Rules for Maldivian Trading Ships Travelling Abroad (1925) and a Sojourn in Southern Ceylon

A rare glimpse into Maldivian maritime trade and cultural exchange is revealed through the translation of two 1925 documents: a 12-page manual outlining rules for Maldivian trading ships traveling abroad, primarily to Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), and a personal account by an elderly Maldivian trader detailing his experiences in Galle. The manual provides unprecedented insights into the logistical and social protocols governing long-distance trade during this period, while the trader's narrative offers vivid descriptions of conditions in Ceylon's harbor and inland towns, as well as accounts of cross-cultural friendships. Together, these documents illuminate the historical significance of Galle as a key hub for Maldivian commerce and cultural interaction, contributing to our understanding of pre-colonial trade dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.

Romero-Frias, X. (2021). Rules for Maldivian Trading Ships Travelling Abroad (1925) and a Sojourn in Southern Ceylon. Politeja, 13(1 (40)), 67–84. https://doi.org/10.12797/politeja.13.2016.40.06