Koattey: Linked with the English and Buddhists
Koattey: The First Stop of The English
Introduction
The Maldives' Addu region includes the lovely island of Koattey. It provides the ideal getaway for beach and nature lovers with its clean waters, white sand beaches, and lush tropical flora. Koattey is the perfect tropical holiday spot, whether you want to unwind and soak up the sun or explore the abundant marine life. It has hidden spots of history, scattered around its almost 3km long area, specifically of the ancient times.
And so, on trend, we will also see how the English had a taste of this piece of heritage, which were present well before the 10th century.
We will explore the island through different sections and details from pictures taken today. All information present in this blog comes from trusted sources and experts in the field.
BIRD WATCH AREA
(fig.01: This is the hiker sign for this area)
(fig.02: A panorama image of the bird watching platform)
In fig.02, if we go a bit north of the platform after turning right, we may encounter a concrete foundation which were designed to hold one of the three stationed guns. These guns were Anti-aircraft guns, and possessed the capability to fire shells high into the air to take down incoming planes. It is known that, after the British left, the guns were tested by the Maldivian military.
(Bird watch on map)
The guns were operated through a quite troublesome system, which used locals as sentries, who were trained to warn the English of enemies through flares. These guns were not used solely for the protection of the base but also for the protection of the islanders.
The presence of these guns in Addu Atoll was a symbol of strength and protection, and protect it did.
The Buddhist Era: Remembering the Ancients (Vehere Fannu)
Several historic Buddhist tombs and ruins from the first centuries of Buddhism in the Maldives can be found at Addu Atoll, including the area leading to Vehere Fannu.
(Vehere Fannu: Rough waves and strong winds)
Only a few of the island's historic sites are accessible to tourists and tours, despite the island having a rich cultural heritage. The open sites provide a special window into the island's past by demonstrating the ancient Maldivians' architectural and creative talents. Visitors can study items that have survived the ages in good condition. Visitors can learn about the island's rich cultural past and get a taste of it by visiting tombs and ruins on Addu Atoll. It's crucial to remember that there are restrictions on who can access these sites.
( This tomb has diameters bigger than the average size of a human at that period of time. Studies suggest that here lies a man who died before 1150's [when Islam started spreading in Maldives] )
(Vehere Fannu on map)
WWII English Temporary Base ( Divva fengandu/Koattey )
Koattey
Koattey in the Addu Atoll operated as an English military base during World War II. The facility was built to defend the island against invading forces and to give English soldiers a strategic base of operations. This was the first base they made even before Gan and RAF. To make sure the soldiers were well taken care of, the facility was furnished with contemporary conveniences like barracks, mess halls, and communication hubs.
The troops stationed at Koattey had received training in a variety of warfare techniques, including anti-aircraft operations, as mentioned before, and they were equipped to defend the island at any time. The English base in Koattey was an essential part of the war effort and contributed greatly to preserving the safety and stability of the area.
Now, there are only ruins and lookalikes to the equipment they had and used at the time. All roads but the ones used by buggies are covered by greenery (fig.03 & 04). The jetty is almost unrecognizable as it had turned into a sort of rocky coastline (fig.05).
(fig.05)
(fig.03)
(fig.04)
It was fun, to sort of sit down and look at the ruins from a distance. Though it was possible, I didn't stray far from the area because it had an eerie vibe to it, as will anyplace where dead soldiers performed their duties decades before my parents were born and where monks performed their rituals probably hundreds of years before that! Getting steadily to my feet, I turned away from the remains and made my way back through the trees while feeling a tinge of remorse. Even though I knew I wouldn't be moving past this point, I didn't mind. I would always think back on the deserted military installation as a somber reflection of the past.
( The area I crouched down to check the ruins )
(Eroding light-tower)
Divva fengandu
This place is said to be the place where Andhiri Andhirin's (Andrea Andreas) mother came after giving birth (might've been when she was pregnant). It is also said that he and his men came here and submerged the feet of their children before they gave their names, and did the same for new ships or boats (fig.06). There are other stories associated with it, but, due to the ongoing research of another topic, details of this particular area is scarcely available for this blog.
(fig.06)
(Divva fengandu on map)
The Unknown Grave: A site used before for intercession
(fig.07)
As an Islamic country, making up rituals in the name of god and prayer is strictly forbidden. These types of actions are called Bid'ah. Maldivians also once had a Bid'ah, in which they asked dead people who were righteous when they were living, to intercede for them with god and they will place offerings at the foot of the grave. This grave is one of the most oldest, the most mysterious grave out of all of them. The reason for the mysteriousness is, that no-one knows whos buried there. And each day, the path around the grave never has a leaf on it, almost as if someone rakes it each morning. But, if you look closer, you'll see the fallen leaves refuse to fall except within a certain perimeter, and the plants who grow too outwards on one day, will have burn marks the next.
If you visit the grave, you'll see there are no rake marks, and the border around the grave are just flat stones. Its best not to make up theories on why such a phenomenon has been occurring for probably thousands of years, as we have not done enough research on why it is so.
Conclusion
The area with Koattey and its surroundings, is filled with heritage and culture, which were respected and taken care of through the ages, by almost everyone who had access to it. Currently under protection, the sites can be toured by a guide from Addu Nature Park, a nature reserve which looks after one of the most endangered habitats in the Maldives.
It is also proof, that the English did not destroy Addu heritage, and also gave more advantages to the people of Addu than they tend to believe.
- Yoosuf (BM)
Comments
Post a Comment