Amina Kabafaanu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amina I of the Maldives |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sultana of the Land and Sea, Lady of the Twelve-Thousand-Islands, Sultana of the Maldives | |||||
| Reign | Maldives: 1753 Maldives: 1773 – 1774 (regent) |
||||
| Predecessor | Muhammad Imaaduddeen III (First reign) | ||||
| Successor | Amina II | ||||
| Born | 2 February 1724 Malé, the capital of Maldives |
||||
| Died | after 1774 Hulhiyandhoo Island |
||||
| Spouse | Ali Shahbandar | ||||
|
|||||
| Dynasty | Dhiyamigili Dynasty | ||||
| Father | Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar II of Maldives | ||||
| Mother | Aisha Manikfan | ||||
Amina I of the Maldives, also known as Amina Kabafaanu, was a powerful queen. She ruled the Maldives as Sultana from 1753 to 1754. Later, in 1773, she helped govern the country as a regent. She did this with her husband, Ali Shah Bandar, while her brother, Sultan Muhammed Ghiya'as ud-din, was away on a religious journey.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Amina was born on February 2, 1724. Her father was Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar II of Maldives. Her mother was Aisha Manikfan. She was also the older sister of Sultan Muhammed Ghiya'as ud-din.
In 1743, Amina married Ali Shah Bandar Vela’ana’a Manikufa’anu. He was the son of a respected leader named Addu Ali Takurufan.
Becoming a Ruler
In 1750, Amina's father passed away. Her uncle, Sultan Muhammad Imaduddin III, became the new ruler. But in 1752, something unexpected happened. Her uncle was captured by a ruler from Cannanore and taken to another island. The capital city, Malé, was then taken over by people from Cannanore.
After 17 weeks, a brave leader named Muleegey Dom Hassan Maniku helped free Malé. He drove out the invaders.
First Time as Sultana
When Malé was free, Amina was chosen to be the new ruler. People agreed to her becoming Sultana. She ruled the Maldives with Hassan Manikfan.
In 1754, Amina decided to step down from the throne. She chose her nine-year-old cousin, Amina Rani Kilegefaanu, to be the next queen. Hassan Manikfaan became the regent, helping the young queen rule. Amina stepped down partly because of disagreements with some people and issues with debts to a French trader.
Time in Exile
After giving up her throne, Amina moved to Hitadoo island with her husband. Even though she was no longer ruling, she was still seen as a strong leader. She was the eldest daughter of a former Sultan. Amina was even trained in warfare. She tried to gather support to reclaim her position.
Amina and her husband learned that there were plans to arrest them. So, they left for Minicoy island with three armed ships. When this news reached Malé, an expedition was sent to capture them. After a battle, Amina's ship was defeated. She and her husband were captured and brought back to Malé. They were then sent away to Fenfushi island in September 1754.
In 1759, her niece, Queen Amina II, was removed from power. Amina's uncle, Hasan 'Izz ud-din, became the new ruler.
Second Time as Regent
When Hasan died in 1766, Amina's brother, Muhammed Ghiya'as ud-din, became the Sultan.
On December 17, 1773, Sultan Muhammed Ghiya'as ud-din left for a religious journey to Mecca. He appointed his sister Amina to manage the country's affairs. She ruled as regent with her husband, Ali Velana Manikfan.
However, during their time as regents, a sudden change in power happened. People supporting Amina's husband removed her absent brother from the throne. They declared him the new monarch. But loyal supporters of the absent king soon took back control. Amina and her husband were arrested. They were sent away to Huliyandoo island, where they later passed away.
