Maldivian language
After retirement, he also investigated the archaeology and epigraphy of the Maldives, where he had been earlier in his life. and studied the linguistics of the Maldivian language. Bell had developed a good friendship with the king of the Maldives, who put his own royal schooner "Fath-ul-Majid" at his disposition to carry out archaeological research in certain atolls south of Malé.