A Group of 36 Islands: The Smallest Union Territory of India

Key Takeaways

• Lakshadweep is India's smallest Union Territory, with a total land area of just 32 sq km.

• It is a group of 36 islands, but only 10 of them are inhabited (people live there).

• The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti.

• All islands are located 220 to 440 km away from Kochi, Kerala, in the Arabian Sea.

• It has a population of 64,429 people, as per the Census 2011 (official Government of India data).

Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India. It is a group of 36 beautiful islands located in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Kerala. These islands are famous for their clean white beaches, clear blue water, and rich sea life. 

According to the official U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep site, the name of "Lakshadweep" is derived from Malayalam and Sanskrit, which means "a hundred thousand islands".

Where Is Lakshadweep Located?

Lakshadweep is located in the Arabian Sea, between 8° to 12°13" North latitude and 71° to 74° East longitude. The maximum number of islands of Lakshadweep is located around 220 to 440 km away from Kochi, a coastal city of Kerala, and this is the largest city located near the Lakshadweep.

The total land area of Lakshadweep is only 32 sq km. But when the lagoon area is also included, it is about  4,200 sq km.

If we include territorial waters, then it is around 20,000 sq km, and the exclusive economic zone is about 4 lakh sq km.

How Many Islands are there in Lakshadweep?

There are 36 islands in the Lakshadweep.

Source:lakshadweep.gov.in

How many inhabited islands are in Lakshadweep?

There are 10 Inhabited Islands in Lakshadweep, where people are actually livings, that are :

1. Kavaratti (Capital)

2. Agatti

3. Amini

4. Kadmat

5. Kiltan

6. Chetlat

7. Bitra

8. Andrott

9. Kalpeni

10. Minicoy

What is the Capital and Administration of Lakshadweep?

The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti, which is also a main town of this UT. Apart from this, it is also an uni-district Union Territory which is comprise of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands.

This UT is governed by the Central Government of India under the administrator, and the current Hon'ble Administrator of Lakshadweep is Shri Praful Patel.

Lakshadweep has:

• 10 Village (Dweep) Panchayats

• 9 Subdivisions

• 1 District

Population and People

According to the Census 2011, the official data of Government of India, “Lakshadweep had population of 64,473 of which male and female were 33,123 and 31,350 respectively.” 

The literacy rate here is 91.85%, compared to 91.85% of 2001. Here, there is 96.58 % people of Lakshdweep are Muslims, and only 2.77 % of hindu people are living. 

All the native people of Lakshadweep have been officially classified as Scheduled Tribes under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes list (Modification Orders), 1956.

Note: There are no Scheduled Castes in this Union Territory.

Language

In most islands, people speak Malayalam. But in Minicoy Island, people speak Mahl, which is written in the Divehi script. Mahl is also spoken in the Maldives.

Geography: Atolls, Lagoons, and Coral Reefs of Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is made up of 12 atolls. An atoll is a ring-shaped coral island that forms around a lagoon. The islands here are shaped like boats, with their backs resting on the reef in the east and the lagoon on the west side. The lagoons are shallow, usually not more than a couple of meters deep.

The coral reefs around the islands are home to thousands of sea creatures. The lagoon water is crystal clear and clean, which makes it perfect for swimming and water sports.

The extended sea zone around Lakshadweep is more than 7,00,000 sq km, which is almost as large as Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh put together.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Lakshadweep has a tropical climate. It is warm and pleasant for most of the year.

Temperature Range: 22°C to 36°C throughout the year, with an average of 27°C to 32°C.

Rainfall: The annual rainfall ranges from 10 to 40 mm on average during the monsoon. On average, 80 to 90 days in a year are rainy. Rainfall is higher in the southern islands and decreases as you go north. The relative humidity is around 70 to 75%.

Occupation and Economy

The main ways people earn their living in Lakshadweep are:

1. Fishing – The sea around the islands is rich with fish.

2. Coconut cultivation – Coconut trees are found across all the islands.

3. Coir twisting – Coir (fibre from coconut husk) is made into ropes and mats.

4. Tourism – This is a growing industry and brings many visitors from across India and the world.

Tourism: What Can You Do in Lakshadweep?

Lakshadweep is one of the few places in India that remains largely untouched by heavy development. The white sandy beaches, clean lagoons, and coral reefs make it a dream destination.

Activities you can enjoy here include:

• Scuba diving

• Snorkelling

• Surfing

• Swimming

• Canoeing

• Water skiing

• Kayaking

The best months for these activities are September to May, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm.

Quick Facts Table: Lakshadweep at a Glance

Why Is Lakshadweep Important for Exams?

Those students who are preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, or state government exams,they should remember these important pouints:

• Lakshadweep is India's smallest Union Territory by area (32.69 sq km).

• It is located in the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal.

• The capital is Kavaratti.

• It has 12 atolls, 3 reefs, and 5 submerged banks.

• Only 10 out of 36 islands are inhabited.

• The entire native population is classified as Scheduled Tribes.

• There are no Scheduled Castes in Lakshadweep.

• In Minicoy Island, people speak Mahl written in Divehi script.

• Entry to Lakshadweep requires a special permit from the UT Administration.