Cutchi Memon Digest
Kerala
ﮐﮁﻲ ﻤﻴﻤﻦ ﮢ ﺍﯿﺠﺴﭧ - ﮐﻴﺮﻻ
Juma Masjid
Mauritius
Mauritius is an oceanic island of volcanic origin situated in the South Indian Ocean just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and about 1400 miles from the east coast of Africa. It was commonly referred to as an East African Island but it has been established beyond doubt that it does not form part of Africa as its flora and fauna are unique, bearing no similarities to those obtaining in Africa.
The eminent Abba de la Caille carried out the first triangulation of the island in 1753. He triangulated about 80 of the chief points of the island, and determined so exactly its latitude and longitude that modern day aerial and other surveys will not modify the bearings in any appreciable degree.The exact time of the discovery of Mauritius is not recorded but it is certain that the Arabs knew it since the earliest times as it appears on their maps of the Indian Ocean under the name "Dina Arabi".The first Europeans to set eyes on Mauritius were the Portuguese, who discovered the islands of Reunion, Mauritius and Rodrigues between 1509 and 1512. These islands were termed the Mascarenhas Islands, and were so named after don Pedro Mascarenhas, who visited Mauritius in 1512. Later, it was named as "Cirne" after one of the ships' name or after swans, which the explorers thought, were some extinct birds.These early travelers brought with them various domestic animals, planted many fruit trees, and used the island as a revitalizing station en route from the Cape of Good Hope to India. As the Portuguese did not permanently settle in the island, the Dutch Admiral Van Warwyck was able to take possession of the island in 1589. He named it Mauritius in honor of Count Maurice of Nassau, the then Stadtholder of Holland.Forty-nine years later, the Dutch established a settlement at Old Grand Port where they left only a few old and disabled soldiers to guard over the fort they built. In 1710, the Dutch finally abandoned the settlement after having stripped the island of its ebony and other plants that were commercially exploitable.For five years, the Europeans, who sailed the Indian Ocean for the gold of India and the spices of the Straits Settlements, forgot Mauritius. On September 20, 1715, Mr. Dufresne, captain of the French vessel, "Chasseur" cast anchors at Port South-East, and took possession of the island, naming it "Isle de France".The coming of the French opened a new chapter in the history of Mauritius. The French did not see the island as a mere calling station on their way to India. They wanted to make it their base for their operations against the English in India. They planned to colonize and develop the island.
MAURITIUS CUTCHI MAIMAN SOCIETY
This gigantic task was entrusted to Mahe de Labourdonnais, an energetic and enterprising governor, who arrived in June 1735. Under his command, Port South-East was improved and Port Louis founded. He had roads constructed, and barracks, docks, arsenal and hospitals built in a span of eleven years. The colony acquired great importance, which was retained until the opening of the Suez Canal in1869.In 1810, the English captured the island, and renamed it Mauritius. The Treaty of Paris of 1814 affirmed the English as possessors of the island.In 1852, Mauritius came out of its forced isolation with the inauguration of a steam ship service. This service was most beneficial to the island, as it promoted its interests around the world and facilitating communication with other parts of the globe.
It was at this time that Cutchi Memons traveled to Mauritius from India. They banded together, and the first task they undertook was to build a small masjid, naming it "Mosque de Arabes". Prior to this, one Mr. Ismail Jeeva son of Haji Hafeez Jeeva, conducted prayers on a plot of land that was purchased for Rs. 6800/. This land was donated to the Muslims of the island.As years went by, Cutchi Memons and other Muslims prospered in trade of grains, and in import and export. When our people increased in numbers, they felt that the small masjid no longer served their needs, and they purchased adjoining lands to construct a bigger masjid. A new masjid was opened in 1877.Prominent among Cutchi Memons for taking a keen interest in the affairs of the masjid was Janab Hajee Joonas Allarakhia. He came to Mauritius in 19850, and within two years became affluent enough to be s guiding spirit for masjid. He placed his ships at the disposal of the masjid for transporting construction material from India, and was instrumental in laying the foundati-on for the masjid's extension.Another prominent person was Janab Noor Mahammad Oosman, who the Cutchi Memons were grateful for many reasons. He was born in Calcutta and came to Mauritius in 1902, and founded a business in grains, "N. M. Oos-man & Co." He became the President of the masjid in 1924. He expired in Port Louis in 1934. His son, Abdul Sattar Noor Mohammed, looked after the business from then on.In 1953, Sir Abdul Razzak Mohammed, Mayor of Port Louis, became the President of the Masjid. He took keen interest in the affairs of Cutchi Memons, not only in Mauritius but also in India, where he was born.Mr. Ebrahim Dawood, a prominent Cutchi Memon, who had his roots in Calcutta, was Vice President of the Masjid from 1953 to 1961.Cutchi Memons of Mauritius have joined together as a Jamat under the name, Mauritius Cutchi Maiman Society". This organization looks after the social, economic and other welfare activities of the community.