Abstract: | The Indians of Madagascar are sometimes thought of as a homogeneous community; the Malagasy indiscriminately call them 'Karana'. However, apart from nationality there are many elements of differentiation, for example, in terms of economic activities, or religion. With regard to the latter, the basic distinction is not only between Moslems and Hindus. The former category is also subdivided into various sects. The author uses the division into sects to study the Indian population, for the development of distinct communities rests on differences between religious sects, between castes and between races. In conclusion, the author states that the presence of the Indian communities in Madagascar cannot but create economic and political problems, mainly because of their control of local trade and the competition which they create for the Malagasy businessmen. The Malagasy are suspicious of foreigners; they react in self-defence, and, from time to time, the Malagasy press carries articles that are very critical of the Indians. The future fate of the Indian community is therefore a source of anxiety. Notes. |