Hinduism in Africa? Tracing the Forgotten Indian Influence on the Continent

"History isn’t just written in books; sometimes, it’s woven into the rituals of a land far from home."

When you think of Hinduism, the first images that come to mind are likely the ghats of Varanasi, the towering temples of Tamil Nadu, or the spiritual rhythms of the Ganges. But what if we told you that echoes of the Bhagavad Gita can be heard in the bustling markets of Durban, and the scent of incense drifts through the shores of Mauritius? Hinduism in Africa is a story often overshadowed, yet its presence is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and an enduring cultural bond that has survived centuries.
Long before colonial history wrote the story of indentured laborers, Hinduism had already set foot on African soil. Trade between India and Africa dates back over 3,000 years, carried by the monsoon winds across the Indian Ocean. Indian merchants and sailors didn’t just bring spices and textiles; they brought their gods, rituals, and philosophies. Ancient inscriptions in Madagascar and Swahili coastal towns hint at an Indo-African exchange that shaped both cultures. Even today, Swahili words bear traces of Sanskrit roots, like "kitabu" (book) from "granth" and "guru" (teacher).

The 19th century saw a mass migration of Indians to Africa under British colonial rule. Deceived by false promises, they arrived as indentured laborers to work on sugarcane plantations, railway lines, and mines. Stripped of wealth but not of faith, these pioneers built temples out of mud, carved deities from memory, and whispered Sanskrit verses in a foreign land. What began as an attempt to hold onto home turned into a thriving Hindu community that has lasted generations.

Mauritius is not just an island; it’s a living, breathing relic of Indian culture. With over 50% of its population identifying as Hindu, Mauritius is the only African nation where Hinduism is the dominant religion. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on a grand scale, with thousands walking barefoot to Ganga Talao, a crater lake turned sacred pilgrimage site. The island’s temples, with their Dravidian architecture, are a striking contrast against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, standing as a silent witness to the endurance of faith.

If Mumbai had a twin in Africa, it would be Durban. Home to the largest Indian population outside of India, Durban’s skyline is punctuated with Hindu temples, from the towering Sri Radha Radhanath Temple to the historic Mariamman Temple. Hinduism in South Africa was tested during apartheid, where Indians faced discrimination and cultural suppression. But against all odds, their temples stood firm, and their festivals—Diwali, Holi, and Navratri—became citywide celebrations.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania once thrived with Hindu communities. However, in 1972, Ugandan dictator Idi Amin expelled nearly 80,000 Indians, including Hindus, erasing decades of cultural contributions overnight. While many fled to Britain, Canada, and the U.S., some remained, clinging to the remnants of their faith. Today, East Africa still bears Hindu footprints in the form of scattered temples, vibrant business districts, and Diwali celebrations that bring together people of all backgrounds.
If Hinduism in South Africa and Mauritius is rooted in migration, its presence in Ghana is something else entirely—curiosity turned devotion. The African Hindu Monastery in Ghana is an unlikely but thriving spiritual hub, where Africans, with no ancestral ties to India, embrace Hindu philosophy, practice yoga, and chant Sanskrit hymns. It’s proof that Hinduism isn’t just a relic of the past in Africa—it’s an evolving, growing faith.

Hindu influence in Africa isn’t limited to temples and scriptures—it’s found in the sizzling aroma of a Durban curry, the rhythmic beats of Bollywood music playing in Nairobi markets, and the fusion of Swahili and Indian traditions in coastal communities. South Africa’s iconic "bunny chow" (hollowed-out bread filled with spicy curry) is a legacy of Indian laborers, while Indo-African marriages have created a beautiful blend of rituals, from Mehndi nights to African drumming ceremonies.
From small traders to billion-dollar conglomerates, the Hindu diaspora has left an undeniable mark on Africa’s economy. Indian-origin entrepreneurs in Kenya and Nigeria run some of the continent’s largest industries, and their business ethics—rooted in Hindu principles of dharma (duty) and seva (service)—have fostered both economic growth and social philanthropy.For many Hindus in Africa, the struggle has never been just about faith—it has been about survival. Xenophobia, racial tensions, and displacement have threatened their existence time and again. From the apartheid struggles in South Africa to the expulsion from Uganda, Hindu communities have had to fight for their place in societies they helped build. Yet, through every storm, they have held onto their beliefs, their temples, and their traditions.


As African societies modernize and global influences grow stronger, will Hinduism in Africa fade into history, or will it evolve into something entirely new? With the rise of interfaith marriages, cultural blending, and the digital age connecting younger generations to their heritage, Hinduism is not disappearing—it is transforming. The question is not whether it will survive, but rather, what shape it will take in the coming decades.

Hinduism in Africa is not a forgotten tale—it is an untold epic of migration, resilience, and cultural fusion. From the shores of Mauritius to the streets of Durban, from the hidden temples of Kenya to the Hindu monks of Ghana, it is a testament to the power of faith to transcend borders, languages, and time itself.

As the Indian Ocean continues to carry the tides between these two lands, one thing is certain: the story of Hinduism in Africa is far from over—it is simply waiting for the world to listen.