Goans in Mozambique

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Periodical article

Title:	Goans in Mozambique
Author:	Karnik, Sharmila S.
Year:	1998
Periodical:	Africa Quarterly
Volume:	38
Issue:	3
Pages:	95-118
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Mozambique
Subjects:	immigrants Indians Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Ethnic and Race Relations
Abstract:	Emigration has from time immemorial been the safety valve of the Goan economy and the regular mail route between Goa and Lisbon via Mozambique enabled Goans to migrate to the Portuguese African colonies, particularly Mozambique because of its geographical proximity to the Goan mainland. There was a regular exodus of Goan emigrants to Mozambique. Besides the political, social and cultural connections between Goa and Mozambique from the earliest days of Portuguese discovery of the sea route to India in 1498, the climatic conditions and the linguistic affinities of the 'firinghi' language which prevailed in both erstwhile Portuguese colonies also helped attract Goan emigrants in search of new opportunities. Trade and commerce between Goa and Mozambique were largely in the hands of Goans. This article details the history of Goan migration to Mozambique and the contribution of Goan emigrants to the country's development. It includes an enumeration of the names of some of the heads of the families of Goan origin and the regions in Mozambique where they settled. Notes, ref. (Expanded version of an article also published in: African Currents, vol. 14, no. 25 (1998), p. 86-105.)