Lighthouse Description and History

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, India (DGLL), 2025)

Overview

Located on Minicoy Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India, the Minicoy Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime sentinel and one of the oldest lighthouses in the Indian Ocean region. Constructed during British rule, the lighthouse has played a vital role in ensuring maritime safety along one of the busiest sea routes connecting the Suez Canal to Southeast Asia.

Construction and Commissioning

A 41.7 m lighthouse tower made of coral stone collected from foreshore of the Island, Birmingham black bricks and Holland-made cement was commissioned in the year 1885.

Strategic and Navigational Importance

Built following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which drastically increased maritime traffic through the Aden–Colombo–Singapore route. The Lighthouse acts as a critical Aid to Navigation (AtoN) to prevent shipwrecks in the region. It remains the only British-era structure still standing in the Lakshadweep Islands, underlining its historical and structural resilience.

The Minicoy Lighthouse stands not only as a critical tool for modern navigation but also as a testament to the region’s strategic maritime importance and colonial history. With its integration into advanced navigation systems and its enduring historical legacy, it remains a beacon of both safety and heritage in the Indian Ocean.

Reason For Nomination

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, India (DGLL), 2025)

Intrinsic Heritage Interest of the Lighthouse

The Minicoy Lighthouse, located on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep, India, is more than a maritime aid—it is a beacon of historical, architectural, cultural and maritime significance. Built during the British colonial era and operational since 1885, the lighthouse exemplifies enduring craftsmanship, colonial heritage and its ongoing role in India’s maritime navigation.

i) Historical Significance

The Minicoy Lighthouse holds immense historical value. It has provided over a century of continuous service, guiding ships through the busy sea lanes of the Indian Ocean. Initially administered by the Board of Trade, London, it was later managed by the Imperial Lighthouse Service, Colombo, until its eventual transfer to the Government of India in April 1956.

ii) Architectural Beauty

Rising majestically along the coastline, the lighthouse is a cylindrical tower with a base diameter of 19.75 meters, tapering subtly towards the top. Built for both resilience and elegance, the structure is crafted using Birmingham black bricks and special Holland-made cement, ensuring exceptional durability in harsh marine conditions. A steel spiral staircase, 1 meter wide, consisting of 174 steps, winds gracefully around a 32 cm steel tube positioned vertically at the centre of the tower, providing access to each level. The walls are 2 meters thick at the base, narrowing to 1 meter at the top, following the structural principles of stability and efficient weight distribution. The lighthouse comprises six floors, historically used for the accommodation of light keepers and storage of kerosene oil, which powered the light in earlier times. Today, while its function has evolved, the tower remains an iconic landmark, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, nearby coral reefs, and lush coconut groves. It continues to attract photographers, tourists, and maritime enthusiasts alike, celebrated both for its functionality and architectural charm.

iii) Maritime Heritage

Situated along vital sea routes between Aden–Colombo–Singapore, the Minicoy Lighthouse has been a critical part of international maritime navigation since the late 19th century. The lighthouse has prevented countless shipwrecks and ensured maritime safety for vessels traversing one of the world’s busiest trade corridors. It reflects the evolution of navigational technology, from manual lighting systems to modern DGNSS, RACON and Physical shore station of National Automatic Identification System (NAIS) integration.

iv) Cultural Importance

The lighthouse is deeply woven into Minicoy Island’s cultural identity, standing as a monument to both local heritage and colonial interaction. Its construction and legacy have influenced local traditions, maritime practices, and historical narratives, drawing interest from scholars, heritage tourists, and cultural historians.

v) Construction and Craftsmanship

A dedicated British ship remained anchored at Minicoy throughout the project, ensuring timely delivery and support. Masons and skilled workers from Ceylon and mechanics from England oversaw and executed the construction and installation. The tower was structurally completed in March 1884, and optical equipment supplied by M/s Chance Brothers Birmingham was installed in December 1884. This methodical and high-quality construction has allowed the lighthouse to withstand harsh coastal conditions for over 140 years. The Minicoy Lighthouse stands as a monument of exceptional intrinsic heritage value.

Conservation

The Minicoy Lighthouse, with its blend of historical architecture and maritime significance, has been subject to ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving its structural integrity, historical elements and functional capacity. These efforts ensure that the lighthouse continues to serve both as a vital aid to navigation and a protected heritage asset.

Physical Conservation

The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) undertakes regular structural repairs periodically to address wear and tear from the marine environment, ensuring longevity and also upkeep of allied buildings and infrastructure within the lighthouse complex.

Optics and Light Source

A key highlight of Minicoy Lighthouse’s conservation is the preservation of its original optical equipment.  The 1st Order Fresnel Lens with a focal length of 970 mm continues to be preserved and used as optical equipment since 1968. Modern light sources have been sensitively integrated into the traditional optical housing to maintain historical authenticity while enhancing performance.

