Mauritians of Indian origin

Indo-Mauritian

Regions with significant populations
Port Louis, Triolet, Vacoas, Rose Hill
Languages
Creole, English, French, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, others
Religion
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Non-resident Indian and Person of Indian Origin, Desi

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.

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.

The next wave of labourers were mostly Hindi-speaking, with some Tamils and Telugus.

Later Immigrants

After the abandonment of the indentured labour system in Mauritius, Indian immigrants had already formed the majority of the population of the island, but there were latter waves of immigrants to complement them. These immigrants came from all over India, with most being Hindus.

Since the early 1900s, Sikh doctors, businessmen, lawyers, scientists and traders and their families began arriving in Mauritius. These people have contributed significantly to Mauritius' economy and knowledge.

Demographics and Indo-Mauritians Today

Today the population can be broken down into two main groups: Hindus and Muslims. Of the entire Indo-Mauritian population, North Indian Hindus compose 52%, Tamil Hindus another quarter, and the Muslims (of all Indian origins) forming 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.

Hindus also 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 privately 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 is also backed by the Chagossians of Indian origian, although they are classed as "other" under the national census.

Tensions between the various faiths in Mauritius is a complicated and much discussed matter.

Most Indo-Mauritians speak Creole, a large majority speak Bhojpuri. The remaining population speak Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, Punjabi, Gujarati, 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.

Prominent Indo-Mauritians

See also: List of Mauritians

• Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, first Prime Minister and one of the three founding fathers of Independent Mauritius
• Anerood Jugnauth, current President of Mauritius.
• Ariranga Govindasamy Pillay (born 1945), chief justice.
• Navin Ramgoolam, current Prime Minister of Mauritius.
• Sookdeo Bissoondoyal (1908-1977), politician and one of the three founding fathers of independent Mauritius.
• Vikash Dhorasoo, Mauritian-French football player.

Sports

Football (soccer) is quite popular. 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.

Indo-Mauritians also enjoy Horse-racing, Golf, Water-Skiing, and various other water sports.

In popular culture

Indo-Mauritian family life was portrayed in 2005 Hindi film Dil Jo Bhi Kahey with Amitabh Bachchan in lead role.

See also

• Indo-Réunionnaise
• Indo-Seychellois

Notes and references

• Mauritius: History, Geography, Government, and Culture at infoplease.com.