Description:
Kathiyawad and Kutch on the west coast of Gujarat, peeping out into the Indian Ocean from the subcontinent as it were, have always had eyes on the world. Trade between Gujarat and the Swahili coast of East Africa has been ancient. It easily preceded European colonization of the region, which later encouraged immigration into it. I will look at this phenomenon in terms of history and cultural exchange and the formation of a distinct Afro Asian identity in modern times. I will then briefly consider the reverse emigration from East Africa into Gujarat.
M. G. Vassanji is one of Canada’s finest and most celebrated writers. He is the author of ten novels, three short story collections, two travelogues, a biography, and numerous articles. He has twice won the Giller Prize as well as the Governor-General’s Award – two of Canada’s top literary awards.
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