European Colonies and the Emergence of Hinduism in Southern and East

• Verfasst von: Kumar, P. Pratap [VerfasserIn]
• Titel: European Colonies and the Emergence of Hinduism in Southern and East
• Jahr: 2007
• Titel Quelle: Enthalten in: Nidān
• Ort Quelle: Durban : Univ., 1989
• Jahr Quelle: 2007
• Band/Heft Quelle: (2007), 19, Seite 89-101
• ISSN Quelle: 2414-8636
• DOI: doi:10.58125/nidan.2007.1
• Datenträger: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: eng
• Sach-SW: Emigration
• Sach-SW: Indenture system
• Sach-SW: Social structure
• Sach-SW: Temples and shrines
• K10plus-PPN: 1839578815
• K10plus-PPN: CATS / Abt. Südasien
• Bibliothek/Idn: SA / m4344900707
• Lokale URL Inst.: Zum Volltext

Abstract

The relationship between European colonies and the emergence of non-indigenous religions in Africa has been documented before. In this essay, I will descriptionbe the colonial context in which Hindu religious traditions became entrenched in Southern and East African countries. I will pay more attention to South African context and make additional comments on East African context. The nature of Hinduism and the nature of social structure that emerged within the Hindu society in South Africa and East Africa need to be explained in the colonial context. The European colonies initially used a system of labour based on ""slavery."" By 1833, the system of slavery was abolished in the colonies. However, in much of East Africa, it was abolished only after 1873 (e.g., Zanzibar). At the same time by the mid 19th century, the British Empire grew enormously thereby requiring labour force to work on the plantations in the colonies. In view of the abolition of slavery, the colonies had to use a different system of labour which became common in South American colonies. This new system of labour came to be known as the ""indenture system."" European Colonies and the Emergence of Hinduism in Southern and East Africa 1 Kumar, P. P. School of Religion and Theology Howard College University of KwaZulu Natal Kumar, P. P. School of Religion and Theology Howard College University of KwaZulu Natal