Andrott Island, also known as Androth Island, is a small inhabited island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, a group of 36 coral islands scattered in the Arabian Sea off the western coast of India. It has a distance of 293 km (182 mi) west of the city of Kochi.

History

Andrott Island had been known as 'Divanduru' in the past, a name that is found in some old French maps. It belongs to the Laccadive Islands subgroup, which had been historically a part of the Arakkal Kingdom. It was the first island to embrace Islam.

Geography

Andrott Island is the nearest to the mainland from all the islands in the group and it is also the longest, as well as the biggest (area-wise) island.

It is located approximately 219 kilometres (136 mi) from Kannur, 234 kilometres (145 mi) from Kozhikode, and 293 kilometres (182 mi) from Kochi. The island has an area of 4.98 square kilometres (1.92 sq mi) and is the only island of the group to have a west–east orientation. It has a lagoon area of 6.6 km (2.5 sq mi).

Demographics

Most of the inhabitants are Muslims with a presence of Hindu minority. The Saint Ubaidullah who is believed to have preached Islam in Lakshadweep Islands, died here. His remains are entombed in the Jumah mosque.

The island also houses several Buddhist archaeological remains.

Administration

The island belongs to the township of Andrott of Andrott Tehsil.

Climate

Image Gallery

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  Satellite picture showing the atolls of the Lakshadweep except for Minicoy
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  Map