African-Indian Merchant

Created: February 06, 2000
Updated: May 23,2009

© K. L. Kamat

An Indian of African Origin
From a Deccan Miniature Painting

During this Black History Month (Feb. 2000), we recognize the Indians of African Origin.  Shown in the picture above is an African merchant in India. The Janjeera people, believed to be of Ethiopian origin, came to India on business and went on to control important positions in local governments during the fifteenth century. A fort built by them, and defended against even the forces as strong as that of Shivaji can be visited in Maharashtra today.

(We thank our patron Nicholas Glean for prompting this study.-Ed)

See also:

• The Siddi Community (an African Indian Community) at Kamat's Potpourri

• The African Connection -- Picture series on the Indo-African nexus over the centuries

• Index of Indian Paintings

Internet Links:

• Pictures of Siddi fort of Murud Janjeera at Internet India (page down 02/2002)