People of Indian origin make up of roughly 2% of Myanmar's 55-million population, but the experiences of Tamil people - who comprise the largest group - have veered from one extreme to the other in the past 200 years.
After independence in 1948, the introduction of land reforms, the imposition of the Burmese language and the decision to give preferential treatment to the majority Burmese community pushed Tamils down in the social hierarchy.
They are now trying to revive their language and culture by opening new schools.
Tamils from south India began migrating to Myanmar - also now known as Burma - during the early 19th Century.
But unlike indentured labourers who went from India to counties such as Sri Lanka and South Africa , Tamils in Burma were not taken on by the colonial administration.
Instead they worked as agricultural labourers for members of the traditional merchant caste known as Nagarathars. Full story...
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After independence in 1948, the introduction of land reforms, the imposition of the Burmese language and the decision to give preferential treatment to the majority Burmese community pushed Tamils down in the social hierarchy.
They are now trying to revive their language and culture by opening new schools.
Tamils from south India began migrating to Myanmar - also now known as Burma - during the early 19th Century.
But unlike indentured labourers who went from India to counties such as Sri Lanka and South Africa , Tamils in Burma were not taken on by the colonial administration.
Instead they worked as agricultural labourers for members of the traditional merchant caste known as Nagarathars. Full story...
Related posts:
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