History of Mauritius

1000 BC: Historians assume that Mauritius was already discovered by the Phoenicians on their way around Africa.

10th century: The Arabian merchant Hassan Ibn Ali mentions Mauritius with the name “Diva Mashriq” in his writings.

1502: In a Portuguese nautic map Mauritius appears under the name “Dina Arobi”. The island is not settled, but only used as a base on the Portuguese journeys to India.

1598: The Dutch seize Mauritius and name the island after the prince Maurice van Nassau.

1638: A first permanent colony is founded by the Dutch on the eastern coast. They clear the ebony trees and bring the first slaves from Madagascar to Mauritius. They try to establish sugar, tea and tobacco plantations, but don’t succeed.

1710: The Dutch leave Mauritius and destroy all edifices. Pirates now use the island as their post on their raids in the Indian Ocean.

1715: The French occupy Mauritius and rename it “Ile de France” (island of France). Further slaves are introduced from Africa and sugar plantations are now run successfully.

1735: The French governor Mahé de Labourdonnais establishes the foundation for the development of the island. He ensures the provision of food and water, and builds streets, bridges and hospitals. Mauritius becomes more attractive for colonialists and salesmen.

1796: There are riots against the central government in Paris, as slavery shall be abolished on the island after the French Revolution. The colony rests in conflict with the government of Paris, until in the year 1803 the Code Napoléon is also introduced on the island. Slavery though is still not abolished.

1806-1814: The British establish a bloc against Ile de France in their fight for the dominance over the French in the Indian Ocean. In 1810 the big naval battle at Vieux Grand Port takes place, which is won by the French. But only a several months later the British invade Ile de France and the French have to sign a capitulation treaty only some days later. In 1814 the island, which is renamed Mauritius is given into British hands officially.

1832: Sugarcane is promoted as a monoculture on the island, as it is the only agricultural crop which can resist the numerous hurricanes.  

1835: Abolition of slavery. As a substitute cheap workforce from southern India, the so-called coolies come to the island.

1847: One of the most expensive misprints of all times, the Post Office stamps are produced.

1901: Mauritius, where Indians now form the majority of the population, is visited by Mahatma Gandhi.

1958: The universal suffrage is introduced. The newly founded party Parti Travailliste demands the independence of Mauritius.

1968: On 12th March Mauritius becomes an independent state within the British Commonwealth. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan is elected as the country’s first Prime Minister.

1992: On 12th March Mauritius is proclaimed as a republic.