Introduction
Early Inhabitants
The recorded history of Mauritius commences with its discovery by Arabs in the 9th century, followed by Portuguese sailors who happened upon this uninhabited island in 1507. Yet, these early explorers chose not to settle, leaving Mauritius untouched and unspoilt, an eden of flora and fauna including the iconic, but now extinct, dodo bird.
European Colonisation
The silence of the island was broken in 1598 when the Dutch, under Admiral Wybrand Van Warwyck, landed and claimed it, naming the island ‘Mauritius’ in honour of Prince Maurice Van Nassau. This marked the beginning of a significant epoch in the island’s history – the era of European colonisation.
The Dutch era was characterised by attempts at settlement and exploitation of the island’s ebony forests, but it was also marked by hardship, ecological changes, and the introduction of sugarcane and domestic animals. Despite these efforts, harsh climatic conditions and lack of necessary supplies resulted in multiple abandonments until the Dutch finally left for good in 1710.
Their departure paved the way for French colonisers who took possession in 1715, renaming it ‘Isle de France’. The French era, particularly under the governorship of Mahe de La Bourdonnais, saw Mauritius transform into a prosperous colony. The capital city, Port Louis, was developed into a strategic naval base and a bustling port, and sugarcane plantations flourished, bolstered by the labour of enslaved Africans.
The Napoleonic wars in Europe rippled into the Indian Ocean, leading to the British invasion of Isle de France. The pivotal Battle of Grand Port in 1810 resulted in a temporary victory for the French, but they eventually succumbed to British forces later that year. The island was once again renamed ‘Mauritius’ and ushered in a new era of British rule.
The British administration brought significant social and economic reforms. The abolition of slavery in 1835 was a landmark event. However, this led to a labour shortage in sugarcane plantations, and thus commenced the ‘Great Experiment’, the introduction of indentured labourers from India, referred to as ‘coolies’ in the context of the time. This mass migration significantly impacted the island’s demographic and cultural landscape.
Cultural Evolution and Fusion
Through the ages, Mauritius became a confluence of diverse ethnic groups – African, Indian, Chinese, and European, each adding unique threads to the cultural tapestry. This eclectic fusion of cultures created a uniquely Mauritian identity, tangible in the language, religion, customs, and, notably, the cuisine of the island.
The Creole language, born as a lingua franca between masters and slaves, evolved into the island’s primary language, a testament to the nation’s multicultural heritage. Religious festivals, such as Cavadee, Maha Shivaratri, Eid, Chinese Spring Festival, and Christmas, are celebrated with equal fervour, reflecting the harmonious co-existence of various communities.
he Mauritian cuisine is a gastronomic delight, a blend of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French influences, offering a culinary journey through the country’s history. From street food staples like dholl puri and gato piment to Creole classics like rougaille and curry, the Mauritian food scene represents its historical journey and cultural diversity.
Road to Independence
After WWII, the winds of change blew over Mauritius as the rise of the labour movement dovetailed with the decolonisation wave sweeping across the globe. The first constitution was introduced in 1948, extending voting rights to a broader segment of the population. These reforms marked the beginning of the journey towards self-governance.
Political consciousness grew during the 1950s and 60s, with several parties, including the Mauritius Labour Party (MLP), Independent Forward Bloc (IFB), and the Committee for Action (CFA) fighting for political rights.
The 1960s witnessed a tumultuous period of riots, strikes, and political unrest, culminating in the historic 1967 general elections where a significant majority voted in favour of independence. Finally, on the 12th of March 1968, Mauritius shed its colonial shackles, a moment etched in the heart and soul of every Mauritian.
Post-Independence Era
The post-independence era was a time of nation-building. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, a key leader in the independence movement, became the first Prime Minister, steering the nation towards progress. The 1968 constitution guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms, establishing Mauritius as a sovereign democratic state.
The late 20th century saw Mauritius evolve from a low-income, agriculture-based economy to a middle- income diversified economy, focusing on tourism, textiles, and financial services. The ‘Mauritian Miracle’ or the ‘Mauritian model’ became a term coined to describe the country’s successful economic journey.
In the international arena, Mauritius has been an active participant, joining the United Nations in 1968, the Commonwealth, la Francophonie, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community among others, asserting its presence and role in global issues.
The island nation celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence in 2018, reflecting on its journey and
achievements, while looking forward to a future of progress and prosperity.
