could alter the features of the islands considerably.<ref name="Brit"/>

{{Weather box
|location=Lakshadweep 1981–2010, extremes 1996–2012
|metric first=Y
|single line=Y
|width=auto
|Jan record high C=35.3
|Feb record high C=35.3
|Mar record high C=38.0
|Apr record high C=37.8
|May record high C=37.0
|Jun record high C=37.8
|Jul record high C=32.7
|Aug record high C=34.8
|Sep record high C=33.3
|Oct record high C=35.0
|Nov record high C=35.0
|Dec record high C=36.3
|year record high C=38.0
|Jan high C=31.2
|Feb high C=31.5
|Mar high C=32.4
|Apr high C=33.2
|May high C=32.8
|Jun high C=31.1
|Jul high C=30.4
|Aug high C=30.5
|Sep high C=30.5
|Oct high C=30.9
|Nov high C=31.4
|Dec high C=31.3
|year high C=31.4
|Jan low C=25.8
|Feb low C=26.0
|Mar low C=27.0
|Apr low C=28.1
|May low C=27.6
|Jun low C=25.9
|Jul low C=25.7
|Aug low C=25.8
|Sep low C=25.8
|Oct low C=26.1
|Nov low C=26.1
|Dec low C=25.9
|year low C=26.3
|Jan record low C=22.5
|Feb record low C=23.5
|Mar record low C=24.2
|Apr record low C=23.2
|May record low C=22.1
|Jun record low C=22.3
|Jul record low C=22.7
|Aug record low C=22.5
|Sep record low C=22.7
|Oct record low C=22.2
|Nov record low C=22.1
|Dec record low C=22.8
|year record low C=22.1
|rain colour=green
|Jan rain mm=8.3
|Feb rain mm=2.0
|Mar rain mm=0.5
|Apr rain mm=5.6
|May rain mm=85.1
|Jun rain mm=260.5
|Jul rain mm=400.1
|Aug rain mm=395.5
|Sep rain mm=309.6
|Oct rain mm= 99.1
|Nov rain mm= 27.5
|Dec rain mm= 9.1
|year rain mm= 1602.9
|Jan rain days=2.1
|Feb rain days=0.9
|Mar rain days=0.1
|Apr rain days=0.4
|May rain days=6.5
|Jun rain days=16.0
|Jul rain days=16.1
|Aug rain days=12.5
|Sep rain days=10.0
|Oct rain days=9.3
|Nov rain days=5.5
|Dec rain days=2.4
|year rain days=79.5
|time day=17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|Jan humidity=69
|Feb humidity=68
|Mar humidity=67
|Apr humidity=67
|May humidity=72
|Jun humidity=79
|Jul humidity=80
|Aug humidity=78
|Sep humidity=78
|Oct humidity=77
|Nov humidity=75
|Dec humidity=70
|year humidity=73
|source 1=[[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite report|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf|archivedate=5 February 2020|url=http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf|title=Station: Agatti (A) Climatology Table 1981–2010|work=[[India Meteorological Department]]|date=January 2015|pages=7–8|access-date=29 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf|archive-date=5 February 2020|url=http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf|title=Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)|work=[[India Meteorological Department]]|date=December 2016|page=M112|access-date=29 February 2020}}</ref>
}}

[[File:Ducks_on_a_beach_at_Kavaratti,_Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|[[Domestic duck]]s in Kavaratti]]
[[File:Blue tang surgeonfish.jpg|thumb|[[Acanthurus leucosternon]] in the [[Laccadive Sea]]]]

=== Flora and fauna ===
Lakshadweep is part of the [[Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago tropical moist forests]] [[ecoregion]].<ref>{{WWF ecoregion|id=im0125|name=Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago tropical moist forests}}</ref> There are no [[forests]] on the islands.<ref name="MSME">{{cite report|url=https://dcmsme.gov.in/old/dips/Lakshadweep%20Profile.pdf|title=Lakshadweep profile|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108162838/https://dcmsme.gov.in/old/dips/Lakshadweep%20Profile.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Nearly 400 species of flowering plants have been documented, including three species of sea grasses ''[[Cymodocea|Cymodocea isoetifolia]]'', ''[[Syringodium isoetifolium]]'' and ''[[Thalassia hemprichii]]'', other [[angiosperms]] such as ''[[Pandanus]]'', ''[[Heliotropium foertherianum]]'', ''[[Tournefortia argentea]]'' and ''[[Pemphis acidula]]'', [[fungi]], [[algae]], and [[lichen]]s. The common flora of the atolls include [[coconut]] groves and coastal shrubs such as ''[[Pemphis acidula]]'', ''[[Cordia subcordata]]'', ''[[Scaevola taccada]]'', ''[[Thespesia populnea]]'', ''[[Suriana maritima]]'', ''[[Dodonaea viscosa]]'', ''[[Guettarda speciosa]],'' and [[seaweeds]] such as [[sea lettuce]]s, ''[[Codium]],'' and ''[[Hypena]]''.<ref name="PR"/><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Rao|first1=T.A.|first2=J.L.|last2=Ellis|title=Flora of Lakshadweep Islands off the Malabar coast, peninsular India, with emphasis on phytogeographical distribution of plants|journal=Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany|volume=19|pages=235–250|year=1995}}</ref>

There are over 600 recorded species of marine fishes, 78 species of [[coral]]s, 82 species of [[seaweed]], 52 species of [[crab]]s, 2 species of [[lobster]]s, 48 species of [[gastropod]]s, and 12 species of [[bivalves]].<ref name="PR">{{cite web|title=Biodiversity and Environment Protection|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/planning/14.pdf|publisher=Planning Commission of India|access-date=3 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505100605/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/planning/14.pdf|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Khan|first=Asif N|date=2017|title=First Record of Oriental Pratincole Glareola Maldivarum From Lakshadweep Archipelago|url=http://www.bnhsjournal.org/index.php/bnhs/article/view/114164|journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|volume=114|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831215307/http://bnhsjournal.org/index.php/bnhs/article/view/114164|archive-date=31 August 2018|url-status=usurped|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is one of the four [[coral reef]] regions in India.<ref>{{cite report|title=Lakshadweep Development Report|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/Presentation/Depts/11.pdf|work=Department of Environment and Forests (Union Territory of Lakshadweep)|access-date=3 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425132255/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/Presentation/Depts/11.pdf|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[Cetacean]] diversity off the Lakshadweep Islands and in adjacent areas include various whales (e.g., [[pygmy blue whale|pygmy blue]], [[Bryde's whale|Bryde's]], [[sperm whale|sperm]], [[orca]], [[short-finned pilot whale|pilot whale]]), and [[dolphins]].<ref>{{cite web|work=The Marine Mammal Conservation Network of India|url=http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4235|title=Sightings and Strandings – Bryde's whale|access-date=19 April 2017|archive-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419193352/http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4235|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=The Marine Mammal Conservation Network of India|url=http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4668|title=Sightings and Strandings – Killer whale|access-date=19 April 2017|archive-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419200257/http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4668|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Panicker|first=D.|url=http://www.rufford.org/projects/divya_panicker|title=Cetacean Diversity and Distribution in the Lakshadweep Islands, India|work=[[Rufford Foundation]]|access-date=19 April 2017|archive-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419195138/http://www.rufford.org/projects/divya_panicker|url-status=live}}</ref> The commonly seen are introduced [[cattle]] and [[poultry]].<ref name="AP"/> Other notable marine fauna include [[sharks]], [[bonitos]], [[tunas]], [[Lutjanidae|snappers]], [[flying fish]], [[Manta rays]], [[octopuses]], [[crabs]], and [[turtles]].<ref name="Brit"/> There are 101 species of birds, common amongst them include the [[brown noddy]] and [[sooty tern]] and [[water birds]] such as [[herons]], [[Teal (bird)|teals]], and [[gulls]].<ref name="Brit"/><ref name="PR"/><ref name="AP"/> [[Pitti]] island is a declared bird sanctuary and an important breeding place for [[sea turtles]] and a number of [[pelagic bird]]s including the brown noddy, [[lesser crested tern]], and [[greater crested tern]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/forest/wildlife_(protection)act.htm|work=Department of Environment and Forests (Union Territory of Lakshadweep)|access-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425154656/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/forest/wildlife_(protection)act.htm|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 85%"
|+Symbols of Lakshadweep<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wiienvis.nic.in/KidsCentre/state_symbols_india_8411.aspx|title=State Symbols of India|publisher=[[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]], [[Government of India]]|access-date=30 August 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922102907/https://wiienvis.nic.in/KidsCentre/state_symbols_india_8411.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[List of Indian state animals|Animal]]
|[[Chaetodon falcula|Butterfly fish]] (''Chaetodon falcula'')
|[[File:Bep chaetodon falcula.jpg|75px]]
|[[List of Indian state birds|Bird]]
|[[Sooty tern]] (''Sterna fuscata'')
|[[File:Sterna_fuscata.JPG|75px]]
|-
|[[List of Indian state trees|Tree]]
|[[Artocarpus incisa|Bread fruit]] (''Artocarpus incisa'')
|[[File:Breadfruit Tree.jpg|75px]]
|[[List of Indian state flowers|Flower]]
|[[Strobilanthes kunthiana|Neelakurinji]] (''Strobilanthes kunthiana'')
|[[File:Strobilanths_kunthiana.jpg|75px]]
|}

