History of People of Mauritius

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After the Arab sailors (from the 5th century), the Portuguese saw the island in the 16th century, but it was the Dutch who, in 1598, set foot there and named it Mauritius in honor of Maurice de Nassau (1567-1625). They found there a support point for their connections with the Indies. They also found precious woods and meat, which the dodos in particular provided. In 1638, a governor and about twenty families were installed. Africa, India and Indonesia quickly sent them slaves. These brave people took barely more than half a century to destroy the native wealth of the island. With the wood cut and the dodos eaten, they retreated to the Cape Colony (1710). During the 17th century, some French settlers had established themselves in Mauritius. When the Dutch left, they stayed. So much so that in 1715, France easily took possession of Mauritius. Which became the island of France. The French East India Company (it is always a question of ensuring these routes) administers and repopulates. From 1735, the Count of Labourdonnais started the economic development of the island and fortified it; warships had their home port there. But the Seven Years' War (1756-1764) sounded the death knell for the French overseas trading posts. The English entered the fray and their ships challenged the supremacy of the lilies in the Indian Ocean. The island of France was shaken. However, the French withdrawal to the Mascarene Islands gave Port Louis an increased military and economic importance, but it was precarious. In 1787, Bernardin de Saint-Pierre wrote Paul et Virginie, where the island seemed to be a paradise. France armed privateer ships, which harassed the English merchants. The latter appealed to their fleet and the blockade was put on the archipelago. In 1810 the English landed in Rodrigues, then took over the island of France (which became Mauritius again). The French were allowed to remain, under the administration of Her Gracious Majesty. The latter generalized the cultivation of sugar cane.

The abolition of slavery in 1833 provoked the "importation" of Indian workers. Father Laval found among the freed slaves the opportunity for his apostolate. The population grew rapidly. The port trade was prosperous (export of sugar to Europe, India, Australia; import of rice...). Steam power and the Suez Canal benefited Port Louis. Conflicts between planters and poor workers were partly overcome by social legislation. But Mauritius is far from London and Madagascar is gradually taking over the region. The health situation remains fragile. The decline began at the dawn of the 20th century. However, the end of the First World War allowed business to start again; things went well until the eve of the Second. The Mauritian Labor Party defended the interests of Indian workers with some success. In 1942, when Mauritius was cut off from the world, the British set up a military air base there. After the war, the Colonial Office undertook sanitation and infrastructure work in preparation for independence. The process was completed on 12 March 1968. The new regime was a little shaky, but under the leadership of Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, a Labor Party Prime Minister, the institutions held. Until 1995, a socialist-inspired policy prevailed. Since then, liberalization has been on the march. On March 1, 1992, the Mauritian state became a republic. One of the most amazing things about Mauritius is the harmony that reigns between Mauritian people of different culture and religions (Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Chinese among others). Today Mauritius is known for its superb hotels and its best turquoise beaches in the world.

mauritian people Photos

Fisherman at Flic en Flac - Pictorialists

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Tamarin beach, the best surfer's spot of Mauritius ?

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Sun rays reaching waterfall in deep forest

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Aerial view of girl & natural patterns on beach

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The wild south coast of Mauritius - Pont Naturel

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Silhouette of Surfer at Tamarin beach

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Man climbing the resplendent Rochester Falls

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The Little travelers merry-go-round at Casela at night

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The Monkey swing at Casela park at night

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Casela by night - Ride the Flying Hippos

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Blue water river flowing at Eau Bleue

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Aerial view of jetty at Wolmar beach

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Old primitive way of sailing pirogue in Rodrigues

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Fisherman walking among seaweed during low tide at Souillac

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Fisherman struggling on boat during bad weather at Mahebourg

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Sliding upside down on dual zip lines at Casela nature park

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Coach sliding upside down on zip line at Casela

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Silhouette of people at Flic en Flac after dusk

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People enjoying in the sea of Gabriel island

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Man walking with dog in the sea of Mahebourg

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Fishermen returning after long day at sea in Le Morne

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Fishermen collecting crustaceans in low tide sea at Mahebourg

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The wild beach of Gabriel Island covered with plants

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People exploring hidden caves in Flacq Mauritius

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Man standing inside Trou aux Cerfs crater

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Man starring at waterfall near the sea of Gris Gris

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Panorama of Shanti Mauritius beach & jetty

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Silhouette of people walking in single file on Mauritian beach

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Woman walking on Flic en Flac beach before sunset

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Late Night Road Works in an alley of Port Louis

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Fisherman throwing his net during early morning at Tamarin

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Kite-surfing in the blue lagoon of La Prairie

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Man climbing to get out of cave in Flacq

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Silhouette of Mauritian people at Flic en Flac beach

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Sand texture created by waves during low tide

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View from inside of Beach cave of Gris Gris beach

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Man sitting under tree near old house in Mahebourg

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Big splash by large dangerous waves near tourist at La Cambuse

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Fisherman throwing his rod in the lagoon in Flic en Flac

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People in swimwear on the beach at Trou Aux Biches

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Mauritian woman holding the sun in her hand

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Starring at Grand Bay sunset & seascape in Mauritius

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Mauritian women walking on the beach of Albion

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Silhouette of Couple kissing during Sunset at Riambel

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Silhouettes of Mauritian women walking on beach during Sunset

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Fishermen going out fishing at Riambel

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Mouchoir Rouge island from Mahebourg Waterfront

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Stone Jetty in forest & estuary at Trou D'eau Douce

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Sunset and light beam at Wolmar Jetty

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Silhouette of man paddling at sunset in the sea

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Fisherman setting nets early morning in Mahebourg

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Mahebourg jetty in the morning

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Hidden Sunset with stand up paddle

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Silhouette of man walking in front of sunset at Baie du Cap

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Lone figure walking in a dark alley Port Louis

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Man staring at sunset on La Prairie beach framed by leaves

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Long exposure of man walking on beach

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Children jump in Marmite river

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2 fishermen near jetty Trou d'eau douce

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Fishermen preparing nets in Mahebourg

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Fishermen at Flic en Flac beach

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Trip in the forest pathway

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Young woman back view in pool at Mauritius villa

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Mauritius Skipper preparing the fishing equipment

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Woman alone in Constance Pool at night

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Wine Glass in 5-star hotel illuminated pool

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Wine Glass at night under full moon and clouds

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Girl enjoying Hotel turquoise Pool near the sea

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Happy man on secluded beach during sunset

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Girl swimming in Hotel sea lagoon in summer

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Girl from lagoon looking at Le Paradis hotel

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Woman sitting in black swimsuit in shallow sea

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Woman standing in water and contemplating the sea

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Woman sleeping at surface of clear water

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Young woman holding Canon Camera

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Mauritius river in Green Estuary with fishermen

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L'Exil Cascade Leon waterfalls background

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Woman Photographer shooting with DSLR camera

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Fire eater show on the beach

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