The name of the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi islands was changed to Lakshadweep by an Act of Parliament in 1973.
Here's why:
1. The Union Territory comprising the islands of Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi was renamed as Lakshadweep in 1973 through the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands (Alteration of Name) Act, 1973.
2. This Act was passed by the Parliament of India to reflect the cultural and historical significance of the region, as "Lakshadweep" means "a hundred thousand islands" in Malayalam, the local language spoken in the region.
3. The renaming aimed to promote the distinct identity of the archipelago and recognize its unique geographical and cultural attributes.
Therefore, the correct year in which the name change took place is 1973.
