1. K. If all of the world´s cultural heritage (sports, music,
fashion, architecture, literature, painting, etc..) was contained
in a time capsule, what would you include to demonstrate the
legacy of your country?
Presentation by Lutchmee Govinden, July
2013
MAURITIUS

2. “God created Mauritius first and then heaven”, Mark Twain”

3. History of Mauritius
1500s – Discovery by the Arabs
1507–1513: Portuguese Sailors
1638–1710 : Dutch
1710–1810 : French Colonisation
1810–1968: British Colonisation
1968 : Independence
1992: Became a Republic Island

4. National Symbols of Mauritius
The extinct bird Dodo
The Mauritian Flag
Trochetia, the National
Flower
The Mauritian Coat Arm

5. Historical Monuments
Chateau de Mon Plaisir
Aapravasi Ghat The General Post
Office, also called La
Poste Centrale
Mahe De Labourdonnais
Anjalay
Coopen
Monument Bataille
Navale
Anjalay Devi Coopen, 48 year
old pregnant labourer shot by the
police on 27 September, 1943
during a religious ceremony.
At that time, there was general
unrest on sugar estates and
protests against working and
living conditions.
In 1735, French Governor of Mauritius, François
Mahé de Labourdonnais bought a garden and a
colonial house “ Chateau De Mon Plaisir” was built
in 1777.
Famous French Governor of
Mauritius, François Mahé de
Labourdonnais
Memorial to the Naval Battle of Grand Port,
Mahébourg Waterfront
Aapravasi Ghat represents the beginning of “the Great
Experiment” by the British government after the
abolition of slavery. Mauritius was the first colony to
receive indentured labourers under this scheme.
Aapravasi Ghat is now on the World Heritage List as
"the site where the modern indentured labour Diaspora
began".
Mauritius is of high importance in the world of philately. Its
first two postage stamps issued in 1847, the so-called "Post
Office" stamps are of legendary rarity and value. The
General Post Office is an important structure in terms of
architectural evolution of colonial buildings during the
nineteenth century in Mauritius.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) , Father of
the Nation - a leader in the Mauritian independence
movement, and the first Prime Minister. He has
fought for the right of labourers and led Mauritius to
independence in 1968. He worked for the
emancipation of the Mauritian population, gave free
education in 1976 and free health care services

6. Literature
Mauritian literature exists in French, English. Creole and Indian languages. The French poet
Bernardin de St. Pierre erected a literary monument of the island Mauritius with his novel “Paul
et Virigine” published in 1787. The book tells a tragic tale of the love and loss of a young
couple during the French colonial period.
Mauritius is a country of poets, writers and artists, each inspired not only by the island’s
stunning natural landscape, but also by its multicultural identity. It is to Mauritius that Jean Marc
Le Clézio – the 1998 Literature Nobel Prize winner – dedicated his prestigious award.
There are several recognised authors including Malcolm de Chazal, Robert Edward Hart,
Ananda Devi, Barlen Pyamootoo, Marcel Cabon, Abhimanyu Unnuth, Lindsey Collen, Natacha
Appanah, Shenaz Patel, Dev Virahsawmy and Amal Sewtohul.

7. Multicultural Island
The abolition of the slavery in 1835 was the highlight during British colonisation. As result of this is
the immigration of Indian workers, Hindus & Muslims who now took the work on the sugar-cane
fields. Later the Chinese traders immigrated.
Mauritius has a cosmopolitan culture. Co-existence among Mauritians of Indian, African, European
and Chinese ancestry has led to a sharing of cultures and values, a collective participation in
festivals and increased understanding between people of different backgrounds. Mauritius is today a
unique melting pot of peoples, languages and cultures.
The main spoken language is the Creole. We have so many other spoken languages. They are Hindi
,Tamil , Telegu, Bhojpuri, Creole, English, French, Urdu, Arabic, Marathi and Mandarin.

8. Our Festivals
Our population coming from three continents has brought traditions and beliefs from their
ancestral countries. Religious festivals are celebrated in a spirit of peace and harmony
throughout the year.
Easter HoliEid Ul Fitr
Cavadee Divali
Spring Festival

9. Religion
Mauritius is one of the rare cosmopolitan countries. In many towns and villages, you can find
Catholic Church, Kovil, ( Tamil Temple) Shivala ( Hindu Temple) and Masjiid ( Muslim Mosque)
within walking distance from each other. In the capital, you can find a Chinese Pagoda.
Jummah
Mosque, Port
Louis
Grand Bay
Tamil Temple
Cap Malheureux
Catholic Church
Pagoda, Port
Louis
Shivala, Triolet

10. Folklore and Music
The Sega is a dance which originated from the ritual music of Madagascar and the mainland of
Africa, and it is the Musical Expression of the Mauritian Way of Life.
Originally sung by slaves but whose souls had remained sensitive to music, the Sega is
nowadays a folksong. It is a cry from the soul trying to transcend the miseries and heartaches of
life, while at the same time expressing the universal human desire for joy and happiness.

11. Mauritian Cuisine
Mauritius is a true paradise where the ethnic diversity of the local people is reflected in its
cuisine. The Mauritian food represents the image of the Mauritian nation, an image of a
multi cultural society of ethnical richness.
When you refer to Mauritian Cuisine, you refer to Chinese, Indian and Muslim which are
the biggest ethnic groups in Mauritius.
Gateau Piments Bol Renverser Lamb Briani
Ti puri with 7 curries Bouillon brede et
rougaille poisson sale
Fish Vindaye

12. Conclusion
Today, Mauritius’ Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians are united – to quote the
national anthem – as “one people… one nation, in peace, justice and liberty”. Together, they
make a vital contribution to the island’s multi-ethnic identity.