The Maldive Mystery

An ancient Egyptian-style boat

The Maldive Mystery ,Thor Heyerdahl, the famous Norwegian explorer known for his 1947 Kon-Tiki raft trip across the Pacific, decided to explore the Indian Ocean in the early '80s. In 1982, the Maldivian government invited him to lead an archaeological expedition to the Maldives, which he did from 1983 to 1984. His team, including people like archaeologist Arne Skjølsvold and geologist Øystein Koch Johansen, focused on digging up ancient mounds called hawitta. These are basically man-made hills of coral rubble scattered across the atolls, often hiding buried structures. Their findings were shared in Heyerdahl's 1986 book, "The Maldive Mystery," which mixed archaeology, history, and adventure. While it got people interested in the Maldives' pre-Islamic history, some criticized it for being a bit too sensational.

Heyerdahl believed the Maldives were more than just isolated coral islands. He thought they were an important hub in ancient sea trade routes, settled way earlier than people thought—maybe as far back as 2000 B.C. He suggested that the islands had preserved signs of a sophisticated, pre-Buddhist civilization influenced by seafaring "sun-worshippers" from the Indo-Mesopotamian world. A big part of his idea was that there were direct cultural and trade links with the Indus Valley Civilization, a Bronze Age society in what's now Pakistan and northwest India, thriving from around 3300–1300 B.C. Heyerdahl saw the Maldives as a key stop in monsoon-driven sea routes, where traders from the Indus Valley might have traveled south, sharing goods and ideas.

Archaeological and literary evidence demonstrates that Maldivian money cowrie shells, which are small, glossy, and often brightly colored shells, first made their appearance in the Indian subcontinent during the time of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished from approximately 3300 to 1300 BCE. This period is characterized by advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and a thriving trade network that extended across the region. The use of cowrie shells as a form of currency during this era highlights the significance of trade and commerce in the ancient societies of the Indus Valley, where these shells were likely valued for their rarity and beauty.

As trade routes expanded, particularly through maritime channels, cowrie shells began to circulate in various cultures, including those in Mesopotamia, where they were utilized not only as currency but also as a means of adornment and ritualistic items. The presence of cowrie shells in Mesopotamian archaeological sites supports the notion that these shells were integral to the economy and social practices of the time. They served as a medium of exchange, allowing for more fluid transactions and the facilitation of trade between different civilizations.

Moving into the medieval periods, the prevalence of cowrie shells increased significantly, as they became a standardized form of currency in various regions across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. This transformation can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of maritime trade and the establishment of trade networks that connected the Indian Ocean with other parts of Asia and Africa. The shells were not only used in the Maldives but also became popular in coastal areas of India and other neighbouring countries.

During this time, cowrie shells were often used in everyday transactions, and their value was recognized across different cultures, which further solidified their status as a reliable currency. The shells were easily transportable, durable, and could be used in small denominations, making them ideal for everyday trade. Furthermore, literary texts from medieval India and surrounding regions often reference cowrie shells, indicating their widespread acceptance and importance in the economic systems of the time.

In summary, the journey of Maldivian money cowrie shells from their initial appearance during the Indus Valley Civilization to their prominence in medieval economies illustrates the dynamic nature of trade and currency in ancient societies. The archaeological findings and literary references provide a rich tapestry of how these shells transcended geographical boundaries, becoming a vital component of commerce and cultural exchange in the Indian subcontinent and beyond.