HINDUS IN TANZANIA.
Tanzania is a union of two nations, Tanganyika and Zanzibar formed on 26 April, 1964 and as
such history of Hindus in Tanzania is submitted in two parts:
- Zanzibar
- Tanganyika
ZANZIBAR.
It should be noted that settlement of HINDUS in East and Central Africa began with settlement
of Hindu in Zanzibar first. In the mid- 19th century there had been few South Asian families
from the subcontinent of India which settled in Zanzibar. These settlers mainly came from
Cutch and Saurashtra via the Gulf countries.
Well before 1850 the first batch of Bhatias from Cutch came to Zanzibar via Oman and
although no official records are available, the decedents of Ibji Shivji were the first Bhatias to
come to Zanzibar and it is believed that from the word SWAHILI their surname was
established as SWALI. Bhatias were followed by Lohanas from both Saurashtra and Cutch and
by 1830 there were a considerable number of Bhatias who were well established in business
and started moving west towards Mombasa in Kenya and Lindi and Mikindani in Tanganyika.
The Bhatias were held in very high esteem by the Sultan and even acted as advisers to him. It
is this Zanzibar connection that makes the Bhatias enjoy special relationship today with Sultan
Kabus of Muscat. In the 19th Century the richest Bhatia was Jetha Leela whose private bank
may be recorded as one of the oldest financial institution in East Africa.
By 1866, there were 6,000 Indians in Zanzibar, majority of whom were Hindus. The extent of
this is guided by a piece of history of one Jairam Shivji, (a Bhatia) who was a financier and
also acted as the Customs Master for the Sultan. When he died in 1866 his estate was estimated
at ₤ 650,001.
With prolonged draught in states of Cutch and Saurashtra in the early 1900s more Hindus
settled in Zanzibar and most of them were traders in cloves and spices.
Most of Hindu males were living alone. The first Hindu woman (a Bhatia) arrived in Zanzibar
in 1879 to be followed by a VANIA woman arriving in 1882. They were warmly welcomed by
the Sultan of Zanzibar, Seyyid Barghash who in fact encouraged Hindus to bring their wives to
Zanzibar.
Hindu population rose in Zanzibar and at the peak there were more than 15,000 Hindus in
Zanzibar. However after the revolution in 1964 the Hindu population fell to just under 600. It
is now reckoned that it has fallen further to about 400.
There still exists a Hindu Temple which was built in 1956, Arya Samaj as well as The Hindu
Union. The most notable property is the Hindu Crematorium the pyre of which is right on
beach and from top one has to go down 108 steps. This Crematorium was built by Late Manilal
Mulji Walji Suchak whose family is trying to renovate and rehabilitate. The other prominent
Hindu family was that of Dwarkadas Morarji who migrated in Zanzibar in 1913 and whose two
sons Mr. Jayantilal and Mr. Harkishandas had made names in the history of Hindus in Zanzibar
as well as in Tanzania as they had businesses in Mtwara and Dar es Salaam apart from
Zanzibar.
Mr. Harkishndas is till alive and lives in Bhavnagar in India. He served in many institutions
including Hindu Mandal, Dar es Salaam and Hindu Council of Tanzania.
TANGANYIKA.
After settlement of Hindus in Zanzibar as prosperity came some started moving to other coastal
areas of Eastern Africa particularly to Lindi, Mikindani, Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Mombasa and
Lamu. It is not known exactly when settlement in Dar es Salaam began. It is reckoned it would
be around 1850s. During that time Dar es Salaam was called DHAR SALAAM which then
changed to DARRA SALAAM and finally to DAR ES SALAAM in 1870.
The earliest mention of Indians including Hindus is mentioned in a book “Travels and
Researches among the Lakes and Mountains of Eastern and Central Africa by John Murray,
printed in 1879, where he writes:
“On the 11th of December, 1873 I sailed from Zanzibar in a dhow, and for that night anchored
the lee of Georgia Island, reaching Dar es Salaam the following morning.
Here I was received with every attention and civility by the Sultans’s Akhida, Rashila Allah
and as soon as possible convened a meeting of all Indians under British Jurisdiction and
protection living in the town and immediate neighborhood, which was attended by fifteen
Banyans, three Bohras and three Khojas in all twenty –one people.”
