Mauritius, a beautiful island nation, is home to a significant population of Indian descent, whose culture and genetics reveal strong ties to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India. A study by Professor Gyaneshwar Chaube, a DNA scientist, found that 55% of the DNA of Indians in Mauritius matched that of Bhojpuri-speaking Dalits from the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This finding underscores the enduring impact of migration on the cultural landscape of Mauritius.
The research involved the analysis of forty samples from Mauritius, with twenty samples being sequenced to determine the genetic connections. The results demonstrated a substantial genetic correlation with the Dalit communities of the Bhojpur region, including areas such as Buxar, Ara, and Sasaram, indicating the depth of their shared ancestry.
The research began in 2021 when a Mauritian individual visited India seeking to understand his roots, which led to the collection of samples from Mauritius. This sparked further research, eventually revealing the strong connections.
The historical account shows that the Portuguese were the first to settle in Mauritius in 1510, followed by the Dutch. The British brought laborers from India, specifically from UP and Bihar, to work on sugarcane plantations after slavery was abolished in 1834. These migrants carried their culture, religious practices, and a sense of community. They brought with them their religious practices, like the worship of Ganga and Chhathi Maiya.
Today, Mauritian culture continues to embrace its Indian heritage, celebrating traditions like the worship of Gangai Mata after weddings. The ‘jahaji bhai’ bond, which connects those who sailed together to Mauritius, also remains strong. Caste system, while present, is not a source of division. Their enduring spirit, demonstrated by their values, reflects the enduring legacy of their ancestors.
Professor RPB Singh noted the resilience of the Bhojpuri-speaking migrants, who found solace in reciting the Ramcharitmanas even in the face of hardship. They have preserved their culture and created a unique Mauritian Hindu identity, as reflected in their customs and values, including their fondness for products like ‘Pahalwan Chhap’ bidis.