The Making of a Diasporic Muslim Family in East Africa

Abstract

For many centuries Gujarati Muslims were actively engaged in the Indian Ocean trade which encompassed the mainland of Africa as well as islands off the coast such as Zanzibar. Following the setting up of British and German administrations in eastern Africa from the late 19th century onwards, migration from Gujarat increased substantially. Those migrating to eastern Africa from Gujarat included Hindus from various caste groups and Muslims belonging to different religious communities. Among the Muslims, individuals belonging to the heterodox Khoja Ismaili community had a prominent role in trade even before the setting up of British administration on the mainland. This chapter will examine how ..