Aminidivi

Aminidivi are an island group in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. It consists of atolls, three reefs (largely submerged atolls with only unvegetated sand cays above the high water mark] and four submerged banks. In addition, there is the most important island of the group, Amini, which is located at coord|11|06|N|72|45|E| at the northwestern end of Pitti Bank, which may also be considered a largely sunken atoll. The land area of the group is 9.26 km², and the population numbered 18,876 at the 2001 census. It forms a taluka (a subdivision). Aminidivi has the highest recorded rainfall in India in a 24-hour period. It stands at 1,168 mm on 2004-05-06. Islam is the main religion here.

History

The islands were inhabited from ancient times, mostly of people of Kerala descent and later Arab descent. Vasco da Gama visited the islands around 1498. It came under British rule in 1799.

References

* [http://www.webindia123.com/territories/lakshadweep/land/islands.htm Web123India]
*"Times of India", dated 2005-07-25