Our Culture Is African, But Heart is Indian, Say Gujarat’s Siddi Community

RAIPUR, (ANI) – African origin Siddi tribe, who came to India 850 years ago, have asserted that their heart is Indian while their culture is African.

Siddi folk artist leader Abdul said, “Culture could be African but our heart is Indian. We are now Indian only. There is no country like India.”

Talking about the history of Siddi in India, he said, “Around 850 years ago our ancestors came from Africa with the kings to India. They also brought their African culture to India and settled in the country. This group is still keeping the culture alive.”

The tribal artists from Gujarat were overwhelmed and thrilled by the warm welcome they got recently while performing their dance called Dhamal in India’s national tribal dance festival. Many Indians are unaware of this strain of Indians who live in Gujarat.

It is assumed that this community initially belonged to the Bantu tribe of sub-Saharan Africa.