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Africans In India: From Slaves to Generals and Rulers

Posted on , Updated on by Negash

An exhibit at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York

Ethiopian were warriors and traders, trading directly with ports in the Indian Ocean, as far away as Malacca in Malaysia
Ethiopian were warriors and traders, trading directly with ports in the Indian Ocean, as far away as Malacca in Malaysia

Over the centuries, East Africans have greatly distinguished themselves in India as generals, commanders, admirals, architects, prime ministers, and rulers. They have written a story unparalleled in the rest of the world: that of enslaved Africans attaining the pinnacle of military and political authority.

Known as Habshis (Abyssinians) and Sidis, they have left an impressive historical and architectural legacy that attest to their determination, skills, and intellectual, cultural, military and political savvy.

Open to the pubic, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; through July 6, 2013

Curated by Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf and Dr. Kenneth X. Robbins.

Those of you who can’t make it to New York, please go to url below to see online exhibit.

http://exhibitions.nypl.org/africansindianocean/

 

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