Gujarati and Kutchi traders sailed to the East African coast with the monsoon winds for centuries. In the 1890s tens of thousands of Indians were brought to build the Uganda Railway, and Indian traders, clerks and professionals followed into the interior. By the mid-twentieth century "Asians" were central to the economies of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika.
History
- Before 1800Indian traders active on the Swahili coast and Zanzibar.
- 1896–1901About 32,000 indentured Indians build the Uganda Railway.
- 1947Shakhas begin among Hindus in Kenya — among the first outside India.
- 1972Idi Amin expels Uganda's Asians within 90 days; many resettle in Britain.
Hindu life today
Kenya and Tanzania still have flourishing Hindu communities with temples, schools and charities in Nairobi, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. Many Hindus of East African origin now live in Britain, where they have built some of the country's largest temples.
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Frequently asked questions
Why were Asians expelled from Uganda?
In August 1972 the dictator Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of Uganda's Asian population within 90 days; many resettled in Britain, Canada and India.
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- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, census — census data
- Historical facts: not subject to copyright.
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