Another reference is made to Hindus (Bhatias) in Bagamoyo in the book, “DAR ES SALAAM,
City Port and Region” published in 1970 by The Tanzania Society (page 77) which states:
“Bagamoyo attracted a large number of Indian settlers. The first to arrive were probably
Hindus mostly of Bhatia community. Burton makes special note of the capable RAMJEE who
was chief of Bagamoyo’s custom house. The community rarely if even included wives and
children; not until the beginning of German rule were entire families transported from India.
Although always engaged in commercial enterprises, they tailored their business activities to fit
the times. The Champsi Mulji family who have a coastal trading establishment dating back to
the early 1880s, first concentrated on cultivating plantations and building dhows. During the
German period they centered activities on the flourishing import/export trade. The number of
Hindus living in Bagamoyo during the nineteenth century is not very clear, but the community
prospered enough to erect temple by the late 1880s.”
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Another mention is made that of Dar es Salaam in one of the records which states that in 1873,
20 Indian families had settled in Dar es Salaam some of them were Hindus who established a
Hindu village near Ocean Road Hospital.
From that period and after the First World War when Tanganyika became a trust territory
under the British rule Hindus started flocking particularly when there was draught in Gujrat,
Saurashtra and Cutch.
At the end of First World War the number of non-Africans in East Africa was 15000 which
included 5336 European and 9664 Indians which included Goans and Arabs In 1921 the figure
of Indians rose to 9411 and by 1935 the figure was 25,000 plus.
In 1963 on the eve of Independence of Kenya, Indians totalled 352,300 (of which 180,000
were in Kenya, 82100 in Tanganyika and 90,200 in Uganda) It is reckoned that in Tanganyika
at that time Hindus totalled just over 42,000.
The concentration of Hindus have been predominantly in urban areas and 60% them lived in 5
major towns of Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Mwanza, Moshi and Arusha. Others were mainly in the
cotton and tobacco growing areas like Tabora, Shinyanga, Singida, Kahama and Nzega.
Bhatias concentrated in Southern town of Lindi and Mtwara.
Commercial majority were Dukawallas engaged mainly in wholesale and sub-wholesale trade
as well as import and export. Some were in ginning and industries like garments, edible oil and
textiles. Patels mainly concentrated in construction and agriculture while a considerable
number was in civil service and banking.
With the advent of Arusha Declaration and mass nationalization of banks, insurance and major
big trading houses like Smith Mc Kenzie & Co Ltd., Asians including Hindus began
emigrating. The emigration expanded in 1971 when the government nationalized houses, sisal
estates big plantations and professional services like Doctors and Lawyers. It is reckoned that
by 1972 Hindu population decreased by almost 50%. However with increasing parastatals
which became handicapped due to shortage of manpower many expatriate Indians mainly from
Kerala, Andha Pradesh, Gujrat, Punjab and Tamil Nadu started arriving under specific
contracts and by 1985 the Hindu population rose again which was around 10,000. No exact
figures are available but according to census of Hindus in 1998/99 the number was 9100
approximately.
With the liberalization which began in 1985 opportunities in business and industry opened up
and not only some of Hindus who had migrated returned but as industry, business and finance
sectors grew more and more Indians were recruited. Even new Indian investors started coming
into the country and it is estimated that the Hindu population in Tanzania mainland by the
beginning of this year is around 12000 of the total Indian population of about 45,000.
Hindus were united and well organized as there existed Hindu Mandal/ Hindu Union in almost
every major regional and district headquarter in Tanzania mainland. Not only this but there
were and still are association of various sub-communities in major towns and cities particularly
in Dar es Salaam.
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Hindu Mandal, Dar es Salaam was established and registered in 1918 and first elections were
held on 06 January, 1918 when following were elected:
President : Mr. Keshavrao Vasudev Manhore
Vice President : Mr. Ravishanker M. Thaker
Hon. Secretary : Mr. Himatsingh Rana
Hon. Treasurer : Mr. Keshavji Anandji.
In the same year Mr. Kalidas Ukabhai and brothers donated a plot in the Nyanza Street for
Hindu Mandal premises where next year the building was ready. In the same year Indian
Public School started.
In 1924 Concrete structure was erected on the crematorium ground which was acquired on
Ocean Road in 1891.
In 1931 Hindu Public Dispensary started. Other notable events are as under:
1935 – Mr. T. B. Sheth performed the Foundation laying ceremony of maintenance building
No. 1.
25.03.1935 - Mr. Mathurads Kalidas Mehta performed the opening ceremony of maintenance
building No. 1.
1935 Keshavji Anandji Rest House started.
1937 : Mr. Rambhai V. Patel performed the foundation laying ceremony of Maintenance
building No.2 on receiving a donation of Shs. 22,500/= from late James Mackeand
Bettersly.
13.10.1944 Silver Jubilee was celebrated
22.10.1951 Organised Deepawali Party for developing close relation with other communities
and races.
09.08.1952 Janmashtami Fete, organized in collaboration with other Hindu institution raising
building funds. Mr. Narsibhai Mathuradas Mehta donated Shs. 25,000/=.
17.10.1953 His worship the Mayor Abdul Karim Karimjee performed the opening ceremony
of the Dashera Fete organized for fund raising for the building fund.
15.05.1954 H. E. EDWARD TWINING, the Governor of Tanganyika performed the opening
ceremony of the new premises of the Hindu Mandal.
1969 Golden Jubilee Celebration
1998 Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
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In 1983 during the crackdown many Hindus were put behind bars in Dar es Salaam, Tanga,
Moshi, Arusha, Lindi, Mtwara, Mwanza, Bukoba, Morogoro and Dodoma.
Mr. Amu Shah the then Vice Chairman together with Mr. C. J. Chohan of Hindu Council of
Tanzania visited almost all prisons to see the condition of those jailed. It must be noted here
that the Government of United Republic of Tanzania extended full co-operation in granting
permission. During the visits religious books and medicines were distributed.
From 1998 todate the progress of Shree Hindu Mandal is worth noting as the current activities
included Hospital as well as Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.
Efforts were being made since 1944 to integrate sub-communities and create a national
organization which only succeeded in 1979 by establishing Hindu Council of Tanzania which
was registered under Society Act as a society. Unfortunately the council lacked support from
upcountry organizations as well as sub-communities in Dar es Salaam. After a long struggle a
General Conference was held in September, 1985 when a new team was elected. However due
to internal politics and egoism the Council became defunct and once again efforts were made
to revive it in 2006/07 when a Caretaker Committee was appointed under the Chairmanship of
Mr. Amu Shah who together with Mr. Ashwin Ganatra (Secretary) visited Hindu organization
in Moshi, Arusha, Tanga and Zanzibar. Three meetings of Sub-Communities in Dar es Salaam
were also held. A new constitution was prepared which was adopted in principle subject to
certain amendments at a General Conference held on 10th January, 2009. At the said
conference the following were elected as principal office bearers.
Chairman – Mr. Amu Shah
Vice Chairman – Mr. Navin Kanabar
Secretary/Treasurer – Mr. Ashwin Ganatra
Asst. Secretary – Mr. Manish Rughani
After the elections communication was made with 28 Sub-Communities in Dar es Salaam and
17 Hindu Mandals/Unions throughout Tanzania requesting them to officially submit
application for membership and pay Annual Subscription. It is disgusting and frustrating to
note that response was absolutely poor. Even major institutions like Shree Hindu Mandal, Dar
es Salaam and Shree Sanatans Dharam Sabha, Dar es Salaam did not respond.
The Management Committee having been frustrated decided to call a General Meeting on 11
April, 2010 to resolve to wind up the Council. The said General Meeting which was apart from
Office Bearer attended only by the following 5 institutions.
- Indo Tanzania Cultural Centre.
- Hanuman Physical Cultural Centre
- Patel Samaj
- Theosophical Lodge of Dar es Salaam
- Dar es Salaam Braham Samaj
An Adhoc Committee was appointed to look into the matter of revival and present its report to
the Management Committee for further action.
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It is planned to call a General Conference before end of 2010 to resolve all new plans of action
with a possible new general election.
