Andrott's history is among the most richly documented in Lakshadweep. Archaeological evidence, including the discovery of ancient coins and ruins, suggests the presence of early Buddhist settlements prior to the 7th century. These findings indicate that the island was part of ancient maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea.
The defining moment in Andrott's history occurred in the 7th century (around 661 CE) with the arrival of the Arab saint Hazrat Ubaidullah. According to local lore, he survived a shipwreck and washed ashore on Andrott, where he began preaching Islam. The inhabitants eventually embraced the faith, making Andrott the first island in Lakshadweep to convert to Islam. The saint lived the rest of his life on the island, and his tomb at the Juma Masjid remains a revered site.
During the medieval period, Andrott, like the rest of Lakshadweep, came under the control of the Ali Rajas of the Arakkal kingdom of Kannur—the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. In the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan took control of the Amindivi group, while Andrott and the southern islands remained under Arakkal rule before passing to the British East India Company in the 19th century.
Following Indian independence in 1947, the islands were organized into a Union Territory in 1956. Since then, Andrott has seen steady development in education and infrastructure while steadfastly maintaining its cultural heritage.