== Administration and politics ==
[[File:Map of Lakshadweep-en.svg|thumb|Map of Lakshadweep]]
{{Multiple image|total_width = 260| perrow = 1
| image1            = ISS021-E-5116 - View of Lakshadweep.jpg
| caption1          = [[Bitra|Bitra Island]]
| image2            = Kiltan 20150107081937 mobile camera seen from chopper kiltan.jpg
| caption2          = [[Kadmat Island]]
| image3            = Kavaratii.jpg
| caption3          = [[Kavaratti|Kavaratti Island]]
| image4            = Viringili.jpg
| caption4          = [[Viringili (Maliku Atoll)|Viringili Island]]
}}
Lakshadweep is a union territory and is governed by an [[List of current Indian lieutenant governors and administrators|administrator]] on behalf of the Government of India.<ref>{{cite book|title=Dynamics of New Panchayati Raj System in India|author=G. Palanithurai|year=2002|isbn=978-8-180-69129-4|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|page=37}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/whos-who/lt-governors-administrators|title=Lt Governors and Administrators|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=30 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530075832/https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/whos-who/lt-governors-administrators|url-status=live}}</ref> It was established in 1956.<ref name="SR"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Annual Analysis Of Competitiveness, Simulation Studies And Development Perspective For 35 States And Federal Territories Of India: 2000–2010|author1=Khee Giap Tan|author2=Linda Low|author3=Kong Yam Tan|author4=Vittal Kartik Rao|year=2013|publisher=World Scientific Publishing Company|page=546}}</ref> The headquarters of the union territory was at Kozhikode, Kerala until 1964, when the seat of the [[List of administrators of Lakshadweep|administrator of the islands]] was shifted to Kavaratti. Since then, the administration secretariat is based in Kavaratti.<ref name="Admin">{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/subdivision-blocks/|title=Subdivision and blocks|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705150044/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/subdivision-blocks/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Kalpeni Island: History, People and Culture|author=C.G.Pookoya|year=2018|isbn=978-1-642-49960-5|publisher=[[Notion Press]]}}</ref> The islands constitutes a single [[Districts of India|Indian district]].<ref name="SR"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Annual Analysis Of Competitiveness, Simulation Studies And Development Perspective For 35 States And Federal Territories Of India: 2000–2010|author1=Khee Giap Tan|author2=Linda Low|author3=Kong Yam Tan|author4=Vittal Kartik Rao|year=2013|publisher=World Scientific Publishing Company|page=546}}</ref> The [[district collector]] is in charge of revenue, land settlement and law and order.<ref name="Admin">{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/|title=Administrative setup|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705174235/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The territory is divided into ten administrative sub-divisions headed by sub-divisional officers, except the Minicoy and Agatti islands, which are headed by deputy collectors.<ref name="Admin"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Geomorphology and Physical Oceanography of the Lakshadweep Coral Islands in the Indian Ocean|author1=T.N. Prakash|author2=L. Sheela Nair|author3=T.S. Shahul Hameed|year=2014|isbn=978-3-319-12367-7|publisher=[[Springer International]]|page=9}}</ref> The ten inhabited islands have [[Panchayati raj in India|village panchayat]]s consisting of a total of 88 members across islands. These panchayats are combined to form a district panchayat, which has 26 elected members including the chairpersons of the ten village panchayats and the [[Member of Parliament (India)|Member of Parliament]] for [[Lakshadweep Lok Sabha constituency|Lakshadweep Lok Sabha Constituency]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/district-panchayath/|title=District Panchayath|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516195003/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/district-panchayath/|url-status=live}}</ref> The territory is also divided into five community development blocks: Kavaratti, Amini, Andrott, Minicoy and Kiltan, each administered by block development officers.<ref name="Admin"/>

The district collector also serves as the [[district magistrate]] and development commissioner, and is assisted by an additional district magistrate and ten executive magistrates for enforcement of law and order.<ref name="Admin"/> The administrator acts as the [[Inspector General of Police]] and has command and control of the [[Lakshadweep Police]], which has a sanctioned strength of 349 personnel across nine [[police station]]s.<ref name="Admin"/> The union territory falls under the [[judiciary|judicial]] jurisdiction of the [[Kerala High Court]] at [[Kochi]], and has a system of lower courts under its authority. There is a [[District courts of India|district and sessions court]] in Kavaratti (established in 1997) and two [[District Munsiff Court|munsiff courts]] in Andrott and Amini islands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judicial Setup|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/judicial-setup/|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705133118/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/judicial-setup/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Criminal Justice India Series: Lakshadweep|author=D. Banerjea|year=2002|isbn=978-8-177-64872-0|publisher=Allied Publishers|page=82}}</ref>

