geography for 13 February 2026

Lakshadweep is a Union Territory of India and the country’s smallest administrative unit by land area. It covers about 32.62 square kilometres of the area. It is an archipelago of 36 coral islands located 220-440 km off the Malabar Coast between the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea. Only ten islands are inhabited in this group of Islands. The islands have a 132 km coastline, 20,000 km² territorial waters, vast lagoon area and a huge Exclusive Economic Zone.

Lakshadweep Islands Historical Evolution

Human presence in Lakshadweep dates back to ancient times with strong maritime links. The historical evolution of the archipelago has been listed below:

• Archaeological findings from Kalpeni confirm habitation from at least 1500 BCE, while Buddhist Jataka tales and Tamil Sangam literature like Patiṟṟuppattu mention the islands between 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE, linking them to early South Indian civilizations.
• The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea in the 1st century CE refers to islands off Damirica as turtle shell sources. Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE listed islands such as Kanathara (Kavaratti) and Argidion (Agatti), indicating established trade routes.
• During the Sangam period, the Cheras ruled the islands. Later control passed to the Pallavas in the 7th century CE, Kadambas in the 10th century, and the Cholas under Rajendra Chola I around 1018-19 CE.
• Local tradition attributes the arrival of Islam to Ubaidullah in 661 CE, and early Islamic graves found in Agatti date to the 8th century Hijri period, showing early Muslim influence.
• The Portuguese briefly controlled the islands in the late 15th century for coir trade but were expelled in 1545. The Arakkal rulers of Kannur later governed them, followed by annexation by Tipu Sultan in 1787 and eventual British control in 1799.
• After 1947, the islands joined India and were formed into a separate Union Territory in 1956. 
• On 1 November 1973, the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands were officially renamed Lakshadweep.

Also Read: Indian Islands

Lakshadweep Islands Geographical Features

The key highlighting geographical features of the Lakshadweep Island has been listed below:

• Island Structure: The archipelago includes 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. These coral formations are part of the Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge, an exposed undersea mountain chain.
• Subgroup Division: The territory is divided into the Amindivi Islands in the north, Laccadive Islands in the central region separated by the 11th parallel north, and Minicoy south of the 9° Channel.
• Important Channels: The Nine Degree Channel separates Minicoy Island from the main Lakshadweep group, while the Eight Degree Channel lies between Minicoy and the Maldives, making these channels strategically important sea routes in the Arabian Sea.
• Topography and Soil: The islands are flat and rarely exceed five meters above sea level. Soil is sandy and derived from coral debris, making agriculture limited and increasing vulnerability to sea-level rise.
• Lagoon and Marine Area: Though land area is small, the lagoon area covers 4,200 km², supporting fisheries and tourism. The Exclusive Economic Zone of 400,000 km² provides significant marine resource potential.
• Climate: The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 32°C. 
• Precipitation: Annual rainfall averages 1,602.9 mm, mainly during June to September.
• Coastal Changes: Reports in 2017 noted erosion of Parali I island in Bangaram atoll and partial erosion of nearby islands, showing environmental sensitivity of coral ecosystems.

Also Read: Cayman Islands

Lakshadweep Islands Features

Major features and specialities of the Lakshadweep Islands has been highlighted below:

• Capital: Kavaratti serves as the capital of the Union Territory. 
• Administration: The territory is governed by an Administrator and falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court. It elects one Member of Parliament to the Lok Sabha.
• Population: As per the 2011 Census, population stands at 64,473 with 51.3% males and 48.7% females. 
• Literacy: Literacy rate is 92.28%, one of the highest among Indian territories.
• Religion and Society: Islam is followed by 96.58% of residents, predominantly Sunni. Hindus form 2.77% and Christians 0.49%. The society reflects matrilineal traditions influenced by Kerala’s social structure.
• Languages: English is the official language. Jeseri, a Malayalam dialect, is widely spoken in most islands, while Mahl, a Dhivehi dialect, is spoken in Minicoy.
• Economy and Agriculture: Coconut is the primary crop with production reaching 553 lakh nuts annually from about 2,689 hectares. Lakshadweep records high productivity of about 20,500 nuts per hectare and high oil content.
• Fisheries Sector: Fishing is the backbone of the economy, with annual production around 21,016 tonnes. Tuna varieties like skipjack and yellowfin dominate commercial fishing, supported by lagoon resources.
• Industries: Coir production is the main industry with seven coir factories, five demonstration centers and seven curling units producing fiber, yarn and mats in the public sector.
• Tourism Development: Tourism began in 1974 at Bangaram. In 2018, 10,435 domestic and 1,313 foreign tourists visited. Activities include scuba diving and snorkelling, with entry regulated by permits.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: There are 228 km of paved roads and no railways. Agatti Airport has a 1.2 km runway. Seven ships connect Kochi to islands. Undersea fiber optic connectivity was inaugurated in 2024.
• Strategic Importance: The Indian Navy operates INS Dweeprakshak, commissioned in 2012, highlighting the islands’ importance near major sea lanes linking India with West Asia.

Lakshadweep Islands Biodiversity

Lakshadweep is part of the Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos tropical moist forest ecoregion.

• Marine Diversity: Over 600 species of marine fishes, 78 coral species, 82 seaweed species, 52 crab species and two lobster species have been recorded, making it one of India’s four major coral reef regions.
• Flora: Nearly 400 flowering plant species exist, including coconut palms and coastal shrubs like Pemphis acidula and Cordia subcordata, along with sea grasses such as Thalassia hemprichii.
• Avifauna: About 101 bird species are found, including brown noddy and sooty tern. Pitti Island is a declared bird sanctuary and important nesting ground for pelagic birds and sea turtles.
• Marine Mammals and Reptiles: The surrounding waters host whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays and turtles, highlighting rich pelagic biodiversity within the vast Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Ecological Vulnerability: Being low-lying coral atolls, the islands are highly sensitive to sea-level rise, erosion and climate variability, making environmental conservation essential for sustainable development.