Modernization Timeline

 The lighthouse has undergone several key upgrades while preserving its historical core:

1928 –  Wick lamp replaced by a pressurized vapor (PV) burner

1968 –  Installation of 1^st order optic assembly supplied by M/s B.B.T France replacing               optical equipment M/s Chance Brothers Birmingham

1982 –  Addition of radio beacon

1985 –  RACON

1995 –  Light source Upgrade to 400W metal halide lamp

1998 –  Replacement of radio beacon with Differential GPS (DGPS) system

2014 –  Physical shore station of National Automatic Identification System (NAIS)

2018 – Recapitalisation of DGPS to DGNSS

Commemorative Recognition

On February 2, 1985, a Re. 1.00 denomination postal stamp was issued by the Government of India to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Minicoy Lighthouse. The stamp highlights the lighthouse’s historical and cultural value as a maritime icon.

The conservation of the Minicoy Lighthouse is a model of balanced heritage management—blending historical preservation with modern technology to ensure the site remains operational, secure, and historically intact. Through proactive maintenance, modernization, and security strategies, this iconic lighthouse continues to stand as a testament to India’s rich maritime legacy.

Public Access and Education

The Minicoy Lighthouse not only serves as a vital navigational aid but also functions as an engaging public heritage site, offering both recreational and educational opportunities for visitors.

Public Access

Daily Visitor Access: The lighthouse is open to the public during slotted hours each day, allowing for controlled yet meaningful visitor interaction with this historical monument.

Tourist Attraction:

Visitors can climb the 216-step spiral staircase to reach the top of the tower. The summit provides stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, coral reefs, and the island’s traditional villages and coconut groves.

Educational Experience

The lighthouse offers a unique educational experience that bridges historical technology with modern navigation systems:

Lighthouse tower has 06 floors at various heights in which heritage items like Wick Lamp with Pressurized Vapor (PV) Burner, Kerosene storage tanks and Petroleum Vapour Burner which were used in ancient times are displayed. These relics offer a glimpse into how navigation was managed in the past, bringing an authentic feel to the historical importance of the lighthouse.

Interactive or guided displays introduce visitors to current technologies integrated into the lighthouse, viz Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS), National Automatic Identification System (NAIS) & Radar Beacon (RACON). These advanced systems are critical in ensuring the continued safety and precision of maritime navigation today.

The lighthouse ensures a welcoming environment with amenities like a children’s play zone, seating arrangements, gazebos, and well-maintained lawns. This makes it an ideal spot for families and those wanting to enjoy a day surrounded by history and natural beauty.

Minicoy Lighthouse represents a perfect fusion of the past and present. Visitors gain insights into the maritime heritage of India, while also seeing how these historical structures continue to serve a critical role in modern navigation. This experience is not just educational but also enjoyable, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, technology, or simply enjoying a beautiful coastal setting

Other Reasons Why the Nominated Lighthouse Would Promote World Lighthouse Heritage

The Minicoy Lighthouse is deeply embedded not only in maritime history but also in the cultural and social fabric of Minicoy Island, making it a landmark of both national and local importance. Its value is amplified by the island’s unique traditions, linguistic heritage, and evolving socio-political recognition.

Cultural Heritage of Minicoy Island

Language

The people of Minicoy speak Mahl, a dialect of Dhivehi, aligning them linguistically and culturally more with the Maldives than with the Malayalam-speaking populations of other Lakshadweep islands. This linguistic distinction sets Minicoy apart as a cultural outlier within the Indian Union Territory.

Female Dominance and Social Roles

Referred to as the “Female Island”, Minicoy is known for the strong societal role of women, especially when most men were away at sea as seafarers. Women play significant roles in both domestic and communal affairs, contributing to decision-making and cultural preservation.

Traditional Dances

The Lava dance is a vibrant and unique folk performance specific to Minicoy, typically showcased during festivals. It differs significantly from traditional dances performed on other Lakshadweep islands, showcasing Minicoy’s distinct identity.

National Recognition and Symbolic Relevance

Visit by Prime Minister Shri. Rajiv Gandhi

On November 24, 1985, Prime Minister Shri. Rajiv Gandhi visited the Minicoy Lighthouse, acknowledging its historical and strategic significance.

Declared for National Lighthouse Tourism Initiative

As part of India’s celebration of 75 years of independence, the Minicoy Lighthouse was among the lighthouses identified by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for tourism development.

This inclusion underlines the site’s national importance, both as a heritage structure and a potential driver for sustainable tourism and community engagement.

Conclusion

Beyond its architectural and maritime significance, the Minicoy Lighthouse represents a unique convergence of cultural identity, national history, and strategic vision. Located in one of India’s most distinctive island communities, the lighthouse is not only a beacon for ships but also a symbol of Minicoy’s cultural richness, matrilineal traditions, and emerging role in national heritage tourism.

Photos and Diagrams