Hindu Diaspora and Hinduisms in Africa, with Special Focus on South Africa

Abstract

Abstract The chapter deals with the range of Hindu practices and traditions and histories found in Africa, with emphasis on South Africa. Although, technically, Mauritius and La Réunion come under East Africa, they are treated separately at the beginning of the chapter, and South Africa, East Africa, and West Africa are dealt with in that order because Mauritius, La Réunion, and South Africa share a common indenture history. While Hinduism in Mauritius is underpinned by its creole culture, La Réunion Hinduism is closely tied with Roman Catholicism. A marked tension between non-Brahmanical Hinduism and the various neo-Hindu organizations is found in South Africa. It is safe to say that the East African Hinduism is primarily situated within the Gujarati community’s migration to that region; other contemporary movements and traditions gradually made their presence felt. Quite uniquely, however, Ghananian Hinduism begins with indigenous efforts, although later on those efforts were joined by other organizations. As such, Hinduism in Africa shares a variety of histories, migrations patterns, and socio-economic conditions as well as political struggles. Hinduism shows resilience by its ability to adapt to these varied conditions.