The Strategic French-Maldivian Alliance of 1753: Monsieur Le Termellier’s (Faranji Kalo) Legacy
- Ibrahim Rasheed
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
In the mid-18th century, the Maldives, a small yet strategically important archipelago in the Indian Ocean, became a center of regional power conflicts when the Ali Raja of Cannanore invaded in 1752. Dhon Bandaara sought French help by sending a delegation led by minister Ali Maafaiy Manikfan to Joseph-François Dupleix, the Governor of French India in Pondicherry. Dupleix sent a squadron under Monsieur Le Termellier, a merchant, marking a brief but significant chapter in Maldivian history. This event, characterized by a decisive military campaign, the establishment of a French base, and lasting cultural influences, not only restored Maldivian sovereignty but also underscored the archipelago’s role in the intricate trade and geopolitical dynamics of the Indian Ocean.
The French intervention was triggered by the Ali Raja's invasion, which began on December 20, 1752, when forces from Cannanore captured Sultan Mohamed Imaduddine III and detained him on Kavaratti Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Maldivian resistance, led by Muleegey Dom Hassan Maniku (who later became Sultan Hassan Izzuddin (Dhon Bandaara), expelled the invaders by April 7, 1753, through a bold nighttime assault. To protect the Maldives from future threats, Dhon Bandaara sought help from the French, who had a significant presence in the Indian Ocean through their colonial base in Pondicherry. A delegation led by minister Ali Maafaiy Manikfan approached Joseph-François Dupleix, the Governor of French India, who sent a squadron under Monsieur Le Termellier, a merchant and possibly a nobleman with established trade connections to the Maldives.
Le Termellier's forces played a crucial role in solidifying Maldivian victory. His squadron defeated the Ali Raja's ships near Dhoonidhoo Island and destroyed their base in Thiladummati Atoll at Dhonakulhi. This military success led to a formal alliance, cemented by an agreement allowing the French to set up a base at Naaney Buruzu bastion in Malé, where they raised the French flag. The nearby lane, named Faranji-kaloa Goalhi (French Lane), commemorated this partnership until the mid-20th century, highlighting its deep cultural significance. Le Termellier's squadron remained in Malé until recalled by Dupleix's successor, marking a brief but significant French presence in the archipelago.
Monsieur Le Termellier (Faranji Kalo) exemplified the merchant-commander archetype, a prevalent figure in the 18th-century Indian Ocean, where commerce and military strength were closely linked. A respected member of Maldivian society, Le Termellier merged business savvy with military leadership, aiding in the defeat of the Ali Raja and enhancing Franco-Maldivian trade relations.
The Maldives, though small, was a crucial supplier of valuable goods like ambergris (used in perfumery), coir, cowries, copra, and coconut plantations.
(When the French (Faranji) began controlling the Isle de France from 1715 (now known as Mauritius), it was a French colony from 1715 to 1810. )
These commodities were central to Le Termellier’s trade ventures. His commercial ties with the Maldives persisted until the reign of Sultan Muhammad Ghiyasuddin (1766–1774), highlighting his long-term dedication to the area. Upon his death in Malé, Le
Termellier received official honors and was buried in the Lonaziyarai Henveiru ward. His tomb, reportedly existing until recent times and mentioned by As-Sayyid Bodufenvalhuge Sidi, serves as a testament to his lasting importance in Maldivian history.
The 1753 intervention placed the Maldives within the broader geopolitical conflicts of the Indian Ocean, where European powers like the French vied with regional actors for dominance. The alliance with France, (Faranjeen) facilitated by Le Termellier, strengthened Maldivian defenses and benefited both parties through trade. Ambergris, in particular, was central to this economic relationship, underscoring the Maldives’ significance as a trade hub.
The creation of Naaney Buruzu and the naming of Faranji-kaloa Goalhi, where he resided, left enduring cultural symbols.
These reflect the mutual respect developed between the Maldives and their French allies. Le Termellier's honored burial further emphasizes the depth of this relationship, as the Maldives, while fiercely guarding their sovereignty, welcomed trusted foreign partners who respected their independence.
In summary, the French intervention of 1753, led by Monsieur Le Termellier, was a pivotal event in Maldivian history. It not only safeguarded the archipelago’s sovereignty against the aggression of Ali Raja but also forged a brief yet significant alliance that left a lasting impact. Le Termellier’s dual role as a merchant and commander, the establishment of Naaney Buruzu, and the cultural memory of Faranji-kaloa Goalhi highlight the Maldives’ resilience and adaptability in navigating the complex politics of the 18th-century Indian Ocean. This episode, though brief, underscores the enduring interplay of local agency, foreign alliances, and trade that shaped the Maldives’ historical path.
Note on Terminology:
Fushethikaalu: Maldivian term for the Portuguese, reflecting their 16th-century occupation (1558–1573).
Landhesi: Maldivian term for the Dutch, who controlled nearby Ceylon but had limited direct influence in the Maldives.
Faranji: A Maldivian term originally used for the French during the 1753 intervention, which may have later been used more broadly to refer to Europeans, particularly in informal or everyday language.
Ingireysi: Maldivian term for the English, later relevant during British influence in the 19th–20th centuries.
Fuluseree: The Maldivian term for Pondicherry, the French colonial hub in India, highlights the Maldives’ recognition of it as a key center of French (Faranji) power. This aligns with Pondicherry’s role under Dupleix as a base for French operations in the Indian Ocean during the 18th century.
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