Utheemu dynasty

Maldivian royal dynasty (1632–1692)

Part of a series on the

History of the Maldives

Pre-dynastic

Ancient history
Buddhist civilization
Solar Dynasty
Lunar Dynasty

Dynastic ages

Theemuge	1117–1388
Hilaalee	1388–1632
Utheemu	1632–1692
Hamawi	1692
Dhevvadhoo	1692–1701
Isdhoo	1701–1704
Dhiyamigili	1704–1759
Huraa (first)	1759–1766
Dhiyamigili	1766–1774
Huraa (second)	1774–1952

Modern history

First Republic	1953–1954
Huraa (third)	1954–1968
Second Republic	1968–present

The Utheemu dynasty was created in 1573 when Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam became sultan of the Maldives. The dynasty was named after the northern Maldives island of Utheemu, birthplace of Muhammad Thakurufaan. Muhammad Thakurufaan is considered a national hero, as he and his two brothers led a successful rebellion against the Portuguese and established his country's independence. Thirteen more sultans ruled during this dynastic period, which ended in 1697.

From 1602 to 1607, a French sailor, François Pyrard de Laval, spent time in the Maldives and gave a detailed account of the customs of the islanders during the Utheemu dynasty. His three-volume work was published in 1619 and is considered a valuable historical archive.