Eight percent of global Indian Diaspora is located in Africa. It is spread across all regions of Africa – Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, Arab Africa and Oceania. People of Indian Origin (PIO) went from different parts of India – Gujarat, Southern India, Bihar, UP and Pubjab. They migrated in different capacities – as free passengers, traders, indentured workers, construction workers, professionals and businessmen. But bulk of them were indentured a construction workers who went during colonial period. They played an important role and made significant contributions in all walks of life in their new home. They were important consideration during Indian freedom struggle, especially in Indian National Congress. M.K. Gandhi was turned into Mahatma and became apostle of non-violence and peace by his involvement with PIO in South Africa. In post-decolonization phase PIOs in Africa had mixed experience of assimilation and integration. While in Mauritius they remained all through in power, in countries like Uganda they suffered humiliating expulsion. They still have challenges of integration in most part of Africa. The book is an attempt to capture their history, struggle, contribution, challenges and their place in Indian Diaspora policy.
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