Explanations:Lakshadweep is a group of islands located in the Laccadive Sea, which is part of the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India. The islands are situated in the Arabian Sea, approximately 200 to 440 kilometers off the coast of the state of Kerala. Historically, these islands were known as the Laccadive Islands, a name derived from the Malayalam word "Lakshadweep" which means "a hundred thousand islands." The name "Laccadive" is a corruption of the Malayalam name "Lakshadweep."
The name change from Laccadive to Lakshadweep occurred in 1973, reflecting a shift towards using names that are more closely associated with the local language and cultural identity. This change was part of a broader trend in India to rename places with names that are more reflective of their local heritage and less influenced by colonial or foreign terms.
It is important to understand the historical context of the name change to appreciate the significance of the term "Lakshadweep." The islands have a rich history and cultural heritage, and the name change was a way to honor and preserve this heritage. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique biodiversity, making them an important ecological and tourist destination.
Other island groups in the region, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are located in the Bay of Bengal and are not historically known as Laccadive Islands. The Maldives, while geographically close to Lakshadweep, is an independent country and not part of India. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that Lakshadweep Island was earlier known as the Laccadive Island.