The territory elects one member to the [[lower house]] of the [[Parliament of India|Indian parliament]], the [[Lok Sabha]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Parliament|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/19167_State_wise_seats_in_Lok_Sabha_18-03-2009.pdf|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha/story/lakshadweep-lok-sabha-election-results-2024-full-list-of-winners-2547112-2024-06-04|title=Lakshadweep Lok Sabha Election results 2024: Full list of winners|date=4 June 2024|access-date=11 June 2024|work=[[India Today]]|archive-date=5 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605175048/https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha/story/lakshadweep-lok-sabha-election-results-2024-full-list-of-winners-2547112-2024-06-04|url-status=live}}</ref> Lakshadweep is a reserved constituency for [[Scheduled tribes|Scheduled Tribes]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Constituency {{!}} Lakshadweep {{!}} India|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/constituencies/|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=5 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705091420/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/administrative-setup/constituencies/|url-status=live}}</ref> The constituency is currently represented by [[Muhammed Hamdulla Sayeed]] of the [[Indian National Congress]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=M. P. |date=4 June 2024 |title=Lok Sabha elections: Hamdullah Sayeed of Indian National Congress wrests back Lakshadweep |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hamdullah-sayeed-of-indian-national-congress-wrests-back-lakshadweep/article68251016.ece |access-date=18 March 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable defaultcenter col1left" style="font-size: 85%"
|+List of islands of Lakshadweep<ref name="IS"/><ref name="Tour">{{cite report|url=https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-04/Lakshadweep.pdf|title=Report on Lakshadweep|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=30 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330102611/https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-04/Lakshadweep.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Water">{{cite report|url=https://www.cgwb.gov.in/old_website/GW-Assessment/GWR-2020-Reports%20State/Lakshadweep_Resource_Report_2020.pdf|title=Resource Report of Lakshadweep|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620081730/https://www.cgwb.gov.in/old_website/GW-Assessment/GWR-2020-Reports%20State/Lakshadweep_Resource_Report_2020.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cochinport.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-04/Report%20of%20Expert%20Committee%20Sept.%202021.pdf|title=Expert Committee report on Lakshadweep|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>
|-
!Name
!Sub-division
!Area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>)
!Population<br/>(2011)
|-
|colspan=4 style="text-align:center; background:lightblue;"|'''[[Aminidivi]]'''
|-
|[[Bitra]]
|[[Bitra]]
|0.10
|271
|-
|[[Chetlat Island|Chetlat]]
|[[Chetlat Island|Chetlat]]
|1.174
|2,347
|-
|[[Kiltan]]
|[[Kiltan]]
|1.7
|3,946
|-
|[[Kadmat Island|Kadmat]]
|[[Kadmat Island|Kadmat]]
|3.34
|5,404
|-
|[[Amini, India|Amini]]
|[[Amini, India|Amini]]
|2.67
|7,661
|-
|colspan=4 style="text-align:center; background:lightblue;"|'''[[Laccadive Islands|Laccadive]]'''
|-
|[[Andrott]]
|[[Andrott]]
|4.9
|11,191
|-
|[[Agatti]]
|rowspan="7"|[[Agatti]]
|3.84
|7,556
|-
|[[Kalpati]]
|0.085
|{{ndash}}
|-
|[[Bangaram]]
|0.57
|{{ndash}}{{efn|Bangaram island has a floating population}}
|-
|Thinnakkara
|0.522
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Parali I
|rowspan="3"|0.089
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Parali II
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Parali III
|{{ndash}}
|-
|[[Kavaratti]]
|rowspan="4"|[[Kavaratti]]
|4.22
|11,221
|-
|[[Pitti|Pakshipitti]]
|0.001
|{{ndash}}
|-
|[[Suheli Par|Valiyakara]]
|0.395
|{{ndash}}
|-
|[[Suheli Par|Cheriyakara]]
|0.383
|{{ndash}}
|-
|[[Kalpeni]]
|rowspan="8"|[[Kalpeni]]
|2.79
|4,419
|-
|Pitti I
|rowspan="2"|0.028
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Pitti II
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Cheriyam
|0.537
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Kodithala
|0.0027
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Thilakam I
|rowspan="3"|0.055
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Thilakam II
|{{ndash}}
|-
|Thilakam III
|{{ndash}}
|-
|colspan=4 style="text-align:center; background:lightblue;"|'''[[Minicoy Island|Minicoy]]'''
|-
|[[Minicoy Island|Minicoy]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Minicoy Island|Minicoy]]
|4.801
|10,447
|-
|[[Viringili (Maliku Atoll)|Viringili]]
|0.025
|{{ndash}}
|-
!Total
!
!32.69{{efn|the sum of area of individual islands does not add up to the total area, as there are other smaller [[islets]], [[reef]]s and [[bank (topography)|bank]]s which form part of the archipelago}}
!64,473
|}

==Demographics==
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Lakshadweep has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 64,473, consisting of 33,123 (51.3%) males and 31,350 (48.7%) females, and had a [[sex ratio]] of 946 females per 1,000 males in 2011.<ref name="Pop" /><ref>{{cite report|title=Census of India, provisional results|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/42611/download/46274/Census%20of%20India%202011-Provisional%20Population%20Totals.pdf|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=13 April 2024}}</ref> It also recorded the [[List of states and union territories of India by sex ratio|highest]] sex ratio at birth amongst Indian territories as per the [[National Family Health Survey]] (NFHS) in 2021.<ref>{{cite press release|date=17 December 2021|publisher=[[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]], [[Government of India]]|title=Update on Child Sex Ratio|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1782601|access-date=16 January 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922222826/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1782601|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the 2011 census, there were a total of 11,574 households and about 50,332 (78%) of the population lived in urban areas.<ref name="Pop"/> As per the [[National Statistical Commission|NSO]] survey in 2017, the [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] was 92.28%, the [[List of Indian states and union territories by literacy rate|second highest]] amongst all Indian territories.<ref>{{cite report|title=Household Social Consumption on Education in India|url=https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/Report_585_75th_round_Education_final_1507_0.pdf|work=[[Government of India]]|year=2018|access-date=30 November 2020|archive-date=7 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107060612/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_wb.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the NFHS, the [[fertility rate]] was 1.4, significantly below the national average of 2.0.<ref>{{cite report|title=National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)|url=https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR375/FR375.pdf|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref>

=== Religion and ethnicity ===
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Lakshadweep (2011)<ref name="RL">{{cite report|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11361/download/14474/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224183408/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11361/download/14474/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|url-status=live}}</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|96.58}}
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|2.77}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|blue|0.49}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|0.16}}
}}

Islam (96.6%) is the major religion of people of the islands with [[Sunni Islam]] being the predominant denomination, followed by [[Hinduism]] (2.8%) and [[Christianity]] (0.5%).<ref name="RL"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Miller|first=Roland E.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TC6zCAAAQBAJ|title=Mappila Muslim Culture: How a Historic Muslim Community in India Has Blended Tradition and Modernity|publisher=SUNY Press|year=2015|isbn=978-1-438-45601-0|pages=368|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106123921/https://books.google.com/books?id=TC6zCAAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Most settlers of the islands are descendants of migrants from the Malabar coast of Southwest India and are ethnically similar to the [[Malabar Muslims|Mappila]]s of [[Malayali people|Kerala]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/research/lakshadweep-an-isolated-island-that-became-a-melting-pot-of-cultures-7341984/|title=Lakshadweep: An isolated island that became a melting pot of cultures|date=3 June 2021|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125164057/https://indianexpress.com/article/research/lakshadweep-an-isolated-island-that-became-a-melting-pot-of-cultures-7341984/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cult">{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/culture-heritage/|title=Lakshadweep-Culture and Heritage|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=25 May 2021|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115024708/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/culture-heritage/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to local tradition, Islam was brought to the islands by [[Sheikh Ubaidullah|Ubaidullah]] in 661 CE.<ref name="Hist"/> Although Islam is the predominant religion currently, the earliest settlers were probably Hindus, evidenced by the current social stratification and [[Matrilineality|matrilineal]] kinship system in Lakshadweep.<ref name="Brit"/> The southernmost island of Minicoy is populated by the [[Mahls]], an ethnic group also resident in the [[Maldives]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/features/lakshadweeps-minicoy-island-kingdom-women-52786|title=Lakshadweep's Minicoy Island, a kingdom for women|date=12 November 2016|access-date=1 June 2024|work=News Minute|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620081729/https://www.thenewsminute.com/features/lakshadweeps-minicoy-island-kingdom-women-52786|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Languages ===
{{bar box
|title=Languages of Lakshadweep (2011)<ref name="Lang">{{cite report|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10191/download/13303/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0000.XLSX|title=2011 Census of India, Population By Mother Tongue|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Language
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Malayalam]] ([[Jeseri]])|midnightblue|84.17}}
{{bar percent|[[Maldivian language|Dhivehi]] ([[Mahl dialect|Mahl]])|red|14.44}}
{{bar percent|Others|grey|1.39}}
}}

