The Maldive Islands. Illustration for The Graphic, 16 October 1886.

Full caption: Part of the reception-room of the High Priest, showing the bed and shields used by the fencers. These shields are the only ones allowed on the islands. and are always kept in this apartment.

See page 415

See explanatory text on page 416 Hassan Deedee, title Fanu Dairi Kilage-fanu: Hassan Deedee is a cousin of E. A. Abrahim Deedee (the Prime Minister), and has the command of the army; his principal duty being to superintend the fencing and dancing games which are held periodically by order of the Sultan.

On special occasions organised spoils are held, which are generally witnessed by the Sultan and his wives. At these sports the young men generally engage, two at a time, in a kind of fencing exercise with sticks; which is, however, entirely without interest. The two principal games or dances are the Malikutara and the Todu. The first came originally from Minicoy (hence its name), and is performed by about twenty tom-tom beaters, who go through a series of slow movements, accompanying their gestures by a regular thumping of their instruments The second game is of pure Maldive origin; it originated in Ari Atol, and is performed by about six couples of fencers, armed with wands some six feet long, to the ends, which are fixed metal boxes filled with cowries, resembling children's rattles in Europe. With these they go through a series of movements, timed to the regular beat of tom-tom, and by striking the wands against on and other, make a continuous rattling noise.

C.W. Rosset visited Maldives in 1885 during Sultan Ibrahim Nooraddeen's reign.

The Maldive Islands. Illustration for The Graphic, 16 October 1886.

Illustration which appeared in an article in en:The Graphic depicts veranda swing (Fendaamathi Undholi) of royal palace, by the German C.W. Rosett (Carl Wilhelm Rosset (1851-1923). He visited Maldives in 25th October, 1885 and stayed in en:Malé. His purpose was to exhibit his findings at the Colonial and Indian exhibition.