KT
Poet & Journalist
Kavi Teelockhy
Contributed to education and awareness within the Indian indentured community.
Réunion (France)
(Indian Ocean)
From 1861, 26,507 Girmitiya, birthplace of the 'Malbar' community in a French colony.
The French island of Réunion received 26,507 Indian indentured labourers between 1861 and 1883. Known locally as 'Malbars', they preserved Tamil heritage despite French assimilation policies.
Major Historical Events
1861
France began Indian indentured recruitment in Réunion.
1870
Kalimata temple built in Saint-Denis, the first Girmitiya temple in French territory.
1883
Indenture ended. A total of 26,507 labourers had arrived.
From 1861, 26,507 Girmitiya, birthplace of the 'Malbar' community in a French colony.
The French island of Réunion received 26,507 Indian indentured labourers between 1861 and 1883. Known locally as 'Malbars', they preserved Tamil heritage despite French assimilation policies.
Major Historical Events
1861
France began Indian indentured recruitment in Réunion.
1870
Kalimata temple built in Saint-Denis, the first Girmitiya temple in French territory.
1883
Indenture ended. A total of 26,507 labourers had arrived.
1861 to 1883
Period
26,507
Total Arrivals
Indian Ocean
Region
Key Girmitiya Figures