[[English language|English]] is the official language of the union territory.<ref name="Offlang"/> [[Jeseri]] (also known as ''Dweep Basha''), a dialect of [[Malayalam]], is widely spoken language in the Amindivi and Laccadive islands. [[Mahl dialect|Mahl]], a dialect of [[Divehi language|Dhivehi]], is spoken in Minicoy.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Many Faces of India: A Portrait of Its People, Places, and Heritage|author=Pardeep Patel|page=131|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sXO4EAAAQBAJ|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620082345/https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Many_Faces_of_India_A_Portrait_of_It/sXO4EAAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Lakshadweep Pradesikabhasha Nighandu (Translation: Lakshadweep Regional Language Dictionary), Editor: Dr. Koyammakoya M.|isbn=978-8-192-28229-9|last1=Kōyammakkōya|first1=Eṃ|year=2012|publisher=Sāhityapr̲avarttaka Sahakaraṇasaṅghaṃ, Nāṣaṇal Bukkȧ St̲āḷ }}</ref> There are minor variations of the same dialect across islands.<ref>{{cite book|title=India, a reference annual|year=2004|publisher=[[Government of India]]|isbn=978-8-123-01156-1|page=851}}</ref>

Malayalam, written in the [[Malayalam script]], was introduced as the primary language of Lakshadweep during the British Raj. This policy has been continued since independence, with Malayalam serving as a link language on all islands, including Minicoy.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jha |first1=Makhan |title=The Muslim Tribes of Lakshadweep Islands: An Anthropological Appraisal |publisher=M.D. Publications |year=1997 |isbn=978-8-175-33032-0}}</ref> Previously, a type of [[Arabic script]], known as the [[Ponnani]] or [[Arabi Malayalam script]], was used as the writing system.<ref>{{cite book|last=Subramoniam|first=V. I.|year=1997|title=Dravidian Encyclopaedia. Vol. 3, Language and literature|location=Thiruvananthapuram|publisher=International School of Dravidian Linguistics|pages=508–509|isbn=818569222X}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:India Tree.jpg|thumb|[[Coconut tree|Coconut palm]]s on the islands are commercially important]]
The economy is dependent on [[agriculture]], [[fishing|fishery]], and [[tourism]].<ref name="Brit" /> {{As of|2013}}, there were 72 registered [[Micro-enterprise|micro]] and [[small enterprise|small industries]] majorly involved in the public sector, and the manufacture of [[food products]] and [[furniture]]. With a minimal arable land of 2.58 hectares, the only major agriculture produce is [[coconuts]].<ref name="MSME" /><ref name="RBI">{{cite report|url=http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PublicationReport/Pdfs/84466.pdf|title=Report of the Working Group on Improvement of Banking Services in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep|work=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=25 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525191638/http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PublicationReport/Pdfs/84466.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>  While [[rice]] and other crops were cultivated earlier in low-lying water logged lands called "thottams", it was discontinued due to ecological limitations.<ref name="RBI"/> The major exports are coconut products such as [[coir]] and [[fishes]].<ref name="MSME"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.outlooktraveller.com/editors-picks/the-ecological-implications-of-lakshadweeps-new-found-popularity|title=The Ecological Implications Of Lakshadweep's New-Found Popularity|date=11 January 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|magazine=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501080320/https://www.outlooktraveller.com/editors-picks/the-ecological-implications-of-lakshadweeps-new-found-popularity|url-status=live}}</ref> The government runs five coir factories, five production demonstration centers, and seven curling units that produce coir fiber, yarn and mats.<ref name="RBI"/>

[[File:Fishermen at Kavarathi, Lakshadweep, India (edit).jpg|thumb|left|Fishermen on the beach at [[Kavaratti]]]]

