Lakshadweep Islands

a group of 26 coral islands and reefs in the Arabian Sea, off the SW coast of India: a union territory of India since 1956. Administrative centre: Kavaratti Island. Pop: 60 595 (2001). Area: 28 sq km (11 sq miles) Former name (until 1973): Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands