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CHAPTER 21
Migration across the Ocean
In spite of the opportunities, which were available in various places in India, the financial condition of most of the people did not improve much. As the situation was getting desperate some people started thinking of migrating to foreign lands across the ocean.
Africa was considered a Dark Continent, unexplored, unknown. Zanzibar, an island close to East Africa, was ruled by an Arab sultan. There were a few Indian families, mostly from Cutchh, who had settled down there.
Kenya was a part of East Africa under British rule. The British wanted to develop it. Mombasa was the main harbor. In 1895 A.D. when the construction of Kilindini Harbor was started Indian laborers were imported. The British Government also decided to build a railroad from Mombasa to Uganda to explore the interior for settlement. To build the railroad they had to import laborers as the local natives did not have the skill and would not work. In 1896 A.D. the government therefore imported thousands of laborers from India. Along with laborers there was need for technical and clerical staff. Most of them were Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims. The Gujarati Hindus mostly came from Saurastra, Gujarat and Cutchh. The laborers' daily needs had to be met. The government therefore encouraged people to come and settle down and open small businesses.
Most of the Indians who were in business came from Cutchh, Saurastra and Mumbai. They were Hindus (Bhatiyas and Lohanas), Jains and Muslims (Khojas, Memons and Bohras). Non-trading communities were made up of potters, tailors, silver and goldsmiths, masons and other craftsmen.