With a vast lagoon area and an exclusive economic zone of {{cvt|400,000|km2}}, fishing is a major industry. The estimated annual production is 21,016 tonnes of which 60% is [[tuna]] and related fishes. About 60% of the total production is converted to dried products and 40% is allocated for local consumption.<ref name="Fish">{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/departments/fisheries-2/|title=Fisheries|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611002428/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/departments/fisheries-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Commercial fishing]] is concentrated around 11 islands with [[skipjack tuna]] and [[yellowfin tuna]] being the only commercial varieties. The government runs a tuna canning factory in the islands. Fishing is carried out using mechanized fishing boats, traditional country crafts, and country crafts fitted with outboard motors.<ref name="Fish"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/destinations/5-things-to-do-in-lakshadweep-in-2024-pm-modi-article-106546638|title=Seeking new horizons: Adoption of deep-tech a game-changer for fisheries in Lakshadweep|date=28 May 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[Times Now]]|archive-date=4 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104124819/https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/destinations/5-things-to-do-in-lakshadweep-in-2024-pm-modi-article-106546638|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Bangaram_Island,_Lakshadweep_20160325-_DSC1780.jpg|thumb|[[Bangaram Atoll]] is being promoted as a tourist destination]]
Tourism in Lakshadweep began in 1974, when the Bangaram atoll was opened for international tourism.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://dnn24.com/lakshadweeps-tourism-renaissance-opening-the-isles-to-the-world-in-1974/|title=Lakshadweep's Tourism Renaissance: Opening the Isles to the World in 1974|work=DNN|access-date=10 January 2024|date=9 January 2024|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201151522/https://dnn24.com/lakshadweeps-tourism-renaissance-opening-the-isles-to-the-world-in-1974/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Tourist">{{cite report|url=https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-07/Executive%20Summary%20Final%20Report%20%20Lakshadweep_2017%2018_Final%20Report_13March2019.pdf|title=Report on tourism|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409111316/https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-07/Executive%20Summary%20Final%20Report%20%20Lakshadweep_2017%2018_Final%20Report_13March2019.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> According to government statistics, 10,435 domestic tourists and 1,313 foreign tourists visited the islands in 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/maldives-and-lakshadweep-9118096/|title=Maldives and Lakshadweep: How do the two groups of islands compare as tourism destinations?|date=29 January 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=31 January 2024|archive-date=31 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131191707/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/maldives-and-lakshadweep-9118096/|url-status=live}}</ref> The government is promoting tourism as a means to increase the income of the local population, with Bangaram and Kadmat islands being promoted as potential tourist destinations. To promote tourism, activities such as [[scuba diving]], [[wind surfing]], [[snorkelling]], [[surfing]], [[kayaking]], [[canoeing]], [[water skiing]], [[sportfishing]], [[yachting]] and night sea voyages have been established.<ref name="Tourist"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/destinations/5-things-to-do-in-lakshadweep-in-2024-pm-modi-article-106546638|title=Things to do in Lakshadweep|date=5 January 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[Times Now]]|archive-date=4 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104124819/https://www.timesnownews.com/travel/destinations/5-things-to-do-in-lakshadweep-in-2024-pm-modi-article-106546638|url-status=live}}</ref> Tourists require permission to visit Lakshadweep and foreign nationals are not permitted to visit certain islands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Entry Permits|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/tourism/entry-permit/|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107225435/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/tourism/entry-permit/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the current [[alcohol laws of India]], [[alcoholic beverage]] consumption is not permitted on the islands, except on Bangaram.<ref>{{cite news|title=Introduction to Lakshadweep Islands|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html|url-status=live|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211045612/http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html|archive-date=11 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2024, the government proposed further programmes to improve infrastructure and promote tourism.<ref>{{cite news|date=8 January 2024|title=Lakshadweep being discussed across the world after PM's visit, says its administrator|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/lakshadweep-being-discussed-across-the-world-after-pms-visit-says-its-administrator/articleshow/106643423.cms|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108145009/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/lakshadweep-being-discussed-across-the-world-after-pms-visit-says-its-administrator/articleshow/106643423.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The potential negative effects of tourism on the environment and ecosystem of the islands are a subject of debate.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Salahuddin|title=How controversial development chokes India's archipelagos|url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/how-a-conservation-development-clash-chokes-india-andaman-and-nicobar-and-lakshadweep-archipelagos/article67105341.ece|access-date=29 September 2023|work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|date=21 July 2023|archive-date=22 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922113133/https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/how-a-conservation-development-clash-chokes-india-andaman-and-nicobar-and-lakshadweep-archipelagos/article67105341.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==
[[File:BSNL_Office_at_Kalpeni_Island_IMG_20190930_114924.jpg|thumb|There is limited [[mobile communication]] in the islands. Pictured is the office of state-owned [[BSNL]] in [[Kalpeni]]]]

There is no single power grid that connects Lakshadweep; independent power houses cater to the power requirements of the islands.<ref name="EB">{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/departments/electricity/|title=Electricity in Lakshadweep|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[Government of India]]|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211164428/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/departments/electricity/|url-status=live}}</ref> Minicoy was the first island to be electrified in 1962, followed by Kavaratti in 1964 and others later, with Bitra being the last island to be electrified in 1982. Two [[diesel fuel|diesel]] generators were established in 1962, which generate about 51.6 [[Watt|Kilo Watt]]s of power. {{As of|2012}}, the islands have 41 diesel generators and 12 [[Photovoltaic system|solar photovoltaic system]]s with a total installed capacity of 18.5 Mega Watts.<ref name="EB"/> In January 2024, a [[solar power plant]] was commissioned to augment the power generation capacity.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/pm-modi-inaugurates-lakshadweeps-on-grid-solar-project-with-advanced-battery-storage/106514089|title=PM Modi inaugurates Lakshadweep's on-grid solar project with advanced battery storage|date=3 January 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|archive-date=4 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104063245/https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/pm-modi-inaugurates-lakshadweeps-on-grid-solar-project-with-advanced-battery-storage/106514089|url-status=live}}</ref>

