– The pioneers in the early migration from Kutch Kathiawar in Gujarat to the East African coast – present day Zanzibar, Tanzania Kenya and Mozambique and later S Africa were Ismailis in the 1830’s – many who became very prominent pioneers such as Allidina Visram and Tharia Topan and so on.
– This migration later accelerated in the 1880’s when Zanzibar’s Sultan encouraged skilled immigrants of that time from Bombay and Gujarat to settle in Zanzibar – what is referred to as Globalization today actually started then!! – infact, this marked the beginnings of the Ismaili community going global and the widespread diaspora it is today in over 30 countries!!
– The article alludes to many connections between India and Africa – to just analyse a few – for example, the impact of food on the palate of East Africans today – samosas, biriyani and chapatis – these are part and parcel of Ismaili food culture– they were introduced in East Africa by Ismailis in their small dukas – and now are “mainstream” in East Africa –also movies from India – Ismailis ran many cinemas in East Africa and these now appeal to the masses.
– The economic connections the Ismailis built in East Africa – Ismailis were a very strong force economically and after independence Imamat institutions such as IPS, the Nation Media Group, Jubilee Insurance Company and Diamond Trust and Bank have had their impact – it sets the stage for further growth as India- African trade and economic links increase
– The article is very informative and will be interesting to many who have roots in both India and East Africa.
Article in the East African by Manish Chand
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/magazine/
Ismailimail 