The origin of the first settlers in the Maldives is unknown. However, it is certain that the islands have had continuous habitation for about 2500 years. Among these would be the first settlers and others who would have been forced to settle in the Maldives for various reasons. It is quite possible that people would have migrated to the Maldives from Southwest India. It is likely that the early settlers included members of fishing communities from that area. Names of some of the islands and some of the maritime terms used in Maldives are derived from the Dravidian language spoken by the people of that area. This connection with Southwest India can also be deduced from legendary folklore and traditions of the people.

The arrival and settlement in the Maldives of the people mentioned in the Mahavansa could explain the Indic origin of the language of the Maldives as well as the ancient Maldivians' knowledge of healing, astronomy and other skills. These migrants were said to be people of Aryan stock. Linguists agree that Dhivehi is derived from Sanskrit. The Maldivian traditions of royalty and some of the related vocabulary can be traced to those used in ancient times in Southwest India. Therefore we can be certain that people from that region did migrate to the Maldives at some point in time.

Due to the geographic location of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives was a frequent way-station for ships for water and provisions. Intervention of weather might have caused many such callers to wait in the Maldives for several months. Likewise, there were many people who were forced to stay in the Maldives when their ships were wrecked on the reefs and shallows of the Maldivian waters. For these and other reasons, people from a number of countries came to the Maldives and settled, out of choice or out of necessity.