Minicoy Island
Topic: Structure and Physiography of India: Himalayas, Plains, Peninsula, Coasts and Islands · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Structure and Physiography"
Meaning
Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, a group of about 36 coral islands in the Arabian Sea. The Nine Degree Channel separates it from the main group of islands. The Eight Degree Channel separates it from the Maldives. NCERT calls Minicoy the largest island, at 453 sq km, but this is wrong. All of Lakshadweep's land adds up to only about 32 sq km. Minicoy is about 4.4 sq km, and Andrott, at about 4.9 sq km, is the largest island.
Example
A ship sailing south from Kerala towards the Maldives passes Minicoy. It then crosses the Eight Degree Channel, which divides Indian and Maldivian waters.
Don't confuse with
- Andrott: this is the largest Lakshadweep island, at about 4.9 sq km. Minicoy is the southernmost island, not the largest.
Related concepts
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Saddle Peak
- Ten Degree Channel
- Lakshadweep Islands
- Nine Degree Channel
- Eight Degree Channel