Lakshadweep, territory in India made up of 36 islands, located off the Malabar Coast. Only ten of the islands are inhabited. The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti and the largest island is Minicoy. Most of the inhabitants are Muslim and the main language is Malayalam, except on Minicoy, where Mahl is spoken. The chief occupations are fishing and the cultivation of coconuts for coir (a stiff, coarse fiber) and copra. Plantains and vegetables are also raised. The territory was known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amîndîvi Islands until it was renamed in 1973. Area, 32 sq km (12.4 sq mi); population (1991) 51,107. This site is dedicated to Punjabi Language and India.
