a cluster of small islands in the Indian ocean, 100 miles south-west of the continent of the island of Ceylon. They are about 1000 in number, and are very small; extending from the second degree of south latitude to the seventh degree north latitude. They are generally black low lands, surrounded by rocks and sands. The natives are of the same complexion with the Arabians, profess the Mahometan religion, and are subject to one sovereign. The channels between the islands are very narrow, and some of them are fordable. They produce neither rice, corn, nor herbage; but the natives live upon coconuts, and other fruits, roots, and fish. They have little or nothing to barter with, unless the shells called cowries, or blackmore's teeth, with which they abound; and these serve instead of small coin in many parts of India.