The world's first ever experimental [[low-temperature thermal desalination]] plant opened in Kavaratti in 2005, with a projected daily production capacity of 100,000&nbsp;litres of potable water from seawater. The plant utilises the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and much colder seawater at about {{cvt|500|m}} depth to generate potable water as well as energy.<ref>{{cite press release|title=World's first ever low temperature thermal desalination plant opened at Kavaratti|publisher=[[Ministry of Science and Technology (India)]], [[Government of India]]|date=23 May 2005|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=9439|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307230658/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=9439|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=One Million Litre Per Day (1 MLD) Barge Mounted Desalination Plant|publisher=[[Ministry of Science and Technology (India)]], [[Government of India]]|date=18 April 2007|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=26958|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307091005/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=26958|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The technology was developed at the [[National Institute of Ocean Technology]] and the government has announced plans to build three more such plants.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/19/stories/2009111961820300.htm|title=City institute plans to develop manned submersibles|date=19 November 2009|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224082947/http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/19/stories/2009111961820300.htm|archive-date=24 December 2009|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

[[Mobile communication]] service is provided by state-owned [[BSNL]] across all inhabited islands and [[Airtel]] in Kavratti and Agatti islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/|title=About Lakshadweep|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=22 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622045529/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://telecomtalk.info/lakshadweep-sees-the-addition-5g-bts-october2023/895280/|title=Lakshadweep Sees the Addition of 5G BTS in October 2023|date=13 November 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Telecom Talk|archive-date=18 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118151810/https://telecomtalk.info/lakshadweep-sees-the-addition-5g-bts-october2023/895280/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the government announced a project to install under-sea [[fiber optic cable]] for high-speed mobile and internet connectivity between Kochi and 11 islands of Lakshadweep, which was inaugurated in January 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cabinet-approves-undersea-fibre-link-between-lakshadweep-islands-and-kochi-11607520516666.html|title=Cabinet approves undersea fibre link between Lakshadweep islands and Kochi|access-date=21 September 2021|work=[[Live Mint]]|date=9 December 2020|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921113801/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cabinet-approves-undersea-fibre-link-between-lakshadweep-islands-and-kochi-11607520516666.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Jan/03/lakshadweep-island-to-have-high-speed-internet-connectivity-as-pm-inaugurates-kochi-lakshadweep-isla-2647494.html|title=PM inaugurates project aiming to provide high-speed internet in Lakshadweep|date=3 January 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110173426/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/jan/03/lakshadweep-island-to-have-high-speed-internet-connectivity-as-pm-inaugurates-kochi-lakshadweep-isla-2647494.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Post office]]s run by [[India Post]] provide [[mail]] service.<ref name="MSME" />

Lakshadweep is served by four hospitals with 200 beds, four primary health centers, and 14 sub-health centers operated by the government.<ref name="MSME" />

== Transportation ==
[[File:MV Amindivi 001.JPG|thumb|Passenger ship MV ''Amindivi'']]

The only airport in the territory is [[Agatti Airport]] on Agatti Island.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/aerodrome/public/PUBLIC%20USE%20LICENSED%20AERODROME%20(PUBLIC%20AND%20PRIVATE)%20AND%20HELIPORT%20-converted%20(1).pdf|title=List of Aerodromes Licensed in Public Use Category|work=[[Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India)|Directorate General of Civil Aviation]] of India|access-date=11 October 2023|archive-date=26 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126130851/https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/aerodrome/public/PUBLIC%20USE%20LICENSED%20AERODROME%20(PUBLIC%20AND%20PRIVATE)%20AND%20HELIPORT%20-converted%20(1).pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/flight-services-resume-at-agatti-after-technical-snag-delays-operations/article68186832.ece|title=Flight services resume at Agatti after technical snag delays operations|date=17 May 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=22 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522044914/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/flight-services-resume-at-agatti-after-technical-snag-delays-operations/article68186832.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The {{cvt|1.2|km}} runway is capable of serving small [[turboprop]] aircraft. The government announced a plan in early 2024 to extend the runway to enable it to handle larger [[narrow body aircraft]] and expand the infrastructure to convert the airport into dual-use for civilian and military purposes. The construction of a greenfield airport at Minicoy Island was also proposed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lakshadweeps-lakshya-new-airport-more-hotels/articleshow/106677489.cms?from=mdr|title=Lakshadweep's lakshya: New airport|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 January 2024|access-date=7 February 2024|archive-date=8 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208054133/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lakshadweeps-lakshya-new-airport-more-hotels/articleshow/106677489.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> Two [[helicopters]] are presently operated by [[Pawan Hans]] and are utilised for  passenger transport and emergency medical evacuation from the islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pawanhans.co.in/english/inner.aspx?status=4&menu_id=169|title=Pawan Hans services|publisher=Pawan Hans|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128183949/https://www.pawanhans.co.in/english/inner.aspx?status=4&menu_id=169|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/baby-delivered-on-board-pawan-hans-chopper-on-medical-evacuation-flight-6794376/|title=Baby delivered on board Pawan Hans chopper on medical evacuation flight|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=20 October 2020|access-date=1 June 2023|archive-date=21 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821081155/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/baby-delivered-on-board-pawan-hans-chopper-on-medical-evacuation-flight-6794376/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|2019}}, there are {{cvt|228|km|abbr=on}} of paved roads and no [[railway]] in the territory.<ref name="MSME" /><ref>{{cite report|url=https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/Basic%20Road%20Statistics%20in%20India-2018-19.pdf|page=48|title=Road statistics|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620082310/https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/Basic%20Road%20Statistics%20in%20India-2018-19.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional roads have been planned, including a peripheral road at Kavaratti and beach front roads at Kadamath and Agatti islands.<ref name="Dev" />

