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The Burmese Indians ( from Myanmar (formerly Burma). They form approximately 2% (400,000) of the population, although exact figures do not exist due to intermarriages between Indians and other ethnic groups. The term "Burmese Indian" refers to a broad range of ethnic groups from South Asia , most notably from present-day Pakistan and India . The widely-accepted term ''ka-la'', however, is considered derogatory. The majority of Indians arrived in Burma while it was part of British India . Many Indians in Myanmar live in large cities such as Yangon (Rangoon), and in post-British hill towns, such as Pyin U Lwin (formerly Maymyo). Pyin U Lwin was until recently the only town in Myanmar predominated by the Burmese-Indians. The Indians have been particularly influential in the Burmese Culture . Many Burmese dishes and breads came as a result of Indian influence, prominently reflected in the Burmese version of Indian Biryani (''danpao''). In addition, Longyis , the traditional garment of the Bamar are thought to have originated in India. Burmese Indians also introduced many words into the Burmese vocabulary, most notably Potato (''a-lu'') and Naan (''nan''). Pali , an Indo-Aryan language, continues to be an important language to Buddhists today. British Rangoon was particularly populated by Burmese Indians during British imperialism. The population of Burmese Indians in Rangoon alone at its height was 53% (c. 1930). However, as Burma declared independence from Great Britain , the population drastically dropped. Today, there is an estimated 5% population of Indians in Yangon. Burmese Indians traditionally worked as entrepreneurs, virtually having monopolies in several types of businesses, such as English-tutoring and money lending. However, Ne Win's ascent to dictator in the early 1960s , and his persistent expulsion of "resident aliens" (immigrant groups not recognised as citizens of the Union of Burma) led to an exodus, due to economic and racial discrimination. The educated Burmese Indians primarily immigrated to the United States , while the less-educated remained. Most Burmese Indians practise Islam , although there are reasonable numbers of Hindus . The Burmese Indians primarily practice the Islam of the Sunni sect. In Yangon alone, there are over 60 Mosques that serve mostly Burmese Indians. Other religions practised by Burmese Indians include Hinduism, Sikhism , and Buddhism to a smaller extent. Burmese Indians also speak an array of different languages. Most can only communicate in Burmese , due to years of assimilation and lack of education in languages other than English . However, small segments of the population can speak other languages, such as Urdu , Hindi , Tamil , and Arabic . EXTERNAL LINKS |
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