Question

What is the population of Lakshadweep?
A. 1 lakh people
B. 80 thousand people
C. 60 thousand people
D. 50 thousand people

Answer 1

Hint: This archipelago (cluster or chain) of 36 islands is the country’s smallest Union Territory (formed in 1956), composed of just one district. Its capital is Kavaratti. It is composed of atolls, reefs and submerged banks. Only 10 islands are occupied.

Complete answer: Option C is correct. The population is 64,473 (according to the 2011 census) to be exact. Its people primarily speak in Malayalam with Mahi (mostly in Minicoy) and follows the Sunni sect of Islam. It also had Catholic christian due to the Portugese missionaries.
- The origin of its inhabitants is usually attributed to the arrival of sailors as we do not have any proof of aboriginal life here. We know it was ruled by the Cheras, the Arakkal house, the famous ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan and was later taken over by the British.
- Earlier, Lakshadweep was treated as a part of the Malabar district or the Madras presidency.
Under article 239, the current administrator appointed by the President is Praful K Patil. Their term like that of the Chief Minister is 5 years.
- Its main economic mainstay is food industry (fishing; mainly export of tuna) and coconut cultivation. Tourism is also contributing. Its only airport is on the Agatti island.

Hence, The right answer is Option C.

Note: With an area of 36 square kilometres, the name translates to one hundred thousand islands in Marathi, Sanskrit and Malayalam. It was adopted in 1973.