Old Divehi Ganduvar in Minicoy. This beautiful
heritage building is now demolished and replaced by a concrete
structure which is still called Divehi Ganduvar. This residence
was originally built by a Maldive rebel leader and Kateeb
of Utheem island, Mohamed Bodu Thakurufan in the mid-16 th
century. Bodu Thakurufan and his brothers and followers
rebelled against Andiri Andirin, the regent in Malé
for the Hilaaly King Manoel Siri Dhirikusa Loka (previously
known as Hassan IX). Based in Minicoy, Bodu Thakurufan and
his rebels raided the Maldives and eventually captured Malé
in 1573 and assassinated Andiri Andirin. Due to the collapse
of an alliance with the Ali Raja of Cannanore, Thakurufan
was later forced to enter into peace with the Hilaaly king,
who lived in Goa. Thakurufan was consequently appointed
co-regent along with his brother Hassan Thakurufan. |