Indo-Mauritian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Total population |
|---|
| 855,000 |
| Regions with significant populations |
| Port Louis, Triolet, Vacoas, Rose Hill |
| Languages |
|
Creole, English, French, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi, others |
| Religion |
|
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Spiritualist, non-religious |
| Related ethnic groups |
|
Non-resident Indian and Person of Indian Origin, Desi, Biharis |
Indo-Mauritians are people of Indian descent living on the island of Mauritius, where they represent a majority comprising 68% of the population according to the July 2007 statistics[1]. There is also a significant migrant population of Bhumihar Brahmins in Mauritius who have made a mark for themselves in different fields and they are still in touch with their family members in India and there are instances of marital relations between them to keep their cultural identity intact.[2] A majority of Indo-Mauritians are of Bihari descent.[3] However, a significant proportion came from other parts of the subcontinent.
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[edit] Indentured Labourers
The first of these Indians arrived to the Immigration Depot in 1834 as indentured labourers to work the sugarcane fields. They were often referred to as "coolies", working under a leader known as "Sardaar". They were mostly immigrants from Bhojpuri-speaking areas (including both Hindus and Muslims) but to a much lesser extent from regions such as Gujarat and Bombay. Tamils and Telugus came some decades before, probably brought by the French, as skilled workers.
[edit] Later Immigrants
After having abandon the Indentured labourer system in Mauritius, Indian immigrants had already formed the majority of the population of the island, but there were later waves of immigrants to complement them. These immigrants came from all over India, with most being Hindus. Tamil people from Pondichery came during the French period (i.e a century before the British) for the construction of the city of Port-Louis and construction of churches, mosques and kovils. They are known to be the first people to bring Hinduism on the island.
Since the early 1900s, doctors, businessmen, lawyers, scientists, people in the IT sector, traders and their families began arriving in Mauritius. The later waves came from various regions of India, with significant numbers from Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab and New Delhi. These people have contributed significantly to Mauritius' economy and knowledge.
[edit] Demographics and Indo-Mauritians Today
Today the population can be broken down into three main groups: Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Of the entire Indo-Mauritian population, North Indian Hindus compose 52%, South Indian Hindus another quarter, and the Muslims (from any part of India) forming most of the remaining population. There are also minorities, such as Sikhs, Christians, Hare Krishnas (became popular throughout the 1970s) and non-religious. A small and unspecified population are also followers of the Bahá'í Faith. There is also a small Buddhist population.
Hindus tend to follow the Indian Caste system to a certain extent, though, because of their relatively small population in comparison to India, the system has become less complex and in some cases completely overlooked.
There is a Sikh Gurudwara in Port Louis, named Sri Guru Singh Sabha. It is the only major Gurudwara in Mauritius. Most Sikhs outside Port Louis pray at home. Several Mosques and Temples also exist throughout the island. Indian-dominated churches are mostly based in southern Mauritius.
There are also small groups of Indo-Mauritians in Rodrigues, locally known as Indo-Rodriguans. The population on the main island has increased by the arrival of the Chagossians of Indian origin, although they are classed as "other" under the national census.
Most Indo-Mauritians speak Creole. The remaining population speak Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil or Telugu. Out of the whole population, 0.6% of Indo-Mauritians do not speak Creole. However, because most Mauritians are multilingual, most of the Indo-Mauritians speak both Creole and at least one (if not more) Indian Language, plus English and French.
Indo-Mauritians have had the largest impact on Mauritian life dominating the economic and political faces of the island. Most Hindu celebrations are public holidays. Indian food and ingredients are enjoyed by all ethnic groups, with Alouda, Dhol Puri, Carri (curry) being some of the most well-known dishes. Indian influenced music is also strong. The island has its own groups of Bhojpuri singers and this style is becoming as popular as the Sega. Bhojpuri as well as Bollywood and Bhangra are some of the most popular genres of music.
| Indo-Mauritian | Birth year | Death year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dookhee Gungah | 1867 | 1944 | Philanthropist, social worker, benevolent entrepreneur, pioneer of free education in Mauritius |
| Seewoosagur Ramgoolam | 1900 | 1985 | First Prime Minister and one of the three founding fathers of Independent Mauritius |
| Sookdeo Bissoondoyal | 1908 | 1977 | Politician and one of the three founding fathers of independent Mauritius. |
| Anerood Jugnauth | 1930 | Living | Current President of Mauritius. |
| Ariranga Govindasamy Pillay | 1945 | Living | Chief justice. |
| Navin Ramgoolam | 1947 | Living | Current Prime Minister of Mauritius. |
| Vikash Dhorasoo | 1973 | Living | Mauritian-French football player. |
| Abdool Razack Mohamed | 1906 | 1978 | Born in Calcutta, Deputy Prime Minister, Mayor of Port-Louis |
[edit] Sports
Football is the most popular sport amongst Indo-Mauritians. Vikash Dhorasoo is of Indo-Mauritian origin, with his family originally hailing from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. He made his international debut in 2006 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first person of Indian origin to be in the World Cup.
Indo-Mauritians also enjoy Horse-racing, Golf, Water-Skiing, and various other water sports as well as Cricket.
[edit] Popular culture
Indo-Mauritian family life was portrayed in 2005 Hindi film Dil Jo Bhi Kahey with Amitabh Bachchan in lead role.
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes and references
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ CIA - The World Factbook -- Mauritius Retrieved 2 May 2007
- ^ Thapan (ed.), Meenakshi (2005). Transnational Migration and the Politics of Identity. SAGE. p. 320. ISBN 978-0761934257.
- ^ http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/mauritians-will-be-able-to-track-bihar-roots-more-easily_10019052.html
