Rasgetheemu (Dhivehi: ރަސްގެތީމު) the first capital island in the Republic of Maldives located in the north province in the north edge of Maalhosmadhulu Uthuruburi Raa Atoll. History Maldivian legend says that a Sinhalese prince got stranded with his bride - the daughter of the Sri Lankan King in Rasgetheemu, the original 'King's Island'. Etymology The name comes from Ras + ge + theemu. The word Ras means rule or monarchy, ge literally means house, and theemu meaning island. The word Theemu came from Tamil word Theevu also meaning island. It probably came from the tamil speakers of chola empire which used to rule northern atolls of Maldives. Theemu appears in the names of other islands, including Agolhitheemu, Utheemu.) Historians believe that Rasgetheem means "the King’s Town" or "King’s Island". Geography The island is north of the country's capital, Malé. Demography References External links map of Rasgetheemu www.rasgetheemu.com Islands of the Maldives