Dhon Bandaarain: The Sultan Who Saved the Maldives from Malabar Occupation

Al-Sultan al-Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin, widely remembered as Dhon Bandaarain, was one of the most significant figures in the history of the Maldivian Sultanate. Rising to prominence during one of the country’s most difficult periods, he led the resistance against the Malabar occupation, helped restore Maldivian control of the capital and administered the country during the political uncertainty that followed the capture of Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin III.

His eventual accession to the throne in 1759 marked the beginning of the Huraa dynasty, a royal house that would shape Maldivian political history for generations.

Remembered for his role in defending the country’s sovereignty, Dhon Bandaarain’s legacy is closely associated with the liberation of the Maldives from foreign occupation and the restoration of its independent monarchy.

Early Life and Royal Ancestry

Hassan Izzuddin is commonly reported to have been born on 14 April 1720. He was associated with Huraa in Kaafu Atoll and belonged to a family connected to the older Hilaalee royal lineage.

His father was Mohamed Famuladeyri Thakurufan, also known in historical genealogies as Mohamed Famuladeyri Manikfan. He was the son of Hussain Daharada Thakurufaanu of Huraa. His mother is identified as Aminath Manikfan, daughter of Kateeb Mohamed of Muli.

The genealogy published by the Maldives Royal Family traces his paternal ancestry through Huraa Hussein Daharada Thakurufan and earlier members of the Huraa family, connecting the lineage to Dom Luis de Sousa and the descendants of the former Hilaalee monarchy.

This background placed Hassan within the established aristocratic families of the Maldives, although the surviving historical accounts provide limited information about his childhood, education and early personal life.

He was born during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar II, who ruled from 1720 to 1750. The country was subsequently ruled by Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin III, whose reign would be interrupted by the Malabar invasion.

The Malabar Occupation of Malé

The events that brought Hassan Manikufaanu to national prominence began in December 1752, when forces sent by the Ali Raja of Cannanore invaded the Maldives.

The Ali Raja, whose authority was based on the Malabar Coast of present-day Kerala, had considerable maritime influence in the region. His forces arrived in the Maldives aboard vessels carrying fighters and military supplies.

The expedition entered Malé harbour during the night of 18 December 1752. Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin III was taken away by the invading forces, and Malé fell under foreign occupation.

The Sultan was transported to the Laccadive Islands, where he remained in captivity until his death in 1757.

The occupation brought considerable suffering to the people of Malé. The invaders interfered in the administration of the country, intimidated residents and subjected prominent Maldivians to violence. The royal establishment was also devastated, with the royal palace destroyed.

The capture of the Sultan left the country facing a serious political crisis. With the monarch held outside the Maldives and foreign troops controlling the capital, the restoration of Maldivian authority became an urgent national concern.

The Resistance Led by Hassan Manikufaanu

Hassan Manikufaanu emerged as one of the central figures in the movement to remove the occupying forces.

According to the Tarikh, a group of prominent Maldivians gathered to discuss how the monarchy could be recovered from the Malabars. Hassan Manikufaanu was among those who took the initiative, alongside other leading figures, including Badeyri Hassan Hirihamaadhi Kaleygefan.

The chronicle records that 206 Maldivian warriors and their followers participated in discussions concerning the operation to regain control of the country.

The resistance was organised against the occupying forces, and Hassan became the principal leader of the campaign.

After approximately 17 weeks of occupation, Malé was liberated and Maldivian control was restored. The campaign became the defining event of Hassan’s life and earned him the title al-Ghazi, meaning a victorious warrior or one who has fought in the cause of Islam.

His name subsequently became inseparable from the liberation of the Maldives from Malabar occupation.

Restoring the Government

The liberation of Malé did not immediately resolve the country’s political crisis. Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin III remained in captivity, and the Maldives needed a functioning administration while awaiting the possibility of his return.

Aminath Rani Kilegefaanu was placed on the throne as regent, while Hassan Manikufaanu emerged as the leading figure directing the country’s affairs.

He assumed responsibility for the administration and became the effective head of government during the period following the liberation.

The country continued to face internal political tensions. Rivalries among prominent families and concerns over the future leadership of the Sultanate created uncertainty during the regency.

