Kondey


Kondey or Kondē is one of the inhabited islands of Northern Huvadhu Atoll, administrative code Gaafu Alifu.
The master carpenters of the iconic Male' Hukuru Miskiy were from Kondey, Ali Maavadi Kaleyfaanu and Mahmud Maavadi Kaleyfaanu.

History

Archaeology

This island has large ruins from the historical Maldivian Buddhist era.
  • A ruined Stupa called “Kondey Haviththa” is on the east of the island, about from the shore. It is square and high.
  • On the south-west of the island, about from the above, there is another “Haviththa” which is square and high.
  • On the southern fringes, about away from the shore there is another “Haviththa” measuring square and in height. It has a depression at the centre which is in diameter and in depth.
Besides the above there are other ruins scattered all over the island. None of them have been properly investigated, although a Makara head in stone was found during Thor Heyerdahl's expedition. Mr. Muhammad Lutfee is seen holding this Makara head in one of the pictures of Thor Heyerdahl's book. The Makara was a common embellishment in classical Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Geography

The island is south of the country's capital, Malé. It is a long wooded island located on Huvadu Atoll's eastern rim.

Demography