Author: Robert G. Gregory.

The South Asians who sought a new home in colonial East Africa underwent a remarkable transformation. However, despite the Asians' range of activity, the value of their presence has not been widely recognized. Many political leaders, both European and African, have vilified the Asians as exploiters.Whether free immigrants or indentured servants, most Asians arrived as impoverished petty farmers. In Africa, sensing the opportunity to serve as middlemen in a trade with European settlers and Africans, nearly all the Asians turned from farming to business. They became importers and exporters, retailers and wholesalers, skilled artisans, and building contractors. Asians also filled the middle level of the civil service; some became doctors, lawyers, teachers, and other professionals. In time, many invested their savings in manufacturing and estate agriculture. Stressing industry, thrift, and education, the community prospered.Based on numerous archival sources and extensive interviews, this book is the first comprehensive study of Asian social and economic experience in the region. Dr. Gregory provides evidence of a substantial Asian economic and social contribution and indicates that the history of East Africa needs considerable revision to adequately acknowledge the Asians' true role.