History of Siddi People
The Siddi people, an African diasporic ethnic group in India, have a diverse and rich history throughout the Indian Ocean trade networks. Dating back to medieval times during the Arab Slave Trade and later during the Portuguese colonial Slave Trade, they were present in history archives as enslaved individuals, sailors, merchants, and soldiers. Originating from South-East Africa, they have been migrating and traveling into South Asia and the Middle East for centuries, with some settling along the western coast of India and Pakistan, enriching the region’s cultural diversity. Over the centuries, their varied historical experiences and heritage have significantly shaped the history and culture of these regions
Historical Footprint
For centuries, people of African descent have lived in the Indian subcontinent, with some scholars suggesting the Harappans, who developed one of the first urban civilizations around 3000 BCE, might have had African origins. Trade routes across the Indian Ocean linked East Africa and India for millennia, and by the 7th century, African traders and settlers arrived, such as Bava Gor in Gujarat.
African Indians have had documented presence since the 13th century, with figures like Ethiopian noble Jamal ad-Din Yaqut and Malik Ambar, an Ethiopian who rose from slavery to become a key military leader in the Deccan. Enslaved Africans were brought by Muslim and Portuguese traders between the 15th and 19th centuries, serving various roles from palace maids to military officers. Over time, many achieved prominence, building lasting contributions like the Sidi Said mosque in Ahmedabad and influencing Indian music and art.
The term “Sidi” or “Siddi” has been used since the 16th century, originally a title of nobility for African aristocrats. By the 17th century, it referred to all people of African descent in India. Some, like the Sidi rulers of Janjira and Sachin, even established their own kingdoms, which lasted until India’s independence in 1947. Today, an estimated 300,000 people of African origin live in India and Pakistan, contributing significantly to the region’s culture and history.
Portrait of an African courtier, Possibly Malik Ambar.; Deccan; early 17th century; Opaque watercolour and gold on paper; 30.5 x 21.1 cm; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston