British Colonial Period · 1800s–1947
The Lighthouse and Colonial Administration
The construction of the Minicoy Lighthouse in 1885 marked an important development in the island’s maritime history. Its powerful light helped guide vessels travelling through the surrounding Indian Ocean routes and the One-and-a-Half Degree Channel.
The Minicoy Lighthouse, approximately 47 metres tall, has guided ships through these waters since 1885.
Ali Raja Rule · 1500s–1800s
The Sea Kings of Cannanore
The Ali Rajas — Muslim sea kings from Cannanore (Kannur) on the Kerala coast — exercised suzerainty over Minicoy for centuries. Under their rule, the island's tuna fishing and coir rope trade flourished, and Minicoy men became renowned as skilled deep-sea navigators.
Minicoy seamen sailed as far as the Persian Gulf and East Africa under the Ali Raja's maritime network.