Leading from the front
Just as our speedboat was about to reach Minicoy after a seven hour journey from Kavaratti, I saw hundreds of women assembled at jetty, in colourful gowns and white scarves shouting slogans in joy. Before I could ask, Haneefbhai informed me that they were there to welcome the cultural troop of Minicoy that had won the award of best troop at Republic Day functions of Lakshadweep. Women of this island lead from the front on all
occasions, including in political rallies and protests.

Thereafter, wherever I went, I always found women of the island in colourful gowns and white scarves with brocades. Their love for jewellery is also quite evident. Though they follow Islam, women here do not wear veils. It is said that even Ibn Batuta, who had got the status of a Qadi and who had come from Arab, unsuccessfully tried to get them to observe purdah in the 14th century.

But he was so fascinated with the charms of the Maliku (the original name of Minicoy) women that he married two of them during his short stay.