National Day is celebrated on the first day of Rabi'ul Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, with it falling on 14th August this year. The entirety of Maldives observes this day in remembrance of liberation from Portuguese occupation, with a flag-hoisting ceremony, parades, military addresses, cultural performances and speeches from high-ranking officials, as per the Commonwealth Chamber.
The celebration of National Day marks a bright spot in Maldivian history. It was a day filled with strength, hope and courage in the face of insurmountable odds. It was the day Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his allies fought for the freedom of our nation.
But before Maldives saw freedom, it experienced a 15-year period of fear, dread, despair and death.
The Darkest Time in Maldivian History
At the time, Maldives was a nation of peace and harmony with Islam as the defining religion, and functioned as a monarchy. The Portuguese had the intention to occupy Maldives due to its importance as a spice route, and decided to sail to Maldives. The Hilaalee dynasty was in power when the Portuguese invaded in 1558 under the command of the Andhiri Andhirin and killed reigning Sultan Ali VI in battle.
What followed was forced conversion from Islam to Christianity. Mosques were destroyed and people were killed if they defied conversion orders. The occupying forces took root in the capital of Male’ and established a stronghold, securing their win and solidifying their foothold.
Not everyone decided to let the Portuguese have their way with Maldives. Just before all hope was lost, three brothers from the northern reaches of the island nation decided to begin what would be a long and arduous campaign against the invaders in order to free their beloved nation.
Haa Alif Utheemu’s Famed Trio
The island of Utheemu in Haa Alif Atoll produced three brothers who would come to be known as an unstoppable force in freeing Maldives from the clutches of the Portuguese. The eldest was known as Muhammad Thakurufaanu, and with him was Hassan Thakurufaanu and Ali Thakurufaanu. The brothers left Maldives and went to Minicoy to prepare for their upcoming battles. It was during their efforts that they built the Kalhuohfummi, the vessel that would eventually carry them to victory.
The Kalhuohfummi was not as big as the Portuguese ships, but what it lacked in size, it made up for in speed and maneuverability. The brothers formed a loyal group of fighters and sailed across Maldives, fighting the Portuguese for eight long years. Their guerilla war consisted of surprise attacks and hit-and-run tactics, where they would hit Portuguese outposts and supply ships in an effort to wrest power and control from them. They would conduct these attacks at different islands in the dead of night, allowing them to evade capture. They would leave before the sun came up and use their knowledge of the atolls and channels in order to outrun the bigger Portuguese ships.
The band of fighters would rally and garner support from the islands during their efforts. Simply knowing that a resistance was fighting against the Portuguese occupation sprang hope and strength within the local populace. And when it was finally time to liberate Male’, they would need all the hope and strength they could muster.
The Siege That Led to Freedom
In 1573, Muhammad Thakurufaanu led his comrades, who were determined to lay down their lives for country, faith and their people, toward Male’, where the Portuguese had built their bastion. They planned their siege for the night before the Portuguese set to forcibly convert those living in Male’ to Christianity. The cover of night allowed them to infiltrate the stronghold, where battle quickly broke out.
Swords were drawn, blood was spilled and guns were fired. While many lost their lives, the band of rebels were ultimately victorious, claiming the lives of the Portuguese garrison. Muhammad Thakurufaanu’s well placed musket shot spelled the end of the Portuguese Captain-General, birthing the legend of Maldives’ most prolific heroes. The news of their victory spread across the islands, with the remaining Portuguese forces being driven out without a general to lead them. Fifteen years of Portuguese rule was brought to an end because three men decided that their country was worth dying for.
Peace and the Dawn of a New Age
After Muhammad Thakurufaanu put down his weapons, he was crowned Sultan in 1573 and founded the Utheemu dynasty. He was known as a wise, fair and considerate ruler, was known to protect the poor and had the best interests of everyone at heart. He was the first Maldivian king to have formed the first military force in Maldives, allowing the country to be protected from further invasion.
He ruled for 12 years, and passed away from natural causes in 1585. His tomb is located in the compound of the Bihuroazu Kamanaa Mosque in Malé. The Utheemu Ganduvaru (Utheemu Palace) still stands on the island of Utheemu and is preserved to this day. It was the family home of the Sultan. The palace remains open to the public to enter and look upon.
Muhammad Thakurufaanu, Ali Thakurufaanu and Hassan Thakurufaanu rose against and defied a colonial power for the sake of their nation. It is an act of bravery that will stand the test of time, and will forever echo through the history of Maldives and the hearts of its inhabitants. Courage in the face of death is not something everyone should experience, but rising to the occasion is something very few are capable of.
