Seychelles became independent on 29 June 1976.
The island country Seychelles has completed 50 years of its independence. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi attended the function organized on 29 June as the chief guest on this occasion. He reached Seychelles last Saturday on a three-day visit. Monday is the last day of his tour. Come, let us know on this pretext how Seychelles became independent? Who ruled this area? Who discovered this island?
Seychelles became independent on 29 June 1976. The demand for independence here intensified in the 1960s. At that time two main political parties emerged. The first party became the Seychelles Democratic Party and the second party was the Seychelles People’s United Party. The leader of the SDP was James Mancham and the leader of the SPUP was France-Albert René. Initially James Mancham was in favor of maintaining close relations with Britain, while France-Albert René was demanding complete independence. Later both the parties agreed on the demand of complete Swaraj.
Several rounds of constitutional talks and meetings took place with Britain in London. Ultimately, on 29 June 1976, Seychelles was formally declared an independent nation and became a member of the British Commonwealth. After the declaration of independence, James Mancham was made the first President and France-Albert René was made the Prime Minister.
PM Modi met Indians in Seychelles. Photo: PTI
Leaders carried out movements in support of independence
Both the parties active for the independence of Seychelles showed activism in their own ways. There was also a movement but this movement was not like that of India. Seychelles got independence without any bloodshed. Chief James Mancham formed a political party. Also contested elections. He made contacts with businessmen and the middle class. He kept emphasizing on constitutional negotiations and diplomacy. He used to negotiate with the British administration. His approach was one of restraint and gradual self-governance. Whereas, the other prominent leader France-Albert René remained at the forefront in activating workers, unions and youth activists. He held public meetings. Performed and got demonstrations done. Sometimes slogans were also raised.
They kept raising the demand for immediate independence. Both the leaders spread awareness within the country and also sought support on international forums. In the end, elections, public support and constitutional talks created pressure and the path to independence was paved in a peaceful manner.
PM Modi participates in the independence celebrations of Seychelles. Photo: @narendramodi/X via PTI
Who discovered Seychelles?
The island or group of islands that the world knows today as Seychelles were first identified or discovered by Portuguese travelers. This was in the 16th century, when it found a place in the map. There was no settlement here then. There were no people. All these islands were uninhabited. A formal claim on this was made in the 18th century. The islands were named after the family of a French politician from Seychelles.
Photograph of Seychelles’ National Day Celebration. Photo: @narendramodi/X via PTI
French rule lasted for 50 years
French people came here in the 18th century. They mainly came from Mauritius and other parts of the world. The French brought people to these islands as workers, for plantations, and for fishing. Turning the pages of history, we find that the work of bringing sporadic people started around the year 1755-56. Five Indians were brought here for the first time in the year 1770. Slaves also came with these people from Africa and Madagascar. Slavery was common during the French era. The local society became mixed. The period of French rule lasted about fifty years. Then in the year 1810, the British army captured these islands.
Seychelles President Patrick Hermini honored PM Modi. Photo: PTI
Britain occupied for 166 years
Seychelles came under British control after 1810 and Britain ruled for about 166 years. Earlier the administration of Seychelles was run from Mauritius. Later in the year 1903, Seychelles was made a separate crown colony. This brought about changes in local administration. British rule continued till 1976. Seychelles emerged on the world map as an independent nation on 29 June 1976.
How did Indian people reach here?
The main route for the arrival of the Indian community was through British rule. Britain was already ruling India. The demand for labor increased in the 19th century. Then the British administrators and planters felt the need to attract workers. For this reason, laborers, sailors and traders from India and Mauritius came to Seychelles. Many Indian people came here under the contractual system. This meant that they received travel and accommodation in exchange for work for a few years. Apart from this, some Indians also came as traders and sailors. Indians are considered to have made a significant contribution to the development of Seychelles.
Seychelles was ruled first by the French and then by Britain. Photo: Pexels
They engaged in small trade and exchange. Today every eighth Seychelles resident is of Indian origin. They engaged in micro trading, clothing and grocery. Initially some Indians became farmers. Some became servants or artisans. The influence of culture and language was also visible. In today’s Seychelles, people of Indian origin clearly identify themselves. They are contributing to the local economic and social life.
Today’s status and legacy
Today Seychelles is an independent country. Is financially prosperous. Tourism is the main source of income here. The second source is export of fish. Although it is very small in population and area. The total population is only 1.35 lakh. It has an area of approximately 450 square kilometres. The population here consists of people of African, European, Indian and mixed descent. The influence of French and English is visible in history, language and culture. There is cultural contribution of people of Indian origin. Memories of slavery and the history of liberation are still part of the social story.
In short, the story of Seychelles is a story of European claims, slavery, emancipation and migration. Both the French and the British had a strong influence here. Slavery ended under British Acts. Indian people came mainly during the British period, either directly or through Mauritius. They came as labourers, traders and sailors and stayed here. Today Seychelles is an independent nation. Its social structure is multi-cultural.
Also read: How did Seychelles become the richest African country in the world? Where PM Modi reached
