Introduction / History

Like the other Gujaratis in East Africa, this people group arrived during British colonial days. Some held manual labor jobs like other South Asian migrants, but there were many businessmen and merchants among them. They first arrived in Madagascar in the 1880s in Mahajanga, a port town. They traded in slaves. In the 1970s, the Madagascar government nationalized all businesses, forcing most Gujarati business families to leave the country. Those who stayed had to start all over from scratch. Usually these were the less educated. In time, the Gujaratis were back, and today they control 50-60 percent of Madagascar's economy.`The Gujaratis are usually living in Antananarivo centered around Tsaralalana. Others live in port towns where they conduct trade.

What Are Their Lives Like?

One thing that is different about the Gujaratis in Madagascar is that they are usually Muslim, not Hindu. They are from the Khoja, Ismaili, and Daudi Bohra communities, all of which are solidly Muslim. There are some Hindu Gujaratis in Madagascar as well. Today the Gujaratis in Madagascar are involved with retail shops, travel, hotels, textiles, and import/export businesses.

They are usually Hindu, but a significant minority is Muslim.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Gujarati in diaspora serve the great god of mammon whether they are Hindu or Muslim. Most of them in Madagascar are Muslim, a religion followed by many in that island nation. They agree to the basic tenets of Islam, some attend mosque and, with their wealth, they are likely to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca.

What Are Their Needs?

In most countries where there are Gujarati communities, there are no missionary agencies focusing taking Christ to them. The Bible is available in their language, but the Gujarati must see Christianity lived out. There will be obstacles to those who want to take Christ to these highly unreached Hindus. As it stands, there are very few who will dare to take that step.

Prayer Points

Pray for an intense spiritual hunger among these Hindus that will draw them into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Gujarati in Africa.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to Christ among Gujaratis throughout East Africa that will result in them experiencing the intense blessings of Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Gujarati, Karana in Madagascar.