Colonial Powers in the Maldives

Which empire controlled the northern part of the Indian subcontinent during colonial times?

• Portuguese Empire

• Mughal Empire

• Bahamini Sultanate

• Viyanagara Empire

Why did the Portuguese support rival Indian powers?

• To expand their cultural influence

• To sell spices

• To make themselves indispensable

• To spread religion

What did the Portuguese aim to control in the Indian Ocean region?

• Land routes

• Railways

• Sea trade

• Gold mines

When did the Portuguese first visit Sri Lanka?

• 1600

• 1450

• 1505

• 1550

Why were the Maldives valuable to the Portuguese?

• Location and natural gas

• Spices and gold

• Coir, cowries, ambergris, and dried fish

• Timber and salt

Who was Maamali Marakar?

• A Portuguese commander

• Sultan of Maldives

• Coir trader from Kerala

• Mughal general

Which family ruled Kannanur during this time?

• Ali Rajas

• Mughal Emperors

• Maratha Kings

• Portuguese Governors

What happened to Sultan Kalhu Muhammad?

• He died in exile

• He was made governor by the Portuguese

• He was removed but later restored

• He surrendered to the Malabars

Who helped reinstate Kalhu Muhammad as Sultan?

• British Navy

• Mughal Empire

• Kannanur warships and Portuguese

• Dutch traders

What did the Portuguese do in 1517 in Male'?

• Built a fort

• Started trading and mistreating locals

• Converted locals to Christianity

• Built a church