Muraduganduvar Ali Manikfan, also known as Muräduganduvar Ali Befanu, born on March 16, 1938, in Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep, India, is a distinguished figure renowned for his multifaceted expertise in marine research, ecology, shipbuilding, and linguistics. Despite lacking formal education, Manikfan's autodidactic pursuits have propelled him into significant roles in various fields.
Raised in Minicoy Island, Manikfan initially pursued formal education but soon gravitated towards self-directed learning, viewing formal education as artificial and advocating for a simpler way of acquiring knowledge through environmental observation. Fluent in numerous languages including Divehi (Mahl), English, Hindi, Malayalam, Arabic, and others, he possesses a broad spectrum of knowledge spanning marine biology, geography, astronomy, and traditional shipbuilding.
Manikfan's career trajectory saw him serve as a teacher and later as a clerk in Minicoy before delving into his passion for marine life. Joining the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute of India in the 1960s, he collaborated with renowned marine biologist Dr. Santhappan Jones, leading to the discovery of a new fish species, Abudefduf manikfani, named in his honor.
His innovative spirit extends to technical and agricultural experimentation, where he employs eco-friendly methods on his land in Tamil Nadu, generating electricity through self-designed windmills and constructing sustainable dwellings.
In 1981, Manikfan undertook the ambitious task of reconstructing the ancient Arab trading ship, Sohar, utilizing traditional boat-building techniques. This endeavor culminated in an epic voyage from Oman to China, chronicled in Tim Severin's book, "The Sindbad Voyage."
Manikfan's contributions also extend to calendar reform, proposing a lunar calendar based on astronomical calculations, albeit facing criticism from traditionalists.
Despite controversies surrounding his views on topics like Qibla orientation and calendar reform, Manikfan's dedication to simplicity, sustainability, and intellectual exploration underscores his enduring legacy as a visionary in diverse fields.
Manikfans manuscripts and other important personal papers were handed over to the Contemporary India Archives of Ashoka University in 2024.
Since 2023, Padmasree Ali Manikfan residing at 'New Moon' House, Kodiyathur near to Mukkam, Kozhikode Dist of Kerala, India
