K. If all of the world´s cultural heritage (sports, music, fashion, architecture, literature, painting, etc..) was contained in a time capsule, what would you include to demonstrate the legacy of your country?

Presentation by Lutchmee Govinden, July 2013

MAURITIUS

 

“God created Mauritius first and then heaven”, Mark Twain”

History of Mauritius

1500s – Discovery by the Arabs

1507–1513: Portuguese Sailors

1638–1710 : Dutch

1710–1810 : French Colonisation

1810–1968: British Colonisation

1968 : Independence

1992: Became a Republic Island

National Symbols of Mauritius

The extinct bird Dodo

The Mauritian Flag

Trochetia, the National Flower

The Mauritian Coat Arm

Historical MonumentsChateau de Mon Plaisir

Aapravasi Ghat The General Post Office, also called La Poste Centrale

Mahe De Labourdonnais

Anjalay Coopen

Monument Bataille Navale

Anjalay Devi Coopen, 48 year old pregnant labourer shot by the police on 27 September, 1943 during a religious ceremony. At that time, there was general unrest on sugar estates and protests against working and living conditions.

In 1735, French Governor of Mauritius, François Mahé de Labourdonnais bought a garden and a colonial house “ Chateau De Mon Plaisir” was built in 1777.

Famous French Governor of Mauritius, François Mahé de Labourdonnais

Memorial to the Naval Battle of Grand Port, Mahébourg Waterfront

Aapravasi Ghat represents the beginning of “the Great Experiment” by the British government after the abolition of slavery. Mauritius was the first colony to receive indentured labourers under this scheme. Aapravasi Ghat is now on the World Heritage List as "the site where the modern indentured labour Diaspora began".

Mauritius is of high importance in the world of philately. Its first two postage stamps issued in 1847, the so-called "Post Office" stamps are of legendary rarity and value. The General Post Office is an important structure in terms of architectural evolution of colonial buildings during the nineteenth century in Mauritius.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) , Father of the Nation - a leader in the Mauritian independence movement, and the first Prime Minister. He has fought for the right of labourers and led Mauritius to independence in 1968. He worked for the emancipation of the Mauritian population, gave free education in 1976 and free health care services

LiteratureMauritian literature exists in French, English. Creole and Indian languages. The French poet Bernardin de St. Pierre erected a literary monument of the island Mauritius with his novel “Paul et Virigine” published in 1787. The book tells a tragic tale of the love and loss of a young couple during the French colonial period.

Mauritius is a country of poets, writers and artists, each inspired not only by the island’s stunning natural landscape, but also by its multicultural identity. It is to Mauritius that Jean Marc Le Clézio – the 1998 Literature Nobel Prize winner – dedicated his prestigious award.

There are several recognised authors including Malcolm de Chazal, Robert Edward Hart, Ananda Devi, Barlen Pyamootoo, Marcel Cabon, Abhimanyu Unnuth, Lindsey Collen, Natacha Appanah, Shenaz Patel, Dev Virahsawmy and Amal Sewtohul.

Multicultural IslandThe abolition of the slavery in 1835 was the highlight during British colonisation. As result of this is the immigration of Indian workers, Hindus & Muslims who now took the work on the sugar-cane fields. Later the Chinese traders immigrated.

Mauritius has a cosmopolitan culture. Co-existence among Mauritians of Indian, African, European and Chinese ancestry has led to a sharing of cultures and values, a collective participation in festivals and increased understanding between people of different backgrounds. Mauritius is today a unique melting pot of peoples, languages and cultures.

The main spoken language is the Creole. We have so many other spoken languages. They are Hindi ,Tamil , Telegu, Bhojpuri, Creole, English, French, Urdu, Arabic, Marathi and Mandarin.

Our FestivalsOur population coming from three continents has brought traditions and beliefs from their ancestral countries. Religious festivals are celebrated in a spirit of peace and harmony throughout the year.

Easter HoliEid Ul Fitr

Cavadee Divali Spring Festival

ReligionMauritius is one of the rare cosmopolitan countries. In many towns and villages, you can find Catholic Church, Kovil, ( Tamil Temple) Shivala ( Hindu Temple) and Masjiid ( Muslim Mosque) within walking distance from each other. In the capital, you can find a Chinese Pagoda.

Jummah Mosque, Port Louis

Grand Bay Tamil Temple

Cap Malheureux Catholic Church

Pagoda, PortLouis

Shivala, Triolet

Folklore and MusicThe Sega is a dance which originated from the ritual music of Madagascar and the mainland of Africa, and it is the Musical Expression of the Mauritian Way of Life.

Originally sung by slaves but whose souls had remained sensitive to music, the Sega is nowadays a folksong. It is a cry from the soul trying to transcend the miseries and heartaches of life, while at the same time expressing the universal human desire for joy and happiness.

Mauritian CuisineMauritius is a true paradise where the ethnic diversity of the local people is reflected in its cuisine. The Mauritian food represents the image of the Mauritian nation, an image of a multi cultural society of ethnical richness.

When you refer to Mauritian Cuisine, you refer to Chinese, Indian and Muslim which are the biggest ethnic groups in Mauritius.

Gateau Piments Bol Renverser Lamb Briani

Ti puri with 7 curries Bouillon brede et rougaille poisson sale

Fish Vindaye

ConclusionToday, Mauritius’ Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians are united – to quote the national anthem – as “one people… one nation, in peace, justice and liberty”. Together, they make a vital contribution to the island’s multi-ethnic identity.