Neduntheevu: History
The Portuguese called the island Ilha das Vacas (cow island). They reportedly built a fort, introduced horses, and prepared pasture land for them. The Dutch colonised the island in a more organised way and also introduced horses, followed by the British in the early 19th century, during which time the iconic coral walls were built. The British introduced flax plants for canvas and yet more horses to the island, instituting a horse breeding program to meet the demand for horses from the cavalry. Eventually the horse population expanded beyond the island's ability to produce fodder for them, and many were taken to the island of Iranaitivu.
From 1811 to 1824 the island was ruled by one Lieutenant Nolan of the 4th Ceylon Regiment who is credited with making low drywalls in the Irish style, without mortar, and constructing wells to provide water for the horses, which continue to be the island's main source of freshwater as of 2013. Lt. Nolan also had children with a number of local women during his time there, and even today there are many locals on the island who have inherited his grey eyes.