Indo-Mauritian
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Indo-Mauritians are people of Indian descent living on the island of Mauritius, where they represent a majority[citation needed].
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[edit] Indentured Labourers
The first of these Indians arrived to the Immigration Depot in 1834 as Indentured Labourers to work on the sugarcane fields. They were often referred to as Coolies, working under a leader known as Sardaar. These were mostly immigrants from Bhojpuri-speaking areas (including both Hindus and Muslims) but also from regions such as Gujarat and Bombay.
The next wave of labourers were mostly Hindi-speaking, with some Tamils and Telugus.
[edit] Later Immigrants
After the abandonment of the Indentured Labourer 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 Hindus.
Later immigrants were Muslim traders
Since the early 1900s, Sikh doctors, businessmen, Lawyers, Scientists and traders and their families began arriving in Mauritius. These people have helped greatly with Mauritius' income and medical knowledge.
[edit] Demographics & 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.
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 Chagossian Ilois 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[citation needed].
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 serials and game shows, the most viewed of which are Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kehta Hai Dil and Kaun Banega Crorepati.
