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Book Review
A Scholar Immersed in Island Culture
Romero-Frias’ The Maldive Islanders completely redefines the basis of scholarship about the Maldives. He spent 12 years in the Maldives achieving complete fluency in Dhivehi, the Maldivian language. He has immersed himself in Dhivehi culture, and unlike previous foreign scholars, his studies are firmly based in the oral traditions of the atolls. He examines the ancient stories of Maldives, and argues convincingly that their foreign inspiration is drawn largely from the Indian sub-continent. For western readers familiar with the islands’ geographical location (southwest of India), this revelation is hardly surprising, but many Maldivians will find the book deeply confronting.
Cultural Suppression Under Political Pressure
As Romero-Frias explains: “The imposition of the Islamic way of life has been acute since 1978, when a government hostile to Dhivehi lifestyle and traditions (which it sees as a deviation from Islam), came to power. Its policies have been successful owing to the non-existence of institutions that could effectively protect the local traditional heritage. This lack makes Maldivian people extremely vulnerable to the predatory whims of their leaders.”
