Today marks the 34th Maldivian Writers' Day. On such a special occasion, looking back at the history of Maldivian literature and journalism, the oldest surviving newspaper preserved in the National Museum of the Maldives stands out as one of the most priceless heritages shaping the foundation of Dhivehi writing.
Published in the Hijri year 1362 (during the 1940s), at a time when World War II was engulfing the globe, this newspaper holds immense historical value. It featured a dedicated column headlined "The Major War Currently Being Fought" to bring news of the dangers of this international war—instigated by Germany—and the shifting global dynamics to the public. Even during a challenging period when means of gathering global news were scarce and difficult, this document clearly illustrates the arduous work done by Maldivian writers to obtain world news and deliver it to the public in the Dhivehi language.
A Time When the Maldives Felt the Impact of the Great War
The year 1362 AH, when this newspaper was published, was a period when the Maldives was heavily impacted by the adverse effects of the global war. As food imports came to a halt and the country went through the era of the "Bodu Thadu" (The Great Famine), this newspaper enlightened Maldivians on the reasons behind these global events, including the German attacks and the eventual outcomes of the war. This was one of the earliest efforts to open the eyes of Maldivians to international affairs.
The Heritage of Dhivehi Literature
A closer look at this newspaper, which is being carefully maintained both physically and digitally with special care at the National Museum, reveals a highly impactful and beautiful command of the Dhivehi language. While we today can easily change fonts with the help of computers and typewriters, looking at this newspaper from 1362 AH evokes sheer amazement. That era was devoid of any such technology or printing presses in the Maldives. Every single letter and headline was handwritten with ink by a skilled writer using a special pen.
The beautiful Thaana script, drawn uniformly without a single distortion or error, showcases more than just writing; it reflects the patience of Maldivian writers and their profound love for the language. This newspaper stands as a living witness to the inception of journalism and literature in the Maldives. The grammatical rules, the vocabulary of the Dhivehi language used at the time, and the craftsmanship executed through handwriting or lithographic printing of that era serve as a vast academic treasure trove for today's researchers.
As we celebrate Writers' Day, such historical documents remind us of the crucial role Maldivian writers have played in nation-building and preserving history. For today’s modern writers, this oldest newspaper housed in the National Museum remains a powerful symbol of a proud past, inspiring them to write for future generations with honesty and integrity.
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