The islands also had had large quantities of cowrie shells, coir rope and ambergris that were valuable trading goods. Because of these goods, the islands were attacked by the Portuguese and pirates. In 1558, after several failed attempts, the Portuguese succeeded in overthrowing the Sultan and took control of the islands. The Maldivians began to form a resistance movement under the leadership of Muhammad Thakurufaanu and in 1573 after a fierce attack by the Maldivians the Portuguese were forced to leave. Muhammad Thakurufaanu was then proclaimed the new Sultan. Forts were built and weapons were obtained but the Maldives had to persist in defending itself from colonial pursuits and other invaders. It was during this period of instability and difficult times that the British seized the opportunity to offer the Maldives a treaty. They promised to protect the islands from all attacks and in return the Maldives was not to enter into any form of trade or negotiations with any foreign parties unless they had secured British approval. Political problems continued to plague the Maldives into the 20th century with uprisings, a sultan being dethroned and another abdicating. In 1954 the sultanate was abolished and the Maldives declared itself a republic, only to revert back to being a sultanate the next year. World War II only increased the Maldives’ problems as there was a shortage of food and mass rioting. During this time the British were granted permission to build an airport on one of the atolls and a radio station on another and two years later they signed a 100 year lease for Gan. This was later withdrawn by Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir. This action led to further problems within the archipelago. Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir began negotiations with the separate government but finally used force, four years later, to bring the ‘uprising’ to an end. In 1965 the Maldives became an independent state and in 1968 it became a republic for the second time and the monarchy came to an end. It officially changed its name from the Maldives Islands to the Republic of Maldives. | 
