Hindus Across the Oceans · Fiji

Fiji — The Girmitiyas of the Pacific फ़िजी

From 1879 About a quarter of the population is Hindu

The first indentured Indians reached Fiji aboard the Leonidas on 14 May 1879. Over the next four decades about 60,000 arrived under the "girmit" (from "agreement") system to work on sugar plantations. Their descendants created a vibrant Fiji Hindi culture in which the Ramcharitmanas holds a central place.

History

  1. 1879The Leonidas lands the first indentured Indians (14 May).
  2. 1879–1916About 60,000 Indians arrive under indenture.
  3. 1920The indenture system ends after protests in India and Fiji.
  4. 1970Fiji becomes independent.
  5. 1987 and 2000Coups against governments led by or supported by Indo-Fijians lead many to emigrate.

Hindu life today

Ramayan mandalis, which sing the Ramcharitmanas in homes and temples, are the heart of Fijian Hindu life. Divali is a national holiday, and fire-walking is performed at South Indian Mariamman temples.

Political upheavals since 1987 led many Indo-Fijians to settle in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA, carrying Fiji Hindi culture with them.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a girmitiya?

An Indian indentured labourer — from "girmit", a corruption of "agreement", the indenture contract.

When did Indians first arrive in Fiji?

On 14 May 1879, aboard the Leonidas.

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Sources & copyright status

  • Fiji Bureau of Statistics, census — census data
  • Brij V. Lal, Girmitiyas: The Origins of the Fiji Indians (1983) — scholarly history; facts only
  • Historical facts: not subject to copyright.
  • Commentary and translations on this page: original to The Hindu Book. © The Hindu Book, all rights reserved.

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