Max-Planck-Institut Für Ethnologische Forschung Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology
Max-Planck-Institut für ethnologische Forschung Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology International Workshop INTEGRATION AND CONFLICT AMONG THE AFRICAN DIASPORA IN THE ORIENT November 8th – 9th 2007 Organiser: Ababu Minda Yimene Venue: Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology, Halle/S., Germany OUTLINE The Siddi are Indians of African origin, whose ancestors arrived in India beginning in the first century A.D. as sailors, domestic servants, serviles, soldiers, free adventurers and merchants. From the 13th to the 17th century India saw a large influx of Siddis as more African personnel were needed for the armies of the rising and expanding Moslem kingdoms of India. Not seldomly did Siddis rise to prominence, attaining military and governmental leadership positions. In fact, some established their own kingdoms, whose dynasties lasted even into the British rule of India. Two cases in point are the State of Habshan in Janjira and the State of Sachin. Siddis have adopted the indigenous religions (most Siddis are Muslim), food, and customs of India, though remnants of their African heritage are retained in their music. Since the Police Action of 1949-51, the armies of India’s princely states were dissolved and power was taken over by the Indian Union Army. The soldiers, including the Siddi, were retired with pensions, a drastic change for which they were ill-prepared. Moreover, as India vigorously strived to join the ranks of industrialised nations, the urban economy was subsequently transformed and the living standard of Siddis stagnated for lack of modern education and marketable skills. The identity of the Siddis has been changing since their arrival in India and especially so since India’s independence which led to the dissolution of the princely states.
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