Introduction
India has been called a land of diversity. In earlier classes, we learnt about unity in diversity . In this chapter, we study how India became a home for many communities from different parts of the world.
Many people came to India:
- To escape religious persecution
- To find safety and peace
- To get new opportunities
- To live freely and practise their faith
India welcomed them and allowed them to live with dignity.
1. The Story of Indian Jews
Who are Jews?
Jews are people connected with the ancient Hebrews of Israel and followers of Judaism.
Why did they come to India?
Jews faced persecution in many countries. They had to leave their homeland for safety.
Bene Israel Community
- Lived on the Konkan coast near Mumbai.
- Believed to have come around175 BCE.
- Their ship was caught in a storm and wrecked.
- Survivors settled in India.
- They remembered their prayers even though they lost their holy books.
- After India’s independence, they were about 25,000 in number.
Jews in Kochi
- Some Jews came between the 12th and 19th centuries.
- Settled near Kochi.
- The Raja of Kochi gave them land free of cost.
- They built a synagogue (place of Jewish worship).
- They practised their religion freely.
Swami Vivekananda’s Words
In 1893, at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago,
Swami Vivekananda proudly said that India sheltered persecuted Jews and Zoroastrians.
Integration into Indian Society
- Jewish families adopted Indian clothing.
- They spoke local languages.
- They became part of Indian social life.
- Yet, they kept their religious identity.
2. The Syriac Christian Community
Why did they come?
From the 4th century CE:
- Some Christian groups in West Asia faced persecution.
- Under the Roman Empire, they were treated as heretics.
- Under the Persian Empire, they were suspected of helping enemies.
Settlement in India
- Travelled to the Malabar Coast (Kerala).
- Lived and worshipped freely.
- Known as Syrian Christians.
Integration
- Followed Indian customs in weddings.
- Adopted Indian dress and traditions.
- Became part of Kerala’s society.
3. The Parsis (Zoroastrians)
Religion
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest religions, founded by Prophet Zarathushtra.
Why did they leave Persia?
- Persia was conquered in the 7th century CE.
- Zoroastrians faced:
- Forced conversions
- Heavy taxes
- Destruction of fire temples
- They sailed to India for safety.
Arrival in Gujarat
- Reached Gujarat between 8th–10th centuries.
- Met Raja Jadi Rana of Sanjan.
The Milk and Sugar Legend
- The king showed a full jug of milk (kingdom is full).
- A Parsi wise man added sugar without spilling milk.
- Meaning: “We will mix like sugar and make your land sweeter without disturbing it.”
The king allowed them to settle.
Udvada Fire Temple
- Sacred fire still burns in Udvada.
Cultural Integration
- Adopted Gujarati language.
- Followed Indian dress.
- Kept their religious practices.
- Today, India has the largest Parsi population.
Similarities with Vedic Traditions
- Importance of fire worship.
- Similar words in Vedic Sanskrit and Avestan language:
- soma – haoma
- yajna – yasna
- hotar – haotar
4. The Arab Merchant Community
Arrival
- From the 7th century onwards.
- Came as traders, not conquerors.
Settled In
- Kerala
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
Contributions
- Traded spices.
- Married local women.
- Became part of the Mappila Muslim community in Kerala.
- Helped build the Cheraman Juma Masjid, one of India’s oldest mosques.
They brought new ideas and enriched Indian trade and culture.
5. The Siddis (African Connection)
Origin
- People of African origin.
- Brought as slaves by Arab, Portuguese, and British traders (7th–19th centuries).
Settlement
- Settled in Karnataka and Gujarat.
- Some became soldiers and leaders.
Cultural Identity
- Mix of African and Indian traditions.
- Unique dance with African-style drumming.
- Follow Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity.
- Recognised as a Scheduled Tribe.
Hirabai Lobi
Hirabai Lobi worked for the upliftment of Siddi women.
She received the Padma Shri in 2023.
6. The Armenians in India
Origin
Armenia is a country between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Arrival
- Possibly from the 8th century.
- Many came during Mughal rule.
Mughal Period
- Emperor Akbar allowed them to build a church in Agra.
- Armenians worked in administration and royal courts.
- Lady Juliana was a doctor in the Mughal palace.
Settlements
- Agra
- Surat
- Kolkata
- Chennai
They built churches, schools, and made cultural contributions.
7. The Baha’i Community
Origin
- Began in Persia in the mid-1800s.
- Founded by Baha’u’llah.
- Message: Unity of all religions and people.
Why did they come?
- Faced persecution in Iran.
- Came to India in late 19th century.
Lotus Temple
The famous Baha’i House of Worship in Delhi is:
Lotus Temple
It welcomes people of all religions.
Most Baha’is in India today are Indians.
8. The ‘Good Maharaja’ and Polish Children
During World War II (1939–1945):
- Poland was invaded.
- Many children became orphans.
Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja
- Maharaja of Nawanagar (Jamnagar).
- Helped rescue about 1,000 Polish children.
- Provided shelter, food, and care.
- After the war, children returned home.
A monument in Warsaw honours him.
This shows India’s compassion even in modern times.
9. Tibetan Refugees in India
Background
- Tibet became a centre of Buddhism in the 7th century.
- Dalai Lamas became spiritual and political leaders.
Chinese Annexation
- In 1959, Tibet was taken over.
- The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India.
14th Dalai Lama
- Given asylum in India.
- Lives in Dharamshala.
Indian Support
- Tibetan settlements created.
- Monasteries built in Karnataka and other states.
- Children given education.
- Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa) promoted.
Tibetans have made India their second home.
“The Whole World is Family”
Indian values include:
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The world is one family.
- Atithi Devo Bhava – Guest is like God.
- Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah – May all be happy.
- Compassion and kindness.
These values helped India become a safe place for many communities.
Indian Values Beyond India
- Indians living abroad are known to be peaceful and law-abiding.
- India developed a culture of coexistence.
- Even invaders like Indo-Greeks and Kushanas were influenced by Indian culture.
- India’s idea of unity of humankind can help solve global problems like:
- War
- Climate change
- Inequality
Conclusion
India has been:
- A land of refuge
- A land of opportunity
- A land of acceptance
Communities such as:
- Jews
- Syriac Christians
- Parsis
- Arab merchants
- Siddis
- Armenians
- Baha’is
- Polish refugees
- Tibetans
found safety and dignity in India.
The spirit of inclusion and compassion is the foundation of Indian civilisation.
Leave a Reply