{{As of|2023}}, seven ships operate passenger services between [[Kochi]] and the islands, with seasonal boat/ferry services available between islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/how-to-reach/|title=Means of Transport|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=22 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622051022/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/how-to-reach/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lakshadweep/adequate-travel-arrangements-in-place-for-islanders-says-lakshadweep-administration/article68039507.ece|title=Adequate travel arrangements in place for islanders, says Lakshadweep administration|date=8 April 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=17 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417182957/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lakshadweep/adequate-travel-arrangements-in-place-for-islanders-says-lakshadweep-administration/article68039507.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, the government unveiled a plan to develop three ports at Androth, Kalpeni and Kadamath islands as a part of the [[Sagar Mala project]].<ref name="Dev">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/laksha-for-dweep-3-6kcr-plan-to-turn-islands-in-tourist-hub/articleshow/107468457.cms|title=Laksha for Dweep: ₹3.6kcr plan to turn islands in tourist hub|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=7 February 2024|access-date=7 February 2024|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206185313/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/laksha-for-dweep-3-6kcr-plan-to-turn-islands-in-tourist-hub/articleshow/107468457.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The ten inhabited island each have a minor port.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://dwiep.ncscm.res.in/images/port.pdf |title=Ports of India |publisher=[[Government of India]] |access-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320115121/https://dwiep.ncscm.res.in/images/port.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> There are fifteen [[lighthouses]] on the islands, with the [[Minicoy Island Lighthouse]] (built in 1885) being the first modern lighthouse.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lighthouses |url=https://dgll.nic.in/DGLL-light-house-location/kochi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613100245/http://www.dgll.nic.in/DGLL-light-house-location/kochi |archive-date=13 June 2023 |access-date=1 August 2023 |publisher=[[Government of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://minicoy.utl.gov.in/govt_offices/lighthouse|title=Minicoy Island Lighthouse|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=2 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202060835/https://minicoy.utl.gov.in/govt_offices/lighthouse|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.mv/the_democrats/32149|title=Indian Navy to commission naval base in Minicoy island (Maliku) tomorrow|date=5 March 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|work=Edition|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620082352/https://edition.mv/the_democrats/32149|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Indian Navy]] operates the [[INS Dweeprakshak]] naval base under the [[Southern Naval Command]], commissioned in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-navy-gets-new-base-in-lakshadweep-islands-204332|title=Indian Navy gets new base in Lakshadweep islands|work=[[NDTV]]|date=30 April 2012|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616134505/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-navy-gets-new-base-in-lakshadweep-islands-204332|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
The first [[State school|public school]] was opened in Amini in 1904, followed by the establishment of [[elementary school]]s at Kiltan in 1911 and Kadmat in 1925.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/departments/education/|title=Education in Lakshadweep|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=22 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622055413/https://lakshadweep.gov.in/departments/education/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first high schools were established in the 1960s in Amini and Kalpeni.<ref name="Wire"/> {{As of|2023}}, there are 50 schools catering to 8,350 students.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lakedn.utl.gov.in/|title=Schools in Lakshadweep|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004102527/https://lakedn.utl.gov.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> There are four government colleges affiliated to [[Pondicherry University]] and two colleges and three university centers affiliated to [[Calicut University]] in the territory.<ref name="Wire">{{cite news|url=https://thewire.in/education/lakshadweep-students-face-bureaucratic-battle-over-curriculum-claim-no-discussion-with-stakeholders|title=Lakshadweep Students Face Bureaucratic Battle Over Curriculum, Claim No Discussion With Stakeholders|date=28 December 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]|archive-date=29 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229013653/https://thewire.in/education/lakshadweep-students-face-bureaucratic-battle-over-curriculum-claim-no-discussion-with-stakeholders|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/puducherry/pondicherry-university-allows-ug-diploma-courses-in-lakshadweep/articleshow/84698904.cms|title=Pondicherry University allows UG, diploma courses in Lakshadweep|date=24 January 2021|access-date=1 June 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=29 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329220219/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/puducherry/pondicherry-university-allows-ug-diploma-courses-in-lakshadweep/articleshow/84698904.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pondiuni.edu.in/department/lakshadweep-campus/|title=Lakshadweep campus|work=[[Pondicherry University]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=2 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802124349/https://www.pondiuni.edu.in/department/lakshadweep-campus/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uoc.ac.in/index.php/2016-06-21-09-51-49|title=Centers in Lakshadweep|work=[[Calicut University]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201140537/https://www.uoc.ac.in/index.php/2016-06-21-09-51-49|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
{{stack|{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}}}
* [[Coral reefs in India]]
* [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=note}}
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
* [[R. C. Majumdar]] (1979) ''The History of Ancient Lakshadweep'', Calcutta.
* S. Anandan, [https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lakshadweep-between-the-sea-and-a-hard-place/article34678112.ece Lakshadweep – Between the sea and a hard place], The Hindu, 30 May 2021.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Lakshadweep}}
* {{wikivoyage inline|Lakshadweep}}

{{Lakshadweep}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Corals}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Lakshadweep]]
[[Category:South India]]
[[Category:Union territories of India]]
[[Category:Islands of Lakshadweep|*]]
[[Category:Atolls of India]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes of the Indian Ocean]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 5th century]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1956]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in India]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
[[Category:Districts of Lakshadweep]]