Other Hindu Mandals/Union that still officially exist are:-
- Shree Hindu Mandal, Tanga
- Shree Hindu Mandal, Moshi
- Shree Hindu Union, Moshi
- The Hindu Mandal, Lindi
- The Hindu Mandal, Kahama
- The Hindu Union, Bukoba
- Shree Hindu Mandal, Mtwara
- The Hindu Union, Musoma
- Shree Hindu Union, Arusha
- The Hindu Mandal, Kilosa
- The Hindu Mandal, Dodoma
- The Hindu Mandal, Morogoro
- Shree Hindu Mandal, Mwanza
- Shri Hindoo Mandal, Zanzibar
Most of the above institutions are now non-operative except for having properties like temple
and crematorium grounds.
There also exists Lohana Mahajan in some of the upcountry centers like Tanga and Mwanza.
Various Sub-Communities that are active in Dar es Salaam as institution are:
- Shree All World Gayatri Parivar
- Shree Arya Samaj
- Shree BSAP Swaminarayan Sanstha
- Shree Bhatia Mahajan
- Shree DSM Braham Mandal
- Shree Gurjar Sutar Gnati Mandal
- Shree Hanuma Physical Cultural Centre
- Shree Hindu Mahila Mandal
- Shree Indo- Tanzania cultural Centre
- Shree Jain Sangh
- Shree Janasti Gnati Mandal
- Shree Koli Divecha Gnati Mandal
- Shree Limbochia Community
- Shree Lohana Mahajan
- Shree Luhar Gnati Mandal
- Shree Navnat Vanik Mahajan
- Shree Patel Samaj
- Shree Punjab Stri Stasong Mandal
- Shree Rajput Dhobi Gnati Mandal
- Shree Rajput Rana Gnati Mandal
- Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha
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- Shree Satya Sai Society
- Shree Sarathia Prajapati Gnati Mandal
- Shree Surat Jilla Sewa Samaj
- Shree Tanzania Swaminarayan Mandal
- Shree Vegeshwari Soni Samaj
- Shree Vanza Gnati Mandal
In Dar es Salaam there are many temples of which the following are notable:-
- Shree Shankaracharya Temple
- Shree Visnu Tempe
- Shree Swaminarayan Temple
- Shree Jain Dersar
Hindu temples also exist in Arusha, Moshi, Mwanza, Tanga, Lindi and Tabora.
Some of the prominent Hindus that date back to 19th century who are no longer with us are:-
- Sheth Mathuradas Kalidas Mehta,
A philanthropist and a grand donor. Shree Devkunver Arya Girls School was the outcome
of his generosity. His name has been joined with the Hall of the Hindu Mandal, in his
memory in appreciation of his services to the community.
- Mr. Jayantilal Dwarkadas Shah
One of the pillars of Shree Hindu Mandal, Dar es Salaam. He was the prime mover of
starting Hindu Benevolent Society in 1952. He was Deputy Mayor of Dar es Salaam
Municipal Council in 1955 and a member of Legislative Council in 1954, 1955 and 1956.
- Mr. P. N. Kotak who spent most of his life in improving and managing the crematorium
ground.
- Mr. Jivraj V. Patel, a social worker and pioneer member of the former Hindu Volunteer
Corps.
- Mr. Manilal Mathurads Dewani a social worker Chairman of Dar es Salaam Merchant
Chamber and a former Mayor of Dar es Salaam in (1959)
- Mr. Topands Kimatrai a former President of Shree Hindu Mandal, Dar es Salaam and
greatly associated with Shankrashram Mandal.
- Mr. Mathuradas Keshvji Dewani, born in 1890, came to Zanzibar in 1895 and joined
business in 1906. He served as president of Rest House in Zanzibar and was Vice President
of Merchants Chamber in Mombasa. “Keshvji Anandji Rest House came into existence due
to his generosity.
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- Mr. D. M. Anjaria, an advocate by profession. His social services were in full measure as
President, Shree Shankerashrams, Sanatan Dharam Sabha. During the helm of Civil
defence service and was decorated as an associated serving brother of the Saint John.