The traditional chronicle describes a period of political disagreements, including the exile of Hussein Gada Hamadi Manikfan and his wife, Fathmath Rani Kilegefaanu, following rumours that they intended to challenge Hassan’s position. The couple were subsequently brought back and treated honourably.

Despite these tensions, Hassan remained the central political authority in the country.

Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin III eventually died in captivity in 1757, ending hopes of his return and leaving the question of the monarchy’s future unresolved.

Accession to the Throne

After years of directing the country’s affairs, Hassan Manikufaanu was eventually selected to become Sultan.

The Tarikh describes how the country’s leading figures, including ministers, religious scholars, members of the aristocracy and military personnel, unanimously agreed that he should assume the throne.

At the time, Hassan was staying at Muleege in Malé. Representatives of the country’s leading families and the people approached him and informed him of their decision.

The former royal palace had been destroyed during the occupation. According to the chronicle, the people cleared away overgrown vegetation and collapsed stones, preparing the location where the royal throne had previously stood.

A chair was placed at the site, and Hassan was brought into the palace.

On 6 December 1759, he was formally proclaimed Sultan.

He assumed the regnal title Al–Sultan al-Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin Sri Kula Ranmiba Kahthiri Bawana Mahaaradun.

His accession marked the establishment of the Huraa dynasty and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Maldivian monarchy.

His Reign and the Continuing Foreign Threat

Hassan Izzuddin’s reign, generally dated from 1759 to 1767, began after years of political instability and foreign intervention.

Although the Maldivians had regained control of their capital, the threat from the Malabar Coast had not disappeared.

In 1761, another Malabar expedition reached the Maldives and briefly occupied Funadhoo and Hulhulé. The incident demonstrated that the country’s security remained vulnerable to renewed foreign military action.

The expedition was a reminder that the restoration of Maldivian sovereignty had not permanently ended the external threat faced by the Sultanate.

The surviving historical timeline records the occupation of the two islands, although detailed accounts of the military response and the Sultan’s personal involvement remain limited.

During his reign, an earthquake followed by a fire also destroyed Danna Muhammad Mosque in 1759, according to the historical chronology compiled by the Maldives Heritage Survey.

Although the surviving records provide limited information about specific domestic reforms or construction projects undertaken during his rule, his accession and the establishment of the Huraa dynasty were major developments in the country’s political history.

Death and Succession

Sultan Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin died in 1766 (disputed:1767), bringing his reign to an end.

The historical timeline compiled by the Maldives Heritage Survey records that he nominated Muhammad, son of Iskandar II, as his successor. However, Muhammad Giyath al-Din is also recorded as having been unanimously elected by the people, with his reign dated from 1766 to 1774.

The Huraa dynasty nevertheless continued through Hassan Izzuddin’s descendants.

His son Sultan Muhammad Muizzuddin ruled from 1774 to 1779, followed by another son, Sultan Hassan Nooraddeen I, who ruled from 1779 to 1799.

The dynasty subsequently produced numerous rulers and remained central to the history of the Maldivian Sultanate for generations.

A Legacy of National Sovereignty

Dhon Bandaarain’s historical significance extends beyond his years on the throne. His contribution began during the Malabar occupation, when he emerged as a leader of the resistance and helped restore Maldivian control of the capital.

He subsequently directed the country’s affairs during a period of political uncertainty before being proclaimed Sultan in 1759.

His reign established the Huraa dynasty, whose descendants would continue to occupy the Maldivian throne for generations.

Remembered by the title al-Ghazi and commemorated through Huravee Day, Sultan Hassan Izzuddin remains one of the prominent figures in the history of the Maldives’ struggle to preserve its sovereignty.

His story represents a significant chapter in the country’s history, linking the resistance against foreign occupation with the restoration of the monarchy and the emergence of a new royal dynasty.

Sultanate of the Maldives

Sultan: Al-Sultan al-Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin Sri Kula Ranmiba Kahthiri Bawana Maharadun
Dynasty: Huravee Dynasty
Duration: 1759-1766

Predecessor: Sultana Amina II (Aminah Rani Kilegefan) 
Dhiyamigili Dynasty

Successor: Sultan Muhammad Ghiyath al-Din
Dhiyamigili Dynasty

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Vocabulary

Manikufaanu: Nobel Man (title)

Ranmiba: Gold Like

Kahthiri: Strong, Warrior Like

Bawana: World

Mahaaradhun: Great King