Archaeological finds reveal that the islands were inhabited as early as 1500 BCE. The first settlers arrived around 500 BCE and are thought to have been Aryans. In the pre-Islamic period (before CE 1153), according to the accounts of Persian and Arab travellers, the Maldives was ruled by women. The exotic marine life present at the Maldives allows the traveller to enjoy the sight of tiny shrimp, sharks and magnificent mantas a careful observation during Maldives tours from India of which is sure to leave you with captivating memories for a lifetime.