Hindoestanen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Hindoestanen are an ethnic group of South Asian origin in the Netherlands and Suriname. The Hindoestanen started migrating to Surinam since 1873 from the then British India for indentured labour. After Suriname gained independence, many Hindoestanen emigrated to the Netherlands. About 150,000 of the total of 300,000 live in the Netherlands, as of 2007.
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[edit] Etymology
Hindoestanen is a Dutch word derived from Hindustani, a Persian word for someone from Hindustan (northern India). Hence, when Indians migrated to Suriname they were referred to as Hindoestanen.
[edit] Religion
Hinduism is practiced by the majority of the people (83%), followed by Islam (17%). Among the Hindu Hindoestanen about 60% follow traditional Hinduism that they call Sanatan Dharm to differentiate themselves from the 25% who belong to the reform movement Arya Samaj, started by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Caste distinctions lost much their importance in Suriname. Minor Hindu denominations include the Sai Baba sect and the Brahma Rishi Mission.
[edit] Language
Some Hindoestanen can speak Hindi apart from Dutch.
[edit] See also
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