- Mr. Dwarkadas Morarji Shah, who settled in Zanzibar in 1910 and started his own
business. In recognition of his services in various Government and Semi Government as
well as community and social services he was awarded “stars” class titles. He was father of
Mr. Jayantilal & Mr. Harkishandes D. Shah.
- Mr. D. K. Patel, a social and public worker. He was nominated at various times on various
Government bodies and was a trustee of many institutions. He was a member of LEGCO
and was awarded OBE
- Mr. Narsidas M. Mehta. Son of late Madhuradas Mehta who followed his father’s
footsteps in philanthropy. He was associated with many activities in Lindi, Arusha and Dar
es Salaam this residential bungalow in Arusha was once the seat of East African
Legislation Assembly.
- Mr. Chandulal Harakhchand Khanderia, who settled in Dar es Salaam in 1927. He
served Hindu Mandal as Vice President on various occasions. He served as President of
Shree Jain Sangh for many years. He also rendered his services to Hanuman Vyayamshala,
Hindu Nursery School Society, TANU Ward Committee and Dar es Salaam Merchants
Chambers.
- Mr. T. B. Sheth, was prominent businessman and a sisal planter. He was associated with
many social and public institutions and was grand donor to library which was once called
the Mahatma Gandhi Library, now known as T. B. Sheth Library.
- Mr. C. J. Chohan, a well known Civil Servant and Chairman of Shree Hindu Mandal, as
well as Hindu Council of Tanzania. He was Governor of Lions District 411.
- Mr. S. N. Joshi who came to Tanzania in 1953. He was a dynamic social worker and
connected with a number of social and religions bodies. He wrote many articles and
delivered numerous lectures on various aspects of religion.
- Mr. D. S. Khambhaita of Moshi who worked as a religions leader in Moshi whole his life.
He was President of Moshi Hindu Union from 1951 for many years and worked in
education Board of the Public at Moshi.
- Mr. Chhotubhai Somaiya of Tanga, who virtually gave his life for betterment of
community in Tanga. He was an industrialist who started a number of industries in Tanga.
He was honoured by the President of Tanzania with one of the highest honours.
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These were the famous of the past. On the current situation I would like to mention just three.
- Sir. Jayantilal Keshavji Chande who perhaps had made the best history in social,
economic and community services in Tanzania. He has been associated with numerous
social institutions as well as government bodies having served as Chairman of Air Tanzania
Corporation, National Milling Corporation, Tanzania Tourist Board, Tanzania Harbours
Cooperation, Tanzania Railways Corporation and Kioo Limited. He had been a Chairman
of WOCO, Governor of Rotary International District 920 and District Grand Master of
District Grand Lodge of East Africa, and Trustee of The Rotary Foundation.
- Mr. Biharilal Keshavji Tanna, an accountant by profession he has been involved with
various institutions and had served as chairman of National Board of Accountants in
Tanzania as well as Chairman of Shree Hindu Mandal, Dar es Salaam and Hindu Council
of Tanzania. For a number of years he was chairman of International School of
Tanganyika.
- Mr. Amrtilal Jivraj Shah (AMU SHAH) the author of this history who was born and
brought up in Kenya and came to Tanzania in 1963 when he started his Clothing and
textiles industry. Now engaged in packaging industry. He has served in various capacities
as committee member, Vice Chairman, Chairman and Trustee in following institutions.
- Shree Hindu Mandal
- Hindu Council of Tanzania
- Confederation of Tanzania Industries
- Dar es Salaam Chamber of Commerce
- Tanzania Occupational Health Services
- East African Business Council
- Tanzania Cricket Association
- East African Cricket Association
- Upanga Club
- National Provident Fund
- Various parastatals
- Philatelic Association of Tanzania
- Royal Philatelic Society of London
- Royal Overseas League
He was Governor of Rotary International District 920 and also a member of textiles
Committee of I.L.O. He has been awarded many awards and recognitions. He represented
Tanzania at local, regional and International level
Unfortunately not many records and archives are available. However I have tried to write a
concise history of Hindus in Tanzania (Zanzibar and Tanganyika). Much research is still to be
done. Information obtained from various sources may not be up todate but gives a glimpse of
the events.
AMU SHAH
CHAIRMAN
HINDU COUNCIL OF TANZANIA
OCTOBER 2010