Economy of Mauritius
Mauritius has undergone a remarkable economic transformation since its independence. From an agrarian economy reliant on sugar, it has diversified into several sectors. Today, Mauritius is categorised as an upper-middle-income economy by the World Bank.
The economy of Mauritius is a testament to forward-thinking economic strategies, effective governance, and prudent fiscal policies. The diversification of the economy started in the 1980s when Export Processing Zone (EPZ) companies were encouraged to open textile and clothing factories.
Tourism has been another mainstay of the Mauritian economy, with the country’s picturesque landscapes, lagoons, and cultural heritage drawing tourists from around the world. The development of luxury resorts, eco-tourism lodges, and boutique hotels have positioned Mauritius as a popular destination for high-end tourism.
Financial services sector has also grown in importance. The government’s efforts to establish Mauritius as a safe and reliable jurisdiction for offshore business, along with its strategic location as a gateway between Asia and Africa, have attracted numerous banking and finance companies.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is another pillar of the Mauritian economy. The government’s vision to transform Mauritius into a cyber island has resulted in the growth of the ICT sector, offering a wide range of services from software development, call centres, and network design services.
Despite these successes, Mauritius faces economic challenges such as reducing income inequality, creating high-paying jobs, and managing environmental concerns. The global economic slowdown, precipitated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, has also impacted sectors like tourism and manufacturing, prompting a rethink of economic strategies.
In response to these challenges, the government has initiated measures such as the Economic Recovery Programme, development of the blue economy, and promoting high-tech industries to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The future of the Mauritian economy hinges on effectively navigating these challenges and seizing opportunities in the global economic landscape.
Conclusion
The history of Mauritius is a vibrant tapestry of exploration, settlement, struggle, resilience and progress.
This small island nation has emerged from centuries of colonisation to become a beacon of multiculturalism, economic success, and political stability. As we embrace the future, we carry with us the rich legacy of our past, shaping our identity as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. In Mauritius, our history is not just a subject in books, but a lived experience that resonates in our diverse culture, picturesque landscapes, bustling cities, and the indomitable spirit of our people.
Whether you’re exploring our historical landmarks, experiencing our cultural immersion experiences, savouring our fusion cuisine, or unwinding in our luxury resorts, you’ll encounter threads of our historical tapestry woven into the very fabric of Mauritian life.
Thank you for embarking on this historical journey with us. We hope that understanding our history enriches your visit to our beautiful island. As we say in Creole, « Mem si ou lontan dan dilo, ou pa pou vinn enn poisson » – even if you stay long in the water, you won’t become a fish. But we believe, even a short stay in Mauritius will leave a lasting impression on you.
Welcome to Mauritius! I wish you a great visit.
FAQ
The dodo is a flightless bird endemic to Mauritius, discovered when the Dutch first arrived on the island. The bird, having lived in isolation, was unafraid of humans, which, coupled with its inability to fly, made it an easy target. It was hunted to extinction by the end of the 17th century. The dodo is significant as it serves as a stark reminder of the impacts of human activity on wildlife.
Sugarcane was introduced by the Dutch in the 17th century but it was during the French colonial period, particularly under Governor Mahe de La Bourdonnais, that sugarcane cultivation became a major part of the economy. The French established the first sugarcane plantations and factories, making sugarcane a central part of Mauritius’s economic and cultural identity.
The ‘Great Experiment’ was the British initiative to replace slave labour in sugarcane plantations with indentured labourers from India, following the abolition of slavery in 1835. This mass immigration significantly influenced the demographic and cultural makeup of Mauritius.
Mauritius gained independence through a peaceful transition. In the aftermath of WWII, a wave of decolonisation swept the world. In Mauritius, this was driven by growing political consciousness and the labour movement. The country gained internal self-governance in 1965, and full independence was achieved on 12 March 1968.
The economic transformation of Mauritius post-independence can be attributed to a number of factors. These include strategic economic diversification, effective governance, prudent fiscal policies, and investments in human capital. Key sectors like textiles, tourism, financial services and ICT significantly contributed to the transformation of Mauritius from an agrarian to a diversified economy.
Key challenges include reducing income inequality, creating high-paying jobs, managing environmental concerns, and dealing with the impacts of global economic events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has been implementing various measures to address these issues, focusing on sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
