Information AboutIndo-mauritian |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT INDO-MAURITIAN | |
| ethnic groups in mauritius | |
| ethnic groups in the indian ocean | |
| indian diaspora | |
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INDENTURED LABOURERS The first of these Indians arrived to the Immigration Depot in 1834 as Indenture d labourers to work the sugarcane fields. They were often referred to as " Coolie s", working under a leader known as "Sardaar". They were mostly immigrants from Bhojpuri -speaking areas (including both Hindu s and Muslim s) but to a much lesser extent from regions such as Gujarat and Bombay . The next wave of labourers were mostly Hindi -speaking, with some Tamil s and Telugu s. 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. The majority were Hindi-speaking, with some Dravidian immigrants, most of these Hindu s. Since the early 1900s, Sikh Doctor s, 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 India n Hindus compose 52%, Tamil Hindus another quarter, and the Muslims (of all Indian origins) forming the remaining population. There are also minorities, such as Sikh s, Christian s, Hare Krishna s (became popular throughout the 1970s) and Non-religious . A small and unspecified population are also followers of the Bahá'í Faith . There is a Sikh Gudwara in Port Louis, named Sri Guru Singh Sabha. It is the only major Gudwara in Mauritius. 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. Hindus tend to follow the Indian Caste System to a certain extent, and 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 Music are some of the most popular genres of music. Also popular are Indian movies, serials and game shows, the most viewed of which are '' Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi '', '' Kehta Hai Dil '' and '' Kaun Banega Crorepati ''. Hindus who follow the caste system are divided between the minority Vaish (Tamils) and the majority Brahmin (non-Tamils). PROMINENT INDO-MAURITIANS See Also: List of Mauritians
SPORTS Football (soccer) is quite popular. Vikash Dhorasoo who immigrated to France made his international debut in 2006 FIFA World Cup . Indo-Mauritians also enjoy Horce-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 NOTES AND REFERENCES
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